Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [17.10.2024]: 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. Tamil Nadu Police Shut Down Fake Cybercrime Reporting Portal
The Tamil Nadu police shut down a fake cybercrime reporting portal hosted from Hong Kong, which was defrauding people by posing as the ‘National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.’ The scammers targeted individuals with warnings that their computers were blocked for viewing pornography, demanding a Rs30,290 penalty payable through the site.
2. Puducherry Cyber Police Receive 30 Extortion Scam Complaints Targeting Students’ Parents
The Puducherry Cyber Police have received 30 complaints of extortion scams targeting parents of students. Scammers, posing as officials from agencies like the CBI, falsely accuse students of serious crimes and demand large sums for their release. Victims have collectively lost up to Rs20 lakhs in this scam.
3. JKP Cyber Cell Recovers Rs1,58,184 in Online Financial Fraud in Kupwara
The J&K Police Cyber Cell in Kupwara successfully resolved multiple online financial fraud cases, recovering Rs1,58,184 for victims. Scams included online job fraud, credit card and SIM update scams, and investment fraud. The police urge vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities via the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
4. Growing Threat of ‘Digital Arrest’ Using Deepfake Alarms Law Enforcement
‘Digital arrest’ scams are rising, with fraudsters using deepfake technology to impersonate law enforcement and pressure victims into compliance. Despite the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita offering some relief, experts highlight gaps in addressing deepfake-related crimes. Stronger cyber laws and international collaboration are urgently needed.
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5. Cybercrime Awareness and IT Act Seminar Conducted
The District Legal Service Authority of West Jaintia Hills, in collaboration with Jowai police, held a cybercrime awareness programme. Speakers stressed caution when using online platforms and encouraged reporting cybercrimes. Participants received tips on protecting personal data, and students were educated on recognizing and avoiding common cyber threats.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Cybercrime Expected to Hit $10 Trillion: Global Experts Tackle AI and Cybersecurity Issues
Cybercrime costs are expected to hit $10 trillion by next year, threatening global infrastructure and security. Experts at the Global Cybersecurity Forum in Riyadh highlighted growing threats from AI and cyberattacks, while Interpol and industry leaders discussed the need for global collaboration to combat cybercrime in healthcare, finance, and beyond.
7. Proposed UN Anti-Cybercrime Treaty Raises Concerns Over Criminalizing Journalism
The UN’s proposed cybercrime treaty, set for potential ratification by 2024, faces criticism for its vague language, which could allow authoritarian regimes to criminalize journalism. Press freedom advocates warn that the treaty may facilitate transnational repression, posing a significant threat to independent journalists in repressive and weak democracies.
8. Cybercrime Syndicates Unfazed by Threat of Prosecution
Law enforcement continues to struggle against cybercriminals who exploit digital vulnerabilities quickly, while investigations and prosecutions can take years. Specialized units face underfunding, resource constraints, and complex cross-border legal hurdles, while cyber gangs thrive with narrow expertise and advanced tools, often outpacing overwhelmed law enforcement agencies globally.
9. Minister Lekhak: New Bill in Progress to Strengthen Law Enforcement Effectiveness
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced plans to draft a new bill to reform the Nepal Police on the occasion of Police Day. He emphasized the need for enhanced legal recognition to improve police welfare and career development while addressing challenges like cybercrime, international terrorism, and natural disaster management.
10. 21-Year-Old Arrested in Ongoing Cybercrime Investigation
A 21-year-old man was arrested by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) in Newbury, Berkshire, as part of a cybercrime investigation. Police confirmed that the arrest is linked to an ongoing inquiry, assuring the public that there is no wider threat, and the man remains in custody.