By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS Cybertech
India Launches e-Zero FIR to Fast-Track Cybercrime Action
On May 19, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) unveiled the e-Zero FIR system under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), aimed at accelerating cybercrime investigations. Home Minister Amit Shah announced the initiative on X, noting it would automatically register complaints involving cyber financial fraud above ₹10 lakh as FIRs when reported via the NCRP portal or 1930 helpline.
Launched as a pilot in Delhi, this system is designed for nationwide rollout. Shah emphasized the move supports the Modi government’s mission of creating a “cyber-secure Bharat” by enabling quicker action against digital fraud.
Russian Disinformation Surges Ahead of Romanian, Polish Elections
Authorities in Romania and Poland have sounded the alarm over a spike in Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns tied to upcoming elections. According to Romania’s Interior Ministry, the group Doppelgänger—active in Europe since at least 2022—launched a targeted campaign during the Romanian presidential runoff held Sunday.
The group, known for mimicking government and media websites, used more overt tactics this time, making detection easier. Similar patterns were reported in Poland. Romanian officials previously annulled national election results in 2023 following evidence of Russian interference, underscoring the persistent threat to democratic institutions from coordinated foreign influence operations.
Data Breaches at Healthcare Vendors Impact Over 500,000 Patients
Cyber incidents at Serviceaide and Nationwide Recovery Services (NRS) have compromised the healthcare data of more than 500,000 individuals, regulators confirmed. Serviceaide, which supports Catholic Health, reported a breach between September and November 2024 affecting 483,126 people, involving Social Security numbers, insurance details, and financial data. While the firm found no direct evidence of data exfiltration, it couldn’t rule it out.
Meanwhile, debt collector NRS disclosed a separate breach that also exposed sensitive patient information. Both incidents were reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting rising threats to healthcare systems from targeted cyberattacks.
UK Supermarket Distributor Hit by Cyber Ransomware Attack
Peter Green Chilled, a logistics provider for major UK supermarket chains like Tesco, Lidl, and Sainsbury’s, reported a cyberattack that has disrupted its operations. The company informed clients they were being kept updated and provided with temporary solutions to maintain supply flows.
The attackers are reportedly demanding a ransom. Black Farmer’s Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, one of the firm’s clients, warned of potential product losses due to delivery delays. Although not among the UK’s top 30 distributors, Peter Green Chilled plays a critical role in the food supply chain, and the incident highlights the vulnerability of logistics networks to ransomware threats.
