The Rising Threat of WhatsApp OTP Scams in the Digital World

 The Rising Threat of WhatsApp OTP Scams in the Digital World

In today's digital world, online frauds have emerged as one of the most significant cyber threats. Among them, WhatsApp-based scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. With over 400 million users in India, WhatsApp has become a prime target for cybercriminals who exploit its popularity to deceive unsuspecting victims.

How WhatsApp OTP Scams Work

OTP (One-Time Password) scams are the latest tactic used by fraudsters to gain unauthorized access to users' accounts. OTPs are commonly used for digital transactions, authentication, and security verification. However, hackers manipulate users into sharing their OTPs, leading to devastating consequences.

Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:

1. Phishing Messages or Calls – Scammers pose as customer service representatives from banks, telecom companies, or even WhatsApp support. They trick users into believing that their account needs urgent verification.

2. Fake Emergency Alerts – Victims receive messages claiming that their WhatsApp account will be blocked unless they verify their identity by sharing an OTP.

3. Account Takeover – Once the OTP is shared, hackers gain control over the victim’s WhatsApp account, using it to scam their contacts, demand ransom, or access sensitive data.

Impact of WhatsApp OTP Scams

• Identity Theft – Hackers can misuse personal details for fraudulent activities.

• Financial Losses – Fraudsters often use compromised accounts to trick family members and friends into sending money.

• Privacy Breach – Sensitive conversations, personal media, and confidential data become vulnerable.

How to Stay Safe

✅ Never share OTPs with anyone, even if the request seems genuine.
✅ Enable Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp for an extra layer of security.
✅ Be cautious of unknown links and messages, especially those urging urgent action.
✅ Report and block suspicious contacts immediately on WhatsApp.
✅ Educate friends and family about the latest scams to prevent falling victim.

Final Thoughts

As cyber threats evolve, awareness and vigilance are the best defenses. Staying informed about scams like WhatsApp OTP frauds can help users protect their accounts and personal data. Always think before you click or share sensitive information, and keep your digital world secure!

Stay safe in the digital age! 🚨🔒

#CyberSecurity #WhatsAppScam #OTPFraud #DigitalSafety #OnlineThreats #StaySafeOnline #DataPrivacy #TechNews #CyberCrime #InternetSecurity #Hackers #raaganilavu #രാഗനിലാവ് #RNM #RaagaNilavu #രാഗനിലാവ് #rnmsocialmedia #MalayalamNews #MalayalamLive #sbtrendz #sbtrendzhealth #sbtrendznaturals #sbtrendzonline #NewGadgets #dabspaints #HomeTrekkerIndia #Malayalamlive #bazznjazz #DigitalIndia #ScamAlert

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Cyber fraudsters are coming out with different modus operandi to trap & fleece you.

Cyber Crimes are at peak now

Please follow the advisory to avoid being a victim of Fraud

1. If you are called about how the TRAI is going to disconnect your phone, do not respond. *It is a scam*

2. ⁠If you are called by FedEx about a package and asked to press 1 or whatever, do not respond. *It is a scam*

3. ⁠If a police officer calls you and talks to you about your Aadhaar, do not respond. *It is a scam*

4. ⁠If they tell you that you are under 'digital arrest', do not respond. *It is a scam*

5. ⁠If they tell you that drugs have been discovered in some package meant for you or sent by you, do not respond. *It is a scam*

6. ⁠If they say you that you can't tell anyone, do not listen to them. *Inform Cyber Crime Police at 1930*

7. If they contact you using WhatsApp or SMS, do not respond. *It is a scam*

8. ⁠If anyone calls you and tells you they have sent money to your UPI id by mistake and that they just want their money back, do not respond. *It is a scam*

9. ⁠If someone says they want to buy your car or your washing machine or your sofa and say they are from the army or CRPF and show you their id card, do not respond. *It is a scam*

10. ⁠If someone says they are calling from Swiggy or Zomato and need you to confirm your address by pressing 1 or anything else, do not respond. *It is a scam*

11. ⁠If they ask you to share OTP just to cancel the order or ride or whatever, do not respond. In any case, do not share your OTP with anyone over phone. *It is a scam*

12. ⁠Never answer any unknown calls on video mode. *It is a scam* ⁠If confused simply switch off your phone & block that number.

13. ⁠Never press on any link written in blue.

14. ⁠Even if you get a notice from the Highest Police, CBI, ED, IT Department; do verify offline. Always check if such letters are from authorised Government portals.

As a matter of digital hygiene, DONOT share your address, location, phone, Aadhar, PAN, DoB, or ANY personal detail with ANYONE over phone or messages. In fact, refuse even to acknowledge your own name on a call. Tell them that since they called you, they are supposed to know your name, number, and whatever detail they wish you to 'confirm'. Even if they have your details, do not confirm or deny or get caught up in any conversation. Simply disconnect and block.

In any such case, and similar ones, the procedure to safeguard yourself is simple: cut the call, note the number and block.

Do not press any numbers during call, don't listen to them.

Simply cut the call, block the number.

Remember, if they are putting pressure on you, intimidating you, or forcing you to act or respond immediately, it is a scam.

Cyber fraudsters are coming out with different modus operandi to trap & fleece you.

INSPITE OF ALL PRECAUTIONS FOLLOWED , IF YOU ARE TRAPPED; REPORT TO LOCAL CYBER POLICE WITHOUT ANY HESITATIONS , EVEN IF IT AMOUNTS TO COMPROMISING ON YOUR REPUTATION AS THAT IS WHAT FRAUDSTERS EXPLOIT YOU.

പ്രധാന സൈബർ തട്ടിപ്പുകൾ Beware of Cyber Fraud Article by CGSK

പ്രധാന സൈബർ തട്ടിപ്പുകൾ

 💥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥

തട്ടിപ്പുകാർക്ക് പ്രായം പദവി ഭാഷ പ്രദേശം വർണം വർഗം എന്നിങ്ങനെ യാതൊരു പരിഗണനകളോ പക്ഷഭേദമോ ഇല്ല.

അവരൊഴികെ *എല്ലാ പേരും ഇരകൾ ആണ്* അവരുടെ കണ്ണിൽ

ചില തട്ടിപ്പു രീതികൾ

👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

*TRAI ഫോൺ തട്ടിപ്പ്*: തട്ടിപ്പുകാരൻ TRAI നിന്നാണ് എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ് *നിങ്ങളുടെ മൊബൈൽ നമ്പർ അനധികൃത പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങളുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടു* എന്നും അതിനാൽ സേവനങ്ങൾ നിർത്തിവെക്കപ്പെടും എന്നും പറഞ്ഞ് ഭീഷണിപ്പെടുത്തിയേക്കാം

*വാസ്തവം*: TRAI സേവനങ്ങൾ നിർത്തുകയില്ല; ടെലികോം കമ്പനികൾ ആണ് സേവനങ്ങൾ നിർത്തുന്നത്. (BSNL, Jio, Vodafone etc)

*പാർസൽ കസ്റ്റംസ് ഓഫീസിൽ തടഞ്ഞു വച്ചു*:  അനധികൃത വസ്തുക്കൾ അടങ്ങിയ പാർസൽ തടഞ്ഞു വച്ചെന്ന് പറഞ്ഞ് പണം ആവശ്യപ്പെടുന്നു.

*പ്രതികരണം*: Call disconnect ചെയ്ത് complaint ചെയ്യുക.

*ഡിജിറ്റൽ അറസ്റ്റ്*: വ്യാജ പോലീസ് / കസ്റ്റംസ് / CBI ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥർ ചമഞ്ഞ് യൂണിഫോമിൽ വീഡിയോ കാളിൽ വന്ന് നിങ്ങൾ ഡിജിറ്റൽ അറസ്റ്റിലാണ് എന്ന് പറയുകയോ അല്ലെങ്കിൽ ഓൺലൈനിൽ ചോദ്യം ചെയ്യാൻ തുടങ്ങുകയോ ചെയ്യുന്നു

*വാസ്തവം*: നിലവിലെ ഇന്ത്യയിലെ നിയമങ്ങൾ പ്രകാരം ഡിജിറ്റൽ അറസ്റ്റ് എന്നൊരു കാര്യമില്ല.

*കുടുംബാംഗം അറസ്റ്റിൽ*: തട്ടിപ്പുകാർ ഒരു ബന്ധുവിനെ അറസ്റ്റ് ചെയ്യുമെന്ന് പറയുകയും പണം ആവശ്യപ്പെടുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.

*പ്രതികരണം*: നടപടി സ്വീകരിക്കുന്നതിന് മുൻപ് കുടുംബാംഗങ്ങളുമായി സ്ഥിരീകരിക്കുക.

*വേഗത്തിൽ സമ്പത്ത് സമ്പാദിക്കുക* (Stock Trading): സോഷ്യൽ മീഡിയയിൽ വൻ പരസ്യം ചെയ്ത് നിക്ഷേപങ്ങൾക്ക് വലിയ ലാഭം വാഗ്ദാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു.

*ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ടത്*: ഉയർന്ന ലാഭവാഗ്ദാനമുള്ള പദ്ധതി വളരെ കരുതലോടെ പരിശോധിക്കുക. 

*എളുപ്പത്തിലുള്ള ജോലികൾക്ക് വലിയ പ്രതിഫലം*: തട്ടിപ്പുകാർ എളുപ്പത്തിലുള്ള ജോലികൾക്ക് വലിയ പ്രതിഫലം വാഗ്ദാനം ചെയ്ത് നിക്ഷേപം ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടേയ്ക്കാം.

*ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ടത്*: എളുപ്പത്തിൽ പണം സമ്പാദിക്കാനുള്ള പദ്ധതികൾ ഭൂരിഭാഗവും തട്ടിപ്പുകളാകാം.

*പിശകായ പണമിടപാട്*: തട്ടിപ്പുകാർ പണമിടപാടുകൾ നടത്തി എന്ന് തെറ്റിദ്ധരിപ്പിച്ചോ അല്ലാതെയോ പണം തിരികെ ആവശ്യപ്പെടുന്നു.

*ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ടത്*: ബാങ്കുമായി ഇടപാടുകൾ പരിശോധിക്കുക.

*KYC കാലാവധി കഴിഞ്ഞു*: തട്ടിപ്പുകാർ ലിങ്കുകൾ വഴി KYC അപ്ഡേറ്റ് ചെയ്യാൻ ആവശ്യപ്പെടുന്നു.

*ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ടത്*: ബാങ്കുകൾക്കുള്ള KYC അപ്ഡേറ്റ് വ്യക്തിഗതമായി ചെയ്യേണ്ടതാണ്.

*നികുതി തിരികെ ലഭിക്കൽ*: തട്ടിപ്പുകാർ നികുതി വകുപ്പിന്റെ പേരിൽ ബാങ്ക് വിവരങ്ങൾ ചോദിച്ച് Tax തിരികെ തരാം എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞേക്കാം.

*വസ്തുത*: നികുതി വകുപ്പുകൾക്ക് ഇതിനകം നിങ്ങളുടെ ബാങ്ക് വിവരങ്ങൾ ലഭ്യമാണ്.

*സുരക്ഷിതമായിരിക്കുക*

സംശയമുള്ള ലിങ്കുകൾ ക്ലിക്കുചെയ്യരുത്.

ട്രാൻസാക്ഷനുകൾ ബാങ്കിൽ പരിശോധിക്കുക.

സംശയാസ്പദമായ കോൾ/നമ്പറുകൾ റിപ്പോർട്ട് ചെയ്യുക.

ഉയർന്ന ലാഭ വാഗ്ദാനങ്ങളുള്ള പദ്ധതികളിൽ ജാഗ്രത പാലിക്കുക.

KYC നേരിട്ട് അപ്ഡേറ്റ് ചെയ്യുക.

വ്യക്തിഗത/ബാങ്ക് വിവരങ്ങൾ പങ്കുവെക്കരുത്.

ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട വെബ്സൈറ്റുകളിൽ നിന്ന് മാത്രം കസ്റ്റമർ കേർ നമ്പറുകൾ നേടുക, ഗൂഗിൾ / മറ്റു തിരച്ചിൽ ഉപയോഗിച്ച് അല്ലാതെ.

തട്ടിപ്പുകൾ *കഴിയുന്നതും വേഗം* റിപ്പോർട്ട് ചെയ്യുക:

നാഷണൽ കൺസ്യൂമർ ഹെൽപ് ലൈൻ: *1800-11-4000*

സൈബർ ക്രൈം റിപ്പോർട്ടിംഗ് പോർട്ടൽ: 

https://www.cybercrime.gov.in 

*ടോൾ-ഫ്രീ 1930*

മൊബൈൽ നഷ്ടം: https://www.ceir.gov.in/

ഒപ്പം പ്രാദേശിക പോലീസ് സ്റ്റേഷനിലും പരാതി അറിയിക്കാം

*വിവരങ്ങൾ അറിയുക, ജാഗ്രത പുലർത്തുക*

പൊതു ഉപയോഗാർത്ഥം

*സീ.ജീ.എസ്.കെ.*

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Kerala Cyber Police arrested an accused for uploading morphed images

The Kerala State Cyber Crime Police arrested a 35-year-old man on charges of uploading morphed images of female anchors of a leading Malayalam television channel on the internet.  The accused was identified as Devadas of Ambikasadanam, Poothol, Thrissur.  The court remanded him to judicial custody as the crime committed was a non-bailable offense. He was arrested following a complaint forwarded by the channel authorities to  Director General Police Jacob Punnoose, who handed over the case to the Cyber Crime Police.

The Cyber Crime Police team led by Inspector Joshi Mathew and Sub  Inspector C. G. Suji Kumar successfully traced the accused, despite him having used a fake e-mail ID to upload the pictures.

 

According to Cyber Crime Police,  the accused, who was an diehard fan of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, committed the crime due to the grudge he bore against the channel authorities for portraying the actress in a vulgar manner in one of their programmes.

He had even forwarded a complaint to the channel authorities. Devadas, who is a bachelor, was provoked at their indifferent response and as an act of revenge he uploaded morphed photographs of the channel’s female anchors on the internet.

Man arrested for Morphing Images Video

Safe Tips to avoid Mobile Phone related Cyber Crime

• Use only mobile phones having SIM Card registered by the owner only.
• Purchase Mobile Phone having IMEI Number and which was marked in the bill.
• Never hand over SIM card to other people.
• Purchase Mobile Phones from genuine dealers / sellers.
• If you are buying second hand mobile set, you should make sure about its genuineness and purchased only from genuine dealers / seller with original bills and other related documents.
• Inform Local Police immediately about loss of mobile phone, SIM Cards etc. and obtain receipt from there.

Tips for a safe cyber tread

Cyber Crime : Man held in Pandalam Kerala for Cyber Stalking using Mobile Phone

Kerala Cyber Police caught a youth named Saleesh Kumar, aged 27 from Pandalam in Pathanamthitta District for cyber stalking through mobile phone.  He was regularly made unsolicited mobile phone calls and sending malicious SMS messages to several women within the state and outside for the last one year.  Pandalam Police arrested the accused with the help of Cyber Crime Police team headed by Mr. Sukumara Pillai, DySP & SHO, Cyber Police Station, Kerala and Mr. Joshy Mathew, Inspector of Police, Mr. C.G. Sujikumar, SI of Police and Mrs. S.S. Poornima, Civil Police Officer of Cyber Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram.

According to Cyber Police the accused had made over 7,000 unsolicited calls and sent over 10,000 SMS messages with malicious contents to the mobile phones of about 200 women over the last few months.  He obtained the mobile phone numbers of women by random number dialing method. Several women had fallen into the trap set by the accused, who could speak fluent English

The accused Saleesh was making the calls and sending SMS messages using a mobile phone connection taken in the name of another woman..  He was confident that he would never be caught as he was using a SIM card that was obtained from one of his victim girl but the original subscriber of the SIM card is another girl who handed over the SIM card to one of her friend several months back.

Cyber Police traced the accused by using scientific investigation methods including social networking site profiling, mobile log and tower location analysis, email id details, telephone directory, electoral voters list etc.  Several petitions were registered against cyber stalking in several Police Stations in Kerala.

Media  Source:
Jeevan News:

Kerala Kaumudi Global News: Man held for pestering women

Deepika Global News

Credit Card Theft Underground - Awareness Article

Credit Card Theft Underground - Awareness Article

This is a fascinating article in the recently-released January issue of Wired magazine about the credit card theft and fraud underground. It's the story of the rise and fall of a completely criminal -- and quite technically sophisticated -- business enterprise.

Unlike the print version, which I just picked up, the online article has a video with Detective Bob Watts of the Newport Beach PD, telling how some of it was done, complete with card pressing and embossing equipment. The machines were used to press real cards from the stolen data.

The article also has a link to another video on the Identity Theft Secrets web site about CardersMarket.com, one of the web sites used in the criminal venture.

And while we're on the subject of credit card security, here's five tips from SC Magazine for successfully complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Besides being required for any business involved with credit cards, PCI compliance is one big step in protecting against credit card crime.

Over 1 Million Potential Victims of Botnet Cyber Crime - FBI News

The FBI announced the results of an ongoing cyber crime initiative to disrupt and dismantle “botherders” and elevate the public’s cyber security awareness of botnets. OPERATION BOT ROAST is a national initiative and ongoing investigations have identified over 1 million victim computer IP addresses. The FBI is working with their industry partners, viz. Microsoft Corporation, the Botnet Task Force and the CERT Coordination Center at Carnegie Mellon University, to notify the victim owners of the computers and referring criminal botnet activity to law enforcement. Through this process the FBI may uncover additional incidents in which botnets have been used to facilitate other criminal activity.

A botnet is a collection of compromised computers under the remote command and control of a criminal “botherder.” Most owners of the compromised computers are unknowing and unwitting victims. They have unintentionally allowed unauthorized access and use of their computers as a vehicle to facilitate other crimes, such as identity theft, denial of service attacks, phishing, click fraud, and the mass distribution of spam and spyware. Because of their widely distributed capabilities, botnets are a growing threat to national security, the national information infrastructure, and the economy.

Protect your PC from being hijacked - Norton AntiBot

“The majority of victims are not even aware that their computer has been compromised or their personal information exploited,” said FBI Assistant Director for the Cyber Division James Finch. “An attacker gains control by infecting the computer with a virus or other malicious code and the computer continues to operate normally. Citizens can protect themselves from botnets and the associated schemes by practicing strong computer security habits to reduce the risk that your computer will be compromised.”

Cyber security tips include updating anti‑virus software, installing a firewall, using strong passwords, practicing good email and web security practices. Although this will not necessarily identify or remove a botnet currently on the system, this can help to prevent future botnet attacks.

The following subjects have been charged or arrested in this operation with computer fraud and abuse in violation of Title 18 USC 1030, including:

* James C. Brewer of Arlington, Texas, is alleged to have operated a botnet that infected Chicago area hospitals. This botnet infected tens of thousands of computers worldwide. (FBI Chicago);

* Jason Michael Downey of Covington, Kentucky, is charged with an Information with using botnets to send a high volume of traffic to intended recipients to cause damage by impairing the availability of such systems. (FBI Detroit); and

* Robert Alan Soloway of Seattle, Washington, is alleged to have used a large botnet network and spammed tens of millions of unsolicited email messages to advertise his website from which he offered services and products. (FBI Seattle)

Protect your PC from being hijacked - Norton AntiBot

More information on botnets and tips for cyber crime prevention can be found online at www.fbi.gov. To report fraudulent activity or financial scams, contact the nearest FBI office or police department, and file a complaint online with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov.

Protect your PC from being hijacked - Norton AntiBot

Identity Theft one of the increasing security risk of 2008

Identity Theft continuous to become an increase threat to security. Identity theft is a catch-all term for crimes involving illegal usage of another individual's identity. The most common form of identity theft is credit card fraud. While the term is relatively new, the practice of stealing money or getting other benefits by pretending to be a different person is thousands of years old.

The major type of identity thefts are Financial Identity Theft (using another's identity to obtain goods and services), Criminal Identity Theft (posing as another when apprehended for a crime), Identity Cloning (using another's information to assume his or her identity in daily life) and Business/Commercial Identity Theft (using another's business name to obtain credit).

We must be address by using regular awareness sessions with end-users to secure about their identity from fraudsters. Here is an Identity theft security awareness training session by Mr. Jorge, Founder and CEO www.esgulf.com, Limassol, Cyprus. Jorge helps organizations and individuals understand and get the best out out of latest in Information and Communication Technology.

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You can also download the audio of this Identity theft security awareness training session by clicking here.Download this episode (21 min)  

Single password for online accounts are more risk

Those who use the same password for online accounts viz. email, e-banking, shopping accounts, are more at risk from online fraud or identity theft. The popularity of social networking sites such as Orkut, Facebook, etc are making life easier for online criminals.

A new survey by computer security firm McAfee, has revealed that as many as 16 percent of people used the same password for online accounts, while a whopping 41 per cent never changed their passwords.

Most users post personal details commonly used as passwords on their pages, such as their educational history, names of pets and favorite football team, wife name, children name, favorite hero,etc are common sources for a password.

According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, online banking fraud rose by 44 per cent last year to 33.5 million pounds in the UK, while Internet shopping fraud amounted to 155 million pounds. (ANI)

In India, online crimes are increasing tremendously because of the popularity of social networking sites and poor awareness of security measures.

Indian IT Act 2006 to be reviewed to tackle Cyber Crimes

Stung by criticism by a Parliamentary panel over the draft of Information Technology Act 2006, the government is planning to review the whole act for tackling cyber crime.

The proposed amendments would address a number of concerns such as data protection, data theft, e-commerce frauds, child pornography, identity documents theft, privacy issues among others.

The ministry is holding discussions with various stakeholders to evolve the amendments, a senior official in the Department of Information Technology said. "Discussions are being held with the stakeholders including private companies, CBI and other investigative agencies," the official said. DIT would put the draft act for public comments once the review process is over.

"The law pertaining to IT should be self-containing and easily comprehensible to the global village community. Despite the experience gained in about seven years in the administration of the IT Law, no effort has been made to bring a new and exclusive legislation," the Standing Committee on Information Technology said in a report.
The Committee observed that the term 'cyber terrorism' has not been defined anywhere in the IT Act, 2000 or in the proposed amendments. Similarly, 'child pornography' has also not been mentioned anywhere in the section on pornography.

"In view of the several manifestations of sexual abuse of children and its loathsome ramifications, the Committee desires that the act of grooming the child for sexual relationship through online enticement or distributing/showing pornography or through any online means should also be made a criminal offence," it said.

Noting the complex language of legislations on monitoring the cyber space, the Parliamentary panel which was constituted to look into the proposed changes in the IT Act 2000 (which is in the form of Draft IT Act 2006), had criticised the government for not preparing a new set of laws and instead taking a "short-cut route" of making changes in the existing norms.

Source: PTI

Pentagon Computer Hacked Into By Chinese

The Chinese military hacked into a Pentagon computer network in June
in the most successful cyber attack on the US defense department, say
American ­officials.

The Pentagon acknowledged shutting down part of a computer system
serving the office of Robert Gates, defense secretary, but declined to
say who it believed was behind the attack.

Current and former officials have told the Financial Times an internal
investigation has revealed that the incursion came from the People’s
Liberation Army.

One senior US official said the Pentagon had pinpointed the exact
origins of the attack. Another person familiar with the event said
there was a “very high level of confidence...trending towards total
certainty” that the PLA was responsible. The defense ministry in
Beijing declined to comment on Monday.

Kerala Cyber Crime Prevention Call Centre & Web Portal Released

Kerala Cyber Crime Prevention Call Centre & Web Portal http://www.cyberkeralam.in has been released by Kerala Chief Minister on 30th July 2007 by 10.30 AM at PR Chamber of Govt. Secretariate Thiruvananthapuram. This programme is one of the project of Kerala State IT Mission with the technical help of the Cyber Forensic Division of C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram to detect cyber crimes, its prevention and to give advice to the general public.

Cyber crimes are becoming a nuisance in the society especially crimes such as cyber stalking and cell phone stalking. Many of the victims are not aware about the cyber crimes and its manifestations. The objective of this programme is to create awareness among the people about various types of cyber crimes, its impact in the society and educate the public in prevention of cyber crimes.


The web portal will give awareness about cyber attacks, virus, torjan, various security tips & tricks. It also have a forum to discuss about various cyber related matters by the general public, IT expert and law enforcement officials. The Call Centre provide you with facilities for asking expert opinion regarding any cyber crime and through the forum people can discuss various issues in cyber crimes.

This portal will function as the interface to public to provide them help in dealing with cyber crimes. It also envisages providing information regarding cyber security and cyber forensics to people of Kerala. Any victim of cyber crime can report the crime through this portal. The complaint will be handled by the Resource Centre for Cyber Forensics, CDAC, Thiruvananthapuram.


Resource Centre for Cyber Forensics was established at C-DAC, Thiruvananthapuram, as the state-of-the-art research centre for Cyber Forensics, by Dept. of Information Technology, Govt. of India to conduct Research and Development, Training and Technical Services in Cyber Forensics.


Source: cyberkeralam.in, cyberforensics.in

Cyber Crime – Hacking - Software Engineer arrested from Chennai

Cyber Crime – Hacking - Software Engineer arrested from Chennai

One M.S. Ramasamy, a 37 year old Software Engineer from Avadi, had arrested on 27.07.07 by the Chennai Cyber Crime Police on charges of hacking and stealing confidential and proprietary information from the server of a US IT Company. He was a former employee of that IT Company. Police framed charges under Section 66 of the IT Act, 2000 which dealing with Hacking and Section 408 of the IPC which dealing with Criminal Breach of Trust by Clerk or Servant.

In its press release Chennai Police said that Mr. Ramasamy had reportedly hacked into the company’s headquarter computer system when he was working as an Engineer in Caterpillar India Private Limited during January and February this year.

The accused accessed the company’s server located at Peoria in Illinois, US, by using another employee’s User ID and password and downloaded confidential information. A closed circuit camera recorded the activities of the sever room. By analyzing the server log and the visuals from the camera Police tracked the accused. Police arrested the hacker from an IT Company at Hosur, where he was employed. The Police confiscated the hard disk and pen drive containing the files.

Source: Hindu

Cyber Crime Prevention Call Centre & Webportal will launch by Kerala CM

Cyber Crime Prevention Call Centre & Web Portal will launch by Kerala Chief Minister on 30th July 2007 by 10.30 AM at PR Chamber of Govt. Secretariate Thiruvananthapuram. This programme is one of the project of Kerala State IT Mission with the technical help of the Cyber Forensic Division of C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram to detect cyber crimes, its prevention and to given advice to the general public. Kerala Police Hi-Tech Cell is also linked with this programme. The web portal will give awareness about cyber attacks, virus, torjan, various security tips & tricks. It will also has a forum to discuss about various cyber related matters by the genral public, IT expert and law enforcement officials. The Call Centre will give advice to the general public about the cyber crimes and its prevention and reporting of cyber crimes incidence.

Source: PRD Govt. of Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister's fake profiles in Orkut.com

Cyber Police have received a number of complaints against social networking sites like Orkut that’s teeming with fake profiles of women and Ministers of Sate.

In a recent development, the State Police have requested ‘Google’ to provide the IP address and other details of fake profile creators. This will stop cyber crimes to a great extent. Fake profiles inviting the company of women have been the major attraction in Orkut recently.

The first complaint registered by the Police was from Adarsh, a web developer in Kochi. He found that another profile has been created with his name, photograph and phone number. The issue became grave when he found that the other person has been posting obscene pictures and messages in this profile. The Police was successful in tracing the culprit.

There’s another group targeted by fake profile-makers - ministers. Profiles of Co-operation Minister G Sudhakaran - describing him as a friend and a man of eccentricities - are already in Orkut. This is in addition to a number of communities (groups of members on specific topics) on him.

While some of them merely give his personal profile, a few have gone to the extent of terming him a ‘lunatic’. Profiles of the Chief Minister are also available online.

Even though there has been a flood of Cyber Crimes, Police find it difficult to deal with them as only a few complaints come under the Information Technology (IT) Act. ‘‘Section 65 of the IT Act identifies hacking as a crime. In Section 66, unauthorised access is a crime and Section 67 identifies exhibition of pornographic materials as a crime.

Source: Newindpress

Thieves using stolen credit cards to make donations

Some fraudsters have become generous with other people's money, donating to charities with stolen credit cards to verify the numbers are valid before selling them, the security firm Symantec Corp. said Friday on its blog.

They might seem like modern-day Robin Hoods, but they're really just cyber-robbers.

Unverified cards fetch up to $6 while verified cards can bring up to $18, said Javier Santoyo, a manager at Symantec. "Even the bad guys want to verify the other bad guys."

The verification method has become popular because the monitoring software at credit card companies may not question donations to charities, according the Symantec blog. Santoyo said the schemers usually donate less than $10.

American Red Cross spokeswoman Carrie Martin said, "This happens all the time. We have people at the Red Cross who deal with this type of activity."

Last month alone, the Red Cross refunded 700 fraudulent credit card transactions, Martin said. That figure doesn't include the transactions the charity blocked because they appeared fraudulent.

"There's a lot of red flags we look for," Martin said. For instance, the Red Cross automatically cancels any series of donations with the same e-mail address but a variety of credit-card numbers, Martin said.

Santoyo said that consumers should monitor their credit-card statements and question even a small transaction that appears to be unauthorized, as it could indicate the card number has been stolen.

The price thieves fetch for cards depends on whether it's been validated, the number of card numbers purchased, the credit line and how much additional information is available, such as the cardholder's address or the 3-digit security code on the card, said Johannes Ullrich, chief technology officer at the SANS Institute, a network security research and educational organization.



Author: RICHARD J. DALTON, JR.
Source: Newsday

Kerala Chief Minster's Website Hacked