By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
India has launched joint cyber coordination teams in key hotspots to combat digital fraud and block over 7.8 lakh SIMs. Austria uncovered a Russian disinformation campaign targeting German-speaking nations, linked to a Bulgarian spy.
The UK’s NCA warned about rising threats from “Com networks” of teenage boys engaged in online abuse and cybercrime. Oracle faces scrutiny as multiple firms verify a hacker’s claim of a massive data breach affecting 6 million users, despite official denials. Meanwhile, India’s IRDAI has mandated insurers to pre-empanel forensic auditors to ensure faster investigation and response to rising cyber incidents.
India Sets Up Cybercrime Hotspot Task Forces
To tighten its grip on rising cybercrime, India has formed seven joint coordination teams targeting key cybercrime hotspots like Mewat, Jamtara, and Hyderabad. These multi-agency task forces aim to improve collaboration between state and central law enforcement. Over 7.8 lakh SIM cards and 2 lakh IMEIs linked to fraud have already been blocked.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has also flagged and blocked thousands of Skype and WhatsApp accounts tied to digital arrest scams. The initiative highlights a nationwide push for better threat tracking and faster action in high-risk cybercrime zones.
Austria Uncovers Russian-Led Info War
Austria’s domestic intelligence agency has exposed a covert Russian disinformation operation aimed at tarnishing Ukraine’s image. The campaign surfaced during the investigation of a Bulgarian woman accused of espionage. Seized electronics revealed her role in spreading fake narratives in German-speaking countries.
The woman allegedly served as a conduit for Russian intelligence and admitted to her involvement. Despite prosecutors’ objections, she was released by a regional court. Austria’s Interior Ministry said the operation is part of a broader influence campaign launched after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, targeting Western opinion through manipulated content and digital propaganda.
UK Warns of ‘Com Network’ Threats from Teenage Cyber Gangs
British authorities are raising alarms about “Com networks”—loosely organized online communities of teenage boys engaged in cybercrime, sadism, and abuse. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) says these English-speaking networks are growing in number and sophistication, often spreading misogynistic content and coercing minors into self-harm.
In a new report, the NCA revealed a six-fold surge in related cases from 2022 to 2024. These groups collaborate and compete to cause harm both online and offline, committing acts ranging from fraud to serious violence. The emerging threat marks a dangerous evolution in homegrown digital criminal behavior.
Oracle Data Breach Claims Gain Credibility
Though Oracle has denied a breach of its federated SSO servers, multiple companies have verified that the stolen data samples shared by a hacker are genuine. The threat actor ‘rose87168’ claims to have accessed login credentials and encrypted passwords for over 6 million Oracle Cloud users.
The leaked files include LDAP data, user accounts, and a list of over 140,000 company and government domains. While some domains appear to be test accounts, others are linked to live enterprise environments. The incident raises new concerns over enterprise cloud security and Oracle’s breach response protocols.
IRDAI Tells Insurers to Pre-Empanel Cyber Forensic Auditors
India’s insurance regulator IRDAI has instructed all insurers to empanel forensic auditors in advance to streamline cyber incident investigations. In a circular, IRDAI emphasized the growing risk of data breaches and the need for immediate root cause analysis during cyber crises.
The directive aligns with the agency’s broader cyber preparedness framework introduced in 2023. By ensuring forensic experts are pre-approved, IRDAI aims to enhance response efficiency, protect customer data, and uphold business continuity. Insurers are also expected to define clear processes for deploying these experts during incidents to minimize delays in forensic assessments.
