The COVID-19 pandemic has not only disrupted global health systems but has also presented unique challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. There has been a concerning increase in cyber crime incidents, including fraudulent activities and exploitation of application vulnerabilities. The abrupt shift to work-from-home models due to lockdown limitations further amplifies these threats. Cyber criminals are creative in their methodologies, defrauding people for financial gains, and compromising confidential data.
The Rising Cases of Cyber Fraud Amidst the Pandemic
The spike in cyber crime during the COVID-19 crisis is alarming. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the pandemic situation to exploit vulnerable individuals and organizations. They employ several novel ways such as creating deceitful accounts masquerading as legitimate ones, targeting existing weaknesses in applications, and leveraging public platforms used by employees working from home.
Recent Incidents Displaying Cyber Crime Creativity
Several reported incidents highlight the evolving nature of cyber fraud. The alert surrounding the phishing of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) ID of the PM CARES Fund is one such example. Fraudsters mimicked the ID to trick users and commit financial fraud. Another incident involved fake Facebook accounts where money was solicited for alleged medical treatments by hacking into unsuspecting users’ accounts.
The Vulnerabilities of Zoom Application
The case of the Zoom app further underlines the intricacies of cyber crime. The Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CERT-In) assigned a ‘medium’ security rating to the application due to its potential vulnerabilities. Fraudsters can exploit the permissions granted to Zoom for accessing user’s microphone, webcam, and data storage, which can result in data hijack and loss of private information.
Preventative Measures Against Cyber Crimes
While tackling cyber crime requires a comprehensive approach, certain measures can significantly mitigate these risks. These include verifying the destination UPI ID for payments, following best practices to guard privacy on social media platforms, and exercising caution while using free applications for holding confidential meetings.
Interpol’s Advisory On Protecting Against Cyber Crime
Interpol has issued guidelines recommending strategies for individuals and agencies to safeguard against cyber threats. These involve avoiding suspicious emails, regularly backing up files, using robust passwords, and keeping software programs updated. Moreover, Interpol alerts about misleading advertisements about medical products and the rise of deceitful e-commerce platforms during the pandemic.
Legal Framework and Remedies
Computer-related offences are governed under the Information Technology Act (IT Act), 2000. Offenders are subject to penalties, compensations, and criminal liabilities depending on the severity of the case. If any individual falls victim to such crimes, they are advised to report to the police immediately.
Maintaining a safe cyberspace during such critical times necessitates vigilance, awareness, and adherence to guidelines issued by the regulatory bodies. The collective effort can significantly curb cyber crime, ensuring a secure environment for all internet users.