Latest news with #DepartmentofTelecom
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL users can now switch mobile plans every 30 days: What it means for you
The Department of Telecom, commonly referred to as DoT, has announced that it is making some changes to the mobile plan conversion process from prepaid to postpaid and vice versa. In a directive dated June 10, 2025, the authority said it is drastically reducing the cooldown period, allowing users to convert their mobile plan from prepaid to postpaid or postpaid to prepaid in just 30 days for the first time. The new directive changes a previous order issued on September 21, 2021, which had locked the transition period to 90 days. 📱 Switching between Prepaid ↔️ Postpaid got easier through OTP! ⏱️ Cooling-off period for first-time reconversion reduced from 90 days to 30 days. 🔁 Need to switch sooner? Use KYC at PoS or authorized outlets! — DoT India (@DoT_India) June 12, 2025 Previously, Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea users had to wait for 3 months or 90 days for the conversion of their mobile plans. However, for any following OTP-based conversions, the cool-off period will be 90 days. But in case a subscriber 'wishes to re-convert within the lock-in period of 30 days or 90 days (as the case may be), they may still do so by following the extant KYC process at PoS or authorised outlets of the licensees.' This means that customers will have to visit the network operator's outlet to change their SIM from prepaid to postpaid or vice versa. The Department of Telecom has also asked network operators that subscribers be clearly informed about the lock-in period every time they convert from prepaid to postpaid or postpaid to prepaid. However, all other security and regulatory requirements will remain unchanged. To give you a quick recap, switching from prepaid to a postpaid connection requires customers to initiate the conversion process from the network provider's website, app or by visiting a customer service centre. The process usually requires users to fill out a form and submit KYC documents.
United News of India
2 days ago
- United News of India
Hyd: DoT busts illegal Telecom Setup in Secunderabad
Hyderabad, June 13 (UNI) The Department of Telecom (DoT) unit at Hyderabad on Friday busted an illegal telecom setup in Secunderabad. Under the Dynamic leadership of Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Department of Telecom is proactively working to curb the illegal routing of calls and cyber frauds. With the analysis and intelligence by the Hyderabad unit of DoT, an illegal call routing set-up was identified at Secunderabad and was busted on the night of Thursday in coordination with the Telangana Police. The illegal set-up was being operated using SIP connections procured by a firm in Hyderabad. A SIP server, three laptops, one monitor and related network equipment was seized in a joint operation of Department of Telecom with Telangana Police The SIP connections were being used to route the international calls from foreign countries to Indian customers in an illegal way. Calls were found to be routed from Middle-East and America, but showing local Indian numbers. Illegal routing of calls causes revenue loss to the nation and causes hardship to innocent subscribers. Anti-National elements also sometimes use these illegal methods. Two FIRs have been filed against the Firm and one suuspect has been apprehended by the police. Involvement of some other persons is suspected and is also being analysed for future action. Further investigation is underway. UNI KNR SSP
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
Not OTP or links, but hackers now use WhatsApp images for fraud; Check details here
A new WhatsApp image scam is targeting smartphone users. Hackers are hiding malware inside image files. Opening these images can lead to data theft and financial loss. A Jabalpur resident lost ₹2 lakh. The Department of Telecom has issued a warning. Experts advise caution and security measures. WhatsApp is planning updates to combat this threat. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In today's digitally connected world, cybercrime continues to evolve, with WhatsApp emerging as a frequent target. As one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally, it has become a hotspot for hackers. Among the growing list of threats, a particularly dangerous trend has surfaced this year—the " WhatsApp image scam ."Unlike conventional scams that depend on phishing links or OTP fraud, this scheme employs a more deceptive tactic by embedding malicious software within seemingly harmless image files, making it harder to detect and more dangerous for users, reported TOI.A recent case in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has brought national attention to this threat, where a man lost nearly Rs 2 lakh after unknowingly downloading one of these infected the more familiar phishing scams and OTP frauds, the WhatsApp image scam represents a shift toward file-based cyberattacks. Hackers are now using steganography—a technique once reserved for covert communication—to embed malicious code within image files. This method allows the malware to remain hidden in plain sight, often slipping past standard phone security systems the infected image is opened, the malware silently installs itself on the device. From there, it can steal sensitive information such as saved passwords, one-time passwords, and banking credentials, and even carry out unauthorised financial transactions—all without the user's knowledge, according to a TOI threat posed by this scam became alarmingly real for a resident of Jabalpur, who lost nearly ₹2 lakh from his bank account after opening an image sent from an unknown WhatsApp number. Investigations revealed that malware had infiltrated his phone through the image file, highlighting just how damaging these attacks can be—even for vigilant response, the Department of Telecom issued a public advisory, warning people against downloading media files from unfamiliar WhatsApp contacts. Cybersecurity experts have labelled this tactic 'far more dangerous than traditional scams,' as it leaves minimal traces, making both detection and prevention significantly more recommend enabling two-factor authentication, keeping device software up to date, and using a reputable antivirus app. WhatsApp is also expected to roll out advanced scanning features to detect such threats in upcoming updates. Until then, caution remains the best defense, reported TOI.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Time of India
New WhatsApp scam alert! Now photos are being used to hack your phone and steal your money
In an era where digital communication is nearly inseparable from our daily lives, new forms of cybercrime have come up. Scams on WhatsApp being one of the most common these days. The widely used messaging platform in the world has now become the latest playground for hackers. Among the many types of scams, this year has seen the rise of a particularly dangerous form of attack, called the "WhatsApp image scam", which uses a sneaky and hard-to-detect technique to compromise users' smartphones. Unlike traditional scams that rely on phishing links or OTP fraud, this scam involves a far more deceptive method by hiding a malicious software inside image files. A recent case in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has brought national attention to this threat, where a man lost nearly ₹2 lakh after unknowingly downloading one of these infected images. In contrast to the commonly known phishing scams and OTP frauds, the WhatsApp image scam marks a shift toward file-based attacks. Cybercriminals are now embedding harmful code inside image files using steganography, a technique once mainly used for secret communication. This allows the malware to hide in plain sight, bypassing standard phone security checks. When these images are opened, the malware installs itself without alerting the user. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Đăng ký Undo It can then be used to steal sensitive data such as saved passwords, one-time passwords, and banking credentials, and can even perform unauthorised financial transactions. The danger of this scam became very real for a resident in Jabalpur, after receiving and opening an image from an unknown number, he later discovered that nearly ₹2 lakh had been drained from his bank account. Authorities traced the incident back to malware that entered his phone via the image, exposing how devastating these attacks can be even for alert users. In response, the Department of Telecom issued a public warning, urging citizens to avoid downloading media files from unknown WhatsApp numbers. Cybersecurity professionals have called this new tactic "significantly more dangerous than traditional scams because it leaves fewer visible signs, making detection and prevention harder.' What can users do to prevent falling prey to the scam? Experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, keeping device software up to date, and using a reputable antivirus app. WhatsApp is also expected to roll out advanced scanning features to detect such threats in upcoming updates. Until then, caution remains the best defense.
Hans India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Starlink set to roll out affordable internet in India
Tech billionaire Elon Musk's affordable internet service Starlink has come closer to its India launch, after it received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Department of Telecom (DoT). The initial approval was granted after Starlink agreed to comply with the new national security guidelines for satcom operators. The Department had announced 29 additional requirements, including mandatory interception and monitoring mechanisms, use of local data centres, location tracking for mobile user terminals, localisation mandates, among others, for existing and potential satcom licensees. Starlink now needs approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), and has already submitted necessary documents, before the spectrum is allocated to the satellite-based internet service, according to reports. Last month, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with top executives of Starlink to discuss the company's investment plans for the country. 'Met a delegation from Starlink, comprising Vice President Chad Gibbs & Senior Director, Ryan Goodnight. Discussions covered Starlink's cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships and future investment plans in India,' Goyal posted on X after the meeting.
