Achive.php Cyber update Archives - Page 5 of 8 - The Cyber Shark Cyber update Archives - Page 5 of 8 - The Cyber Shark
Contributor

Cyber update

Google Unveiled Sec-Gemini v1, a New AI Model for Cybersecurity

Sec-Gemini v1

Google has launched Sec-Gemini v1, an advanced AI model designed to enhance cybersecurity by aiding in threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, and incident investigation. The model outperforms rivals on key benchmarks and is being offered to select partners for research collaboration. Google has made a huge attempt to counter cyber-attacks by introducing Sec-Gemini v1, an experimental AI model meant to revolutionize cybersecurity. Elie Burzstein and Marianna Tishchenko from the Sec-Gemini team introduced a new AI model designed to help cybersecurity defenders confront the growing complexity of cyber-attacks using advanced AI. The Sec-Gemini team emphasized the fundamental asymmetry in cybersecurity in a blog post: attackers only need to take advantage of one weakness, while defenders must fight against every potential assault. Security experts have long struggled with this imbalance, which makes their work laborious and error-prone. Sec-Gemini v1 uses AI-powered tools to “force multiply” cybersecurity workflows to give defenders the upper hand again. Based on Google’s Gemini model, Sec-Gemini v1 blends state-of-the-art reasoning abilities with near-real-time cybersecurity knowledge. Using a range of data sources, including Google Threat Intelligence (GTI), the Open Source Vulnerabilities (OSV) database, and Mandiant Threat Intelligence, In crucial domains like incident root cause investigation, threat analysis, and vulnerability impact assessment, the model provides unmatched performance. On the CTI-MCQ benchmark, a leading indicator of cybersecurity threat intelligence, it outperformed rivals by at least 11%. On the CTI-Root Cause Mapping (CTI-RCM) benchmark, which assesses a model’s capacity to decipher vulnerability descriptions, identify the underlying causes, and categorize them using the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) taxonomy, it scored at least 10.5% better than its competitors. Impact on the Real World and Cooperation Google offers a noteworthy example that demonstrates the usefulness of Sec-Gemini v1. The model provided a thorough explanation enhanced by Mandiant Threat Intelligence data in addition to accurately identifying “Salt Typhoon,” a known threat actor, which is something that not all AI models are capable of. Additionally, using information from OSV and contextualizing it with threat actor insights, Sec-Gemini v1 examined vulnerabilities associated with Salt Typhoon. It is anticipated that this level of research will aid cybersecurity experts in evaluating risks and addressing threats more effectively. Google underlined that the sector must work together to advance AI-driven cybersecurity. A limited number of organizations, institutions, experts, and non-governmental organizations shall have free access to Sec-Gemini v1 for research purposes in order to promote cooperation. Google has given a form for interested parties to use to seek early access. Google is putting itself at the forefront of AI cybersecurity with Sec-Gemini v1, providing a preview of a future in which defenders will be more prepared to fend off attackers. Tools like this could be crucial in levelling the playing field as cyber threats continue to change.

Financial frauds top Mizoram cybercrimes, over half of total cases filed

Financial frauds

Financial frauds is the most common cybercrime in Mizoram, accounting for over 56% of the 321 cases reported since 2020. Authorities have recovered ₹1.42 crore, with 113 arrests and 40 convictions made in cybercrime cases during this period. According to official data, financial fraud accounted for 56.38 per cent of the 321 cases that were filed between January 2020 and March 11 of this year, making it the most prevalent cybercrime in Mizoram. According to data from the state cybercrime police station, 181 occurrences of financial crimes were reported during that time, mostly online banking fraud and impersonation deception. Identity theft (32 incidents), child pornography (16), harassment on social media (nine), copyright infringement (seven), false rumours (five), and hacking (one) are among the other offences. According to the archives, 2022 saw the greatest number of financial crimes, with 107 incidents documented. Approximately Rs 1.42 crore was recovered in financial frauds cases between 2021 and March 11, 2025. Records show that the state had the highest number of cybercrimes in 2022 (158 incidents), followed by 2023 (72 cases). Of the 41 cybercrime instances that occurred in 2024, 15 involved sexual harassment and 17 involved financial offences. Thirteen cases of cybercrime were recorded as of March 11 of this year, including six cases of sexual harassment and four cases of financial frauds. According to the records, since 2021, 113 people—including eight minors—have been arrested in cybercrime cases, and 40 of them have been found guilty.

Motorola Edge 60 Fusion Debuts with AI Magic Eraser, Circle to Search & Moto AI Tools

Motorola Edge 60

Motorola Edge 60 Fusion, launching on April 9 at ₹22,999, features a Dimensity 7400 chipset, AI-powered tools, a 6.7-inch curved display, and a 50MP OIS camera. It packs a 5500mAh battery with 68W charging, IP68/IP69 durability, and three years of OS updates. The Edge 60 Fusion, Motorola’s first smartphone in the Edge 60 series, has been released. The smartphone’s MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset powers a number of artificial intelligence (AI)-based functions, such as Circle to Search and the AI Magic Eraser. The Edge 60 Fusion smartphone will go on sale on April 9 for Rs 22,999. Cost and available options for the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion 256GB storage + 8GB RAM: Rs 22,999 256GB storage + 12GB RAM: Rs 24,999 Colours: Pantone Zephyr, Pantone Amazonite, and Pantone Slipstream; availability and deals for the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion Starting on April 9, the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion smartphone will be sold in India through Flipkart, the company’s official website, and a few physical stores. Customers can take advantage of a bank discount of Rs 2000 on Axis and IDFC Bank credit cards as part of the introductory promotion. As an alternative, clients can receive a Rs 2000 exchange bonus on trade-in transactions. Programs for interest-free equivalent monthly instalments (EMIs) for a maximum of six months are also available. Details of the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion The 6.7-inch, Pantone-validated curved display of the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 1.5K. The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset powers the smartphone, which also has up to 256GB of storage that can be expanded to 1TB via microSD and up to 12GB of RAM. The Motorola Edge 60 Fusion has a 50-megapixel primary sensor (Sony LYT 700C) with optical image stabilization (OIS) for imaging. A 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens that also functions as a macro camera supports the primary camera. A 32-megapixel camera sensor with 4K recording capabilities is located at the front. A 5500mAh battery powers the smartphone, which also has 68W wired charging capability. Several native “Moto AI” capabilities and Google’s gesture-driven Circle to Search are among the AI-powered features that are pre-installed on the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion’s Hello UI, which is built on Android 15. This includes “Catch Me Up” for summaries of notifications and “Pay Attention” for summarizing, translating, and transcribing content. In addition to being MIL-810H military-grade certified for durability, the smartphone boasts an IP68/69 rating for protection against dust and water intrusion. For the Edge 60 Fusion, Motorola is providing three years of operating system updates and four years of security updates. Details of the Motorola Edge 60 Fusion Display: 6.7-inch all-curved screen with Gorilla Glass 7i, HDR10+, 4500 nits of maximum brightness, 1.5K resolution, and a refresh rate of 120 Hz MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor Storage: 256GB (expandable to 1TB) RAM: Up to 12 GB Front camera: 32MP; rear camera: 50MP primary (Sony LYT700) plus 13MP ultra-wide; battery: 5500mAh, 68W cable charging Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, IP68, and IP69

Chandigarh: A digital arrest fraud costs a retired colonel and his wife ₹3.4 cr.

Digital arrest

An elderly couple in Chandigarh was duped of ₹3.41 crore by scammers posing as ED officials, keeping them under a 10-day “digital arrest.” Police have recovered ₹6 lakh and advised residents to report suspicious calls. In Sector 2-A, an 82-year-old retired army officer named Colonel Dalip Singh and his 74-year-old wife, Ravinder Kaur Bajwa, have lost ₹3.41 crore to scammers posing as Enforcement Directorate (ED) employees. The deception occurred on March 18, when Bajwa was falsely accused of being implicated in a money laundering case by a caller from an unidentified number. The scammer asserted that Bajwa had reportedly received ₹20 lahks as commission for laundering ₹2 crores after selling his bank account details to Naresh Goyal, the jailed owner of Jet Airways, for ₹5 lakh. The scammers used a video chat to show Bajwa his ATM card and said they were looking into a ₹5,038-crore scam to make their plan seem genuine. Additionally, they falsely claimed that Goyal had killed a whistle-blower and their whole family and shared pictures of 24 supposed victims, claiming that one had committed suicide. By claiming that he was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Supreme Court, the scammers further threatened him. The scammers promised to set up an online inquiry when Bajwa stated that he was too old to fly to Mumbai for interrogation. During the inquiry, they asked him 15 questions about Naresh Goyal’s case. In an attempt to further influence him, they threatened to ruin his name by revealing his purported role in newspapers if he didn’t comply. Bajwa and his spouse were put under “digital arrest” by the scammers, who told them to never turn off their phones and to refrain from making any calls. This ten-day digital arrest took place between March 18 and March 27. The scammers forced Bajwa to divulge his ₹8.80 lakh bank account amount on March 20. Through the use of fake arrest orders and WhatsApp-shared account-freezing notifications, they coerced him into sending money via real-time gross settlement (RTGS). After receiving digital arrest threats, Bajwa transferred money to several different accounts, leaving his bank account empty. He sent ₹8 lahks on March 20, ₹60 lahks on March 21, ₹80 lakh on March 24, ₹88 lahks on March 25, and ₹1.05 crore on March 27. His wife was the next victim of the scammers in digital arrest, who persuaded him to cancel her fixed deposits (FDs) to “close the case.” The scammers made Bajwa stay on his video call for a full day to keep him under control. They would get in touch with him right away and ask him to switch it on if the call was cut off. They used several phone lines to pose as Mumbai Cyber Crime authorities. They kept calling the numbers of Bajwa and his family. After realizing he had been duped, Bajwa went to the Chandigarh cybercrime police station and lodged a report, which resulted in the filing of a case on April 1. The cyber police station received a formal complaint (FIR) filed under Sections 308, 319(2), 318(4), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2) of the BNS. From the misplaced money, the Chandigarh Police were able to retrieve ₹6 lakh. Residents have been advised by police to exercise caution and refrain from giving out money or personal information to strangers over the phone. They have recommended reporting strange calls to the cyber-crime  digital arrest helpdesk and checking with the authorities for any legal notices (1930).

The European Commission will invest €1.3 billion in digital skills, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence

The European Commission

The European Commission has allocated €1.3 billion to boost AI and digital ID development under the Digital Europe Programme. The funding will support AI innovation, cybersecurity, and digital skills training across the EU. A total of €1.3 billion has been announced by the European Commission to support the advancement and implementation of vital technologies in the European Commission digital ecosystem. Digital ID and artificial intelligence have emerged as key new technologies that support contemporary society. In order to compete with growth on a worldwide scale, the Digital Europe Programme (Digital) Work Programme places special emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence into society and launching new AI companies. One of the main goals of the DIGITAL work program is to increase the availability and accessibility of generative AI applications, such as expanding into the healthcare industry, as the competition for AI innovation continues to increase. The available funds will be used to assist Innovation Hubs, a network of businesses and government agencies with the technical know-how to offer advice on the adoption of AI models, implement the AI Act, and curate AI “virtual realities.” These steps are essential to advancing the EU’s objectives of building more AI “factories,” which entails facilitating the development of AI start-ups or generative AI models for commercial use. AI can strengthen cyber defences against intrusions. The EU is keen to continue developing AI defences to outperform fraud driven by AI. Furthermore, the technical capabilities of AI will support the deployment of the European Trust Infrastructure and the new EU Digital Identity Wallet architecture in Member States. “Investing in cutting-edge technologies and enabling individuals to enhance their digital competencies is the first step towards safeguarding European tech sovereignty,” stated Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy. With extra money, EU education and training institutes will teach digital skills to entice more talent to enter the profession. “We are making sure that new technologies—and with them, new potential—reach European citizens, businesses, and public administrations through the opportunities under the Digital European Commission Program.”

STF cracks cyber fraud racket in Lucknow, arrests six including kingpin

STF cracks cyber fraud

The Uttar Pradesh STF cracks cyber fraud arrested six members of a cyber fraud gang in Vibhuti Khand, including the mastermind, for running corporate bank accounts on rent to conduct scams. Seized items included luxury cars, bank documents, electronic devices, and evidence linking them to fraud cases worth crores across India. In the Vibhuti Khand neighbourhood of the state capital, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) detained six members of an organized cyber fraud gang, including the mastermind. On March 29, 2025, STF said in a news release that the gang ran corporate bank accounts on rent to conduct extensive cyber scams involving online gambling, share market investments, digital arrest, and other purportedly criminal acts. During the raid, the STF also seized expensive cars, bank paperwork, and technological gadgets. The STF retrieved a driver’s license, voter ID, 18 debit and credit cards, three Aadhaar cards, three PAN cards, 11 cell phones, and 52 WhatsApp chats containing APK files and corporate bank account information. Two four-wheeler vehicles that were allegedly used in the crime as well as ₹34,500 in cash were confiscated. According to the police, around 11:05 p.m. on March 28, 2025, the STF team, led by assistant superintendent of police Vishal Vikram Singh, arrested the accused in Vibhuti Khand near the Aadhaar Card Office across from a cafe. According to the STF, the inquiry started after Lucknow-based Alex Innovation Pvt Ltd, an IT solutions company, complained about a scam involving about ₹48 lakh at the Cyber fraud Crime Police Station. According to the lawsuit, the gang’s leader, Abdul Malik, used a malicious APK file to get access to the company’s private bank account. Before the bank closed the account, he carried out almost 3,200 unauthorized transactions. Subsequent investigation verified that the transactions were connected to cyber fraud. The gang also includes Pushpendra Singh (MBA) from Rae Bareli, Vijay Kumar Pathak (PhD) from Jaunpur, Ayush Mishra (BTech) from Gorakhpur, Yaseen Ahmed alias Yasir (Class 10) from Gonda, and Syed Alim Hussain (BBA) from Gonda. According to the press release, each had a distinct function in the illegal enterprise. STF officials claim that in 2024, Malik made contact with Farhan from Lucknow, who then connected him with foreign agents Daniel from Kathmandu, Nepal, and Jackie from Pune. The gang used the promise of large commissions to entice business bank account customers. One of the gang’s main schemes was to use a private bank account in December 2024 to defraud Atex Innovation Pvt Ltd of ₹47.58 lakh. Through an Indian Overseas Bank account acquired through a Telegram contact named Nilesh Yadav from Bihar, they laundered ₹1.2 crore in January 2025. Details of ten corporate bank accounts used for cyber fraud were found on electronic devices found during the raid, and 25 more complaints were filed against the gang throughout India. The accused has been the subject of a formal complaint filed under Section 66C of the Information Technology Act and Sections 318(4), 319(2), and 111(2)(b) of the Indian Penal Code. In addition to forensic examination of the confiscated electronic devices to find more proof of the gang’s activities, STF officers revealed that attempts are still being made to track down and capture additional gang members.

Vodafone Advances Cybersecurity for Businesses in Germany

Vodafone

Vodafone, Inc. The opening of a cybersecurity centre in Düsseldorf, Germany, was recently announced by VOD. The cybersecurity centre will provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) nationwide with 24/7 protection. Vodafone has a wide range of cybersecurity products. Businesses are better equipped to withstand new cyber threats thanks to Vodafone Business Managed Security Services. The administrator may configure and keep an eye on laptops, smartphones, and other devices used by an organization thanks to Unified Endpoint Management. A risk management tool called Vodafone Business Security Assessment-Security Ratings gives companies the ability to continuously monitor and provide a comprehensive picture of any cyber threats. Organizations can respond quickly to security threats thanks to this thorough visibility and accurate evaluation of cyber health. To prevent cyberattacks, Vodafone’s cyber security centre will try to detect any dangers and efficiently activate defences. It will also provide a cyber portal that would show information about security status and prevent cyberattacks. To guarantee the smooth deployment, monitoring, and upkeep of security systems for its clients, Vodafone has more than 100 security specialists on staff and provides round-the-clock services. To further enhance security capabilities and integrate cutting-edge technologies, the organization is also actively collaborating with significant tech firms like Google, Microsoft, Lookout, CybSafe, Zscaler, and others. Additionally, Vodafone’s cyber centre will work with clients to give corporate staff the right training and resources to identify such risks. Will VOD’s Share Performance Be Driven by This Initiative? To prevent cyberattacks, big businesses with substantial financial resources set up advanced IT infrastructure. SMEs with little funding are unable to make significant investments in cyber defence. In a highly competitive corporate environment, this renders them vulnerable and disadvantageous. Cybercriminals frequently take advantage of this weakness. According to recent studies, SMEs are the target of more than 50% of cyberattacks, and it takes them around 21 days to recover. This has a huge impact on how businesses operate. The German economy relies heavily on SMEs, thus the rise in cyberattacks targeting them is concerning for the nation. Vodafone is attempting to improve the digital resilience of its SME clients nationwide by establishing a cyber security centre in recognition of this underserved market. A customer-focused strategy like this bodes well for the long-term expansion of the business. Other Stocks to Consider Inter Digital In the last four quarters, IDC’s earnings surprised by 158.41%. It is a leader in cutting-edge mobile technologies that make wireless capabilities and communications possible. The business creates and develops a broad range of cutting-edge technological solutions for usage in networks and products connected to IEEE 802, digital cellular, and wireless 3G and 4G. Celestica Inc. Many of the top original equipment manufacturers in the world rely on CLS for post-manufacturing support, competitive manufacturing technologies, and service solutions for printed circuit and system assembly. United States Cellular Corporation USM’s most recent reported quarter saw a 150% earnings surprise. To improve churn control and speed up subscriber additions, U.S. Cellular has taken proactive measures. The company wants to give consumers the greatest cellular experience possible by offering a top-notch network with nationwide coverage. It is ideally situated to facilitate the expenditure needed for network improvements, such as the introduction of 5G technology.

Police Say Former Odisha IT Minister Loses Rs 1.4 Crore to Cybercriminals

Odisha IT Minister

Former Odisha IT Minister and MLA Tusharkanti Behera lost Rs 1.4 crore to cyber fraud, allegedly through a friend’s misuse of his trading account. Police have arrested seven suspects and frozen Rs 15 lakh while continuing the investigation. Bhubaneswar: On March 31, 2025, a top police officer here stated that an Odisha IT Minister A and former information technology minister had lost Rs 1.4 due to cyber fraud in around a month and a half.In relation to the crime, seven people were taken into custody by the police: three from Tamil Nadu and four from Karnataka. But in January, the former minister filed a police complaint in this respect, alleging that a buddy had been using his trading account and misappropriated the funds. Odisha IT Minister to say the police officer claimed that the accused and their colleagues used to pretend to be trade analysts in order to get individuals to invest money in shares, IPOs, and other trades by promising them large profits. Between November 13, 2024, and January 1, 2025, the accused obtained Rs 1.40 crore fraudulently from the complainant, according to the Crime Branch’s cybercrime unit, which conducted the inquiry, he added. Sarthak Sarangi, the IG for the Crime Branch, stated during a news conference that on January 13 of this year, “we received a complaint that cyber fraudsters swindled Rs 1.4 crore from the complainant through a mobile app.” He did not, however, identify the complainant because he believed it would interfere with the inquiry. The complainant, according to police sources, is an IIT graduate, a current Odisha IT Minister , and a former minister of information technology. However, former IT minister and BJD Odisha IT Minister Tusharkanti Behera told reporters: “My friend used my trading account and lost the money to cyber fraud.” I don’t know anything about the fraud directly. According to Sarangi, bank accounts in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, and Maharashtra have received the funds. Seven people were taken into custody by crime branch teams that were dispatched to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala during the first phase. “Very soon we will send our teams to Hyderabad, West Bengal and Delhi to arrest other accused persons in this case,” the officer said. According to him, the Crime Branch has frozen Rs 15 lakh in the accused individuals’ bank accounts and recovered Rs 4 lakh from them thus far.According to Sarangi, a Navy commander and a university vice-chancellor were lately the targets of cyber fraud.

Business fraud losses of 9.5 lakhs are recovered by a cybercrime team A Major Victory

Business fraud

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit recovered ₹9.5 lakh from fraudsters who tricked a businessman with a fake business fraud opportunity fraud. Authorities warn against upfront payment scams and advise verifying company legitimacy. A businessman who was defrauded by cybercriminals was successfully refunded ₹9,50,531 by the Hyderabad City Cyber Crime Unit. The police emphasized that the likelihood of recovering lost money can be increased by reporting such fraud right away. To receive assistance, victims can call the cybercrime helpline 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. According to the police, a 32-year-old complainant in this case was tricked into sending the money to bank accounts that the scammers had offered under the guise of a business fraud opportunity. Inspector K. Prasada Rao headed a squad that located and detained the accused in Sector-7, Dwarka, New Delhi, together with SI Abhishek, HC Satish, and PCs Srinivas Reddy and Kranthi Kumar Reddy. A demand draft was used to successfully return the whole money to the victim. Authorities have issued warnings to entrepreneurs about fraudulent schemes in which fraudsters demand upfront fees for website construction, ISO certification, and registration in exchange for lucrative business fraud negotiations. It is advised that victims check the legitimacy of the company, refrain from making sizable upfront payments, and be wary of unsolicited offers.