logo
Cybercriminals exploit Indo-Pak tension to steal data: Bengaluru police chief

Cybercriminals exploit Indo-Pak tension to steal data: Bengaluru police chief

Hindustan Times12-05-2025

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police have warned the public about cyber fraudsters using the India-Pakistan conflict situation to spread malicious content and steal personal data.
Police commissioner B Dayananda, in a video advisory, said that cybercriminals are capitalising on the public's curiosity about the Indo-Pak conflict by circulating fake news and phishing links that can compromise both personal and financial information.
'These criminals take advantage of your curiosity to deceive you into dangerous situations,' Dayananda said, urging the public to stay alert and avoid falling for frauds disguised as news or updates related to the ongoing conflict.
According to the police, common cyber threats include messages claiming to offer leaked videos or exclusive insights into military operations. These often lead unsuspecting users to fraudulent websites or trigger malware downloads that can harvest sensitive data from personal devices.
The advisory highlighted specific file names and messages that should raise red flags, such as 'Army job application', 'Dance of the Hillary', and 'Executive file tasksche.exe'. These have been identified as classic phishing tools designed to lure victims into revealing personal information or infect their devices.
In response to the rising threat, the police have issued a list of safety measures for social media and WhatsApp users. The public is urged to avoid opening unknown files—even if sent by known contacts—and to refrain from forwarding suspicious content. Additionally, users are advised to only install apps from verified online stores and to steer clear of links claiming to show breaking news or videos related to the conflict. 'Report and exit suspicious WhatsApp groups immediately,' the advisory said, underscoring the need for community vigilance.
Dayananda also recommended disabling auto-download features on WhatsApp and activating two-step verification to bolster account security. He stressed the importance of being cautious with emails from unfamiliar sources, especially those using urgent language tied to the conflict.
People should avoid clicking on unsolicited links or downloading attachments, even if the emails appear to be from trusted organisations. Scammers frequently impersonate legitimate sources in phishing emails, so users are encouraged to verify email addresses closely.
For broader cyber protection, the public is urged to enable two-factor authentication, maintain updated antivirus software, and routinely back up important data. Messages promising sensational content should be treated with suspicion, as they may be fronts for fake news or malware attacks.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Vance, Rubio played key roles in India-Pak. deescalation: Trump nominee
Vance, Rubio played key roles in India-Pak. deescalation: Trump nominee

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Vance, Rubio played key roles in India-Pak. deescalation: Trump nominee

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio played a critical role in urging restraint during the recent India-Pakistan crisis, President Donald Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Paul Kapur, told lawmakers during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. 'As somebody from the outside looking in, it appeared to me that the Secretary [of State] and the Vice President were actively engaged in using their good offices to encourage de-escalation,' Mr. Kapur told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 'I think that probably had a salutary effect. Ultimately, India and Pakistan made their own decisions to step back.' Mr. Kapur, currently a professor at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, was responding to questions about rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which India has attributed to Pakistan-based groups. Sen. Chris Van Hollen said he had good discussions with the Indian and Pakistani parliamentary delegations that were in Washington last week in the aftermath of the India-Pakistan crisis. 'Fragile ceasefire' 'President Trump and Secretary Rubio have taken credit for bringing about the ceasefire. As you probably already know, the Indian government has denied that the ceasefire resulted from American mediation. But regardless, there's a fragile ceasefire in place. Secretary Rubio said this on May 10: 'I am pleased to announce the governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate cease-fire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site,' unquote. So, Dr. Kapur, if you are confirmed, what broad set of issues will you push India and Pakistan to discuss?' the Senator asked. Mr. Kapur said the U.S. and India share a host of common interests, ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, which is not dominated by China, expanding bilateral trade, and building economic relationships so that it is more symmetrical and more profitable. 'Facilitating technology sharing and innovation, and ensuring access to the energy necessary to fuel our economies. If confirmed, I'll work to further advance U.S.-India relations and put our partnership on course to realise its tremendous promise. On Pakistan, if confirmed, I will pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to U.S. interests while seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment,' Mr. Kapur said. 'South Asia recently avoided a costly conflict, with Vice-President Vance and Secretary Rubio intensely engaged on the issue. If confirmed, I will continue to promote long-standing U.S. security interests with India and Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and the fight against terrorism,' he added. Expanding ties 'Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives and Bhutan are important for stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Sri Lanka and the Maldives are located along major oceanic trade routes, while Bangladesh boasts the largest economy in the region after India. If confirmed, I will advocate for enhanced U.S. cooperation with these countries to bolster our security, counterbalance China's influence and expand trade. In Afghanistan, if confirmed, I'll support President Trump and Secretary Rubio in bringing home wrongly detained Americans,' he said. Sen. James E Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the recent conflict between India and Pakistan is deeply concerning and has shown that the U.S. must continue its counterterrorism cooperation across the region. 'The U.S. shares national security interests with both countries and we need a peace between them,' he said. (

State police see progress across units
State police see progress across units

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

State police see progress across units

1 2 Bhubaneswar: As the Mohan Majhi govt marks its first year in office on Thursday, the Odisha police has seen significant progress across several areas, including staff recruitment, equipment upgrades, technological improvements, training enhancement, digital forensics and counter-insurgency operations throughout the year, according to a booklet, titled '1 year many milestones' compiled by the information and public relations (I&PR) department. As per the govt booklet, at least 8,271 new posts were sanctioned in the home department to further strengthen the law and order situation in the state. According to police sources, of those 8,271 posts, at least 4176 are meant exclusively for the state police force across various police ranks. "Besides 2,500 new positions in the home guard division has been created. Additionally, 2,000 positions were established in the traffic division to handle urban traffic management across the state," the booklet read. The govt's priority to fortify the state police force was reaffirmed by the chief minister during inauguration of a new office building of the DCP here on Tuesday. "Our govt has accorded focus to strengthen Odisha police, which succeeded in maintaining law and order in the last one year. To improve the operational capabilities of police personnel, we have provided them with new vehicles and investigation kits. The force is being strengthened with additional human resources, infrastructure, technology and logistics," the chief minister said on the sidelines of an event here on Tuesday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 최대 할인 지원해드려요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo The budgetary allocation for Odisha Police increased from Rs 5,031 crore during the previous govt in 2023-24 to Rs 5,578 crore in 2024-25, representing a 10.8% rise. The current fiscal saw a further increase of 26.6%, reaching Rs 7,063 crore. Considering the state's expanding industrial activities and security requirements at various industrial centres, Majhi recently announced the formation of an additional Odisha Industrial Security Force battalion. To strengthen anti-Maoist operations, Majhi announced in Jan a substantial increase in the monthly 'risk allowance' for Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel, elevating it from Rs 8,000 to Rs 25,000. The SOG, established within Odisha Police in 2004, specialises in counter-terrorism and extremist operations. "Three new Odisha special security battalions have been raised to support anti-Maoist operations," a senior police officer said. Amid Indo-Pak tensions, govt enhanced Odisha police's readiness by establishing an anti-terrorism unit and acquiring two bulletproof armoured vehicles with light machine guns mounted on their roofs. The state police acquired advanced drones for the first time to enhance coastal security operations and counter potential maritime threats. "The govt has sanctioned about Rs 150 crore to strengthen the coastal security wing. At least 350 retired navy personnel have been engaged for coastal security. A command and control centre will soon be set up, adding teeth to our coastal security wing," the police officer said. Cybercrime investigation received priority attention during the past year. The govt announced 20 new cyber police stations while upgrading 14 existing ones. The police force underwent substantial modernisation during the last one year. Police stations received investigation equipment including laptops, smartphones, and hard disks to enhance investigative capabilities. For the first time about Rs 50 crore budget was allocated for officers' investigation expenses. "Each police station received new vehicles and motorcycles to ensure swift emergency response. Recently, 247 forensic officer positions were created to enhance the criminal justice system, in accordance with forensic evidence requirements outlined in the newly implemented criminal legislation," the senior police officer said.

Salt Lake woman loses 8.8L in digi-arrest fraud
Salt Lake woman loses 8.8L in digi-arrest fraud

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

Salt Lake woman loses 8.8L in digi-arrest fraud

1 2 Kolkata: A 63-year-old woman from Salt Lake fell victim to digital-arrest fraud in which she received WhatsApp video extortion calls in the name of Mumbai Police and the ED, losing Rs 8.8 lakh. She then continued to suffer from identity theft and psychological manipulation, where the scammers contacted her relatives on WhatsApp video calls, recorded their faces and forwarded them on WhatsApp groups. "The victim's contacts received unexpected video calls through WhatsApp. The scammers recorded their faces during these calls and subsequently circulated the images in various WhatsApp groups, creating panic among her social circle," said a senior officer quoting the complaint. According to the FIR, the perpetrators first contacted the victim on May 28, posing as CBI and ED officials from Mumbai. They claimed that an arrest warrant was issued against her for alleged money-laundering activities. "I received repeated calls and a WhatsApp video call from someone posing as a crime branch officer from Mumbai. During the call, he asked if my Aadhaar card was lost and whether copies were submitted in Mumbai. A person in a police uniform with an official-looking background appeared and demanded I isolate myself, citing sensitive charges. I was coerced to remain on the call and misled into believing that there were multiple criminal cases filed against me, including a shoot-at-sight order on my family, causing me extreme distress and fear," said the victim. Banerjee was coerced into transferring money thrice — Rs 2.2 lakh to a private bank in Varanasi, Rs 3.5 lakh to an account in Bangalore, and Rs 3.1 lakh to an account in Pune. The situation escalated on June 3 when the criminals hacked the victim's WhatsApp account and began targeting her contacts. "This is a new modus operandi where scammers combine financial fraud with social engineering and identity theft," explained an officer. The fraud came to light when a family friend visited the victim and found her still on call with the fraudsters. The criminals immediately disconnected upon hearing his voice.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store