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Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity authorities have noted a recent surge in cybercriminals exploiting compromised online payment accounts for illicit transactions. Over a period spanning from 01 January to 09 Februarythis year, authorities received reports of 27 such cases.
Victims typically receive automated notifications, purportedly from the payment platform, alerting them to various account activities such as profile alterations and transaction receipts. Upon investigation, victims often find unauthorised funds deposited into their accounts or transfers made to unfamiliar bank accounts added by cyber criminals. Subsequently, the perpetrators initiate chargeback requests, resulting in victims’ accounts being depleted.
Credential compromises stem from multiple factors, including weak passwords, interaction with phishing websites, downloading of unverified applications from unsolicited sources, and exposure to malware-infected websites or files.
To mitigate such risks, users are strongly advised to enhance the security of their online payment accounts by enabling features such as passkeys and two-step verification (2FA). Additionally, regular review of transaction activity for anomalies and installation of reputable antivirus software on devices are recommended. Implementing robust password practices, including the use of unique and complex passwords for each account, is also crucial.
Users should exercise vigilance against suspicious requests for personal or financial information, refrain from clicking on dubious links or downloading unfamiliar attachments, and promptly report any fraudulent activity to the relevant authorities or financial institutions.
For assistance or reporting of cybercrimes, individuals can reach out to the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or visit www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. Further information on scam prevention can be accessed via www.scamalert.sg or by calling the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688. Effective collaboration and community vigilance are paramount in combating cyber threats and safeguarding online security.
Another tech solution provider has recently issued urgent security updates to address critical vulnerabilities found in their Access Rights Manager (ARM) product. These vulnerabilities, if exploited, could potentially enable attackers to execute remote code. It’s crucial for users and administrators utilising the ARM versions 2023.2 and earlier to promptly update to the latest version to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
In today’s digitally interconnected world, safeguarding personal data is more crucial than ever, as highlighted by Data Privacy Day on January 28. However, the ongoing dedication to fostering cybersecurity habits remains imperative throughout the year.
In the realm of cybersecurity, it’s vital to adopt a proactive stance to protect personal data from potential threats. There are common actions that may compromise data privacy, along with simple steps and strategies to mitigate them.
One crucial aspect is exercising caution when accepting cookies, particularly from unsecured sites. It’s essential to regularly review and adjust cookie settings to enhance data protection. Additionally, verifying website security is vital; always check for the lock icon and “https” in the URL. Beware of misspelt site names, as they may signal fraudulent sites aiming to compromise your data.
Promptly addressing password compromises is another key practice in maintaining data security. Upon receiving notifications from password managers about compromised credentials, it’s crucial to investigate and change passwords promptly. Leveraging password manager features for generating and managing complex, unique passwords adds an extra layer of security.
Moreover, exercising discretion in online sharing is essential to prevent exploitation by malicious actors. Reviewing and sanitising online posts can help avoid disclosing sensitive data that could be exploited for scams or cyberattacks.
Monitoring app permissions is crucial for minimising data exposure. Evaluate and restrict app permissions to essential functions, regularly reviewing and disabling unnecessary permissions, and uninstalling unused apps.
Singapore remains committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance citizen services while prioritising privacy and security. To combat the challenges posed by harmful online content, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) has launched the Online Trust and Safety (OTS) Research Programme.
