Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [21.09.2024]: 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. Cybersecurity Researcher Claims Star Health Insurance Official Sold Data of 31 Million Customers
A cybersecurity researcher claimed a Star Health official sold the personal data of over 3.1 crore customers. The hacker published sample data and email exchanges, revealing a deal for USD 150,000. Star Health has alerted customers and filed a police complaint.
2. Octogenarian Falls Victim to Cyber Fraud, Loses Rs 2.8 Crore
An 85-year-old man was scammed out of Rs 2.8 crore after receiving calls from fraudsters posing as CBI officials. Under pressure, he transferred the money before consulting his family, leading to a police investigation.
ALSO READ: Join The Movement: Registration Open for ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ Event by FCRF on October 17
3. Seven Cheated Out of Rs 69 Lakh in Separate Cyber Fraud Incidents
Cybercriminals posing as legal authorities and investment advisors conned seven people in Nashik out of Rs 69 lakh. A 59-year-old woman transferred Rs 23 lakh, while five others lost Rs 46 lakh in fraudulent investments.
4. Woman Bank Employee Arrested for Assisting Cyber Criminals
Vadodara police arrested bank employee Khushbu Mishra for assisting cybercriminals by opening fraudulent bank accounts without verification. The criminals used these accounts to siphon off crores of rupees. Investigations continue to identify additional accounts.
5. Rishikesh: Cyber Fraudsters Dupe Man of Over Rs 52 Lakh
A 67-year-old man in Rishikesh lost Rs 52.5 lakh after being pressured by fraudsters claiming an FIR was lodged against him. The conmen possibly cloned his phone or manipulated him to transfer the funds. Police are investigating.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Ukraine Bans Telegram on Government Devices Due to Russian Security Concerns
Ukraine bans Telegram on state-issued devices for government, military, and critical infrastructure workers, citing security risks. Russia allegedly uses the app for cyberattacks, phishing, and missile strikes. Telegram remains allowed for personal use and official public communication, including by President Zelenskyy.
7. Schools Targeted by Hackers in Cyber Attack
A cyber attack on Lancashire schools through ransomware hit 10 academies, impacting IT systems and phone lines. Fylde Coast Academy Trust received government support but expects weeks of recovery. Schools have switched to non-IT processes as restoration progresses with resilience from staff and pupils.
ALSO READ: Don’t Miss FCRF’s Round Table on CryptoCrime, Regulation, and Blockchain Forensics on September 23
8. Türkiye Foils Over 400 Cyber Attacks Daily, Says Minister
Türkiye prevents over 400 cyberattacks daily, according to Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Türkiye’s cybersecurity team (USOM) blocks 11 million malicious access attempts per day, securing critical infrastructure. Collaboration with telecoms enhances protection, and Turkish defense uses only local systems. Uraloğlu stresses national cybersecurity’s strategic importance amid rising global cyber threats.
9. Iranian APT Group UNC1860 Linked to MOIS Engages in Cyber Espionage in the Middle East
An Iranian APT group, UNC1860, linked to the Ministry of Intelligence, facilitates network access for cyberattacks. UNC1860 has sophisticated backdoors and tools targeting government and telecom networks. It’s associated with past attacks in Albania and Israel, using wipers like ROADSWEEP. The group’s diverse toolkit supports persistent, covert access to victim networks.
10. Europol Dismantles Major Phishing Scheme Targeting Mobile Phone Credentials
Law enforcement dismantled the Ghost encrypted network, used by criminals for drug trafficking and money laundering. The platform allowed secure communications with self-destructing messages. Australia’s AFP infiltrated Ghost, leading to 51 arrests and the seizure of drugs, weapons, and cash. Ghost’s administrator, Jay Je Yoon Jung, was apprehended in Sydney.