the cyber shark Archives - Page 3 of 15

Cyber sexual predator arrested in Karnataka after a two-year manhunt

The accused created fake profiles, shared explicit content, and targeted women using over 90 email IDs and 13,500 stolen images. A 25-year-old man from Karnataka’s Ballari area was caught by Mumbai Police after he had eluded detection for two years. He had been harassing and defaming women online by posing as them, making phoney profiles, and posting sexual material. His arrest was made in Sandur following a complaint filed by a Mumbai-based student. When authorities found the culprit, Shubham Kumar Manoj Prasad Singh, he was employed in Sandur as a security guard. A female student in Mumbai filed a complaint after discovering pornographic content uploaded under her identity, sparking the start of the criminal probe. Shubham allegedly made more than 90 email accounts and more than ten phoney social media identities to harass and mimic women. Police recovered a massive cache of over 13,500 images of women, many obtained without consent, stored on his mobile phone. He used video calls to trap women, then edited and circulated the footage on social media, according to investigators. His digital trail was traced through technical inputs from Google, leading to his location. A senior cyber officer stated, “This arrest highlights the dangerous reach of digital predators and the need for public vigilance online.” The accused holds a diploma from Delhi and had managed to avoid arrest for over two years while continuing his activities in secrecy. Advice: The growing danger of cyber sexual offences and the pressing necessity for understanding digital safety are highlighted by this instance. Mumbai Police are continuing their investigation to identify more victims. Online Safety Tips: Never share personal videos or sensitive content online Enable two-factor authentication on social media accounts Report impersonation or harassment immediately on cybercrime.gov.in Be cautious of suspicious friend requests and video calls from strangers

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau signs MoU with NALSAR to combat cybercrime

MoU aims to reform cyber laws, boost investigations, and train law enforcement through a legal-forensic partnership. To improve cyber law enforcement in Telangana, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) and NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, inked a Memorandum of Understanding on June 18, 2025. In order to combat the growing threats of cybercrime, this collaboration attempts to combine TGCSB’s operational skills with legal education, forensic science, and policy research. Telangana DGP Jitender was present when TGCSB Director Shikha Goel and NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao signed the memorandum of cooperation. Officials said the partnership will assist in developing rules on data protection, financial fraud, and digital evidence, as well as modernising important legislation like the Information Technology Act of 2000. A Legal and Forensic Advisory Unit will be established by TGCSB to support investigations into cybercrime. This section will provide professional legal assistance during investigations, assist in creating victim-centric compensation procedures, and develop digital dispute resolution solutions. Specialised training modules on cyber legislation, forensic procedures, and digital evidence management will also be created for police and judicial personnel. It is anticipated that this interdisciplinary approach would enhance the legal response to intricate cyber offences. Telangana DGP Jitender noted, “This MoU is a critical step in merging policy insight with ground-level enforcement.” NALSAR’s Rao added, “It is a societal service to build a future-ready legal framework to fight cybercrime.” Shikha Goel called it a “model for the nation”, highlighting the urgency of updating legal and forensic tools to meet the fast-evolving cyber threat landscape. Advice: This alliance between TGCSB and NALSAR marks a significant move toward creating a holistic and efficient cybercrime control system in Telangana. It blends law, policy, education, and enforcement into one framework. Public is advised to: Stay updated on cybercrime trends through government advisories. Turn on two-factor authentication for every account and device. Refrain from downloading programs from unidentified sources or clicking on dubious links. Report incidents immediately at cybercrime.gov.in or contact the local cyber cell.

Facebook Sextortion: Retired Man Loses ₹38 Lakh to Online Fraud

A police investigation is ongoing after cybercriminals used the fear of a POCSO case to extort money by pretending to be a lady and then the police. A 70-year-old retired government employee in Hyderabad fell victim to a sextortion scam on Facebook, losing ₹38.73 lakh. The Cybercrime Police received a notification about the fraud this week, and they have opened an investigation and are looking into it. Police claim that the victim accepted a friend request on Facebook from someone pretending to be a lady. She requested ₹10,000 for a Wi-Fi connection, claiming to come from a low-income household. Over time, the fraudsters extracted ₹10 lakh under the pretext of medical treatment. Later, the scammers posed as police officers and sub-inspectors, accusing him of chatting inappropriately with a minor girl. They threatened to file a POCSO case unless he paid more money. The man paid several payments totalling ₹38.73 lakh out of fear of legal issues. When he realised it was a fraud, he went to the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police, who are currently looking into it. Advice: This example serves as a clear reminder of how online fraud uses fear-mongering and emotional manipulation. Security Tips for Users: Never trust unknown friend requests on social media Avoid sharing personal or financial details online Do not engage in private chats with strangers If threatened online, report immediately to cybercrime.gov.in Consult family or police before making any online payments

Google Launches AI Safety Charter to Combat Rising Cybercrime Threats in India

With 60 million threats blocked and ₹5 million pledged, Google partners with Indian agencies and IIT-Madras to secure the digital future In India’s rapidly growing digital space, hackers are increasingly targeting users with sophisticated scams, including fake banking apps and phishing attacks. This week, Google revealed new efforts under its AI-led “Safety Charter” to detect and stop such scams in real-time through artificial intelligence. The goal: to protect Indian users and institutions from cyber fraud and data theft. Google is leveraging AI to block scams before they impact users. According to Preeti Lobana, Google India’s Country Manager, the company has already: Prevented 60 million attempts to install malicious applications Flagged 500 million scam messages Marked 12 million fake listings on Google Maps Issued 2.5 billion warnings for suspicious URLs Financial frauds now account for 75% of cybercrimes, with global cybercrime costs estimated to reach $14 trillion by 2028. To tackle this, Google has introduced a three-pronged AI Charter focused on: User safety Enterprise and government cybersecurity Responsible and ethical AI development In addition to deploying advanced AI tools, Google is collaborating with Indian authorities such as the Department of Telecommunications, the Home Ministry, and SEBI for centralised intelligence sharing. Google.org also announced a $5 million expansion of the APAC Cybersecurity Fund via The Asia Foundation, enabling cyber clinics and training in Indian universities, especially for MSMEs and students. Meanwhile, a new partnership with IIT-Madras aims to push forward Post-Quantum Cryptography, securing future digital interactions through anonymous, privacy-first tokens. According to Lobana, “AI systems are always evolving to detect new threats—even those that haven’t been seen before.” Additionally, Heather Adkins, Google Security’s VP of Engineering, said: “AI isn’t just narrowing the gap between attackers and defenders—it’s eliminating it in some cases.” Advice: Google’s AI-driven defence strategies signal a major leap in protecting India’s digital users. But while tech giants act, user vigilance remains essential. Security Tips for Users: Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for every application. Never click on unknown links in emails or communications. Download apps only from official stores Report cybercrimes at cybercrime.gov.in Stay updated with Google’s Safety Centre and CERT-In alerts

Google Flags 500M Scam Messages Monthly as Cybercrime Surges in India

Tech giant launches AI-powered Safety Charter to combat rising cybercrime, warns of deep fake scams and ₹20,000 crore projected losses As cybercrime accelerates across India, Google has announced a major AI-driven initiative under its new “Safety Charter” to fight online fraud. The tech giant revealed this week that it now detects over 500 million scam messages monthly and is working closely with Indian authorities to boost public cybersecurity awareness and enforcement. With India’s digital economy growing rapidly, cybercriminals are using refined methods such as deep fakes, voice cloning, and fake banking apps to trick users. According to Google, scams involving Unified Payments Interface (UPI) alone caused ₹1,087 crore in losses in 2024, and total cybercrime-related damages could hit ₹20,000 crore in 2025. The company is using AI across Google Messages, Search, and Ads to detect and block threats. It claims to have removed 247 million scam ads, suspended 2.9 million accounts, and prevented access to thousands of fake support and government websites, down 80% and 70% respectively. Google’s new scam detection tool in Google Messages has flagged over 500 million suspicious messages per month, triggering 2.5 billion user warnings. The company is also partnering with India’s DigiKavach programme and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to launch public awareness campaigns. “AI is now a critical frontline defence,” Google wrote in its blog post. “Our systems are identifying and stopping threats much earlier — often before they reach the user.” Advice: The magnitude of cybercrime threats and the expanding significance of AI in defence are demonstrated by Google’s most recent action. Users must remain alert as scammers change. Security Tips: Make sure all accounts have two-factor authentication enabled. Never download dubious programs or click on unidentified links. Report scams to cybercrime.gov.in. Verify banking apps from official app stores only. Stay updated with alerts from CERT-In and Google’s Safety Centre.

Huge discovery: DRDO-IIT Delhi milestone reshapes future warfare and guarantees India’s leadership in quantum technology

India pioneers quantum-secure free-space communication with DRDO-IIT Delhi breakthrough, marking a leap in defence, cybersecurity, and future warfare capabilities. With the successful demonstration of quantum entanglement-based free-space secure communication, carried out in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi, India has made a significant step toward the quantum era. Secure quantum communication across a distance of more than one kilometre was accomplished in the experiment, which was conducted at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) on the campus of IIT Delhi. With the use of a free-space optical link, the milestone achieved a safe key rate of around 240 bits per second and a quantum bit error rate of less than 7%. This lays the groundwork for long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), real-time applications in quantum cybersecurity, and the larger goal of creating quantum networks and a future quantum internet. The Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, has approved the project named “Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD.” DRDO’s DG (MED, COS & CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, and top academics from IIT Delhi were among the senior authorities who attended the demonstration, which was headed by Prof. Bhaskar Kanseri’s research group. Higher security is guaranteed by quantum entanglement-based communication, in contrast to conventional prepare-and-measure QKD systems, even if the hardware is compromised. The entangled quantum state is changed by every attempt at eavesdropping, making it observable. Additionally, it avoids the need to install expensive and disruptive optical fibre networks, which is especially advantageous in urban or remote locations. This accomplishment builds on earlier successes, such as the 2022 establishment of India’s first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj and the 2024 demonstration of a 100-km fibre-based quantum key distribution system. DRDO’s DIA-CoEs, which currently encompass 15 prestigious academic institutions nationwide, serve as the foundation for all initiatives. “India has entered into a new quantum era of secure communication, which will be a game changer in future warfare,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, congratulating the team. Both IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat reiterated the view, praising the discovery as a crucial step towards technical sovereignty and national security.

India and Cyprus to step up defence, maritime and cybersecurity cooperation, Indian PM says

India and Cyprus to boost defence industry ties, launch maritime training and cybersecurity talks, and enhance counterterrorism information sharing, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation. Cyprus, Nicosia — On June 16, 2025, the prime minister of India said that the two nations will strengthen their defence connections by working together in their respective defence industries. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not provide specifics, he announced that negotiations to strengthen bilateral cybersecurity and maritime cooperation will start. Following discussions with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, he declared that the two nations would also establish a system of information sharing aimed at countering the threat of terrorism. Before his departure to Canada for the G7 conference, Modi is making his first two-day visit to Cyprus as the prime leader of India in over twenty years. In a joint statement, the two nations also promised to increase maritime cooperation by looking at improving collaborative marine training and search and rescue operations, as well as by having the Indian Navy visit Cypriot ports more frequently. In order to bring about peace and prosperity in the Middle East, Modi emphasised the importance of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Given its geographic location as the closest European Union nation to both India and the Middle East, Cyprus is expected to serve as the pivotal link in the commerce, energy, and digital connectivity corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe. According to Christodoulides, Cyprus serves as a platform for Indian companies and is India’s “gateway into Europe.” He promised to support the implementation of programs like IMEC, which will link India with the Gulf, the Mediterranean, and the European continent through targeted infrastructure projects. When Cyprus takes up the rotating presidency of the 27-member union in the first half of 2026, the Cypriot president stated that improved free trade agreements and India-EU relations would be among his nation’s top priorities. The visit was heralded by the Indian prime minister as a sign of a new era in India-Cyprus relations, one based on strong historical links and shared ideals that “have been tested time and again.” The Non-Aligned Movement, a group of countries that chose not to support the Communist bloc or the West during the Cold War, including former British colonies like India and Cyprus.

Govt acts on online misinformation on Operation Sindoor infra, banks on cyber threat alert

The government has ramped up efforts to counter misinformation about Operation Sindoor and placed key infrastructure sectors on high cyber alert following recent terror-linked cyberattacks. Social media platforms are being monitored, with false content actively blocked and users urged to rely on official sources. According to a senior government source, social media platforms are “continually monitoring” for false information about Operation Sindoor by the ministries of information technology and information and broadcasting. These platforms have been requested to block any illegal content. Critical infrastructure agencies and organisations, including the Power Ministry, banks, telecom providers, and other financial institutions, are also on “high alert” after being the target of multiple cyberattacks in the wake of last month’s Amalgam terror incident. “We have contained the DDoS attacks that have been launched against certain infrastructure. We are currently on high alert since similar attempts will undoubtedly be attempted,” the person stated. An assault known as a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) occurs when a hacker floods a server, network, or website with malicious traffic from several sources, rendering it unusable or sluggish for authorised users. At a conference between representatives of the two ministries on May 7, 2025, in the afternoon, it was acknowledged that false information about India’s strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok) was widely disseminated on social media sites like X. Since people were making a variety of claims online, it was determined that the government would need to keep a careful eye on such content and use its legal tools to stop its spread. From images of unrelated strikes to video game footage, social media platforms turned into a battlefield for internet disinformation campaigns starting in the early hours of May 7. Online reports that Pakistan shot down an Indian Rafael jet were reportedly accompanied by images of a downed aircraft. The fact-check unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has stated that the images were outdated. Other widely circulated accusations about the airstrikes have also been verified by the unit. Users of social media platforms have been cautioned by the authorities to use caution. “Avoid sharing or relying on unconfirmed information. For factual information, see the Government of India’s official sources,” the IT Ministry stated in several posts on X. 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including well-known ones like Dawn News, Samaa TV, Ary News, and Geo News, were banned by the government following the Pahalgam terror incident for spreading misleading information and content that was sensitive to the community.

Banks bolster cyber defence amid India-Pakistan missile tensions

Cyber Defence: Following India’s missile strikes on terror sites in Pakistan, banks have ramped up cybersecurity and physical security, especially near border areas. Measures include 24/7 cyber war rooms, anti-cyberattack protocols, and stocked ATMS to ensure service continuity. As India launched missile attacks on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, banks strengthened their cybersecurity defences against potential cyberattacks. Because of the increased risk of a counterattack, banks have also strengthened security at their branches close to the border. Ashok Chandra, MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank, stated, “We have strengthened the cyber security mechanism… we have created a 24-hour war room to diffuse any cyber attack… we are prepared for any eventuality.” He added that the bank has made plans for the safety and security of its employees and has strengthened security at its branches in border areas. A senior executive from a different public sector bank claims that the bank has implemented an anti-cyberattack procedure to fend off any potential cyberattack. According to the official, ATMS in the border regions have been restocked with cash to ensure that users don’t experience any financial difficulties. The Indian military launched missile strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir early on May 7, 2025, in revenge for the Pahalgam terror attack. These targets included the base of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold in Bahawalpur. The ‘Operation Sindoor‘ military attacks came two weeks after the terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Leading stock exchanges BSE and NSE have blocked their websites to users from other countries as a precaution. A representative for the BSE explained the reasoning for the move by stating that “BSE, being a critical market infrastructure institution (MII), proactively and continuously monitors risks at domestic and international levels for potential cyber threats.”

Facebook clean-up: Why Meta removed over 23,000 accounts in Brazil and India

Facebook clean-up: Meta removed over 23,000 Facebook accounts in Brazil and India linked to scams using deepfakes of public figures to promote fake investments and gambling apps. The company is enhancing security features and collaborating with Indian authorities to combat online fraud and protect users. On 07-05-2025, Meta announced that it had deleted over 23,000 Facebook Pages and accounts that were part of extensive scam operations that mostly targeted people in Brazil and India. The March takedown was a component of Meta’s larger initiatives to fight online fraud and increase public awareness of digital fraud. Meta claims that the fraudulent networks used deep fake technology to pose as well-known individuals, such as corporate leaders, cricket players, and producers of financial information. These edited movies purportedly featured public individuals promoting gambling apps and fraudulent investment schemes. Under the pretence of getting investment advice, consumers were taken to messaging platforms after interacting with the content. In several cases, consumers were tricked into downloading harmful gambling apps from a fake website that looked like the Google Play Store. Meta outlines several common scams. Meta described some increasingly common scam types as part of its effort to improve user protection. While payment scams usually take advantage of internet anonymity and urgency, investment scams frequently offer large returns on assets like shares, real estate, or cryptocurrency. Scammers who pose as vendors on websites like Facebook Marketplace and demand cash before vanishing without delivering the promised products are known to engage in advance payment fraud. Other tactics include Over Payment Frauds, in which con artists request a refund after claiming to have overpaid for an item, only to later reverse their initial (often fraudulent) transaction. As a result, Meta has implemented some security features on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, including scam alerts in Messenger and instructional materials to assist users in identifying fraudulent activities. To improve online safety, the internet giant said it is collaborating closely with Indian government agencies and civil society groups. Initiatives mentioned include cooperation with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre, the Department of Telecommunications, and the Department of Consumer Affairs. Reiterating its dedication to digital security, Meta urged customers to stay alert and make use of the resources available to report and steer clear of frauds.

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