Sextortion is a form of online exploitation where someone posing as a girl sends friend requests on social media by using provocative photographs and, then, gets private pictures. Cybercrime is a growing menace to individuals, organisations, and nations, with new trends emerging regularly. Some of the recent trends in cybercrime include:
Phishing and Social Engineering: Phishing scams involve tricking users into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details. These scams are often carried out via email or social media, and can be highly effective. Social engineering attacks involve manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise their security. These attacks are often carried out via phone, email, or social media.
Account Takeovers: Cybercriminals target online accounts, such as bank accounts or email accounts, by stealing login credentials through various means. They may use techniques like password cracking, credential stuffing (using previously leaked credentials), or phishing attacks to gain unauthorized access.
Cryptocurrency Scams: With the rise of cryptocurrencies, fraudsters exploit this new technology to deceive individuals through investment scams, fraudulent initial coin offerings (ICOs), fake wallets, and Ponzi schemes. Unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges can also be targeted for hacking and theft of digital assets.
Cryptojacking: Cryptojacking involves using a victim’s computer to mine cryptocurrency without their knowledge or consent. This can cause significant damage to the victim’s system and can be difficult to detect.
Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware attacks involve locking users out of their systems and demanding payment to restore access. In recent years, these attacks have become increasingly common and sophisticated, with attackers targeting both individuals and organisations.
Investment and Trading Fraud: Online investment and trading platforms provide opportunities for fraudsters to lure victims with promises of high returns, fake investment schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, or unauthorised trades made on behalf of the victim.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying involves using digital platforms to harass, intimidate, or humiliate individuals. This can take many forms, including sending threatening messages or sharing embarrassing photos or videos.
Sextortion: Sextortion is a form of online exploitation where someone posing as a girl sends friend requests on social media by using provocative photographs and, then, gets private pictures. Compromising material and videos of victims through video calls and asking for money to delete it.
These trends present significant challenges for both law enforcement authorities and individuals.
For law enforcement authorities, the challenges include:
Lack of resources: Police forces often lack the resources and expertise needed to investigate and prosecute cybercrime effectively.
Jurisdictional issues: Cybercrime is often carried out across multiple jurisdictions, making it difficult for law enforcement to coordinate investigations and prosecutions.
Rapidly evolving threat landscape: The threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new tactics and techniques being developed by cybercriminals all the time.
For individuals, the challenges include:
Lack of awareness: Many individuals are not aware of the risks posed by cybercrime and do not take appropriate steps to protect themselves.
Poor cybersecurity practices: Many individuals do not practice good cybersecurity habits, such as using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and avoiding suspicious links and attachments
Limited options for recourse: Victims of cybercrime often have limited options for recourse, and may find it difficult to recover lost funds or personal information.
To address these challenges:
Strengthen Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, and consider using a password manager to securely store them. Enable 2FA whenever possible, as it adds an extra layer of security.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Be vigilant when receiving unsolicited emails, messages, or calls asking for personal or financial information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and verify the legitimacy of the sender or source before providing any sensitive information.
Update and Secure Devices: Keep your devices, operating systems, and applications up to date with the latest security patches. Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software, firewalls, and enable automatic updates.
Verify Websites and Use Secure Connections: Ensure websites you visit have secure connections (HTTPS) and look for security indicators such as padlock icons. Be cautious of entering personal information on untrusted or unfamiliar websites.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest fraud trends, common scams, and techniques used by fraudsters. Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers and conduct research before making any investments or sharing sensitive information.
Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Consider setting up transaction alerts or notifications to detect suspicious activity promptly.
Use Trusted and Secure Networks: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be insecure. Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions on public networks. Instead, use a trusted and secure network or a virtual private network (VPN).
Exercise Caution with Cryptocurrencies: Be cautious when investing in cryptocurrencies and only use reputable and regulated platforms. Research and verify the legitimacy of projects or offerings before investing, and store your cryptocurrencies in secure wallets.
Practice safe online behavior: Be vigilant about the websites you visit and the links you click. Avoid suspicious or untrustworthy websites, emails, or messages, as they could be phishing attempts or contain malware.
Safeguard your personal information: Avoid sharing intimate or compromising photos/videos of yourself online, especially with individuals you don’t know well or trust completely. Once such content is shared, you lose control over it, and it could be used against you.
Be cautious with webcams: Cover or unplug your webcam when you’re not using it to prevent unauthorized access. Webcam hacking is a method perpetrators use to obtain explicit images or videos.
Shailendra Srivastava, a retired Director General of Police and former IPS 1986 MP cadre with a PhD in botany, writes on law enforcement, education, wildlife, and environment for various media houses. He’s also pursuing post-graduation in astrology.