Centre Proposes New Bills for Criminal Law

Introduction

Over the past few months, cybercriminals have upped the ante with highly complex methods targeting innocent users. One such scam is a new one that exploits WhatsApp users in India and globally. A seemingly harmless picture message is the entry point to stealing money and data. Downloading seemingly harmless images via WhatsApp can unknowingly install malware on your smartphone. This malicious software can compromise your banking applications, steal passwords, and expose your personal identity. With such malware-laced instant messages now making headlines, it is advised for netizens to exercise extreme caution while handling media received on messaging platforms.

How Does the WhatsApp Photo Scam Work?

Cybercriminals began embedding malicious code in images being shared on WhatsApp. Here is how the attack typically works:

1.  The user receives a WhatsApp message from an unknown number with an image.
2. The image may appear harmless—a greeting, meme, or holiday card—but it's packed with hidden malware.
3. When the user taps to download the image, the malware gets installed on the phone in silent mode.
4. Once installed, the malware is able to capture keystrokes, read messages, swipe banking applications, swipe credentials, and even hijack device functionality.
5. Allegedly, in its advanced versions, it can exploit two-factor authentication (2FA) and make unauthorised transactions.

Who Is Being Targeted?

This scam targets both Android and iPhone users, with a focus on vulnerable groups like senior citizens, busy workers during peak seasons, and members of WhatsApp groups flooded with forwarded messages. Experts warn that a single careless click is enough to compromise an entire device.

What Can the Malware Do?

Upon installation, the malware grants hackers a terrifying level of access:

• Track user activity via keylogging or screen capture.
• Pilfer banking credentials and initiate fund transfers automatically.
• Obtain SMS or app-based 2FA codes, evading security layers.
• Clone identity information, such as Aadhaar details, digital wallets, and email access.
• Control device operations, including the camera and microphone.

This level of intrusion can result in not just financial loss but long-term digital impersonation or blackmail.

Safety Measures for WhatsApp Users

1. Never Download Media from Suspicious Numbers

Do not download any files or pictures, even if the content appears to be familiar, unless you have faith in the source. Spread this advice among family members, particularly the older generation.

2. Turn off Auto-Download in WhatsApp Settings

Navigate to Settings > Storage and Data > Media Auto-Download. Switch off auto-download for mobile data, Wi-Fi, and roaming.

3. Install and Update Mobile Security Apps

Ensure your phone is equipped with a good antivirus or mobile security app that is updated from time to time.

4. Block and Report Potential Scammers

WhatsApp offers the ability to block and report senders in a straightforward manner. This ensures that it notifies the platform and others as well.

5. Educate Your Community

Share your knowledge on cyber hygiene with family, friends, and colleagues. Many people fall victim simply because they aren't aware of the risks, staying informed and spreading the word can make a big difference.

Advisories and Response

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and other state cyber cells have released several alerts on increasing fraud via messaging platforms. Law enforcement agencies are appealing to the public not only to be vigilant but also to report any incident at once through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

Conclusion

The WhatsApp photo scam is a stark reminder that not all dangers come with a warning. A picture can now be a Trojan horse, propagating silently from device to device and draining personal money. Do not engage with unwanted media, refresh and update your privacy and security settings. Cyber criminals survive on neglect and ignorance, but through digital hygiene and vigilance, we can fight against these types of emerging threats.

References

• https://www.opswat.com/blog/how-emerging-image-based-malware-attacks-threaten-enterprise-defenses
• https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/news/whatsapp-photo-scam-alert-downloading-random-images-could-cost-you-big-2025-05-06-988855
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-the-whatsapp-image-scam-and-how-can-you-stay-safe-from-it-101744353412848.html
• https://faq.whatsapp.com/898107234497196/?helpref=uf_share
• https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/malware/malware-hiding-in-pictures-more-likely-than-you-think/
• https://faq.whatsapp.com/573786218075805
• https://www.reversinglabs.com/blog/malware-in-images

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Introduction

Robotic or Robo dogs are created to resemble dogs in conduct and appearance, usually comprising canine features including barking and wagging tails. Some examples include Rhex (hexapod robot), Littledog and BigDog (created by Boston Dynamics robot). Robodogs, on the whole, can even respond to commands and look at a person with large LED-lit puppy eyes. 

A four-legged robotic solution was recently concluded through its foremost successful radiation protection test inside the most extensive experimental area at the European Organization for Nuclear Research known as CERN. Each robot created at CERN is carefully crafted to fulfil exceptional challenges and complement each other. Unlike the previous wheeled, tracked or monorail robots, the robodogs will be capable of penetrating unexplored dimensions of the caverns, expanding the spectrum of surroundings that CERN robots can act as a guide. Also, Incorporating the robodog with the existing monorail robots in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) tunnel will expand the range of places available for monitoring and supervision, improving the security and efficiency of the operation of CERN. Lenovo too has designed a six-legged robot called the "Daystar Bot GS" to be launched this year, which promises "comprehensive data collection." 

Use of Robodogs in diverse domains

Due to the enhancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), robodogs can be a boon for those with exceptional requirements.  The advantage of AI is the dependability of its features, which can be programmed to answer certain commands detailed to the user. 

In the context of health and well-being, they can be useful if they are programmed to take care of a person with distinct or special requirements (elderly person or visually impaired person). For this reason, they are considered more advantageous than the real dogs. Recently, New Stanford has designed robodogs that can perform several physical activities, including dancing and may also one day assist in putting pediatric patients in comfort during their hospital stays.  Similarly, the robodog, "Pupper", is a revamped version of another robotic dog designed at Stanford called "Doggo", an open-source bot with 3D printed elements that one could create on a fairly small budget. They were also created to interact with humans. Furthermore, Robots as friends are a more comfortable hop for the Japanese. The oldest and most successful social robot in Japan is called "Paro", resembling an ordinary plush toy that can help in treating depression, stress, anxiety and also mood swings in a person. Following 1998, several Paro robots were exported overseas and put into service globally, reducing stress among children in ICUs, treating American veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and assisting dementia patients. 

Post-pandemic, the Japanese experiencing loneliness and isolation have been clinging to social robots for mind healing and comfort.  Likewise, at a cafe in Japan, proud owners of the AI-driven robot dog "Aibo" have pawed its course into the minds and hearts of the people. Presently, robots are replacing the conventional class guinea pig or bunny at Moriyama Kindergarten in the central Japanese city of Nagoya. According to the teachers here, the bots apparently reduce stress and teach kids to be more humane. 

In the security and defence domain, the unique skills of robodogs allow them to be used in hazardous and challenging circumstances. They can even navigate through rugged topography with reassurance to save stranded individuals from natural catastrophes. They could correspondingly help with search and rescue procedures, surveillance, and other circumstances that could be dangerous for humans. Researchers or experts are still fine-tuning the algorithm to develop them by devising the technology and employing affordable off-shelf robots that are already functional. Robodogs are further used for providing surveillance in hostage crises, defusing bombs, besides killing people to stop them from attacking other individuals. Similarly, a breakthrough in AI is being tested by the Australian military that reportedly allows soldiers to control robodogs solely with their minds. Cities like Florida and St. Petersburg also seem bound to keep police robodogs. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is further seeking plans to deploy robot dogs at the borderlands. Also, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) intends to once again deploy four-legged 'Robodogs' to deal with high-risk circumstances like hostage negotiations. The NYPD has previously employed alike robodogs for high-octane duties in examining unsafe environments where human officers should not be exposed. The U.S. Marine Corps is additionally experimenting with a new breed of robotic canine that can be helpful in the battleground, enhance the safety and mobility of soldiers, and aid in other tasks. The Unitree Go1 robot dog (Nicknamed GOAT-Grounded Open-Air Transport) by the Marines is a four-legged machine that has a built-in AI system, which can be equipped to carry an infantry anti-armour rocket launcher on its back. The GOAT robot dog is designed to help the Marines move hefty loads, analyse topography, and deliver fire support in distant and dangerous places.

However, on the contrary, robodogs may pose ethical and moral predicaments regarding who is accountable for their actions and how to ensure their adherence to the laws of warfare. This may further increase security and privacy situations on how to safeguard the data of the robotic dogs and contain hacking or sabotage.

Conclusion

Teaching robots to traverse the world conventionally has been an extravagant challenge. Though the world has been seeing an increase in their manufacturing, it is simply a machine and can never replace the feeling of owning a real dog.  Designers state that intelligent social robots will never replace humans, though robots provide the assurance of social harmony without social contact. Also, they may not be capable of managing complicated or unforeseen circumstances that need instinct or human decision-making. Nevertheless, owning robodogs in the coming decades is expected to become even more common and cost-effective as they evolve or advance with new algorithms being tested and implemented. 

References:

• https://home.cern/news/news/engineering/introducing-cerns-robodog
• https://news.stanford.edu/2023/10/04/ai-approach-yields-athletically-intelligent-robotic-dog/
• https://nypost.com/2023/02/17/combat-ai-robodogs-follow-telepathic-commands-from-soldiers/
• https://www.popsci.com/technology/parkour-algorithm-robodog/
• https://ggba.swiss/en/cern-unveils-its-innovative-robodog-for-radiation-detection/
• https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/12/10/san-francisco-killer-robots-policing-debate
• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/robo-dogs-therapy-bots-artificial-intelligence/
• https://news.stanford.edu/report/2023/08/01/robo-dogs-unleash-fun-joy-stanford-hospital/
• https://www.pcmag.com/news/lenovo-creates-six-legged-daystar-gs-robot
• https://www.foxnews.com/tech/new-breed-military-ai-robo-dogs-could-marines-secret-weapon
• https://www.wptv.com/news/national/new-york-police-will-use-four-legged-robodogs-again
• https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/us-news/creepy-robodogs-controlled-soldiers-minds-29638615
• https://www.newarab.com/news/robodogs-part-israels-army-robots-gaza-war
• https://us.aibo.com/

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Introduction

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs  (MHA) to provide a framework for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to deal with cybercrime in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs approved a scheme for the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in October 2018.  I4C is actively working towards initiatives to combat the emerging threats in cyberspace and it has become a strong pillar of India’s cyber security and cybercrime prevention. The ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ equipped with a 24x7 helpline number 1930,  is one of the key components of the I4C.

On 10 September 2024, I4Ccelebrated its foundation day for the first time at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.  This celebration marked a major milestone in India’s efforts against cybercrimes and in enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, launched key initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity landscape.

Launch of Key Initiatives to Strengthen Cybersecurity

1. Cyber ​​Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): As a     product of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, the Cyber Fraud     Mitigation Centre (CFMC), was incorporated to bring together banks,     financial institutions, telecom companies, Internet Service Providers, and     law enforcement agencies on a single platform to tackle online financial     crimes efficiently. This integrated approach is     expected to minimise the time required to streamline operations and to     track and neutralise cyber fraud.
2. Cyber ​​Commando: The Cyber Commandos Program is an initiative in which     a specialised wing of trained Cyber Commandos will be established in     states, Union Territories, and Central Police Organizations. These     commandos will work to secure the nation’s digital space and counter     rising cyber threats. They will form the first line of defence in     safeguarding India from the growing cyber threats.
3. Samanvay Platform: The Samanvay platform is a web-based Joint Cybercrime     Investigation Facility System that was introduced as a one-stop data     repository for cybercrime. It facilitates cybercrime mapping, data     analytics, and cooperation among law enforcement agencies across the     country. This will play a pivotal role in fostering collaborations in     combating cybercrimes. Mr. Shah recognised the Samanvay platform as a     crucial step in fostering data sharing and collaboration. He called for a     shift from the “need to know” principle to a “duty to share” mindset in     dealing with cyber threats. The Samanvay platform will serve as India’s     first shared data repository, significantly enhancing the country’s     cybercrime response.
4. Suspect Registry: The Suspect Registry Portal is a national-level     platform that has been designed to track cybercriminals. The portal     registry will be connected to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal     (NCRP) which aims to help banks, financial intermediaries, and law enforcement     agencies strengthen fraud risk management. The     initiative is expected to improve the real-time tracking of cyber     suspects, preventing repeat offences and improving fraud detection     mechanisms.

Rising Digitalization: Prioritizing Cybersecurity

The number of internet users in India has grown from 25 crores in 2014 to 95 crores in 2024, accompanied by a 78-foldincrease in data consumption. This growth is echoed in the number of growing cybersecurity challenges in the digital era. With the rise of digital transactions through Jan Dhan accounts, Rupay debit cards, and UPI systems, Shri Shah underscored the growing threat of digital fraud. He emphasised the need to protect personal data, prevent online harassment, and counter misinformation, fake news, and child abuse in the digital space.

The three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), which aim to strengthen India’s legal framework for cybercrime prevention, were also referred to in the address bythe Home Minister. These laws incorporate tech-driven solutions that will ensure investigations are conducted scientifically and effectively.

Mr. Shah emphasised popularising the 1930Cyber Crime Helpline. Additionally, he noted that I4C has issued over 600advisories, blocked numerous websites and social media pages operated by cybercriminals, and established a National Cyber Forensic Laboratory in Delhi. Over 1,100 officers have already received cyber forensics training under theI4C umbrella.

In response to the regional cybercrime challenges, the formation of Joint Cyber Coordination Teams in cybercrime hotspot areas like Mewat, Jamtara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Visakhapatnam and Guwahati was highlighted as a coordinated response to local cybercrime hotspot issues.

Conclusion

With the launch of initiatives like the Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre, the Samanvay platform, and the Cyber Commandos Program, I4C is positioned to play a crucial role in combating cybercrime. The I4C is moving forward with a clear vision for a secure digital future and safeguarding India's digital ecosystem.

References:

●     https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2053438

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