Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [09.06.2024]: 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. Cyber Deception: American Citizen Gives Online Testimony
An 82-year-old US citizen testified online to the Bankshall Court in Kolkata about losing thousands to a Kolkata-based cyber fraud gang. Following an FBI tip-off via Interpol, Lalbazar’s cybercrime police arrested two suspects. This marks the third such online testimony by US citizens since 2023.
2. Guwahati Resident Scammed Out of Over a Crore in Online Investment Scheme
The victim, deceived into investing in fake Morgan Stanley shares, reported the fraud to the cybercrime portal and Cyber Police Station in Panbazar. The Cyber PS team recovered Rs 28.62 lakh, returning Rs 22.5 lakh to the victim on June 6. The criminals had already moved significant funds through various accounts.
3. Kozhikode Cyber Police Detain Suspect in Online Trading Scam
Kozhikode City cyber police arrested Sufiyan Kabeer from Tamil Nadu for a Rs 67 lakh online trading fraud after a two-year investigation. Kabeer used social media to gain an investor’s trust, promising high returns. He illegally accessed the investor’s bank account to transfer the investments to his trading accounts.
4. Online Scam: Businessman Loses Rs 3.7 Lakhs
A Gadag businessman, Anil Mallappa Chinnapur, lost Rs 3.7 lakh after clicking a fraudulent WhatsApp link. A caller posing as a bank official claimed there were dues on his account, leading to the deduction of the amount in four transactions. Gadag Extension police traced the funds to accounts in Tamil Nadu and Bangladesh.
Also read: IIMT and FCRF Launch Digital Forensic and Incident Response (DFIR) Internship Program. Apply Now!
5. New UPI Scam: Fraudsters Send You ‘Rs 200.00’ and Request Return of Rs 20,000; Tips to Protect Against UPI Overpayment Scam
UPI frauds are rising in India, with digital payment scams increasing to 36,075 in FY 2023–24. Scammers trick victims by sending small amounts, then urgently requesting larger returns, as in a real-life case where a user nearly lost Rs 20,000. Experts advise double-checking requests, verifying details, and not rushing transactions.
INTERNATIONAL
6. New Cyber Underwriting Platform Launched in Asia
Lexasure Financial Group and OneDegree are launching Reinsurance-as-a-Service (RAAS), a digital cyber insurance platform for insurers. It features instant risk assessment and policy issuance within 10 minutes for SMEs. CEOs Ian Lim and Michelle Ip emphasize the increasing cyber threats and the need for adequate cyber insurance in Asia.
7. Hundreds of Cancer Patients Affected by NHS Cyberattack, Thousands of Appointments Cancelled
A major cyberattack on NHS hospitals in London by Russian hackers disrupted cancer and emergency treatments, causing over 200 cancellations, including critical operations. The ransomware attack on pathology services provider Synnovis halted thousands of tests daily. The disruption could last weeks or months, affecting multiple hospitals and GP services.
ALSO READ: New ‘Jugaad’ to Boost Your 10th and 12th Marks? UP Board Warns Against Cyber Fraud
8. Government Websites Attacked Day Before Elections, Pro-Russian Hackers Suspected
Pro-Russian hacking groups attempted to crash several Irish government websites, including Voter.ie, via a coordinated cyberattack. The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) identified four groups responsible. The attacks caused minimal disruption due to preparedness, and the sites were restored. No viruses or ransomware were involved.
9. North Korean Kimsuky APT: Leveraging Facebook and MS Console for Targeted Attacks
North Korean Kimsuky APT exploited Facebook and MS Console, targeting human rights activists with fake Facebook accounts and malicious OneDrive links. Using advanced tactics, including trojanized .msc files and decoy documents, they bypassed malware scanners. Collaborative efforts between Korea’s KISA and U.S. experts revealed and countered these sophisticated cyberattacks.
10. AFP Warns Online Users About Remote Access Trojans (RATs) Cyber Threat
An Australian man charged with developing and selling RAT ‘Firebird’; AFP warns of increasing RAT exploitation globally. Cyber hygiene was emphasized; old software vulnerabilities were targeted. Geelong man sentenced for Orcus RAT offenses; mods for popular games embedded with RATs detected and removed. Malta Police arrest Maltese national for ‘Warzone’ RAT distribution. RAT offenses carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment.