Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [28.12.2024]: 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. SAIL Employee Duped of Rs 23 Lakh; Two Cyber Fraudsters Arrested in Rajasthan
The Rourkela Cyber Crime police arrested two Rajasthan-based cybercriminals for duping a SAIL employee of Rs 23 lakh. The gang tricked the victim with a fake narcotics parcel claim and threats of “digital arrest.” Investigations revealed 41 similar cybercrimes nationwide, with eight other gang members still at large.
2. Police Nab MBBS Student for Laundering Cyber Fraud Money to Chinese Gang via Cryptocurrency
Indore police arrested a 23-year-old MBBS student, for laundering Rs 8 lakh from cyber fraud into cryptocurrency and transferring it to a Chinese gang. The accused used Binance and Telegram to facilitate transactions. Authorities are probing the gang’s operations in India and have sought information from Telegram and Binance.
ALSO READ: Excellence Awards Honoring Fraud Risk Management Professionals – [Nominate for Fraud Risk Award]
3. Varanasi Cyber Police Bust Rs 98 Lakh Fraud, Arrest Mastermind Linked to Chinese Scam Network
Varanasi cyber police arrested Nizam Ahmed, mastermind of an international fraud syndicate linked to a Chinese gang. Posing as TRAI and CBI officials, the gang digitally “arrested” victims, extorting money. The racket came to light after a victim lost Rs 98 lakh. Eleven individuals have been arrested in the case.
4. Nagpur Loses Rs 50 Crore to Cyber Frauds in One Year; Gullible Residents Targeted
Nagpur residents lost Rs 50 crore to cybercrimes in 2024, with Rs 30 crore recovered and Rs 3.7 crore returned to victims, according to the cyber cell. DCP credited the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for aiding recovery but highlighted challenges like VPNs and fake identities. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant.
ALSO READ : Honoring Excellence in Cyber Forensics and OSINT Innovation – [Nominations for FCRF Excellence Awards]
5. 81-Year-Old Man Scammed of Rs 9 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud in Hyderabad
An 81-year-old Gachibowli resident lost Rs 9 crore after cybercriminals, posing as CBI officers, kept him under “digital arrest” for 21 days. Using threats and fake identities, the scammers coerced him into transferring funds under the guise of an investigation. Hyderabad cybercrime police are investigating the case following his complaint.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Biden Administration Proposes Cybersecurity Updates to Tackle Healthcare Data Breaches
The Biden administration announced updates to healthcare cybersecurity rules under HIPAA to combat rising data breaches, affecting 167 million Americans in 2023. Measures include encrypting patient data and enhancing protections against hacking and ransomware. Officials also seek bipartisan FCC support for stricter cybersecurity compliance following the China-linked Salt Typhoon breach.
7. Hackers Leak Second Batch of Stolen Cisco Data
Hackers released a second batch of stolen Cisco data, claiming it includes 4.84 GB of sensitive files, such as source code and network configurations, from an exposed DevHub resource. Cisco denies server breaches but confirms the data aligns with an October 2024 incident. IntelBroker, the hacker, has a history of high-profile breaches.
ALSO READ : Nominations Open for FCRF Excellence Awards in Cyber Policing: Click Here for Details – [Nominate for Cyber Policing Award]
8. North Korean Hackers Use OtterCookie Malware in Targeted Interview Scams
North Korean hackers behind the “Contagious Interview” campaign are deploying OtterCookie malware, which steals data and cryptocurrency keys. Using job-related lures and malware-laced apps, they target victims globally. South Korea sanctioned 15 individuals and an IT company tied to North Korea’s efforts to fund missile and nuclear programs through illegal cyber activities.
9. Cloud Atlas Launches VBCloud Malware, 80% of Targets Located in Russia
The Cloud Atlas group, active since 2014, is deploying VBCloud malware via phishing emails exploiting Equation Editor vulnerabilities. Targets, mostly in Russia, face data theft and system infiltration. VBCloud uses public cloud storage for C2 communication, harvesting system metadata, documents, and Telegram files while installing PowerShower for deeper network infiltration.
10. Microsoft Faces New Issue in Windows 11 24H2 Update
Windows 11 24H2 faces a new issue where systems installed via media with October or November 2024 updates may stop receiving security patches. Microsoft advises using media with the December 2024 update or later. The issue adds to a growing list of bugs, frustrating users eager for stable updates.