Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [06.08.2024]: Click here to Know More
Important global cybercrime news has been curated by Futurecrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.
1. Digital Shakti Center Unveiled by NCW to Address Cyber Crimes Against Women
The National Commission for Women (NCW) and CyberPeace Foundation inaugurated the Digital Shakti Center to combat cyber crimes against women. The center aims to raise awareness, offer technical support, and ensure timely resolution of complaints. The initiative builds on the success of the Digital Shakti campaign launched in 2018.
2. Beware of Fraudulent Income Tax Refund Messages, Warns Cyber Dost
Following the July 31, 2024, ITR filing deadline, Cyber Dost warned taxpayers about income tax refund scams. Fraudsters send fake messages claiming refunds, urging verification through official channels. Over 7.28 crore ITRs were filed, with 72% opting for the new tax regime. Report fraud at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.
3. A senior citizen loses Rs 97 Lakh to cyber-blackmail over five days.
A 74-year-old Pune man lost Rs 97 lakh to cyber fraudsters posing as police officers, who blackmailed him over five days with threats of arrest for alleged crimes. Following an FIR, an investigation was launched. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued advisories about such online blackmail scams by criminals impersonating authorities.
4. The government investigates complaints of Drug Abuse and cybercrime in Auroville
The Ministry of Education received numerous complaints about illegal activities in Auroville, Puducherry, including land encroachment, drug abuse, cyber crimes, and money laundering. Junior Union Education Minister Sukanta Majumdar stated that these complaints have been referred to various probe agencies and the Auroville Foundation for investigation and action.
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5. Man Defrauded of Rs 11L in ‘Naresh Goyal’ Cyber Scam
A 31-year-old Hyderabad resident was scammed out of Rs 11.20 lakh by cyber fraudsters posing as TRAI officials and ‘Mumbai Police.’ They falsely linked him to a money laundering case and coerced him into transferring money. Suspicious after further demands, he informed his family and reported the incident to Hyderabad Cyber Crime police.
INTERNATIONAL
6. White House Announces EC-Council’s $15 Commitment to Boost Cyber Skills
The White House announced EC-Council’s $15 million pledge to enhance U.S. cybersecurity skills, aiming to train over 50,000 students. The initiative offers scholarships and hands-on programs in various cyber domains, addressing the cyber skills gap and supporting numerous educational institutions nationwide to develop a robust cyber workforce.
7. Commvault Cloud Introduces Enhanced Cyber-Resilient Microsoft 365 Backup Storage
Commvault Cloud, built on Microsoft Azure, now offers enhanced cyber resilience with Premium Microsoft 365 Backup Storage. This integrated solution provides comprehensive protection and recovery for Microsoft 365 workloads, simplifies administration, and reduces costs. It enhances cyber resilience, improves recovery times, and offers flexible protection levels for mission-critical data.
ALSO READ: Singapore’s Biggest Scam Bust: How INTERPOL Helped Recover $42 Million in Days
8. ‘Bloody Wolf’ Cyber Attacks Target Kazakh Organizations
Kazakhstan organizations are targeted by “Bloody Wolf,” using STRRAT malware via phishing emails impersonating government agencies. The malware, hosted on a fake government website, exfiltrates data, establishes persistence, and executes additional commands. Attackers leverage JAR files and Pastebin to bypass defenses and evade detection.
9. Cyber Squatter Claims 15 Websites Named After Kamala Harris and Potential Running Mates
Jeremy Green Eche, a cyber squatter, purchased HarrisWalz.com in 2020 and owns over a dozen other Kamala Harris-related domains. He hopes to sell them for $15,000 if Harris picks a running mate like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Eche previously sold ClintonKaine.com for $15,000 to a Trump campaign-linked company.
10. new Android Trojan, “BlankBot,” Steals Financial Data from Turkish Users
Researchers have uncovered BlankBot, a new Android banking trojan targeting Turkish users. Discovered in July 2024, BlankBot steals financial information through keylogging, screen recording, and overlay injections. It uses accessibility services to evade detection and circumvent Android 13’s security features. Google Play Protect blocks known versions of this malware.