Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Updates – Episode 6

Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 6

Welcome to Visionary Vigilance, where we bring you detailed insights into cybersecurity. This week, we explore 9 critical stories spanning cyber scams, fraud investigations, and vulnerabilities shaping the global digital security landscape. 🌐🔒

🔴 Crime Alert: Cyber Fraud and Scams

🇮🇳 National

1. Cyber Police Kashmir Recovers ₹4.72 Crore; Cracks Down on Fake SIM Scams

The Cyber Police Kashmir Zone achieved a significant milestone by recovering ₹4.72 crore siphoned through fake investment schemes and unregistered SIM cards. 📞💸 Investigators addressed 577 complaints via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP) and 1,700 additional grievances.

The operation dismantled a network of 1,833 fake SIM cards used for various online frauds, alongside retrieving 150 stolen cell phones worth lakhs. Thirty FIRs were filed, and ten cases were charge-sheeted. This reflects a proactive approach to tackling financial cybercrime and safeguarding citizens. Read more

2. WhatsApp Tops Cyber Scam Charts: Over 43,000 Complaints in 2024’s First Quarter

WhatsApp leads cyber fraud platforms, with 43,797 complaints in early 2024. 📱🚨 Telegram followed with 22,680 cases, while Instagram recorded 19,800. The Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted scams exploiting Google Ads services to target victims globally.

Prominent schemes like the “Pig Butchering Scam” lured unemployed individuals, students, and housewives into fake investment offers, often costing them life savings. Officials emphasized stricter ad regulations to curb such fraud. More info

3. 76-Year-Old Retired Engineer Loses ₹2.03 Crore in Online Share Market Scam

A retired engineer in Vashi fell victim to a sophisticated share market fraud, losing ₹2.03 crore. 📊💸 The scammers, posing as investment advisors, added him to a WhatsApp group, “M.Stock 582 Value Investment Portfolio,” and guided him to download a fake app.

The victim was coaxed into transferring funds to multiple accounts for trading purposes. Once the deposits were made, the perpetrators vanished. Navi Mumbai Cyber Police are tracing digital footprints to apprehend the culprits. Read more

4. Cyber Crimes Surge in Bhubaneswar with Over ₹82 Crore Fraud in 2024

Bhubaneswar recorded a staggering ₹82 crore in cyber fraud losses in 2024, with 7,263 complaints filed. 💻🔍 The cases ranged from UPI and card frauds to social media scams and impersonation.

The city’s Cyber Crime and Economic Offence Station froze ₹23.6 crore in suspect accounts, managing to refund ₹2.5 crore to victims. Officials highlight the role of phishing messages and fake calls in deceiving citizens. Full story

5. DRDO Staffer Loses ₹13 Lakhs in Remote Access Cyber Scam

A 57-year-old DRDO staffer in Pune was duped of ₹13 lakh after fraudsters tricked him into downloading a remote access app under the pretense of updating his KYC details. 🕵️‍♂️📱

The scammers siphoned funds using OTPs sent to the victim’s phone. The case, registered at Yerawada Police Station, emphasizes the dangers of unsolicited messages and apps. Details here

6. Cyber Police Question Two Over Manipulated Video Targeting CM Fadnavis

Mumbai Cyber Police questioned two individuals linked to a manipulated video targeting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. 🎥👮‍♂️ The video, traced to a WhatsApp group, aimed to incite unrest.

Devices were seized, and an FIR was filed under multiple sections of the IT Act and Indian Penal Code. Authorities continue to track the video’s origin. More info

7. Cyber Scamsters Target PM-KUSUM Applicants

Fraudsters posing as officials from Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) scammed farmers applying for solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. 🌞💰 Using fake social media accounts, they coerced victims into transferring money.

Farmers reported losses despite warnings from KREDL about these scams. Officials stress verifying credentials before financial dealings. Full story

🌍 International

8. Iranian and Russian Entities Sanctioned Over Election Interference Using AI

U.S. sanctions targeted Iranian and Russian entities for attempting to influence the 2024 Presidential Election through AI-driven disinformation. 🌍🔒 Allegations include creating divisive campaigns to undermine voter trust.

This case underscores the role of AI in geopolitical cyber tactics, with calls for stricter international monitoring of such technologies. Details here

9. Angular Expressions Vulnerability Enables Full System Control

A critical flaw in Angular Expressions (CVE-2024-54152) allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. 🔐💻 With a severity score of 9.3, users are urged to update to version 1.4.3 to mitigate risks.

The vulnerability highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and timely updates in software frameworks. Read more

This digest highlights the growing scale and complexity of cyber threats, from local scams preying on individuals to international cyber interference. Vigilance and proactive measures remain the key to combating these evolving challenges.

Join us for more crucial updates. Until then, stay informed and cyber-secured with Visionary Bose! 🌍🔒

- Shivam Dharpure

Founder & Director

Visionary Bose Pvt. Ltd.