the cyber shark

Police hold cybercrime awareness sessions for senior citizens

Cybercrimes are rising exponentially. While Bengaluru reported 17,633 cases in 2023, it had already registered 12,356 cases by August 30, 2024. An awareness program on cyber-crimes for around 50 senior citizens was held last week at the CSI Church, Hennur Cross. The session began with a police officer asking the participants for their personal and bank details, which the senior citizens shared without hesitation. The officer then explained the common modus operandi of cyber fraudsters, the importance of data privacy, and the dos and don’ts for protecting themselves from cybercrimes. At the end of the session, he asked them again to share their bank details, and they complied. “Awareness about data privacy doesn’t come easily, especially when a trusted person or someone occupying a position of authority asks for such details,” the officer remarked. Vulnerable targets The Bengaluru City Police recently launched a cybercrime awareness campaign in collaboration with the Elders’ Helpline, recognising that senior citizens are among the most vulnerable targets for cyber fraud due to limited digital literacy. Additionally, senior citizens often have their life savings in their bank accounts, making them attractive targets for fraudsters. This campaign comes at a time when cybercrimes are rising exponentially. While the city reported 17,633 cases in 2023, it had already registered 12,356 cases by August 30, 2024. “Most of the senior citizens attending our programmes, despite being educated, are unaware that no legitimate entity — be it banks, security agencies, or courier companies — would ask for their details or claim to ‘digitally arrest’ them. “If you have done nothing wrong, there’s no need to fear. The Prime Minister himself recently clarified that the concept of a digital arrest does not exist. You should never disclose personal information, even to those claiming to represent government agencies like the police or customs. Be wary, even if they make video calls in full uniform,” he advised. Be calm “The key is to remain calm. Most cyber fraudsters induce panic to extract bank details. We hope that raising awareness about their tactics will empower seniors to refuse such requests confidently,” said Dhananjaya J.N., a counsellor from Elders’ Helpline. The campaign also offers practical tips on recognising suspicious calls, identifying common scams — such as lottery scams, fake tech support calls, and fraudulent investment schemes — and emphasises the importance of reporting cyber-crimes promptly through dedicated helplines within the crucial golden hour.

India targets offshore cyber criminals, blocks 17,000 WhatsApp accounts

Sources confirmed that these accounts were actively involved in trapping Indians through digital arrests. More than 50 per cent of the accounts had been active since January 2024. Taking a significant step against offshore criminals operating from Asian countries to dupe Indians in cyber fraud, India has successfully blocked 17,000 WhatsApp accounts. According to top-level sources familiar with the development, “In a special initiative to disrupt the offshore criminal network, Team I4C worked together with the Department of Telecom to block 17,000 WhatsApp accounts used by Southeast Asia-based cyber criminals.” Sources also confirmed that these accounts were actively involved in trapping Indians through digital arrests. More than 50 per cent of the accounts had been active since January 2024, sources said. “These accounts were used in various types of cyber fraud. Most of them were used to dupe people through digital arrests. Multiple SIM cards were used in coordination to defraud Indians. During the investigation, it was found that the locations of these accounts were not in India. Despite a tough procedure, the government managed to block these accounts,” a senior government official stated. Indian agencies also employed the latest technology and artificial intelligence to identify these accounts. Additionally, various state police forces assisted central agencies in blocking these 17,000 WhatsApp accounts. Indian agencies had previously blocked Skype accounts, and now, with the help of state cyber wings, the blocking of these WhatsApp accounts is expected to deliver a major blow to cyber criminals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already warned against the dangers of “digital arrests” and emphasized that no investigative agency ever establishes contact over the phone or video call to demand money or interrogate people. During his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, Modi stated that this particular form of cybercrime affects all sections of society. He urged people to adopt the mantra of “stop, think, and take action” when confronted with such a scam. Under the digital arrest fraud scheme, callers impersonate police, CBI, RBI, or narcotics officials, speaking with confidence to deceive victims. “People asked me to talk about this in Mann Ki Baat. You need to understand this. The first step is collecting your personal information. The second step is creating an atmosphere of fear. They will scare you so much that you won’t even be able to think. The third step is applying time pressure. Victims of digital arrests come from all sections of society and all age groups. Many have lost lakhs of their hard-earned money. If you ever get a call like this, don’t be afraid. You should know that no investigating agency conducts such interrogations over the phone or video call,” he said.

Cybercriminals Target WhatsApp Users with Fake Wedding Invitations to Install Malware

Cybercriminals have found new ways to scam people, through fake wedding invitation links leading to potential data theft and financial loss. Would you believe sending invitations via What’s App could invite a serious cyber-attack, compromising your device and personal data? Himachal Pradesh police officials have revealed that scammers have found a new type of scam: they send malicious wedding invitations through WhatsApp in the form of APK files. When recipients download these files, it compromises their device through malware that gives full access to the scammer. Once the malware is activated, hackers can use the device for their benefit, like sending messages, stealing personal data, and even extorting money without the owner’s knowledge. How does the scam work? Scammers send WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers portraying wedding invitations. The message looks legitimate, but it is a harmful APK file. Once the recipient downloads the file, a malicious application is installed on the phone that can access sensitive data, monitor activities, and hijack mobile functions. In some cases, cybercriminals can use the device to send fraudulent messages to the victim’s contacts, requesting money or sensitive information while pretending to be the phone’s owner. This sophisticated attack can lead to financial losses and personal harm. According to DIG Mohit Chawla of Himachal Pradesh, saying, “If you receive an unexpected wedding invitation or file from an unknown number, do not click on it. Always verify the sender and the nature of the file before downloading anything onto your phone.” What to do if one is victimized? In case, this unfortunate event happens to you, authorities urge you to take immediate action. It is advised to report cyber fraud by dialing 1930, a national helpline number for cybercrime, or by visiting the official government portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in to register a complaint. Cybercrimes are surging across the country and scammers are using tactics to deceive individuals. Apart from wedding invitation scams, officials warned of an increasing number of fraudulent loan offerings circulating online. These fake loans promise easy money which is designed to steal sensitive financial information leading to identity theft and financial losses. How to stay safe in the digital age? Experts advise you to stay informed and exercise caution to avoid cyber fraud. Experts say that it is advisable to refrain from downloading unsolicited files and always verify the authenticity of online communication before taking any actions. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their approach, awareness and vigilance are the best defenses against becoming a victim of online scams.

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.

Cyber security becomes a Business Imperative: Boards Prioritize Cyber Risk Management amid Rising Threats

Cyber security is now seen as a core business function rather than just an IT task.Cyber security is no longer just an IT problem; it’s a critical part of managing risk across the entire business. Business leaders are increasingly aware of this, especially as cyber risks have multiplied since the pandemic. Interestingly, the percentage of large companies with a cyber-security expert on their board rose from 7 percent in 2013 to 28 percent in 2020. This number is expected to grow, as research predicts that by 2025, 40 percent of boards will have a dedicated cyber security committee led by a qualified member, as per Deloitte’s latest Global Future of Cyber Survey. Cyber security is now seen as a core business function rather than just an IT task. The survey highlights that cyber security is now a “business-critical imperative—57 percent of companies plan to increase their cyber security budgets in the next one to two years, while 58 percent are working to align their cyber security spending with IT, digital transformation, and cloud initiatives. This shift towards a more integrated approach shows that businesses understand strong cyber security is vital to staying resilient in an unpredictable digital landscape. Despite this progress, many organizations still have work to do. Only 52 percent of executives feel highly confident in their board and C-suite’s ability to handle cybersecurity challenges, and among cybersecurity-focused executives, confidence drops to just 34 percent. Even in companies with high cyber maturity, frequent breaches are common, but these firms are often better prepared to manage disruptions and maintain business continuity. “It’s really about getting the basics right and maturing them and being excellent at them, every day, consistently. Things like foundational controls, asset management, and vulnerability management. You need to excel there, almost mindlessly. They just have to happen,” said CISO, Life Sciences and Healthcare Organization As technology advances, more companies are using AI in cyber security, with 39 percent already incorporating it into their programs. On average, companies dedicate USD 39 million of their annual IT budgets to cyber security, a number expected to rise by about 3 percent over the next two years.

The Indian government has frozen approximately 4.5 lakh “mule” bank accounts over the past year.

The Indian government has frozen approximately 4.5 lakh “mule” bank accounts over the past year. These accounts, often opened using stolen identities, are primarily used to launder the proceeds of cyber fraud. State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Airtel Payments Bank were found to have the highest number of such accounts. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) recently informed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) about this alarming trend. They highlighted the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who are increasingly resorting to cheque withdrawals, ATM transactions, and digital transfers to siphon funds from these “mule” accounts. The I4C’s analysis, based on data from the Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and Management System, revealed a disturbing pattern. Approximately 40,000 suspicious accounts were linked to SBI, 10,000 to PNB, 7,000 to Canara Bank, 6,000 to Kotak Mahindra Bank, and 5,000 to Airtel Payments Bank. Since January 2023, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal has registered nearly 1 lakh cyber complaints, with estimated losses exceeding Rs 17,000 crore. To address this growing threat, the government’s high-level inter-ministerial panel has identified vulnerabilities in the banking system and directed state and union territory police forces to proactively investigate and take action against “mule” account holders. Bank managers and officials involved in opening such accounts are also under scrutiny. The Reserve Bank of India and the Department of Financial Services have been instructed to implement necessary measures to strengthen security protocols and prevent future incidents. Airtel Payments Bank, in response to these concerns, emphasized its commitment to digital financial inclusion while maintaining robust security measures. The bank highlighted its real-time API integration with the I4C suspect registry, advanced AI/ML models for fraud detection, and innovative customer verification processes like Face Match to mitigate risks associated with “mule” accounts.

QR code-based citizen launched in Chandigarh review service

Chandigarh Police launched 12 November two citizen-focused initiatives — the QR code-based Citizen Review Service and Cyber Awareness Kiosks — during an event at the Multipurpose Hall, UT Secretariat. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria attended as the chief guest, joined by senior officials from the Chandigarh Administration and members of Samavesh advisory committees. These initiatives, introduced by SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, mark significant steps toward improving police transparency and public cyber safety. DGP Surendra Singh Yadav welcomed the chief guest and dignitaries, thanking Kataria for his support in bringing these citizen-centric services to Chandigarh. The Citizen Review Service is designed to gather public feedback on police interactions through an easy-to-use QR code system. Citizens visiting police stations, Samavesh centres, police headquarters, and traffic lines can scan a QR code to rate their experience on factors such as police behaviour, response time, station cleanliness, honesty, and accessibility. This feedback will be collected monthly to rank police stations, with the results displayed on the Chandigarh Police website, promoting transparency and highlighting top-performing stations. The initiative empowers citizens to voice their experiences directly, allowing police to identify areas for improvement and validate service quality. The Cyber Awareness Kiosks focus on educating the public about cyber safety in an increasingly digital world. Strategically positioned in high-traffic areas such as Sector-17 Plaza, Sukhna Lake, and Elante Mall, these kiosks offer resources on cyber safety, including updates on recent cybercrime trends, practical tips for secure online behavior, and contact information for reporting cyber incidents. Through interactive modules, visitors can learn how to protect themselves from online threats such as phishing, identity theft, and online scams. The kiosks provide an accessible means for citizens to stay informed on cyber threats, helping them navigate the digital world safely. In his address, Kataria lauded Chandigarh Police for these “innovative, citizen-friendly” measures and their ongoing commitment to digital and community-oriented initiatives, such as eFIR, eBeat/eSathi, and Cyber Swachhta Mission, which bring police services closer to the public. SP (Headquarters) Ketan Bansal delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Kataria and other officials for their support in launching these initiatives.

US cyber Security Firm Commvault Strengthens India Operations with Coimbatore Facility

Commvault, a leading provider of cyber resilience and data protection solutions for the hybrid cloud, today announced the launch of an advanced, facility in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This facility, which complements Commvault’s existing operations in Bangalore and strengthens the company’s presence in India, will be a key centre for research and development, focusing on ground-breaking offerings like Cloud Rewind and Cleanroom Recovery. The Coimbatore facility will also serve as an innovation hub for engineering and technical talent, focusing on supporting regulatory compliance and AI advancements. The innovations will ultimately be utilized by customers across a wide array of verticals from banking, financial services, and healthcare, to public services and manufacturing. The facility’s launch follows a string of innovations from Commvault, including its recent acquisition of Apprenix, a leader in cloud-native rebuild resilience. The talented engineering team from Appranix, now integrated into Commvault’s R&D organization, will leverage this new hub to drive advancements in cloud-native application recovery and resilience. With Appranix’s expertise, Commvault is already equipping enterprises to swiftly rebuild cloud applications following outages or attacks with solutions like Cloud Rewind™, now available on the Commvault Cloud platform. This unique offering, which integrates cloud-native distributed application recovery and rebuild capabilities from the Appranix acquisition, gives cloud-first organizations a secret weapon to transform their cyber resilience strategies. Rajesh Nambiar, President Designate, nasscom, remarked, “Commvault’s expansion into Coimbatore is a testament to India’s evolving tech landscape and the country’s role as a global innovation hub. Coimbatore’s growing reputation as a technology centre, coupled with the availability of top-tier talent, makes it an ideal location for such a cutting-edge facility. We are excited to see how Commvault will continue to innovate and contribute to the future of cyber resiliency, especially in India.” Speaking about the new centre, Sarv Saravanan, Chief Customer Officer at Commvault, stated, “The Coimbatore facility marks a major step in expanding Commvault’s global R&D footprint. Our goal is to harness the city’s outstanding talent to drive high-end cloud engineering capabilities, empowering our customers to be resilient against escalating and rampant cyber attacks, and rapidly rebuild, reconstruct, and recover when the inevitable happens.” Ramesh Kalanje, Vice President, Centre of Excellence at Commvault, stated, “Culture and collaboration have been the cornerstone of Commvault’s success, and with the launch of our new facility in Coimbatore, we will continue to enhance our commitment to empowering customers to operate in a state of continuous business.”

PAN Card Misuse: Government Plans To Take Strict Actions Against Companies

The Ministry of Home Affairs has called for action against unauthorized use of personal data across various platforms. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) to crack down on all forms of unauthorized use of personal data of Indian citizens across multiple platforms. Driving the news: The Income Tax department has been directed by I4C to stop unauthorised database access, targeting fintech companies’ data harvesting practices. Why it matters: Fintech and loan companies have been using PAN numbers to: Pull customer details including addresses Access phone numbers Obtain full names Build customer profiles Cross-sell products like personal loans But why: The Union government wants every unauthorized access to the system database to be restricted in the event of the notification of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Act will bring in strict checks on who can access citizens’ data and for what purpose. To tighten its systems, the government is taking up this move. Industry disruption: The fintech industry, which used technology to streamline processes like credit underwriting, data gathering, and similar services, is finding many such avenues getting shut. Recently, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) asked banks to shut down any unauthorized access to the UPI database.

Cyber Attack Warning As Hackers Use AI And Gmail In New Campaign

Unlike the deepfake AI-generated cyber attack that so nearly compromised a Gmail account user by impersonating Google support, the newly uncovered CopyRh(right) adamant campaign is simultaneously more sophisticated and a lot simpler. Let’s deal with that overly complicated name first: this cyber attack, described as a large-scale phishing campaign by Check Point Software researchers, uses a newly discovered variant of the Rhadamanthys information stealer malware. The attack also uses a false premise of the victim being responsible for copyright infringement violations. The conflation of these two things giving us that awful, pun-laden, CopyRh(right)adamantly label. The Check Point team has been tracking multiple threat actors utilizing Rhadamanthys information stealer malware, including an Iranian group operating in Israel called Void Manticore and Handala, a hacktivist group linked to it. A new large-scale phishing operation targeting both individuals and organizations. Rather than a political or nation-state agenda, the Check Point analysis suggests the motivation is purely financial and carried out by a criminal cybercrime operative. Gmail and AI at the Heart of New Cyber Attack The Check Point report reveals that the cyber attackers in question are using dedicated Gmail accounts, created solely to distribute emails that impersonate legitimate organizations to claim copyright violations on social media accounts, primarily Facebook. “Using falsified Gmail accounts sending emails from these well-known companies,” Check Point said, “the email addresses and language are customized per each target to inform the victim of their supposed copywriting violation.” It should come as no surprise that AI capabilities have been leveraged as part of this new cyber-attack campaign. However, according to the researchers, these capabilities are limited to older optical character recognition models which are using AI automation “to create customized emails and multiple Gmail accounts per target.” Sergey Shykevich, threat intelligence group manager at Check Point Software, said that the discovery of the CopyRh(right)”Adamantys”cyber-attack campaign reveals not only the evolving sophistication of cyber threats but also “highlights how cybercriminals are leveraging AI for marketing purposes and use automation to enhance their reach and operational scale. For security leaders.” As such, Shykevich concluded, “it’s a wake-up call to prioritize automation and AI in defense strategies to counteract these globally scaled, financially motivated phishing campaigns.”