Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [23.11.2024]: 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. Hyderabad Bank Director Arrested in Investment Fraud Case
Two men from Telangana, including a Hyderabad bank director, were arrested for duping an Ahmedabad victim of Rs 83.56 lakh through fake stock investment schemes. The accused used fraudulent apps and 109 bank accounts to launder money, converting it to USDT for overseas transfers.
2. Massive Crackdown: 17,000 WhatsApp Accounts Blocked in Cybercrime Operation
Indian agencies blocked 17,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to Southeast Asian cybercrime hubs. These accounts, tied to fraudulent call centers, targeted Indian citizens with financial scams. Investigations also revealed connections to human trafficking and coercion into online fraud.
3. Pune IT Engineer Duped of Rs 6.29 Crore in Sophisticated Cyber Scam
A Pune engineer fell victim to a “digital arrest” scam, transferring Rs 6.29 crore after fraudsters posing as CBI officers accused him of money laundering. Fearing legal trouble, the victim followed their instructions until realizing the fraud.
4. 87-Year-Old Loses Rs 24 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud
An 87-year-old man was defrauded of Rs 23.8 lakh in a “digital arrest” scam where conmen impersonated TRAI officials, CBI officers, and even the Chief Justice of India. Scared by false allegations, he shared financial details, leading to the loss of his savings.
5. Fake Firms Set Up to Supply Bank Accounts for Scammers
Police raided a Surat office and arrested six for creating fake company accounts sold to cybercriminals for ₹1 lakh each. Seized items included phones, debit cards, and cheque books linked to fraud. Key accused orchestrated the scheme using fake documents.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Investigating the Worst Telecom Cyber Attack in U.S. History
Chinese hackers, known as Salt Typhoon, targeted US telecoms, including T-Mobile, to spy on law enforcement and high-profile individuals. The breach, described as the worst telecom hack in US history, exploited vulnerabilities to access sensitive communications.
7. Russian Hackers Spread HATVIBE and CHERRYSPY Malware Across Europe and Asia
A Russian-linked group, TAG-110, has been using custom malware (HATVIBE and CHERRYSPY) to target governments, human rights organizations, and educational institutions across Central Asia, East Asia, and Europe for intelligence gathering, in support of Russia’s geopolitical goals.
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8. Microsoft Disrupts Major Cybercrime Operation Involving ONNX
Microsoft seized 240 fraudulent websites linked to cybercriminal Abanoub Nady (MRxC0DER), who sold phishing kits. His operation targeted financial services, using tools like QR code phishing to bypass security measures. Microsoft aims to disrupt cybercriminal infrastructure.
9. Global Cybercrime Networks Dismantled by Microsoft, Meta, and DOJ
Meta, Microsoft, and the US Department of Justice are tackling cybercrime through various actions, including Microsoft’s seizure of 240 fraudulent websites linked to phishing kit sales. The DOJ also shut down PopeyeTools, a marketplace selling stolen financial data and fraud tools.
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10. Over 2,000 Palo Alto Networks Devices Compromised in Active Attack Campaign
Exploited vulnerabilities in Palo Alto Networks’ devices have led to compromises of over 2,000 devices, with malware like web shells and crypto miners deployed. Attacks are escalating, and users are urged to update their firewalls and secure management interfaces.
