Cyber Scam Monitor (CSM)’s Post

Securing Filipino businesses with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is crucial for national economic stability and growth. By protecting against ransomware and other cyber threats, we boost confidence among foreign investors and business partners. This ensures that Philippine enterprises are seen as secure, reliable entities in the global market, not just 'low-hanging fruit' for cyber-criminals. Strengthening our cyber defenses attracts more investment and fosters economic flourishing, ultimately benefiting the entire country’s economic ecosystem.

Keeping Traffic Local: Why Peering and IXPs Are Africa's Digital Lifeline   The submarine cable cut of March 14, 2024, in West Africa, which disrupted online services for millions, served as a stark reminder of Africa's dependence on a limited set of internet gateways. This overreliance signaled the exposure of the continent's digital infrastructure to vulnerabilities, thereby necessitating the need to create reliable alternatives that will salvage the situation in times of uncertainty. Read more>> https://lnkd.in/dR5V5uBi

🚨 37 Billion Reasons the Citizens of Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand Need Better Scam Protection 🚨 Check this article from Sam Rogers about the state of scams in these countries, based on the latest reports by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), ScamAdviser.com, and Whoscall (Gogolook): https://lnkd.in/euC_5N5T 💡 Scammers are evolving, and the numbers are shocking. Across Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan, a staggering US$37 billion has been lost to scams in the last 12 months. These new State of Scams reports provide a detailed analysis of how fraudsters are targeting citizens in each country—and why the fight against scams is far from over. 💻 Scams Are Ubiquitous: Thailand: 89% of the population encounters scams monthly—a 10% increase from last year. Malaysia: 74% are targeted monthly, with a sharp rise in scam encounters for 43% of respondents. Taiwan: 66% face scams every month, with a disturbing 26% increase in scam encounters since 2022. 🔍 Underreporting Remains Problem! We need to make it easier for people to report scams, preferably with one national point of contact, rather than many stakeholders trying to plug the hole. Read all three detailed reports at GASA.org/research #Scams #FraudPrevention #Cybersecurity #GASA #Whoscall #ScamAdviser #Malaysia #Thailand #Taiwan #ConsumerProtection

The astonishing scale of these scams laid bare. It helps paint the picture when people seem puzzled at the scale of the global asset recovery challenges and ineffectiveness of anti-money laundering programmes. Like ‘trying to derail a freight train with a pellet gun’ as a wise man once side. 💰Trillions of dollars are laundered every year. With a “T”. That’s the equivalent of global mega-corporations like Apple Microsoft Amazon & NVIDIA (COMBINED) all existing and thriving behind closed doors. Laundering proceeds of crime, preying on victims, exploiting and funding terrorism (and much, much, more). That’s how big this sector potentially is 🤯 💡On a positive note however, there is so much potential for change with the new Financial Action Task Force (FATF) focus on effective asset recovery (disrupting and seizing assets from these networks) to be a force for good but as Erin’s post reminds us - we have to stop denying the scale of these problems and take them seriously. U.K. and US committee hearings on illicit finance and related topics are an important first step but can we just acknowledge the scale of the challenge and start a realistic conversation about it at national levels. A plan to actually deal with money laundering rather than disproportion headlines about #ai would be a step in the right direction 🙏 (Saturday rant over 🫡) #assetrecovery #moneylaundering

Your account of industrial-scale scams and human trafficking in Myanmar is deeply concerning and brings crucial attention to this critical issue. The expansion of these criminal organisations into cyber threats like ransomware and malware-as-a-service is alarming, posing a significant global security threat that demands immediate action. By raising awareness and engaging stakeholders, plays a vital role in confronting this threat head-on. Collective action is critical to closing the gap and disrupting their operations before they further disrupt our way of life. #stophumantrafficing #fraudawareness #cybersecurity #organisedcrime

Nine changes out of ten, but the top spot remains unshaken. In our latest analysis of high-risk destinations, Myanmar continues to be a persistent concern, holding a steady position in the top 10. Notably, International Networks—both Satellite and Aero & Maritime—have entered the top 10 riskiest destinations for the first time this year, signalling emerging hotspots for fraudulent activity and highlighting the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters in targeting global communication networks. The inclusion of these networks underscores the critical need for vigilant monitoring and robust fraud prevention measures. The potential for substantial losses through international revenue share fraud is greatly amplified, making it essential for operators to enhance their defences against such emerging threats. #FraudPrevention #TelecomSecurity #RiskManagement #InternationalRevenueShareFraud

Peris.ai Analysis: Brain Cipher Ransomware Attack on Indonesia’s National Data Center Recently, a shocking incident occurred that resulted in the disruption of immigration services and various other public services. The disruption stemmed from a cyberattack carried out by Brain Cipher Ransomware. The Pusat Data Nasional (PDN) was the main target of this attack since June 20. The cyberattack has crippled essential services like immigration services, leading to another impact on 210 instantiations. Although some services have been restored, the impact is still felt. The Badan Siber dan Sandi Negara (BSSN) and related institutions immediately responded to this incident. Emergency measures were taken by sending an assistance team to the data center in Surabaya. The PDNS was built as an alternative because the main Pusat Data Nasional (PDN) is not yet completed. The responsible party for this attack demanded a ransom of USD 8 million (approximately Rp 131 billion) to restore access to the system. For context, PDN is managed by Telkom Group through Telkom Sigma. Telkom Indonesia’s Network & IT Solution Director, Herlan Wijanarko, confirmed the ransom demand. However, the compensation process is still under evaluation. [Cr By Peris.ai - Cybersecurity] #VRITIMESPH #media #pr #pressrelease https://lnkd.in/gMbm3FHR

‼️‼️The hacktivists of Anonymous Collective claim to have launched a new series of DDoS attacks in Egypt against multiple entities, please prepare your self by following the best practices and compliance check list.

I came across these recent statements from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chief; frankly, it's mind-boggling. We're living in 2024, and yet, there's talk of a blanket ban on VPNs and the installation of an internet firewall in the country. The chief himself acknowledges that blocking VPNs could "lead to the collapse of several IT businesses that operate on VPNs." This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a direct threat to businesses that rely on secure and private communication channels to operate. Are we really willing to risk the livelihoods of countless professionals and the growth of our tech sector for what seems like a reckless policy decision? As if that wasn't enough, we're now also facing widespread internet outages, allegedly due to a government-installed firewall, which the PTA has blatantly denied. Are we becoming the next Korea? #PTA #Internetoutage #WhastApp #VPNban #fiverr #upwork

🛂Have you been to #Bali lately? or even Indonesia in general? You may want to be mindful of your passport details being breached. That's right, one of the most popular Aussie destinations has had it's e-gate system and database breached. . 🚨"The privacy breach comes just months after Indonesia implemented smart e-gates at airports across the country, designed to streamline the customs process." ⚠️"Data breaches have recently been in the headlines in Indonesia, after the country's Directorate General of Taxes last month investigated the theft of six million taxpayer IDs, which were reportedly being sold on the dark web." ☁️"Indonesia has been experiencing repeated data leaks, and no matter what recommendations and solutions experts offer" . ➡️In details discussed by Logan Daley. "In August, Indonesia's civil service agency urged staff to reset passwords after the details of 4.7 million people were offered for sale on a hacked data forum. . And in June, a ransomware attack on a temporary national database facility affected 280 government institutions across the country." . ✅Be mindful when your travelling to Indonesia, and, in general, sharing your details on-line. If you are exposed to other users details, please, DELETE. #shifthappens #passport