The Invisible Threat: Understanding and Preventing Modern Cybercrimes


Two Types of People: Those Who Know They've Been Hacked, and Those Who Don't

In today's interconnected world, almost every individual falls into one of two categories: those who are aware they have been hacked and those who are unaware of it. Cybersecurity threats have become so pervasive that most personal information is already exposed somewhere on the dark web.

Cybercrime: Myths About Who Gets Targeted

There is a common myth that cybercriminals only target specific age groups or less tech-savvy individuals. However, the reality is different. Cybercriminals meticulously research their victims, often targeting affluent individuals. Cases show average losses ranging from ₹50 lakhs to several crores. Poor or lower-income individuals are seldom targeted for large-scale scams because the financial incentive is low. Cybercriminals operate organized rackets backed by leaked, filtered data about potential victims.

Password Complexity: A False Sense of Security

While advice often focuses on creating complex passwords, the bitter truth is that if a password leaks through a compromised system, complexity alone cannot prevent access. Cybercriminals rarely hack devices directly. Instead, they hack the individual — using manipulation, deception, and social engineering — to gain access.

The Growing Sophistication of Cyber Scams

The evolution of scams is alarming. Digital Arrest scams, investment frauds, WhatsApp hijackings, and call merging scams are just a few examples. Criminals create extremely convincing scenarios using AI-generated voices, deepfake videos, and even fake websites that mirror government or corporate sites.

One major trend is Digital Arrest scams, where victims receive calls mimicking law enforcement, complete with fabricated evidence and psychological pressure, leading them to transfer money to fraudsters.

Another growing threat is WhatsApp hijacking via call merging, where criminals exploit call functions to steal OTPs and gain control of accounts without victims even realizing it.

Why Cybercrime Is Growing Exponentially

The growth of cybercrime mirrors the exponential adoption of digital technology. Digitalization has outpaced security awareness, leading to a global spike in financial crimes. Countries like the UK have enacted laws forcing banks to compensate victims up to £85,000, recognizing that victim-blaming is insufficient.

In India, similar mechanisms exist where reporting fraud within three days can ensure bank liability for refunding stolen money. However, awareness and immediate action are critical.

The Real Risk: Data Breaches and Dark Web Markets

Massive data breaches leak personal information, including bank account details, Aadhaar numbers, and phone numbers, onto the dark web. Hackers then exploit this information to craft personalized attacks. Tools like "HaveIBeenPwned.com" and apps like "MobiArmor" allow individuals to check if their information has been compromised.

AI: The Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized cybercrime. AI tools generate flawless phishing emails, realistic deepfakes, and fake identities that are nearly impossible to distinguish from real ones. Websites like ThisPersonDoesNotExist.com create entirely fabricated human faces used in social engineering attacks.

Voice cloning has reached a level where a child's or relative’s voice can be perfectly mimicked to extort money urgently under fabricated emergencies.

How Scams Actually Work

Here are some typical scam workflows:

- Digital Arrest Scams: Victims are pressured to believe they are under criminal investigation, forced into paying "bail" amounts.

- Investment App Scams: Fake apps promise high returns but block withdrawals.

- WhatsApp Image Scams: Clicking a malicious image installs spyware, stealing autofill credentials.

- Session Hijacking: Clicking on suspicious links gives hackers access to live sessions without needing passwords.

- Call Forwarding Scams: Trick victims into forwarding calls to hackers who intercept OTPs.

- Fake Job Offers and Social Engineering: Entire networks of fake companies, references, and colleagues are created to scam job seekers.

Recovery After a Cyber Scam

Immediate action is vital:

1. First 3 hours are critical.
2. Call 1930 (India’s National Cybercrime Helpline) immediately to freeze fraudulent transactions.
3. Inform your bank within 3 days to be eligible for reimbursement as per RBI guidelines.
4. If needed, escalate to the RBI Ombudsman for unresolved cases.

However, if the money has already been routed through layers of anonymous accounts, gaming currencies, or crypto, recovery becomes exceedingly difficult.

Proactive Prevention: Building a Personal Cybersecurity Framework

To reduce the risk:

- Minimize Digital Footprint: Limit public sharing on social media. Make friend lists private and restrict post visibility to trusted contacts.

- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Especially for WhatsApp, Gmail, banking apps.

- Check App Authenticity: Always verify apps on Play Store or App Store carefully. Scan unknown apps using tools like MobiArmor.

- Avoid APK Files: Only install apps from official sources.

- Protect Your Wi-Fi: Use strong passwords and disable WPS.

- Educate Family and Friends: Security is only as strong as the least informed member of your circle.

- Monitor Breaches: Regularly check if your accounts have been part of a breach.

- Be Skeptical: Always verify requests for money, personal data, or urgent actions.

Conclusion: A Mutual Responsibility

Cybersecurity today is not just an individual's responsibility but a mutual effort across families, friends, and communities. The more people are aware, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed. Sharing knowledge and building collective resilience is key to creating a safer digital environment.

In the digital world, vigilance is the new armor.  

C. P. Kumar
Energy Healer & Blogger

Amazon Books by C. P. Kumar: https://amazon.com/author/cpkumar/
YouTube Channel of C. P. Kumar: https://www.youtube.com/@cpkumar2022
Spiritual and Social Books by C. P. Kumar: http://cpkumar.lovestoblog.com/bookmarks.html

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