Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [18.10.2024]: 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. Police Crack Down on Cyber Scam Racket, Arrest Five Individuals
The Visakhapatnam police busted a racket running an illegal payment aggregator, Peace Pay, without RBI approval. In a raid on a flat near AN Beach Hospital, five individuals, including four women, were arrested. Authorities seized financial devices, laptops, TRX hardware, phones, SIM cards, and bank-related items.
2. IndiaAI launches CyberGuard AI: A Cybercrime prevention hackathon
IndiaAI, under MeitY, launched the CyberGuard AI Hackathon to foster AI innovation in cybersecurity and combat rising cybercrime. In collaboration with I4C, the hackathon challenges participants to develop advanced AI models, particularly in Natural Language Processing, to enhance fraud detection and improve cybercrime reporting accuracy on the NCRP platform.
ALSO READ: ‘Cyber Safe Uttar Pradesh’ by FCRF Wraps Up: Experts Unite to Tackle Emerging Digital Threats
3. Tamil Nadu Police Hacks National Cybercrime Reporting Portal in Sting Operation
The Cyber Crime Wing’s cyber patrolling team removed a fake website mimicking the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, registered in Hong Kong. The site scammed users by demanding INR 30,290 as a fake fine. Authorities warned users to verify URLs, highlighting similar frauds like the India Post SMS scam.
4. Tiruppur Police Initiates ‘Operation Zero Crime’ to Safeguard Students from Abuse, Drugs, and Cyber Threats
The Tiruppur City Police has launched “Operation Zero Crime” to safeguard school and college students from sexual abuse, drug addiction, and cybercrime. A core committee and sub-committees have been established to monitor the initiative’s progress, aiming to create a safer environment for students.
ALSO READ: IPS Officer Bhagyashree Navtake Entangled in Rs 1200 Crore Fraud Case, CBI Files Charges
5. Gujarat Police Detain Safia Manzil Building Owner and Sons in Connection with Cybercrime Case
The Gujarat Police arrested Safia Manzil building owner Maqbool and his two sons, Kasif and Maz, for cybercrime. A raid revealed 497 SIM cards, 38 debit cards, Rs 16.95 lakh in cash, and Dubai and Thai currency. They allegedly ran a Hawala racket linked to cryptocurrency fraud, with Rs 100 crore transacted.
INTERNATIONAL
6. Company Hacked After Unknowingly Hiring North Korean Cybercriminal
A company was hacked after unknowingly hiring a North Korean cybercriminal as a remote IT worker. The hacker, who falsified his details, gained access to the firm’s network, stole sensitive data, and demanded a six-figure ransom in cryptocurrency. The firm, based in the UK, US, or Australia, remains unnamed.
7. Instagram Alerts Teens on Cybercrime Dangers with ‘Let’s Talk About Sextortion’ Campaign
Instagram is launching a video campaign warning teens about sextortion, a cybercrime where scammers coerce victims into sharing explicit photos, then blackmail them. The video, targeting users in the US, UK, and Canada, highlights warning signs and directs teens to help. Meta also purged 60,000 sextortion-related accounts.
8. Microsoft Report Highlights Surge in Global Cyberattacks Due to Geopolitical Strains
Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report highlights a surge in cyberattacks, with customers targeted 600 million times daily. Nation-state affiliations with cybercrime gangs, including Russia, Iran, and North Korea, are rising. The report urges public-private cooperation and enhanced cybersecurity measures to combat threats, especially ahead of the U.S. elections.
9. Advisory Warns of Iranian Cyber Threats Targeting Health Care and Critical Infrastructure
A joint advisory from the FBI, CISA, NSA, and international agencies warns of Iranian cyber actors targeting healthcare and critical infrastructure. Since October 2023, they have used brute force methods to compromise accounts and sell access to cybercriminals, increasing the risk of ransomware attacks that threaten patient care.
10. Over 5,000 Arrested and Thousands of Websites Shut Down in Euro Tournament Illegal Gambling Crackdown
Interpol’s SOGA X operation targeted illegal sports gambling during the UEFA 2024 Championship, resulting in over 5,100 arrests and the shutdown of thousands of websites. Authorities recovered more than $59 million and rescued 650 human trafficking victims linked to scam centers. The crackdown highlighted connections between illegal gambling and cybercrime.