#cybercrime prevention

[townpostin]

Karim City College Hosts RBI-Backed Financial Literacy Program

Students gain vital financial knowledge in collaborative event with RBI Ranchi In a joint effort to boost financial awareness, Karim City College and RBI Ranchi organized a comprehensive Financial Literacy Program for students. JAMSHEDPUR – In order to improve the financial literacy of students, the Faculty of Commerce at Karim City College collaborated with RBI Ranchi to implement a Financial…

[my-financials]

Cybersecurity in Personal Finance Management: Essential Strategies for Digital Safety

In today’s digital age, where a staggering 76% of Americans engage in online banking (Pew Research Center), the importance of cybersecurity in managing personal finances cannot be overstated. This comprehensive guide explores the essential strategies for protecting your online banking, investment, and transaction activities from cyber threats. Fortifying Online Banking and Investments: An…

[deorwineinfotech]

The security of our online data is of utmost importance in the current digital era. Authentication is essential for confirming people’s identities and giving them access to sensitive information or systems. There are several kinds of authentication techniques, and each one provides different levels of security and safety. In this article we will learn about three methods of authentication is essential for preventing cybercrime.

[billget-blog]

101: How to Protect Your Money from Cyber Threats

The internet has made it easier than ever to manage your money and make financial transactions, but it has also created new opportunities for cybercriminals to steal your personal and financial information. In today’s digital age, protecting your money online is more important than ever. Here are some tips for keeping your money safe online Use strong passwords: A strong password is the first…

[krazytechnews]

How Social Media Cyberbullying Affects Your Child’s Mental Health

Social media platforms have become integral to their daily lives, offering spaces to communicate and explore identities. However, these platforms also expose children to risks, particularly cyberbullying. The impact of online harassment extends beyond fleeting moments of distress, often causing lasting mental health issues.  Besides, study shows that many forms of cyberbullying can push the…

[malcified]

Hey! Today on #malcified, I’d like to share this sketch called #TheOldWays.

#Violence continues to slither into the hearts and minds of modern society and find new channels to realize itself. Since COVID, there has been a massive increase in targeting and inflicting financial and other types of crimes and abuse on older people across the world. Clearly, they’re an easy target for various reasons, including those obvious.

Interestingly, maybe such crimes are also predicated on some past psychological trauma that allows or empowers the person perpetuating these crimes to #rationalise and execute them on their own families and the older populations across the world.

Maybe, such people don’t really plan on growing old themselves.

Maybe, we need to take a #deepdive within to realize why we as a society behave in such ways, so we snap this #chainofpain in time. #RCA at the grassroots level. Maybe, we need to revisit our own past to understand the fault lines. Else, the same sequence of events will continue to plague us during our own old age and across generations in a vicious cycle. #DogEatDogWorld

#ElderAbuse: is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. An older adult is someone age 60 or older. The abuse often occurs at the hands of a caregiver or a person the elder trusts.” - CDC

A link on choosing good #HearingAids from #mayoclinic

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116

A good resource by #NCEA categorising the different types and methods of #ElderAbuse, with examples.

https://ncea.acl.gov/elder-abuse#gsc.tab=0

The #FBI #ElderFraudReport link below to obtain an understanding of the scope and extent of these crimes across the US alone.

https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2023_IC3ElderFraudReport.pdf

An infographic by the US Office of Victims of Crime #OVC below

https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/ncvrw2018/info_flyers/fact_sheets/2018NCVRW_OlderAdults_508_QC.pdf

A quick snapshot by the #WHO on the types and status of global #ElderAbuse. Link below.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people

An infographic by #UN

https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/infographics/elder-abuse/abuse-of-older-people--a-hidden-problem---un-decade-of-healthy-ageing.png?sfvrsn=b79b61b9_1

A useful resource from the New York State’s official site #NY with #Tips on #PreventingElderExploitation and Fraud below for those concerned about themselves or their near and dear, or for those working to safeguard the system:

https://www.ny.gov/tips-preventing-elder-financial-exploitation

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

Substack Mastery Book: Chapter 6

This chapter is about How to Configure and Maintain Privacy of Substack Publications with Compelling Reasons

How to Configure and Maintain Privacy of Substack Publications with Compelling Reasons Dear beta readers, Thank you for your invaluable feedback, which is helping refine this book and enhance it as a valuable resource for fellow writers. I’ve covered five critical aspects that have already helped many readers jumpstart their Substack journey. Just yesterday, the discussion on editorial…

[regicidal-defenestration]

More breaking news coming in: Laws Don't Work [2]

[2] D. Maimon, “Deterrence in Cyberspace: An Interdisciplinary Review of the Empirical Literature,” in The Palgrave Handbook of International Cybercrime and Cyberdeviance. Springer eBooks, 2020 pp. 449–467

Big news from the criminology trenches. Did you know that if you treat someone like a human being rather than Someone Who Will, We Know, For Sure And Undoubtedly, Commit A Crime, So We Must Lock Them Away Before Their Foul Words Can Infect Our Pure Minds, then conversations about cybercrime are more successful? [1]

[1] R. Brewer, M. de Vel-Palumbo, A. Hutchings, T. Holt, A. Goldsmith, and D. Maimon, "Targeted Warnings and Police Cautions" in Cybercrime Prevention: Theory and Applications. Palgrave Pivot, Cham, 2019, 77-99

[townpostin]

Jamshedpur Police Unveil New Program to Boost Women's Safety

Top official inspects emergency services, cybercrime unit during launch event Jamshedpur authorities have introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing security for women in the city. JAMSHEDPUR – A high-ranking police official inaugurated a novel women’s safety program in Jamshedpur, while also evaluating local law enforcement operations. The South Chhota Nagpur Range’s Inspector…

[techsoulculture]

How Can Blockchain Technology Help Prevent Cybercrime?2023

Blockchain Technology Let s be honest the state of online security isn t exactly perfect Every day, we observe harmful assaults and see firms

[deorwineinfotech]

Among the most popular forms of network security threats are

[cybercrime-blogs]

Thane Woman Loses Rs. 12 Lakhs in Cyber Scam on Facebook: A Reminder to Stay Vigilant Online

The rise of cybercrime continues to be a cause of concern, as more individuals fall victim to online frauds. Recently, a woman from Thane was cheated out of Rs. 12 lakhs by conmen on Facebook. The woman received a friend request from an unknown person who claimed to be a UK citizen. The conman gained her trust and convinced her to invest in a fake business venture, promising high returns. However, the venture turned out to be a scam, leaving the woman with a significant financial loss.

This incident highlights the importance of being cautious when dealing with unknown people online. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of the person and the business before making any investments. Moreover, never share personal or financial information with strangers online. Cyber scams are on the rise, and it is up to individuals to take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to them.

A Thane woman recently fell victim to a cyber scam on Facebook, losing a total of Rs. 12 lakhs. The incident highlights the growing trend of online frauds and the need for individuals to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with unknown people online.

According to reports, the woman received a friend request on Facebook from an unknown person, who claimed to be a UK citizen. The person struck up a conversation with her and gained her trust over time. Eventually, the conman convinced the woman to invest in a fake business venture, promising high returns on investment.

ALSO READ: Cybercrime in Nagpur - Cyber Blackmailer Couple Arrested in Pune for Extorting Money

The victim fell for the scam and transferred a total of Rs. 12 lakhs to the conman's bank account. However, the business venture turned out to be fake, and the woman was left empty-handed. She filed a complaint with the police, who are now investigating the case.

This incident serves as a reminder to all internet users to be cautious when dealing with unknown people online, particularly when it comes to financial transactions. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of the person and the business before making any investments. Additionally, it is advisable to never share personal or financial information with strangers online.

ALSO READ: Nagpur Cybercrime Update: Pune Police Arrest Couple for Cyber Blackmail and Extortion Scheme

In conclusion, cyber scams are on the rise, and it is up to individuals to take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to them. Cybercrime is a serious issue that affects individuals and businesses alike. It is essential to stay informed, be vigilant, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from online frauds. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so stay safe online. Stay vigilant, be cautious, and always think twice before sharing any personal or financial information online.

Source Link: https://www.the420.in/cyber-scam-thane-woman-cheated-of-rs-12-lakhs-by-conmen-on-facebook/

[the-learning-hub]

The Essential Role of Government in Protecting Small Businesses from Cybercrime

The Essential Role of Government in Protecting Small Businesses from Cybercrime

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but they’re also vulnerable to cybercrime. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in online systems, and small businesses are often the easiest targets. Fortunately, there is a way to protect small businesses from cybercrime, and that’s through the role of government. The government plays a critical…

[mariacallous]

After her husband moved to Saudi Arabia for work, 27-year-old Fadya Salman started sending nude pictures of herself from their home in the Yemeni capital Sana’a. It wasn’t the same as being together, but it helped keep their bond alive.

Then her phone got stolen. The thief threatened to publish the photos online unless Salman—whose name has been changed here to protect the safety of this story’s sources—went out with him. She had become a victim of what authorities in many countries call “sextortion”—the act of threatening to share nude or explicit images unless demands for money or sexual acts are met.

Salman refused. Eventually, her family learned what had happened, and in 2022, she was murdered. A childhood friend who asked not to be named said her younger brother had killed her under pressure from their father in a so-called honor killing. A criminal investigation officer in Yemen confirmed that she had been killed, though no charges have been brought, as is often the case with such killings.

“It was a nightmare,” the friend said while describing Salman’s ordeal. “When a woman is put in a situation like that, she’s on her own. She can’t trust anyone to help her. She can’t go to a male relative because they’ll assume she’s to blame, and another woman won’t be able to help.”

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and its international law enforcement agency warned this year that sextortion is becoming a global crisis. Deep-rooted patriarchal traditions have made women in the Middle East and North Africa particularly vulnerable to this blackmail, activists say. While the bulk of cases are never reported to authorities, a 2019 survey by Transparency International found that one in five people polled in Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine had experienced sextortion or knew someone who had—among the worst rates in the world.

Widespread societal attitudes that place the burden of preserving familial honor on women often prevent victims from seeking justice. Instead, as in Salman’s case, the blackmail can have tragic consequences.

Such strict societal codes are particularly pronounced in Yemen, which ranked last in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index for 15 consecutive years (from 2006 to 2020) and has a troubled history of so-called honor killings.

Amaal Aldobai, a Yemeni women’s rights activist and head of the Centre for Combating Violence Against Women, said that women are easy prey for perpetrators of sextortion.

“If a woman falls victim to sextortion, she cannot tell her family because they will sentence her to death instead of getting justice,” Aldobai said.

While some women are lured into sending private images by promises of marriage, Yemeni activist Mokhtar Abdel Moez said that the majority fall victim to gangs that hack into women’s phones and coerce them into prostitution or paying a large sum of money.

“This results in hundreds of cases of divorce, murder, and suicide every year,” he said. “What is incredible is that, in some incidents, women gave in to coercion and were forced into prostitution to avoid the publishing of images that are not even scandalous yet are enough to lead to their murder merely for being in a strange man’s possession.”

Abdel Moez is the founder of Sanad, a nonprofit organization in Yemen that supports cybercrime victims through a network of around 400 volunteer digital experts. When he began the group in March 2020, he didn’t expect to find so many cases of sextortion.

Sanad has received about 17,000 reports of cybercrimes since its launch, 6,000 of which were reported in 2023. Abdel Moez estimates that about one in four are cases of sextortion.

Official figures are far lower. An official at the Ministry of Interior in the Houthi-led government in Sana’a, who asked not to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media, said that 114 electronic crimes—including sextortion—were reported in 2022.

Yemen’s Saudi-backed administration in Aden keeps no tally of reported sextortion cases, but multiple officials said they had received dozens of such reports, mostly targeting women.

Fearing their families’ wrath and distrusting the two rival administrations fighting over power, vulnerable victims instead seek out activists such as Moez and his team. When they receive a report of a crime, the team at Sanad works to identify and contact the extortionist to try to persuade them to hand over and delete the blackmail content.

Egyptian activist Mohamed El-Yamani started a network called Qawem (or “Resist” in English) in 2020, after a young woman took her own life out of fear that her ex-boyfriend would expose private images of her.

Egypt ranked 134th out of 146 countries in the 2023 Gender Gap Index, and El-Yamani says his group has received reports of more than 100,000 cases of sextortion since it started. But he believes that this is only a small fraction of the crimes committed.

El-Yamani said that Qawem has successfully intervened in 4,000 cases, using a network of volunteers to dissuade each perpetrator by tracing his location and threatening to expose his actions to his family, friends, and colleagues. Realizing that the victim has support is often enough to deter blackmailers, but if it doesn’t, Qawem encourages victims to report the perpetrators to the authorities.

In one case, El-Yamani said, images of a girl from a prominent family in Egypt were published online, showing her without a headscarf. The girl had refused to accede to the demands of her blackmailer, who wanted money and video calls with her. When the content was published, she was accused of recklessness and made to stay home from school.

El-Yamani said Qawem managed to defuse the situation by tracking down the blackmailer and getting him to apologize and remove the content from the internet, while also convincing the girl’s father to allow his daughter to return to school.

Egypt, El-Yamani added, is a regional leader in tackling the problem. Authorities have created digital investigation units throughout the country to handle such crimes, and they have passed laws to ensure that the identities of victims who come forward remain hidden. Qawem-style interventions would be much harder in countries such as Yemen and Syria, he said.

“Many women in these countries would rather deal with their sextortionists secretly, regardless of the consequences, as their families would hold them responsible for not protecting their family’s honor,” El-Yamani said.

Experts say that the patriarchal nature of family relations in some Middle Eastern countries has contributed to the problem.

“One common factor in all 3,657 cases that approached us is the victims’ blind trust in the perpetrator, due to them lacking the feeling of being loved and embraced in their own surroundings,” said Zainab al-Aasi, a Syrian psychiatrist and the founder of a nonprofit called Gardenia that offers legal and mental support to female victims of sextortion.

In Yemen, there are no laws addressing sextortion, said Fawzia el-Meressi, a board member at the Yemeni Women’s Union, a nonprofit. Even if there were, she argued, such crimes against women would not stop; they are the result of a patriarchal system that “creates a huge void between her and her male family members, which is exploited by criminals.”

Omaima, 21, whose name has also been changed for her safety, connected online with a man introduced to her by a friend as a researcher for a women’s health organization. The man offered payment for information about her life—a persuasive offer in Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the world, where 80 percent of the population depends on humanitarian aid.

At first, Omaima responded to the questions he sent via WhatsApp, sharing details about her relationship with her husband and pictures of her without a headscarf—a major taboo in the strict Muslim society that she is part of.

Then the questions began to take on a sexual nature, making her feel uncomfortable, she said. But after she began to ignore him, the man threatened to send the photos to her husband, carrying out the threat when she refused to engage.

Her husband divorced her. “He didn’t even hear me out,” Omaima said.

This piece is published in collaboration with Egab, a group that works with journalists across the Middle East and Africa.