cyber news

Dev Information Technology soars 8% on launching new cybersecurity services

Shares of Dev Information Technology surged up to 7.76 per cent at Rs 163.80 a piece on the BSE in 23/12/2024 intraday trade. This came after the company launched new services under the cybersecurity segment. The newly enhanced cybersecurity services include cybersecurity consulting, threat and vulnerability management (VAPT), managed security operations centre (SOC), business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) and cloud security services. “With the global cybersecurity market projected to reach $271.90 billion by 2029, businesses face mounting challenges in securing their digital assets, driven by rising cyber threats, digital transformation, and stricter regulatory requirements. These enhanced cybersecurity services address these challenges by offering proactive defence strategies, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive solutions to help businesses stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure compliance,” the company said in a statement. Moreover, strategic partnerships with Microsoft and AWS provide credibility and access to cutting-edge technologies, ensuring the delivery of world-class solutions, the company said. DEV Information Technology, established in 1997 and listed on NSE and BSE, initially focused on business automation software solutions, with the company expanding to offer a range of IT services globally. Headquartered in Ahmedabad, with offices in India and Canada, DEV IT specializes in providing Cloud Services, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Applications, Managed IT Services, and Application Development. Its product portfolio includes Talligence, an analytics platform, and ByteSigner, a digital signing solution. Meanwhile, on the equities side, DEV Information Technology stock has outperformed the market, as in the last six months it has surged 35 per cent while falling 21 per cent in the last year. In comparison, BSE Sensex has risen 2 per cent in the last six months and 10 per cent in a year. The company has a total market capitalisation of Rs 357.28 crore. Its shares are trading at a price-to-earnings multiple of 19.06 times and at an earning per share of Rs 7.98. At 12:34 PM; the shares of the company were up 4.61 per cent at Rs 159 a piece. By comparison, the BSE Sensex was trading 0.52 per cent higher at 78,450.66 level.

Department of Telecommunications Orders Telecom Operators to Play Cybercrime Awareness Caller Tune Daily

The telecom department has ordered operators to play cyber-crime awareness caller tune 8-10 times per day to telephone subscribers for three months. According to the order copy sent to the telecom operators, the caller tunes will be provided by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) — a cyber-crime wing under the Home Ministry. “To make the public aware of cybercrime through the caller tune campaign, it has been decided to play caller tune audios through pre-call announcement/ring back tone arrangement, which will be provided to TSPs by nodal officers of I4C. Caller tunes to a subscriber may be played about 8-10 times a day,” the order dated December 18 said. The order asked telecom service providers (TSPs) to take action on the order immediately. “Different caller tunes related to cybercrime will be provided every week for three months,” the order said. There has been a rise in the incidence of financial fraud through new scams like digital arrest, where cybercriminals pose as police, judges etc. to extort money from victims. The Centre and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have devised a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers that appear to be originating within India. According to the centre, such international spoofed calls have been made by cyber-criminals in recent cases of fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, impersonation of government and police officials, etc. Till November 15, more than 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1,32,000 IMEIs, as reported by Police authorities, have been blocked by the Centre.

CBI unravels Rs 260 crore international cyber fraud syndicate operating from Delhi-NCR

An investigation by CBI into a massive cyber-enabled fraud syndicate revealed that the con, which originated from Delhi-NCR, allegedly defrauded foreign nationals of the US, Canada and other countries to the tune of Rs 260 crore through a fake call center. The syndicate, led by accused Tushar Kharbanda, a Noida resident, employed advanced techniques to commit cybercrime and launder the money by converting bitcoin into US dollars and vice-versa. The agency filed a charge sheet against three accused — Kharbanda, Gaurav Malik and Ankit Jain — under various sections of IPC and the Information Technology Act. “The accused were involved in running a fraudulent call center in Delhi and Noida that targeted elderly citizens in the US and Canada,” the CBI said. The supposed call center, a probe revealed, employed over 150 tele-callers, who posed as representatives from foreign law enforcement agencies, Amazon support, Microsoft tech support and other services to deceive victims. The accused used advanced techniques, including scripts for several fraud schemes and impersonation of US Social Security Administration officers. The CBI investigation revealed that the accused received over 316 bitcoins, equivalent to Rs 260 crore, in their bitcoin wallets, which were proceeds of crime. The money was then withdrawn by the members of the organized gang in Dubai. CBI also seized digital devices and incriminating evidence from the accused, including credentials of US victims and scripts for several fraud schemes. “The investigation uncovered an organized cyber-enabled fraud syndicate with international ramifications. Further investigation is on to nab their foreign-based conduits,” an officer said. The charge sheet was filed under sections of cheating and criminal conspiracy of the IPC besides section 66D of the IT Act. CBI started the investigation following a tip by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) through the National Central Bureau of India. The FIR alleged that Tushar Kharbanda, claiming to be an RCMP officer, convinced the victim that his identity was being used for fraudulent purposes. Under duress, the victim was coerced into transferring over 93,000 Canadian dollars into cryptocurrency via bitcoin ATMs in Canada, all of which were linked to Kharbanda and his associate’s cryptocurrency wallets. As the investigation progressed, links to other key figures in the fraud network were revealed, including Ankit Jain, who played a role in managing crypto wallets and assisting the primary accused, Kharbanda, in converting the bitcoin obtained from foreign victims into US dollars.

Cyber-crimes, climate change new threats to human rights: President Murmu

In her address at an event hosted by the (NHRC) National Human Rights Commission here to mark Human Rights Day, the President also underlined that cyber-crimes and climate change are new threats to human rights The human rights discourse so far has been centred on the “human agency” as the violator is assumed to be a human but with AI entering our lives, the “culprit could be a non-human” but an intelligent agent, President Droupadi Murmu said on 10/12/2024. In her address at an event hosted by the NHRC here to mark Human Rights Day, the President also underlined that cyber-crimes and climate change are “new threats” to human rights. Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. As we progress into the future, we are confronted with emerging challenges. Cybercrimes and climate change are new threats to human rights. The digital era, while transformative, has brought with it complex issues such as cyberbullying, deep fake, privacy concerns, and the spread… pic.twitter.com/9iLGjCLHM6 — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 10, 2024 The UDHR serves as a global benchmark for the protection and promotion of human rights. “As we progress into the future, we are confronted with emerging challenges. Cyber-crimes and climate change are new threats to human rights,” Murmu said. She added that while the digital era was transformative, it also brought with it complex issues such as cyberbullying, deep fakery, privacy concerns, and the spread of misinformation. “These challenges underscore the importance of fostering a safe, secure and equitable digital environment that protects every individual’s rights and dignity,” the President said. In her address, she also touched upon the aspect of AI and its impact on human lives. “Artificial intelligence has now entered our day-to-day life, solving many problems, and creating several new ones too,” Murmu said. The human rights discourse so far has been “centred on the human agency”, that is the violator is assumed to be a human being, who would have a “range of human emotions such as compassion and guilt,” she said. “With AI, however, the culprit could be a non-human but intelligent agent. I leave the matter for you to ponder over,” the President said. She said in her address that climate change also forces us to review human rights thinking at a global level.

Shocking Cyber Slavery Expose Shakes India, Govt Vows To Crack Down

The ground-breaking investigation has uncovered a chilling web of cyber-crime syndicates operating out of Southeast Asia, exploiting thousands of Indian men and women. Lured by fake job offers, these victims are trafficked, tortured, and coerced into committing cybercrimes under duress. The report revealed the harrowing accounts of individuals who were enslaved and forced to target fellow citizens, deceiving them through fraudulent activities on platforms like WhatsApp. Operating from remote locations in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, the syndicates use isolated beachside casinos and gated complexes to carry out their illegal operations. Victims, including Pradeep Kushwaha, were subjected to severe torture, including electric shocks and beatings, leaving them with no option but to comply. The investigation has sparked a swift response from the Indian government. The Home Ministry’s Cyber Security Wing (I4C) has initiated a nationwide effort to gather information on cyber slavery victims, while the Ministry of External Affairs has promised to take-action by collaborating with authorities in Cambodia and other countries involved. The Centre has also advised Indian citizens seeking overseas employment to avoid non-credible agents and only use those registered in the government portal. The hard-hitting expose has not only raised awareness about this dangerous global crime but also pushed the Modi government to take immediate action to protect India’s digital safety and curb the growing menace of cyber slavery.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant’s email was hacked, restored

According to an official, the Cyber Crime cell of Goa Police immediately swung into action and the CM’s personal Gmail ID was restored after four to five hours. Goa police have initiated a probe days after the personal email account of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was hacked. According to sources, the chief minister’s Gmail ID was hacked on November 19, following which a complaint was lodged with the cyber-crime cell of Goa police. The account was recovered after over five hours, police said. They said the accused hacker also changed information related to the recovery of the email account but that the account was not misused. “A probe has been initiated to track the hacker. As per the investigation so far, no data from the account has been found missing,” said a police official.

Harness ‘double AI power’ to tackle high-tech crime: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 01/12/2024 called upon the police and security establishment to harness India’s double AI power of Artificial Intelligence and ‘Aspirational India’ to thwart the threats from digital fraud, cybercrime, and AI technology, particularly the potential of deepfake to disrupt social and familial relations. Addressing the DGP and IG conference on a concluding day, the prime minister also emphasized the transformation of the police to SMART through strategic, meticulous, adaptable, reliable, and transparent action while urging the law enforcement agencies to modernize and realign themselves with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He appreciated the initiatives taken in urban policing and suggested that each initiative be collated and implemented entirely in 100 cities of the country. He called for the use of technology to reduce the constabulary’s workload and suggested that police stations be made the focal point for resource allocation. He also highlighted the need to expand the focus on port security and prepare a plan of action for it. Recalling the unparalleled contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the prime minister exhorted the entire security establishment from MHA to the police stations, to pay homage to the great leader on his 150th birth anniversary next year, by resolving to set and achieve a goal on any aspect which would improve the image of police, professionalism and capabilities. The prime minister said wide-ranging discussions were held during the conference on national and international dimensions of security challenges. He expressed satisfaction with the counter strategies that emerged from the deliberations. He distributed the President’s police medal for distinguished service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. Official sources said that in-depth discussions were held on existing and emerging challenges to national security, including counter-terrorism, left-wing extremism, cyber-crime, economic security, immigration, coastal security, and narco-trafficking. Emerging security concerns along the border with Bangladesh and Myanmar, trends in urban policing, and strategies for countering malicious narratives were also discussed. The conference was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, ministers of state for home Nityanand Rai and Bandi Sanjay Kumar, principal secretary to Prime Minister PK Mishra, and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The conference, which was held in a hybrid format, was attended by DGPs of all states and Union Territories heads of the central armed police forces and central police organizations physically, and over 750 officers of various ranks virtually.

Man learns ‘cyber fraud tricks from YouTube’, dupes NRI of Rs 28 lakh

Palwinder Singh swapped Iqbal Singh’s SIM card for a duplicate one. Then he requested new debit cards linked to Iqbal Singh’s accounts and used the UPI platform to carry out numerous transactions. A man who duped an NRI of Rs 28 lakh after learning “cyber fraud tricks from YouTube” has been arrested, Ludhiana Police said on 26/11/2024. Iqbal Singh Sandhu, the NRI from Canada and a native of Ludhiana’s BRS Nagar discovered the fraud during his recent visit to India, the police said. Between May 12 and October 31, a total of Rs 28 lakh was siphoned from his three bank accounts without his knowledge, the police said. According to the police, the accused, Palwinder Singh, had worked as Iqbal Singh’s driver. Also, he additionally worked as a taxi driver. Investigations revealed that Palwinder Singh thoroughly planned the fraud after watching videos online that explained methods to access and transfer money from others’ bank accounts. DCP Jaskiranjit Singh Teja said that on May 11, Palwinder Singh drove Iqbal Singh to Amritsar airport for his flight to Canada. During their brief stopover at an eatery, Palwinder Singh swapped Iqbal Singh’s SIM card for a duplicate one. Unaware of the swap, Iqbal Singh replaced his Indian SIM with an international one after boarding the flight. With access to Iqbal Singh’s phone number and email password, Palwinder Singh allegedly applied his newly acquired skills. He requested new debit cards linked to Iqbal Singh’s accounts and used the UPI platform to carry out numerous transactions. He made payments at fuel stations and collected cash in return. He conducted various transactions via UPI, the police said. The DCP added that on November 13, Iqbal Singh filed a complaint with the cybercrime police, reporting unauthorized withdrawals. A detailed investigation led the police to Palwinder Singh, who confessed to the crime during questioning. The police have recovered Rs 13.58 lakh, along with several passbooks, checkbooks, and debit cards.

Govt blocks 6.69 lakh SIM cards, 1.32 lakh IMEIs to check cyber crimes

The Indian government has blocked over 669,000 fraudulent SIM cards and 132,000 IMEIs to combat cybercrime. The Centre has blocked 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1.32 lakh International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers reported by police authorities to check cybercrimes in the country, Rajya Sabha was informed on 27/11/2024. In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said the central government and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have devised a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers appearing to be originating within India. “Cyber criminals have made such international spoofed calls in recent cases of fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, and impersonation of government and police officials,” the minister said. Directions have been issued to the TSPs for blocking such incoming international spoofed calls, he said. “Till November 15, 2024, more than 6.69 lakh fake SIM cards and 1.32 lakh IMEIs as reported by police authorities have been blocked by the government of India,” he said. The citizen financial cyber fraud reporting and management system under I4C was launched in 2021 to immediately report financial frauds and stop fraudsters from siphoning off funds, he said.”So far, more than Rs 3,431 crore has been saved in more than 9.94 lakh complaints,” he said.

48 Arrested in Telangana’s Cybercrime Sweep, Uncovering 2,194 Cases Nationwide

Telangana Cyber Bureau detained 48 suspects for causing Rs 8.16 crore losses. The arrested individuals are involved in 508 cases in Telangana and 2,194 cases across India. In a significant move against cybercrime, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) recently arrested 48 suspects linked to a widespread cybercrime network. The state-wide crackdown, conducted in collaboration with local law enforcement, targeted suspects involved in 508 cases in Telangana and over 2,194 cases across India, amounting to financial losses of more than Rs 8.16 crore. The operation, initiated by the TGCSB Headquarters Police Station, involved extensive data analysis and intelligence gathering. Suspects face charges under various provisions, including the Information Technology Act, with cases involving fraudulent investment schemes, job scams, courier fraud, and other digital cons. The arrested individuals comprised 38 “mule account holders” who allowed cybercriminals to use their bank accounts for financial transfers, while 10 acted as “agents” who coordinated with these mule account holders to facilitate the illicit operations. The suspects include unemployed individuals, cab drivers, small business owners, and IT professionals, with educational qualifications ranging from secondary school to college degrees. The ages of the arrested suspects range from 20 to 55 years, and they were apprehended from various areas across Hyderabad and Telangana. In the raids, authorities seized 53 mobile phones, four laptops, five CPUs, two monitors, 18 bank passbooks, 16 checkbooks, 10 ATM cards, and a motorcycle, all believed to have been used in these cybercrime operations. The detained suspects are now under investigation by various police units. TGCSB Director Shikha Goel commended her team for their detailed planning and operation, highlighting the contributions of SP Devender Singh and Deputy Superintendents of Police KV Surya Prakash, Harikrishna, and KVM Prasad. Goel emphasized TGCSB’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and urged the public to be vigilant with personal information and cautious when dealing with unverified sources.