Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [12.07.2024]: 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. Cybercriminals target Bihar’s Health Department, Additional Chief Secretary
Cybercriminals targeted Bihar’s Health Department Additional Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit by creating a fake social media account and seeking money from his juniors. The Bihar Police’s Economic Offences Unit registered an FIR and is investigating. Post-pandemic cybercrime has surged, prompting Bihar Police to establish 44 dedicated cyber police stations and train 25,000 officers.
2. Bidhannagar Police files Bengal’s first BNS cyber scam case
Bidhannagar Police filed Bengal’s first cyber fraud case under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), on July 1. The case includes criminal breach of trust with enhanced penalties. A lawyer lost Rs 1,03,500 to cyber fraudsters via an Android app, prompting the FIR on July 5.
3. Victims lose Rs 20 lakh in three separate cybercrime incidents in Pune
Chatushrungi police filed three cyber fraud cases on June 10, with victims losing nearly Rs 20 lakh. A 35-year-old was scammed by a fake share trading platform, an 80-year-old by an imposter from a gas utility, and a 26-year-old by fraudsters posing as National Crime Records bureau officials.
4. cyber fraudster pretends to be bank employee and deceives former chief secretary
A cyber fraudster withdrew $383 (INR 32,000) from former chief secretary Alok Ranjan’s credit card after posing as an SBI employee and claiming an outstanding bill. Ranjan, who received a transaction alert, blocked his card and filed a case at Gomtinagar police station. The scam call occurred on July 8.
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5. FedEx call scam: 3 arrested for converting cyber fraud money into cryptocurrency and transferring it to China
Mumbai Police arrested three men for converting cybercriminals’ money into cryptocurrency and sending it to handlers in China. The scammers, posing as FedEx employees, extorted money by threatening victims with false narcotics charges. The suspects laundered Rs 65.10 lakh, with Rs 13.50 lakh recovered. The operation involved two teams for extortion and laundering.
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6. SEC’s Multifaceted Accounting Regulation Tested by Cybersecurity Breach Allegations
The SEC’s application of an old accounting rule to cybersecurity breaches, highlighted by R.R. Donnelley’s $2.1 million settlement for inadequate internal controls post-2021 ransomware attack, raises concerns. Critics argue the SEC is overextending its reach. A federal court’s upcoming decision on SolarWinds’ similar charges may provide clarity.
7. Australia to trial ‘long overdue’ cyber threat-sharing network for healthcare
The Australian government is launching a $4.2 million Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (ISAC) for the healthcare sector to combat cyber threats. This initiative follows increased cyberattacks on healthcare providers. Applications for development grants are open until July 23. The ISAC has been successful in the banking sector.
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8. Inside Israel’s cybersecurity operations
Israel’s Cyber Emergency Response Team (Il-CERT) in Be’er Sheva leads cybersecurity operations, handling incidents via a 119 hotline. The team, now expanded to 120 members, combats increased cyber threats, particularly from Iran. Critical infrastructure must report breaches, while others receive voluntary support. The Cyber Dome project aims to enhance defenses with AI and big data.
9. Cyberattacks affect Florida’s Department of Health and Department of Juvenile Justice
Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice and Department of Health face prolonged network outages from cyberattacks. The Juvenile Justice system remains compromised after months, while the Vital Statistics System outage disrupts death certificate processing, impacting funerals and financial transactions. Officials are coordinating with law enforcement and implementing offline procedures.
10. CISA warns of hackers exploiting OS command injection vulnerabilities
CISA and FBI warn of ongoing exploitation of OS command injection vulnerabilities in network edge devices. Urging a “secure by design” approach, they highlight recent critical vulnerabilities and recommend safe coding practices, threat modeling, and rigorous testing to prevent unauthorized access and system compromise.