Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [07.01.2025]: 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. Chitradurga police’ X account hacked by cyber criminals
Cyber criminals hacked the Chitradurga district police’s X (formerly Twitter) account, posting a Bitcoin advertisement. The account was later restored, and a case was filed. Leading a district-wide cyber awareness campaign, emphasized the need for stronger cybersecurity measures following the incident, which occurred amid ongoing awareness efforts.
2. Retired RSP Officer Duped of Rs 1.4 Lakh in Cyber Scam
A retired Rourkela Steel Plant executive lost Rs 1.4 lakh in a cyber fraud while accessing his mutual fund folio. The scammer, posing as customer support, initiated unauthorized transactions during a video call. Complaints were filed, and police are investigating. The victim seeks justice as police trace the fraudster’s contact.
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3. Cyber Criminal Gang Busted: Made Rs 2 Crores Using Dhani Loan Apps
Cyber criminals duped a Wanaparthy mechanic of Rs 15,710 through a fake Dhani loan app scam. Police investigations led to the arrest of seven individuals linked to a 35-member gang that scammed over 1,000 victims, collecting Rs 2 crore. Authorities seized Rs 4 lakh worth of items and praised officers for cracking the case.
4. Madhya Pradesh Teacher Dies by Suicide After Falling Victim to Cyber Fraud and Threats
A 35-year-old teacher in Madhya Pradesh’s Mauganj died by suicide after cyber fraudsters accused her of sending illegal materials via parcel and threatened her with arrest. The victim, paid Rs 27,500 before taking the extreme step. Police have launched an investigation, highlighting growing concerns over cybercrime’s impact.
5. Two Students Arrested for Involvement in Cyber Fraud
Two Kolkata college students, aged 18 and 19, were arrested for defrauding senior citizens of Rs 10 lakh by posing as bank officials. Operating from a café, they targeted elderly victims to fund a lavish lifestyle. Police traced them through IP addresses, leading to arrests and the seizure of fraud-related items.
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6. Charter, Consolidated, Windstream Allegedly Added to China’s Salt Typhoon Cyber Attack Victim List
The Salt Typhoon cyberattack continues to grow, adding Charter, Consolidated, and Windstream to its victim list. Chinese hackers exploited unpatched Fortinet and Cisco devices, gaining access to telecom networks, including AT&T, impacting over 100,000 routers. Experts warn of China’s shift from espionage to destructive cyber campaigns targeting critical infrastructure.
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7. New PhishWP Plugin on Russian Forum Converts Sites into Phishing Pages
Russian hackers have developed a WordPress plugin, PhishWP, to create fake payment pages mimicking services like Stripe, stealing credit card details and OTPs. SlashNext revealed the plugin transmits data to attackers via Telegram, enabling real-time exploitation. Experts urge using phishing protection tools and vigilance to counter these sophisticated cyber threats.
8. Australia Government Alerts: Return-to-Work Period a Hotspot for Cyber Crimes
Cybercrime spikes during holidays, with ransomware attacks rising 30% in Australia and 70% globally. Every six minutes, a cybercrime is reported, costing small businesses $50,000 and individuals $30,000 on average. Experts urge using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and updating software to stay protected during vulnerable times.
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9. PNP-ACG Issues Warning Against Fraudulent Telegram Accounts
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) has warned the public about a fraudulent Telegram account impersonating the ACG. The account, named “Anti Cyber Crime,” promotes fake investment schemes and requests screenshots of victims’ accounts. PNP-ACG clarified it does not engage in such transactions and urged vigilance.
10. Junta’s Harsh Cybersecurity Law Aims to Silence Online Critics
Myanmar’s junta has enforced a repressive Cybersecurity Law to suppress dissent and control information flow. The law criminalizes VPN use, accessing banned sites, and sharing restricted content. It grants the regime sweeping powers for data access, online surveillance, and arrests, drawing condemnation from rights groups for stifling freedom.