Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [03.09.2024]: 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. ED Investigation Exposes Rs 25 Crore Cyber Investment Scheme: Details Revealed
The Enforcement Directorate arrested four individuals, including one from Bengaluru, for defrauding investors in a Rs 25 crore cyber investment scam. The gang lured victims via social media into downloading fake apps to invest in stocks. Several victims, including a woman in Faridabad and a businessman in Noida, lost crores.

2. Woman Scammed Out of Rs 1.47 Lakh in Online Fraud
A 55-year-old resident of Panchkula, Triveni, lost Rs 1.47 lakh in a cyber fraud after clicking a link in a text message. She provided her banking details, leading to two unauthorized transactions. Despite her attempts to block the transactions, the money was debited. Police have registered a case.

ALSO READ: Join The Movement: Registration Open for ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Event by FCRF on October 17

3. Warangal Police Uncover Rs 15 Crore Cyber Scheme, Two Arrested
Warangal Police arrested a couple, Jaseel and Preethi from Tamil Nadu, for orchestrating a Rs 15 crore cyber fraud. They lured victims into investing in fake apps with promises of high returns. The couple confessed to committing 150 crimes across India. Police seized multiple fraudulent items and frozen their accounts.

4. Jharkhand CID Detains Tamil Nadu Resident for Online Fraud
Jharkhand CID arrested a man from Tamil Nadu for his involvement in an Rs 80 lakh online investment scam. The victim, lured by a social media group, lost the amount after investing in a fraudulent scheme. The accused was brought to Ranchi on transit remand and jailed.

5. Businessman Defrauded of Rs 45,000 in Loan Scam
A businessman in Rajkot, Bimal Thakrar, lost Rs 45,979 after responding to a Facebook advertisement promising quick loans. He paid processing fees for loans that were never sanctioned. After realizing it was a scam, he filed a complaint with the Cybercrime police in Devbhumi Dwarka.

INTERNATIONAL

6. Transport for London Reports Active Cybersecurity Incident
Transport for London is handling an ongoing cyberattack that hasn’t impacted services or compromised customer data. The agency is collaborating with government bodies to contain the threat. TfL previously faced a ransomware attack in 2023, affecting one of its suppliers but not its own systems.

7. Critical Infrastructure Faced 13 Cyber Attacks Per Second in 2023
Over 420 million cyberattacks targeted critical infrastructure globally between January 2023 and January 2024, a 30% rise. Power grids, transportation, and communications are at high risk, especially due to the war in Ukraine. The U.S. and European power grids are among the most vulnerable to these increasing threats.

ALSO READ: Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) and Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), NABARD Join Forces to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Rural Banking

8. Air Force Revamping HQ-Level Intelligence, Cyber Division
The U.S. Air Force is restructuring its headquarters to separate its Intelligence (A2) and Cyber (A6) units, appointing a three-star general to lead the newly focused cyber division. This change aims to enhance specialized focus on cyber issues, aligning with the Air Force’s broader force structure changes.

9. New Voldemort Malware Utilizes Google Sheets for Data Theft
Cybercriminals used Google Sheets to store stolen data and execute commands, deploying custom malware named ‘Voldemort.’ The attack targeted over 70 organizations, leveraging Google’s trusted infrastructure for command and control. The malware included backdoor access and further malicious payloads, making detection challenging for cybersecurity researchers.

10. Oil Major Halliburton Experiences Partial Shutdown After Cyberattack
Halliburton experienced a significant cyberattack on August 21, 2024, affecting global connectivity and operations at its Houston campus. The oil giant activated its cybersecurity response, involving external experts. Later reports confirmed ransomware involvement, specifically RansomHub, though the full impact on the company remains unclear.