Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 9

Visionary Vigilance: Cybersecurity Weekly Digest – Episode 9

Welcome to Visionary Vigilance, where we bring you the latest and most critical updates in cybersecurity. This week’s edition covers 9 impactful stories focusing on national crackdowns, emerging scams, and global efforts to tackle cyber threats. 🌐🔒

🔴 National News: Crime Alerts and Cybersecurity Updates

1. Fake Call Centre Busted in Gurugram for Herbal Medicine Scam

The Gurugram police successfully dismantled a fake call centre in Dundahera village, which was duping victims by selling "herbal medicines" under the guise of treating sexual health issues. Eleven individuals, including four women, were arrested during the raid. The police recovered laptops, mobile phones, and a stockpile of fake medicines. 💊📞

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime), Priyanshu Diwan, disclosed that the suspects posed as health consultants to gain victims’ trust. They used fake identities and websites to target vulnerable individuals, convincing them to purchase the so-called remedies.

The case was registered under Sections 318, 319, 612 of the BNS, and Section 66-D of the IT Act. The police have intensified their investigations to identify additional operatives involved. Citizens are urged to verify the legitimacy of online health services before making payments.

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2. Four Arrested in Kandivali for Aiding ₹32 Lakh Cyber Fraud

The North Cyber Police in Mumbai arrested four individuals for providing bank accounts to scammers who defrauded a Kandivali resident of ₹32 lakh. The scammers trapped the victim by placing him under a "digital arrest," alleging his involvement in money laundering. 🚔💳

The arrested individuals were identified as Gangavihan Bhoju, Vikas Bishnoi, Premsukh Bishnoi, and Ramniwas Bishnoi. These intermediaries provided mule accounts to scammers, allowing them to siphon off the money seamlessly. The suspects are in police custody, and further investigations are ongoing to identify the masterminds behind the fraud.

Authorities emphasize the importance of awareness about digital fraud tactics and advise citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.

Details here

3. AIIMS Issues Advisory Against Rising Phishing Attacks

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, issued a critical advisory following a surge in phishing attacks targeting staff and patients. These phishing emails, masquerading as legitimate communications from government departments or AIIMS faculty, aimed to extract sensitive information and facilitate fraud. 🏥✉️

AIIMS warned that many of these emails contained subtle alterations in email addresses, spelling errors, and poor formatting. Recipients were urged to verify the authenticity of emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links. The advisory highlighted the importance of directly confirming communications before undertaking financial transactions or sharing personal information.

This initiative underscores the need for robust cyber hygiene, particularly in healthcare institutions handling sensitive data.

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4. Senior Citizen Loses ₹9.3 Lakh in Indore FD Scam

A senior citizen in Indore fell victim to a cyber scam involving a fraudulent fixed deposit (FD) offer. The victim searched for customer care numbers online and unknowingly contacted a fraudster posing as a bank official. The scammer convinced him to download a malicious app and enter sensitive banking details. 💸📱

Over two days, the fraudster siphoned ₹4.5 lakh and ₹4.8 lakh from the victim’s bank accounts. The case highlights the risks associated with searching for financial services online without verifying sources. The police have registered a case and are investigating to trace the culprits.

Authorities advise citizens to access official banking services through verified channels and avoid sharing sensitive details with unverified individuals.

Details here

5. Maha Kumbh Pilgrims Warned About Fraudulent Websites

As the Maha Kumbh approaches, the Pimpri Chinchwad Cyber Crime Police issued an advisory warning pilgrims about fraudulent websites offering fake bookings and seeking donations. These platforms exploit the faith of devotees, using malicious links to access users’ devices or steal funds. 🌊🌐

The advisory, supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs’ I4C unit, urged people to use official channels for bookings and donations. Police emphasized the need to report suspicious websites and avoid clicking on unverified links. This initiative aims to safeguard the millions of pilgrims expected to attend the event.

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6. Punjab Police Arrest Four in Anaaj Kharid Portal MSP Fraud

Punjab’s State Cybercrime Division arrested four individuals for manipulating the Anaaj Kharid portal to divert Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments meant for farmers. The accused replaced farmers’ contact and bank details with their own to intercept payments. 🌾💻

The suspects, identified as Manish, Jasvir Singh, Angrej Singh, and Balwinder Singh, used sophisticated methods to commit the fraud. Digital devices and routers were recovered during the operation. Police are conducting a statewide investigation to identify other accomplices and recover stolen funds.

Farmers are advised to regularly check their bank accounts and report any discrepancies promptly.

Details here

7. MP Anti-Terrorist Squad Hands Over Cybercrime Suspects

The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) handed over three suspects involved in a cybercrime linked to terror financing to the state Cyber Police. This follows the tragic death of another suspect, Himanshu, who fell from a hotel balcony in Gurugram while attempting to escape custody. 🛡️🏨

The ATS initially arrested four individuals in Sohna for their alleged role in laundering money through cyber fraud. The case has raised questions about the links between cybercrime and national security. The suspects are under investigation to uncover the full extent of their network.

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🌍 International News: Cybersecurity Measures and Threats

8. Thailand’s Cyber Resilience Strategy Blocks 52,691 Websites

Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) reported a significant crackdown on cybercrime, blocking 52,691 illegal websites and social media pages between October and December 2024. The platforms targeted included those promoting online gambling, fraud, and misinformation. 🇹🇭🌐

The initiative, led by Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra, reflects Thailand’s commitment to combating digital threats. The government’s proactive measures have reduced the risk of financial and reputational harm to its citizens.

Details here

9. Japan Faces Prolonged Cyber-Attacks Linked to China’s MirrorFace

Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) attributed ongoing cyber-attacks targeting government agencies and private firms to the Chinese-linked group MirrorFace. Using advanced malware techniques, the attackers aimed to steal sensitive data related to national security and advanced technologies. 🖥️🇯🇵

Authorities have recorded over 200 incidents since 2019 and are urging increased vigilance to counter such sophisticated threats. Cybersecurity experts recommend adopting multi-layered defenses to protect critical infrastructure.

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🌐 Closing Thoughts

Episode 9 highlights the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of coordinated efforts to tackle these challenges. From local scams preying on individuals to international incidents impacting national security, staying informed and vigilant is crucial.

Join us next week for more updates, and until then, stay cyber-secured with Visionary Bose! 🌍🔒

By : Shivam Dharpure

Founder & Director

Visionary Bose Pvt. Ltd.