Be Aware of Lottery Scams
Introduction
The Online Lottery Scam involves a scammer reaching out through email, phone or SMS to inform you that you have won a significant amount of money in a lottery, instructing you to contact an agent at a specific phone number or email address that actually belongs to the fraudster. Once the agent is reached out to, the recipient will need to cover processing charges in order to claim the lottery reward. Upfront Paying is required in order to receive your reward. However, actual rewards come at no cost. Additionally, such defective 'offers’ often contain phishing attacks, tricking users into clicking on malicious links.
Modus Operandi
The common lottery fraud starts with a message stating that the receiver has won a large lottery prize. These messages are frequently crafted to imitate official correspondence from reputable institutions, sweepstakes, or foreign administrations. The scammers request the receiver to give personal information like name, address, and banking details, or to make a payment for taxes, processing fees, or legal procedures. After the victim sends the money or discloses their personal details, the scammers may vanish or persist in requesting more payments for different reasons.
Tactics and Psychological Manipulation
These fraudulent techniques mostly rely on psychological manipulation to work. Fraudsters by persuading the victims create the fake sense of emergency that they must act quickly in order to get the lottery prize. Additionally, they prey on people's hopes for a better life by convincing them that this unanticipated gain has the power to change their destiny. Many people fall prey to the scam because they are driven by the desire to get wealthy and fail to recognize the warning indications. Additionally, fraudsters frequently use convincing language and fictitious documentation that appears authentic, hence users need to be extra cautious and recognise the early signs of such online fraudulent activities.
Festive Season and Uptick in Deceptive Online Scams
As the festive season begins, there is a surge in deceptive online scams that aim at targeting innocent internet users. A few examples of such scams include, free Navratri garba passes, quiz participation opportunities, coupons offering freebies, fake offers of cheap jewellery, counterfeit product sales, festival lotteries, fake lucky draws and charity appeals. Most of these scams are targeted to lure the victims for financial gain.
In 2023, CyberPeace released a research report on the Navratri festivities scam where we highlighted the ‘Tanishq iPhone 15 Gift’ scam which involved fraudsters posing as Tanishq, a well-known jewellery brand, and offering fake iPhone 15 as Navratri gifts. Victims were lured into clicking on malicious links. CyberPeace issued a detailed advisory within the report, highlighting that the public must exercise vigilance, scrutinise the legitimacy of such offers, and take precautionary measures to shield themselves from falling prey to such deceptive cyber schemes.
Preventive Measures for Lottery Scams
To avoid lottery scams ,users should avoid responding to messages or calls about fake lottery wins, verify the source of the lottery, maintain confidentiality by not sharing sensitive personal details, approach unexpected windfalls with scepticism, avoid upfront payment requests, and recognize manipulative tactics by scammers. Ignoring messages or calls about fake lottery wins is a smart move. Verifying the source and asking probing questions is also crucial. Users are also advisednot to click on such unsolicited links of lottery prizes received in emails or messages as such links can be phishing attempts. These best practices can help protect the victims against scammers who pressurise victims to act quickly that led them to fall prey to such scams.
Must-Know Tips to Prevent Lottery Scams
● It is advised to steer clear of any communication that offers lotteries or giveaways, as these are often perceived as too good to be true.
● It is advised to refrain from transferring money to individuals/entities who are unknown without verifying their identity and credibility.
● If you have already given the fraudsters your bank account details, it is crucial to alert your bank immediately.
● Report any such incidents on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930.
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Introduction
India's National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) is set to approach the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to recommend mandating a KYC-based system for verifying children's age under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. The decision to approach or send recommendations to MeitY was taken by NCPCR in a closed-door meeting held on August 13 with social media entities. In the meeting, NCPCR emphasised proposing a KYC-based age verification mechanism. In this background, Section 9 of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 defines a child as someone below the age of 18, and Section 9 mandates that such children have to be verified and parental consent will be required before processing their personal data.
Requirement of Verifiable Consent Under Section 9 of DPDP Act
Regarding the processing of children's personal data, Section 9 of the DPDP Act, 2023, provides that for children below 18 years of age, consent from parents/legal guardians is required. The Data Fiduciary shall, before processing any personal data of a child or a person with a disability who has a lawful guardian, obtain verifiable consent from the parent or lawful guardian. Additionally, behavioural monitoring or targeted advertising directed at children is prohibited.
Ongoing debate on Method to obtain Verifiable Consent
Section 9 of the DPDP Act gives parents or lawful guardians more control over their children's data and privacy, and it empowers them to make decisions about how to manage their children's online activities/permissions. However, obtaining such verifiable consent from the parent or legal guardian presents a quandary. It was expected that the upcoming 'DPDP rules,' which have yet to be notified by the Central Government, would shed light on the procedure of obtaining such verifiable consent from a parent or lawful guardian.
However, In the meeting held on 18th July 2024, between MeitY and social media companies to discuss the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Rules (DPDP Rules), MeitY stated that it may not intend to prescribe a ‘specific mechanism’ for Data Fiduciaries to verify parental consent for minors using digital services. MeitY instead emphasised obligations put forth on the data fiduciary under section 8(4) of the DPDP Act to implement “appropriate technical and organisational measures” to ensure effective observance of the provisions contained under this act.
In a recent update, MeitY held a review meeting on DPDP rules, where they focused on a method for determining children's ages. It was reported that the ministry is making a few more revisions before releasing the guidelines for public input.
CyberPeace Policy Outlook
CyberPeace in its policy recommendations paper published last month, (available here) also advised obtaining verifiable parental consent through methods such as Government Issued ID, integration of parental consent at ‘entry points’ like app stores, obtaining consent through consent forms, or drawing attention from foreign laws such as California Privacy Law, COPPA, and developing child-friendly SIMs for enhanced child privacy.
CyberPeace in its policy paper also emphasised that when deciding the method to obtain verifiable consent, the respective platforms need to be aligned with the fact that verifiable age verification must be done without compromising user privacy. Balancing user privacy is a question of both technological capabilities and ethical considerations.
DPDP Act is a brand new framework for protecting digital personal data and also puts forth certain obligations on Data Fiduciaries and provides certain rights to Data Principal. With upcoming ‘DPDP Rules’ which are expected to be notified soon, will define the detailed procedure for the implementation of the provisions of the Act. MeitY is refining the DPDP rules before they come out for public consultation. The approach of NCPCR is aimed at ensuring child safety in this digital era. We hope that MeitY comes up with a sound mechanism for obtaining verifiable consent from parents/lawful guardians after taking due consideration to recommendations put forth by various stakeholders, expert organisations and concerned authorities such as NCPCR.
References
- https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/dpdp-rules-ncpcr-to-recommend-meity-to-bring-in-kyc-based-age-verification-for-children-article-12801563.html
- https://pune.news/government/ncpcr-pushes-for-kyc-based-age-verification-in-digital-data-protection-a-new-era-for-child-safety-215989/#:~:text=During%20this%20meeting%2C%20NCPCR%20issued,consent%20before%20processing%20their%20data
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ncpcr-likely-to-seek-clause-for-parents-consent-under-data-protection-rules-101724180521788.html
- https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dpdp-act-2023-and-the-isssue-of-parental-consent
Technology has revolutionized our lives, offering countless benefits and conveniences that make our daily lives more accessible and connected. However, with these benefits come potential challenges and risks that can impact our digital experiences. In this article, we have gathered expert advice on the impact of technology use in our daily lives, including the importance of warranties and tech protection in safeguarding our technology investments. Our experts offer invaluable insights and guidance on using technology safely and effectively while protecting us from unexpected costs or problems. Whether you’re a casual user or a technology enthusiast, our experts’ insights will help you navigate the world of technology with confidence and peace of mind.
How to protect kids from online abuse in the modern era of technology?
“As parents, it’s important to acknowledge that online child abuse is a widespread problem that we need to address. But does this mean we should ban technology from our children’s lives? Absolutely not! Technology is an integral part of our children’s lives, providing numerous benefits. Instead, we should think of practical ways to minimize the risks of online abuse. Many parents today depend on parental control apps like Mobicip to safeguard their children’s online activities and build healthy digital habits. These apps allow parents to supervise their child’s online behavior, restrict screen time, prevent access to certain websites and applications, filter inappropriate content, and get instant notifications about dangerous interactions or inappropriate content. Parents feel reassured and free of worry, knowing that their children’s online surroundings are secure and protected. In addition to using a parental control app, we must also focus on building a strong connection with our kids. By initiating conversations about their digital lives, we can understand their digital world, educate them about the potential risks and dangers of the internet, and teach them how to stay safe. By being proactive and engaged in our children’s digital lives, we can protect them from online abuse while still allowing them to benefit from technology.”
How to increase engagement in online classes via technology?
“Online classes have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their many advantages. However, online educators face several challenges that can impede the effectiveness of their classes, one of which is the lack of engagement from students. To address this challenge, it is crucial to adopt certain strategies that can increase student engagement and create a more meaningful learning environment.
One effective strategy is to limit the number of chokepoints that students may face while enrolling in a class. This can be achieved by using booking and scheduling technology that provides students with a hassle-free experience. The system sends regular reminders and notifications to learners about upcoming classes and assignments, helping them stay organized and committed to their learning.
Technology plays a vital role in improving communication between students and teachers and in increasing student engagement and participation during a session. Utilizing technology such as polling, chat boxes, and breakout rooms enables learners to actively participate in the class and share their perspectives, leading to more effective learning.
Personalization is also essential in creating a meaningful learning environment. A scheduling system can help create customized learning paths for each student, where they can progress at their own pace and focus on topics that interest them. This ensures that each student receives individual attention and is able to learn in a way that suits their learning style.
Moreover, gamification techniques can be used to make the learning process more fun and engaging. This includes using badges, points, and leaderboards to motivate learners to achieve their goals while competing with each other.”
Dr. Sukanya Kakoty, Omnify
How to choose the best due diligence software for your business?
“With a variety of solutions on the market, finding the best due diligence software for your business can be a tedious task. In addition to the software’s capabilities meeting your needs, there are other factors to consider when picking the right solution for your business. As due diligence involves the sharing of sensitive information, security is a key factor to consider. When browsing solutions, it is important to consider if their security features are up to industry standards. User-friendliness is another factor to consider when adopting a new due diligence software. Introducing a new tool should increase team efficiency, not disrupt your existing workflow. When searching for the perfect due diligence solution, pick one that meets the above criteria and more. DealRoom is a lifecycle deal management solution, providing pipeline, diligence, integration, and document management all under one platform. DealRoom’s user-friendly and intuitive features allow for customizable workflows to fit the specific needs of each user. DealRoom also offers industry-leading security features, including data encryption, granular permissions, and detailed audit logs, guaranteeing that your information is always protected. When choosing the best due diligence software for your business, consider a user-friendly, flexible, and secure solution.”
Why are backups important, and what is the safest way of doing them?
“Backups are important for several reasons. They help to protect against data loss, which can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as hardware failure, software corruption, natural disasters, or cyber-attacks. Backups also help to ensure that important data is available when needed, such as in the case of an emergency or system failure. Additionally, backups provide a way to recover deleted or corrupted files. This is also important because the loss of data can result in consequences such as financial loss, damage to reputation, and even legal issues. If not these, then loss of data may also lead to emotional effects in certain cases. A backup, however, can restore data quickly and avoid any significant disruption, emotional or otherwise. The safest way of doing backups is by following the 3-2-1 backup rule. This rule states that you should have at least three copies of your data, stored on at least two different storage media, with one copy stored offsite. This provides redundancy in case of a failure of one storage medium or location.
There are several methods of backing up data, including:
- External hard drives or USB drives: These are inexpensive and portable, making them a popular choice for personal backups. However, they can be lost or damaged, so it is important to keep them in a safe location and make regular backups.
- Cloud backups: These store data on remote servers, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This provides an offsite backup solution, but it is important to choose a reputable provider and to ensure that the data is encrypted and secure.
- Network-attached storage (NAS): These are devices that connect to a network and provide centralized storage for multiple devices. They can be configured to automatically back up data from multiple devices on the network.
- Tape backups: These are less common but are still used by some businesses for the long-term storage of large amounts of data.
Regardless of the backup method chosen, it is important to regularly test backups regularly to ensure that they can be successfully restored in case of an emergency.”
What are the best trending electric toys for kids in 2023?
“Augmented Reality (AR) Toys: These toys blend the physical and digital world, providing an immersive experience. Popular examples include AR-enabled building sets and interactive storybooks that come to life through an app.
Educational Robotics: Robotics toys like the LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor and Sphero’s programmable robots have gained popularity for teaching coding, engineering, and problem-solving skills through hands-on play.”
Aside from security, what are some of the features of a VPN?
“Accessing geo-restricted content: One of the main benefits of using a VPN is its ability to bypass geographical restrictions in the world of flight prices, content, gaming, and more. Many websites and online services are only available in certain countries or regions. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and access content that is otherwise blocked or unavailable in your country. Imagine you’re playing a game with friends; by using a VPN, you can improve your gaming experience by connecting to a server closer to the game’s host location and bypassing regional restrictions to access features unavailable in your region.
Increased privacy and anonymity: While security and privacy go hand in hand, VPNs offer more than just encryption. They also provide a level of anonymity by masking your IP address and making it difficult for websites and online services to track your online activity. This can be particularly useful for users who are concerned about their online privacy or who want to avoid targeted ads.
Faster internet speeds: Believe it or not, using a VPN can actually improve your internet speed in certain situations. If your internet service provider (ISP) is throttling your internet speed, a VPN can help you bypass this by encrypting your traffic and hiding it from your ISP. Additionally, some VPN providers offer dedicated servers that are optimized for faster speeds, reducing buffering and improving download and upload speeds.”
How does creating a website can help a home business?
“As a digital marketing consultant, I once worked with a client who had a home-based bakery business. She struggled to reach new customers beyond her local community and wanted to expand her reach and grow her business. After assessing her needs, I recommended that she create a website for her business. With the website, she could showcase her unique baked goods, provide a platform for online ordering, and expand her reach to customers beyond her local community. The website was designed to be visually appealing and user-friendly while effectively showcasing the brand and products in an attractive way. Additionally, the website was optimized for search engines and integrated with social media platforms to increase visibility and drive traffic to the site. Within a few months of launching the website, she saw an increase in orders. Customers could easily place orders through the website and leave reviews, which provided social proof and helped build trust with potential customers. Also used data analytics to track customer behavior and make data-driven decisions to improve the website and marketing strategy. The website became a valuable asset for her business, helping her to expand her reach, increase sales, and gather valuable customer data. Overall, creating a website helped her home-based business to grow and thrive in a competitive marketplace.”
Lito James, MassivePeak.com
How can technology be utilized to enhance productivity for remote teams working from home?
“Our team facilitates strategic planning sessions and we’re frequently working with teams that are working remotely. Here are a few of our best tips for productivity:
- Clear strategy: As teams have fewer touch points, it’s critical they are aligned and bought into the direction of the organization.
- Clear big rocks for the week. Make sure you’re not just busy but doing things that will move the needle on your strategic goals
- Clear accountability: Basecamp or other project management tools to help make sure nothing falls through the cracks
- Clear communication: Schedule the right meetings, so you are connecting at the right times to deliver important work and align on important topics.
- Clear agendas: When you do meet, make sure you’re coming together, staying focused, and getting the most important information across
Creating the right strategy and the right structure to keep it moving forward will help your team drive your most important outcomes, regardless of if you’re working in an office or remotely.
Anthony Taylor, SME Strategy Consulting
How to monitor your kids’ activities online?
“As a father of two kids and the founder of TheSweetBits.com, a website dedicated to providing guides on software and apps, I have extensive experience in monitoring my children’s online activities. Over the years, I have tested and reviewed numerous parental control apps and software to ensure my children’s online safety. When it comes to monitoring your kids’ activity online, it’s crucial to find a balance between keeping them safe and respecting their privacy. One of the most effective ways to achieve this balance is by using parental control software that allows you to set limits on their device usage, restrict access to inappropriate content, and monitor their online activity. However, it’s important to note that parental control software is not a substitute for good communication with your kids. You should have regular conversations with them about online safety and the potential dangers of the internet. By establishing trust and open communication, you can work together to create a safe and responsible online environment for your family. As I always say, ‘Parental control software is just one tool in the toolbox of responsible parenting’.”
How to plan the best online date with the help of technology?
“To plan a date online with the help of technology, we recommend using a reservation app like OpenTable to make dinner reservations. Not only will this let her know you thought ahead with the smaller details, but it will also ensure a smooth date by eliminating a long waiting time for a table to open up.”
What are the benefits of teaching kids to code and how to make it fun?
“The ability to code has become increasingly important in the modern world due to the rapid advancement of technology and its integration into nearly every aspect of our lives. This is something that will only continue as our children grow up and enter the world at large as the demand for workers with coding skills continues to grow rapidly. Teaching kids to code offers numerous benefits beyond just developing technical skills and getting them future-ready. It promotes problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and logical reasoning, all of which are essential in today’s digital age. Additionally, coding can increase creativity and encourage children to think outside the box. However, it’s important to make coding fun and engaging for kids rather than a dull and tedious task. One way to make it exciting is to introduce gamification elements, such as incorporating fun characters or adding game-like challenges, and there are loads of great apps to get them started with. We love CodeSpark Academy, Lego Boost, and Tynker. Another approach is to encourage group work or peer learning, where children can work together to solve problems and learn from each other. Ultimately, making coding fun and enjoyable can ignite children’s interest in technology and set them on a path to explore new and exciting opportunities in the future.”
Are dating apps useful in the modern dating era and how to find the correct one?
“Dating apps have become a popular tool for modern daters to find potential partners. However, they also come with their own set of problems. One of the biggest issues with current dating apps is that they focus too much on superficial factors such as sexual attraction, rather than deeper compatibility and true attraction. This can lead to frustration and disappointment for users who are seeking more meaningful connections. Fortunately, AI technology is starting to offer solutions to these problems. By using machine learning algorithms and data analysis, apps like Iris Dating are able to help users find potential matches based on more than just superficial qualities. Iris uses a process called “iris training” to learn each user’s unique preferences and suggest compatible matches accordingly. This approach allows users to connect with people to whom they are really attracted, leading to more meaningful and lasting relationships. When it comes to finding the right dating app, it’s important to do your research and choose one that aligns with your values and preferences. Look for apps that prioritize true attraction and use AI technology to help you find meaningful matches. Don’t be afraid to try out multiple apps until you find one that feels right for you. Overall, while dating apps have their flaws, AI-powered apps like Iris offer hope for a more personalized and meaningful dating experience. By leveraging the power of technology, we can make the search for love a little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable.”
What are some IT risk management tips for home businesses?
“As more and more people turn to home-based businesses, IT security for these operations is becoming an increasingly important concern. From data breaches to cyberattacks, the risks you face as a home business owner are the same as those faced by larger enterprises. So, what are some IT risk management tips for home businesses? First, consider using a virtual private network or VPN to enhance the security of your online communications. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication for all of your accounts, including any cloud services you use. Practice good password hygiene, regularly updating passwords and avoiding easily guessable or common passwords. Finally, consider investing in cybersecurity insurance to protect your business in the event of a cyberattack or data breach. By taking these steps to mitigate IT risks, you can help ensure your home business stays secure and successful. Below are some additional suggestions to help you stay vigilant and set up your home business for longevity.
-Keep Your Software Up to Date: One of the best ways to reduce your risk of being hacked is to keep your software up to date. This includes both your operating system and any applications you have installed.
-Use a Firewall: A firewall is a piece of software that helps to block incoming connections from untrusted sources. By blocking these connections, you can help to prevent hackers from gaining access to your system.
-Use Anti-Virus Software: In addition to using a firewall, you should also use anti-virus software. Anti-virus software helps to protect your system from viruses and other malware. These programs work by scanning your system for known threats and then quarantining or deleting any files that are found to be infected.
-Back Up Your Data Regularly: Finally, it is important to back up your data regularly. This way, if your system is ever compromised, you will not lose any important files or data.
-Encrypt Your Data: If you are storing sensitive data on your computer, it is important to encrypt it to protect it from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Encryption is a process of transforming data into a format that cannot be read without a decryption key. There are many different encryption algorithms that you can use, so make sure to choose one that is appropriate for the type of data you are encrypting.”
What are the benefits of giving your child a smartphone?
“If you’re teetering back and forth on getting your child a smartphone, consider these benefits as you make your decision:
• Connection. Smartphones keep kids in contact with friends and family—for fun and function! From school to extracurricular activities, kids can easily let their parents and caregivers know about late pickups, ride requests, and other changes of plans.
• Safety. If your child or someone they’re with gets hurt, their smartphone could save a life! And with built-in GPS, their location is always accessible. Plus, parental controls and other smartphone safeguards offer even more protection.
• Convenience. Life is a little easier when your child has a smartphone, plain and simple! You can call each other, send texts, and always know where they are.
• Acceptance. These days, it’s uncommon for kids to not have smartphones. With a smartphone, your child feels belonging and inclusion among their peers.
• Development. Having something as valuable as a smartphone teaches children responsibility and accountability. And with a smartphone of their own, your child will learn how to use technology in an appropriate, safe, and disciplined way.
• Education. Smartphones are incredible teaching tools! Educational apps, videos, and games can keep kids sharp. Plus, smartphones can introduce them to new hobbies and interests!”
How is technology promoting health and wellness?
“Technology has revolutionized the healthcare industry and is playing an increasingly important role in promoting health and wellness. Here are some ways in which technology has helped:
Wearable technology: Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are becoming increasingly popular. These devices can track a person’s physical activity, sleep patterns, heart rate, and more. They provide valuable insights into a person’s health and wellness and can help motivate them to make positive lifestyle changes.
Telehealth: Telemedicine allows patients to receive medical care remotely through video conferencing, phone calls, or other digital means. It has also allowed fitness professionals to work with more people who aren’t in a local market via video conferencing, webinars, etc.
Mobile Apps: There are a plethora of mobile apps available that promote health and wellness. These apps can help users track their diet and exercise, manage chronic conditions, and access medical information.
Virtual Reality: Virtual reality (VR) is being used in healthcare to treat conditions such as anxiety, phobias, and PTSD. VR can also be used for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Overall, technology is playing an increasingly important role in promoting health and wellness, and it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses of technology in the healthcare industry in the future.”
Introduction
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the 'Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)'and the 'Chakshu' facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to combat cybercrimes and financial frauds. Union telecom, IT and railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the initiatives, stating that the government has been working to counter cyber frauds at national, organizational, and individual levels. The Sanchar Saathi portal has successfully tackled such attacks, and the two new portals will further enhance the capacity to check any kind of cyber security threat.
The Digital Intelligence Platform is a secure and integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing, information exchange, and coordination among stakeholders, including telecom operators, law enforcement agencies, banks, financial institutions, social media platforms, and identity document issuing authorities. It also contains information regarding cases detected as misuse of telecom resources.
The 'Chakshu' facility allows citizens to report suspected fraud communication received over call, SMS, or WhatsApp with the intention of defrauding, such as KYC expiry, bank account/payment wallet/SIM/gas connection/electricity connection, sextortion, impersonations a government official/relative for sending money, and disconnection of all mobile numbers by the Department of Telecommunications.
The launch of these proactive initiatives or steps represents another significant stride by the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Telecommunications in combating cybersecurity threats to citizens' digital assets.
In this age of technology, there is a reason to be concerned about the threats posed by cybercrooks to individuals and organizations. The risk of using digital means for communication, e-commerce, and critical infrastructure has increased significantly. It is important to have proper measures in place to prevent cybercrime and destructive behavior. The Department of Telecommunication has unveiled "Chakshu," a digital intelligence portal aimed at combating cybercrimes. This platform seeks to enhance the country's cyber defense capabilities by providing enforcement agencies with effective tools and actionable intelligence for countering cybercrimes, including financial frauds.
Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)
Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) developed by the Department of Telecommunications is a secure and integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing, information exchange and coordination among the stakeholders i.e. Telecom Service Providers(TSPs), law enforcement agencies (LEAs), banks and financial institutions(FIs), social media platforms, identity document issuing authorities etc. The portal also contains information regarding the cases detected as misuse of telecom resources. The shared information could be useful to the stakeholders in their respective domains. It also works as a backend repository for the citizen-initiated requests on the Sanchar Saathi portal for action by the stakeholders. The DIP is accessible to the stakeholders through secure connectivity, and the relevant information is shared based on their respective roles. However, the platform is not accessible to citizens.
What is Chakshu?
Chakshu, which means “eye” in Hindi, is a new feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This citizen-friendly platform allows you to report suspicious communication you receive via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. “Chakshu” is a new advanced tool to safeguard against modern-day cybercriminal activities. Chakshu is a sophisticated design that uses the latest technologies for assembling and analyzing digital information and provides law enforcement agencies with useful data on what should be done next. Below are some of its attributes.
Here are some examples of what you can report:
- Fraudulent messages claiming your KYC (Know Your Customer)details need to be updated.
- Fraudulent requests to update your bank account, payment wallet, or SIM card details.
- Phishing attempts impersonating government officials or relatives asking for money.
- Fraudulent threats of disconnection of your sim connections.
How Chakshu Aims to crackdown Cybercrime and Financial Frauds
Chakshu is a new tool on the Sanchar Saathi platform that invites individuals to report suspected fraudulent communications received by phone, SMS, or WhatsApp. These fraudulent activities may include attempts to deceive individuals through schemes such as KYC expiry or update requests for bank accounts, payment wallets, SIM cards, gas connections, and electricity connections, sextortion, impersonation of government officials or relatives for financial gain, or false claims of mobile number disconnection by the Department of Telecommunications.
The tool is well-designed and equipped to help the investigators with actionable intelligence and insights, enabling LEAs to conduct targeted investigations on financial frauds and cyber-crimes; the tool helps in gathering a comprehensive data analysis and evidence collection capability by mapping out the connection between individuals, organizations and illicit activities, it, therefore, allows the law enforcement agencies in dismantling criminal activities and help the law enforcement agencies.
Chakshu’s Impact
India has launched Chakshu, a digital intelligence tool that strengthens the country's cybersecurity policy. Chakshu employs modern technology and real-time data analysis to enhance India's cyber defenses. Law enforcement can detect and neutralize possible threats by taking proactive approach to threat analysis and prevention before they become significant crises. Chakshu also improves the resilience of critical infrastructure and digital ecosystems, safeguarding them against cyber-attacks. Overall, Chakshu plays an important role in India's cybersecurity posture and the protection of national interests in the digital era.
Where can Chaksu be accessed?
Chakshu can be accessed through the government's Sanchar Saathi web portal:https://sancharsaathi.gov.in
Conclusion
The launch of the Digital Intelligence Platform and Chakshu facility is a step forward in safeguarding citizens from cybercrimes and financial fraud. These initiatives use advanced technology and stakeholder collaboration to empower law enforcement agencies. The Department of Telecommunications' proactive approach demonstrates the government's commitment to cybersecurity defenses and protecting digital assets, ensuring a safer digital environment for citizens and critical infrastructure.
References
- https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/dot-launches-digital-intelligence-portal-chakshu-facility-to-curb-cybercrimes-financial-frauds/108220814
- https://bankingfrontiers.com/digital-intelligence-platform-launched-to-curb-cybercrime-financial-fraud/
- https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/calcutta-hc-justice-abhijit-gangopadhyay-sends-his-resignation-to-prez-cji-124030500367_1.html
- https://www.the420.in/dip-chakshu-government-launches-powerful-weapons-against-cybercrime/
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2011383
