Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [19.07.2024]: 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. Beware of fraudulent banking applications: Cyber police
Nagpur cyber police warned against fake bank apps sent via WhatsApp from unknown sources. Union Bank of India customers were scammed after downloading APK files, leading to money theft as criminals accessed their bank details. Victims are advised to contact the bank’s toll-free number or cyber cops to report.
2. Indian crypto exchange WazirX reveals $230 million stolen in cyber breach
India-based cryptocurrency platform WazirX reported a $230 million theft on Wednesday night. Blockchain security firms observed the funds being siphoned before the platform shut down withdrawals. WazirX is investigating and working to recover the stolen assets. The hack is suspected to be linked to North Korean hackers.
3. Cyber Cell recovers Rs 3 lakh from online scam
The Cyber Cell of Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered Rs 3 lakh for a victim of an online fraud. The victim lost the money after following instructions to upgrade their SIM card via an app. The Cyber Cell acted quickly and is continuing the investigation.
4. ‘Police’ calling from Mumbai, Delhi: Kolkata Police arrest 4 from 3 states
Kolkata Police arrested four individuals from Punjab, UP, and Rajasthan for cyber fraud involving ‘digital arrests’ and online investment scams. The fraudsters posed as officials from agencies like NCB and CBI. The arrests, based on inputs from I4C and DoT, aim to combat such spoof calls and extortion schemes.
ALSO READ: WazirX Reports Rs 1900 Crore in Suspicious Withdrawals Following Security Breach
5. Union Budget 2024: Cybersecurity sector calls for enhanced digital security measures for Developed India
India’s cybersecurity sector anticipates the Union Budget will boost digital safety funding due to AI’s rise. Innefu Labs CEO Tarun Wig and FCRF’s Shashank Shekhar emphasize government support for AI and ML to combat cyber crimes and enhance defense. The government previously allocated Rs 1 lakh crore for tech R&D.
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6. Russian pair admit to cyber heist resulting in $500 million ransom payments
Two Russian nationals, Ruslan Magomedovich Astamirov and Mikhail Vasiliev, pleaded guilty to their roles in deploying LockBit ransomware, which extorted over $500 million from 2,500 victims globally. The US and UK have disrupted LockBit operations, arrested members, and seized assets. The men face charges in a New Jersey federal court.
7. Hacker imprisoned after cyber attacks on Jobcentre
Amar Tagore, a 21-year-old cybersecurity student, was jailed for 21 months for creating malware that disrupted government websites, including a Jobcentre site in Essex. He made £45,000 selling the software for DDoS attacks. Police traced the malware to Tagore, leading to his conviction for computer misuse and proceeds of crime offenses.
ALSO READ: Unpaid Traffic Challan? Don’t Click This App Link – It Could Cost Bankrupt You!
8. increase in sharing of explicit images raises cyber-abuse concerns
Researchers at Kaspersky warn that the normalization of sharing intimate images in the UK heightens online abuse risks, particularly for 16- to 34-year-olds. A study found significant rates of image sharing and subsequent abuse, including “revenge porn.” Experts stress the need for better consent education and online safety awareness to combat this issue.
9. Liverpool FC suspends ticket sales due to cyber incident
Liverpool FC’s ticket sales for the 2024–25 season were halted due to a “sustained, sophisticated bot attack” on their ticketing system. The club had previously described the issue as a “technical problem”. An investigation is underway to determine the cause and scope of the cyber attack.
10. Cyber-attacks targeting local hospitals in Maryland
Maryland has faced numerous cyber-attacks, affecting over 1,000 doctor’s offices, including a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare Provider. Menocal Family Practice, a local medical group, has implemented robust cybersecurity measures, including security risk analysis and encryption, to combat data breaches. Experts emphasize the importance of layered protection and backups.