Cybersecurity
- Cyber security rules: DoT withdraws duplicate notification; original telecom security amendments stay in force
The Department of Telecommunications has clarified that the amended Telecommunication Cyber Security (TCS) Rules, 2025, remain in force after a duplicate notification was withdrawn. These rules aim to combat cyber fraud by strengthening mobile number validation, scrutinizing the second-hand device market, and enhancing data-sharing norms for better traceability and accountability.
- Cyber boost: Sebi partners with NFSU to build forensic muscle; pact to upgrade digital probes
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has partnered with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to boost its digital investigation capabilities. This collaboration will enhance Sebi's forensic infrastructure and train its officials in cyber security and digital forensics. NFSU will also provide consultancy for setting up specialized labs and jointly develop training programs and research initiatives.
- Cyber breach: PwC flags $1 million hit for Indian firms; AI, cloud security budgets set to rise
Indian enterprises are facing significant financial losses from cyber breaches, with nearly a quarter experiencing over $1 million in damages in the last three years. Despite this, cybersecurity spending is set to increase, driven by a focus on AI and cloud security, though talent shortages remain a key challenge.
- Kochi cyber fraud: 81-year-old doctor losses over Rs 1 crore to scammers — Here's how it happened
An 81-year-old doctor in Kochi was defrauded of Rs 1.3 crore by individuals posing as CBI officers. The scammers contacted the doctor via phone and video calls, falsely accusing him of criminal activity. They coerced him into transferring a large sum from his bank account. Authorities have registered a case and are working to recover the funds.
- Bengaluru cyber fraud: Hackers target Dr Reddy’s Lab in scam attempt — How pharma company risked losing over Rs 2 crore
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories lost Rs 2.16 crore to fraudsters who infiltrated an email thread and rerouted a payment to a fake account. Hackers impersonated Group Pharmaceuticals officials, leading Dr Reddy's to transfer funds to a fraudulent bank account. Bengaluru police are investigating, having traced the initial account to Vadodara.
- Online scam alert! Meta launches new safety features to safeguard older adults from cyber frauds — Here's what it will do
Meta is bolstering user protection against online fraud, especially for seniors, with new features across WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook, and Instagram. These tools help identify scams, like screen-sharing alerts on WhatsApp and AI-powered message reviews in Messenger. Enhanced security includes passkey logins and privacy checkups, as Meta actively combats global scam networks targeting vulnerable users.
Cybersecurity experts warn about a new AI era threat called vibe hacking. Criminals use AI tools like FraudGPT for sophisticated cyberattacks. These 'Evil LLMs' bypass safety measures and steal data. AI can now complete ransomware attacks 100 times faster. Experts urge AI developers to implement stronger safeguards against misuse. This marks a turning point in cybercrime.
Cyber fraud has surged by 40% this festive season, with AI tools enabling highly personalised and targeted attacks. Scammers exploit emotions through customised phishing links, malware in e-cards, and social engineering, making detection challenging. This rise in sophisticated, behaviour-based scams highlights GenAI's role in evolving cyber threats.
Deepfake videos have been circulating, falsely endorsing a fraudulent investment scheme promising unrealistic returns. Despite government warnings and media coverage, many continue to fall victim to this scam. Experts advise caution, urging individuals to verify sources, question disproportionate returns, and rely on trusted financial channels to avoid being defrauded.
A Hanumakonda resident was swindled out of Rs 60 lakh by fraudsters impersonating Bengaluru police officers, who falsely accused him of human trafficking and money laundering. The scammers used fake documents to pressure the victim into transferring funds to an account, later demanding more money under threat of legal action. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau is now investigating the case.
A software engineer from Serilingampally fell victim to cyber fraud, losing over Rs 3.14 crore through a fake stock market portal. Lured into a WhatsApp group, she was directed to a fraudulent website and induced to invest large sums. The scam unraveled when she attempted to withdraw her profits, prompting authorities to investigate and urge caution in online investments.
Indian banks are facing increased operational risks from deposit accounts due to the rise in mule accounts and money laundering, prompting stricter KYC checks and transaction monitoring. The RBI's MuleHunter.AI initiative aims to detect and eliminate these fraudulent accounts, with more banks joining the effort. Competition for deposits further complicates the screening process, requiring enhanced vigilance and staff training.
Deep Dive
- Cybercrime surge in Karnataka: Tier-II and III cities now on target, conviction rate remains abysmally low
- Rs 1.3 crore lost in cyber scam: Chandigarh cyber cell arrests Mumbai man for fraud; police issues advisory to public
- Fraud crackdown: Sebi launches AIR campaign; grassroots push to protect rural investors
- Telangana sees cyber fraud dip: Losses down to Rs 681 crore; Cyber bureau attributes fall to increased public awareness
- ‘Financial Risk Indicator’ used to crack down on digital scams: DoT blacklists over 3 lakh fraud-linked SIMs; PhonePe, Paytm, HDFC among users
- Digital arrest scam: Two women held on hostage for nearly nine hours by fraudsters posing as police