Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [10.08.2024]: 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. TN police issue warning about cyber enslavement scam
Tamil Nadu cybercrime police warn against fake overseas job offers leading to cyber slavery. Victims are lured to Southeast Asia on tourist visas, then coerced into digital scams after their passports are confiscated. Over 39,000 Indians, including 1,285 from Tamil Nadu, remain unreturned. Authorities urge caution and reporting of suspicious activities.
2. India brings back over 1,600 citizens from Southeast Asia amid concerns of cyber trafficking
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha that the government has repatriated over 1,600 Indians from Southeast Asia due to cyber trafficking concerns. He emphasized strict action against illegal recruiting agencies and discussed the issue with Southeast Asian leaders to ensure the rescue and relief of affected Indian nationals.
3. Cybercriminals impersonate IAS officers to scam people in Madhya Pradesh
Cybercriminals in Madhya Pradesh are impersonating IAS officers by creating fake social media and WhatsApp accounts using their names and photos. They send distress messages to colleagues and relatives, requesting money. At least one victim has transferred Rs 25,000. police are investigating the scam and have issued public advisories.
4. Cybercrime alert! Fraudsters siphon off Rs 40 crore from IndusInd Bank to fake accounts
In a cyber heist, fraudsters transferred Rs 40 crore from IndusInd Bank clients to mule accounts. Maharashtra Cyber Crime division swiftly recovered Rs 33 crore, returning it to its rightful owners. The remaining Rs 7 crore is still missing. An FIR is being registered, and the investigation is ongoing.
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5. 70% of cybercrime victims in Telangana are educated
In Telangana, 70% of cybercrime victims are educated, with 56% working in private sectors, including IT. During the “Great AppSec Hackathon-2024,” officials emphasized the need for stronger cybersecurity, citing a recent police hacking incident. Telangana’s proactive measures have refunded Rs 90 crore to victims and frozen Rs 150 crore in fraudulent accounts.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Iranian agents attempting to sway US elections through fake news and cyberattacks, says Microsoft
Microsoft researchers revealed that Iran-linked hackers attempted to breach a high-ranking US presidential campaign official’s account in June as part of broader efforts to influence the upcoming US election. Iranian groups also launched covert AI-driven news sites targeting US voters. Iran denies involvement, claiming its cyber capabilities are defensive.
7. White House developing cyber insurance policy for ‘catastrophic’ incidents
The White House is developing a policy on cyber insurance for catastrophic incidents, working with the Treasury and CISA. The policy, expected by year’s end, aims to manage risk and stabilize insurance markets. The initiative addresses gaps in the insurance market’s ability to respond to major cyber events.
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8. UN approves its first treaty aimed at combating cybercrime
The UN approved its first cybercrime treaty after three years of negotiations. While hailed as a “landmark convention” for combating cybercrime, critics, including human rights activists and tech companies, warn it could enable global surveillance and repression. Despite opposition, the treaty will advance to the General Assembly for adoption.
9. New Android Banking Trojan BingoMod Hijacks Funds and Erases Devices
Researchers have discovered BingoMod, a new Android remote access trojan (RAT) that facilitates fraudulent money transfers and wipes compromised devices to erase evidence. Discovered by Cleafy in May 2024, BingoMod employs real-time screen control, code obfuscation, and phishing techniques, with suspected ties to Romanian-speaking threat actors.
10. Experts discover critical AWS vulnerabilities leading to RCE, data theft, and full-service takeovers
Cybersecurity researchers discovered critical vulnerabilities in Amazon Web Services (AWS) that could lead to remote code execution, data theft, and account takeover. The attack, dubbed “Bucket Monopoly,” exploits a flaw in AWS S3 bucket naming conventions, allowing attackers to gain covert access and escalate privileges. Amazon addressed these issues by mid-2024.