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.A retired educator lost Rs 21 lakh following a click on a WhatsApp hyperlink.
A retired teacher in Annamayya, Andhra Pradesh lost Rs 21 lakh after clicking on a WhatsApp link. Cybercriminals sent links via WhatsApp, hacking accounts to withdraw money. Another victim, a software employee, lost Rs 12 lakh similarly. Meanwhile, Haryana Police halted a Rs 30 lakh transaction linked to a gaming company cyber fraud. The rise in cyber fraud prompted the establishment of 29 cyber police stations in Haryana, handling over 600 daily calls on the National Cybercrime Helpline.
2. Madhya Pradesh: 60 Cyber Criminals Detained Exceeds 2023 Arrest Numbers
In Bhopal, the cyber cell arrested 60 fraudsters from January to July 2024, surpassing 2023’s total of 55. Most scams involved task frauds and share trading. Arrests were facilitated by direct bank transfers to the culprits. The majority of the accused were from Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
3. Saran Police Capture Two Cyber Offenders
A Saran cyber police team arrested two men from West Bengal for defrauding a retired Army man of Rs 33 lakh under the guise of SIM card renewal. The suspects, Subham Tanti and Mukesh Modak, were identified through technical investigation. Additionally, ASI Sheo Shankar Sharma was suspended for accepting a Rs 30,000 bribe.
4. Swift Complaint Recovers Rs 22.21 Lakh for Cybercrime Victims in Hyderabad
Hyderabad’s cybercrime police helped three victims recover Rs 22.21 lakh by freezing transactions within an hour of fraud reports, known as the “golden hour.” Quick reporting via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or helpline 1930 enabled recovery of 90% to 100% of lost funds.
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5. Chinese Syndicates Using Casinos as Fronts for Cybercrime Operations in India
In Cambodia, Chinese gangs disguised as legitimate businesses, including casinos, run cybercrime hubs, exploiting thousands of Indian workers. Victim Martha Praveen from Telangana recounted harsh conditions and scams targeting Indians, Europeans, and Turks. Workers faced fines, salary deductions, and strict surveillance, with their passports confiscated upon arrival.
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6. Two Major Cyber Security Incidents Affect Billions Worldwide
CyberNews reported nearly 10 billion plaintext passwords leaked in the “RockYou2024” file, heightening credential stuffing attack risks. Researchers urge users to reset passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and use password managers. Separately, AT&T disclosed a breach exposing call and text records of millions, but no personal data was compromised.
7. China and North Korea’s Top List of Cybersecurity Threats: UK Official
Felicity Oswald, head of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, identified China and North Korea as major cybersecurity threats. She highlighted concerns over China’s approach to vulnerabilities under national security laws and the global proliferation of cyber challenges. Oswald also mentioned threats from Russia, Iran, and other nations.
8. Israel Faces 3 Billion Cyber Attacks on Military Systems Since October 7
Since October 7, Israel has thwarted 3 billion cyber-attacks on its military systems, according to Haaretz. The attacks targeted operational cloud systems used by troops. Despite the volume, no systems were compromised. This period coincides with Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, leading to significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.
9. Asian Banks Vulnerable Due to Cyber Security Gaps
Asian banks face rising cyber attacks, worsened by a shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals. Small banks are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of skilled staff. The region saw a 16% increase in attacks in early 2024. India alone experienced 13.2 million attacks in 2023. Regulatory bodies urge enhanced security measures.
10. DarkGate Malware Exploits Samba File Shares in Brief Campaign
Researchers discovered a brief DarkGate malware campaign from March to April 2024, targeting global regions via Samba file shares. DarkGate, which evolved from 2018, operates as malware-as-a-service capable of remote control, cryptocurrency mining, and evading detection. It uses Excel and JavaScript files to infect systems, emphasizing the ongoing need for strong cybersecurity measures.