What’s Your New Year's Resolution?
2025 is knocking firmly at our door and we have promises to make and resolutions to keep. Time you make your list for the New Year and check it twice.
- Lifestyle targets 🡪 Check
- Family targets 🡪 Check
- Social targets 🡪 Check
Umm, so far so good, but what about your cybersecurity targets for the year? Hey, you look confused and concerned. Wait a minute, you do not have one, do you?
I get it. Though the digital world still puzzles, and sometimes outright scares us, we still are not in the ‘Take-Charge-Of-Your-Digital-Safety Mode. We prefer to depend on whatever software security we are using and keep our fingers crossed that the bad guys (read threat actors) do not find us.
Let me illustrate why cybersecurity should be one of your top priorities. You know that stress is a major threat to our continued good health, right? However, if your devices, social media accounts, office e-mail or network, or God forbid, bank accounts become compromised, would that not cause stress? Think about it and the probable repercussions and you will comprehend why I am harping on prioritising security.
Fret not. We will keep it brief as we well know you have 101 things to do in the next few days leading up to 01/01/2025. Just add cyber health to the list and put in motion the following:
- Install and activate comprehensive security software on ALL internet-enabled devices you have at home. Yes, including your smartphones.
- Set yourself a date to change and create separate unique passwords for all accounts. Or use the password manager that comes with all reputed security software to make life simpler.
- Keep home Wi-Fi turned off at night
- Do not set social media accounts to auto-download photos/documents
- Activate parental controls on all the devices used by your children to monitor and mentor them. But keep them apprised.
- Do not blindly trust anyone or anything online – this includes videos, speeches, emails, voice calls, and video calls. Be aware of fakes.
- Be aware of the latest threats and talk about unsafe cyber practices and behaviour often at home.
Short and sweet, as promised.
We will be back, with more tips, and answers to your queries. Drop us a line anytime, and we will be happy to resolve your doubts.
Ciao!
Related Blogs
Executive Summary:
The photograph of a bridge allegedly in Mumbai, India circulated through social media was found to be false. Through investigations such as reverse image searches, examination of similar videos, and comparison with reputable news sources and google images, it has been found that the bridge in the viral photo is the Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge located in Qingdao, China. Multiple pieces of evidence, including matching architectural features and corroborating videos tell us that the bridge is not from Mumbai. No credible reports or sources have been found to prove the existence of a similar bridge in Mumbai.
Claims:
Social media users claim a viral image of the bridge is from Mumbai.
Fact Check:
Once the image was received, it was investigated under the reverse image search to find any lead or any information related to it. We found an image published by Mirror News media outlet, though we are still unsure but we can see the same upper pillars and the foundation pillars with the same color i.e white in the viral image.
The name of the Bridge is Jiaozhou Bay Bridge located in China, which connects the eastern port city of the country to an offshore island named Huangdao.
Taking a cue from this we then searched for the Bridge to find any other relatable images or videos. We found a YouTube Video uploaded by a channel named xuxiaopang, which has some similar structures like pillars and road design.
In reverse image search, we found another news article that tells about the same bridge in China, which is more likely similar looking.
Upon lack of evidence and credible sources for opening a similar bridge in Mumbai, and after a thorough investigation we concluded that the claim made in the viral image is misleading and false. It’s a bridge located in China not in Mumbai.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, after fact-checking it was found that the viral image of the bridge allegedly in Mumbai, India was claimed to be false. The bridge in the picture climbed to be Qingdao Jiaozhou Bay Bridge actually happened to be located in Qingdao, China. Several sources such as reverse image searches, videos, and reliable news outlets prove the same. No evidence exists to suggest that there is such a bridge like that in Mumbai. Therefore, this claim is false because the actual bridge is in China, not in Mumbai.
- Claim: The bridge seen in the popular social media posts is in Mumbai.
- Claimed on: X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook,
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
Executive Summary
A social media post is being widely circulated claiming that Delhi Police personnel Amit died during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest held on July 20, 2026. The post attempts to link his death to violence that allegedly took place during the demonstration. CyberPeace Research Wing’s research found the claim to be false. The research revealed that the death of Head Constable Amit was not related to the CJP protest held on July 20. He died on July 15 after being hit by a speeding vehicle while on duty at Singhu Border. An old accident has been falsely linked to the recent protest through a misleading claim.
Claim:
A Facebook user shared a post on July 23, 2026, claiming that a police personnel was martyred during the alleged protest carried out by “student goons and their supporters from Congress and Kejriwal’s party” on July 20. The user further claimed that the protest was responsible for the death of a police personnel and questioned criticism over alleged police action against protesters.
The post’s link, archive link and screenshot are provided below:
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3562630610568369&set=a.100838436747621
https://ghostarchive.org/archive/m8QM8
Fact Check:
To verify the authenticity of the viral claim, the Desk first examined the official social media accounts of Delhi Police. During the research, the Desk found a post shared on Delhi Police’s official Instagram account on July 16, 2026, which contained the same image being circulated in the viral post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da19BQxEmQv/?igsh=cnN1bXZhaHg5OWRs
In the next stage of the research, the Desk found an NDTV report published on July 16, 2026. According to the report, Delhi Police had arrested two accused in connection with the death of Head Constable Amit. The arrested individuals were identified as Kuldeep alias Karan and Neeraj. The report stated that police had also seized the vehicle bearing registration number DL11CG2268, which was involved in the accident. An FIR was registered at Alipur Police Station and further research was underway.
Further research led the Desk to a related post on the Facebook page of Delhi Samachar TV. According to the post, the hit-and-run case involving Head Constable Amit, who was hit while performing duty at Singhu Border (NH-44), was solved by Delhi Police within hours. The police team arrested two accused and recovered the vehicle used in the incident.
The post’s link and screenshot are provided below:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1006635078843860
Conclusion:
The research established that the death of Delhi Police Head Constable Amit was not connected to the CJP ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest held on July 20, 2026. Amit died on July 15 after being hit by a speeding vehicle while on duty at Singhu Border. The old accident is being falsely linked to the recent protest with a misleading claim.
Introduction
You must have heard of several techniques of cybercrime up to this point. Many of which we could never have anticipated. Some of these reports are coming from different parts of the country. Where video calls are being utilised to cheat. Through video calls, cybercriminals are making individuals victims of fraud. During this incident, fraudsters film pornographic recordings of both the victims using a screen recorder, then blackmail them by emailing these videos and demanding money. However, cybercriminals are improving their strategies to defraud more people. In this blog post, we will explore the tactics involved in this case, the psychological impact, and ways to combat it. Before we know more about the case, let’s have a look at deep fake, AI, and Sextortion and how fraudsters use technology to commit crimes.
Understanding Deepfake
Deepfake technology is the manipulation or fabrication of multimedia information such as videos, photos, or audio recordings using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, and profound learning models. These algorithms process massive quantities of data to learn and imitate human-like behaviour, allowing for very realistic synthetic media development.
Individuals with malicious intent may change facial expressions, bodily movements, and even voices in recordings using deepfake technology, basically replacing a person’s appearance with someone else’s. The produced film can be practically indistinguishable from authentic footage, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between the two.
Sextortion and technology
Sextortion is a sort of internet blackmail in which offenders use graphic or compromising content to compel others into offering money, sexual favours, or other concessions. This information is usually gained by hacking, social engineering, or tricking people into providing sensitive information.
Deepfake technology combined with sextortion techniques has increased the impact on victims. Deepfakes may now be used by perpetrators to make and distribute pornographic or compromising movies or photographs that seem genuine but are completely fake. As the prospect of discovery grows increasingly credible and tougher to rebut, the stakes for victims rise.
Cyber crooks Deceive
In this present case, cyber thugs first make video calls to people and capture the footage. They then twist the footage and merge it with a distorted naked video. As a result, the victim is obliged to conceal the case. Following that, “they demand money as a ransom to stop releasing the doctored video on the victim’s contacts and social media platforms.” In this case, a video has emerged in which a lady who was supposedly featured in the first film is depicted committing herself because of the shame caused by the video’s release. These extra threats are merely intended to inflict psychological pressure and coercion on the victims.
Sextortionists have reached a new low by profiting from the misfortunes of others, notably targeting deceased victims. The offenders want to maximise emotional pain and persuade the victim into acquiescence by generating deep fake films depicting these persons. They use the inherent compassion and emotion connected with tragedy to exact bigger ransoms from their victims.
This distressing exploitation not only adds urgency to the extortion demands but also preys on the victim’s sensitivity and emotional instability. They even pressurize the victim by impersonating them, and if the demands are fulfilled, the victims may land up in jail.
Tactics used
The morphed death videos are precisely constructed to heighten emotional discomfort and instil terror in the targeted individual. By editing photographs or videos of the deceased, the offenders create unsettling circumstances that heighten the victim’s emotional response.
The psychological manipulation seeks to instil guilt, regret, and a sense of responsibility in the victim. The notion that they are somehow linked to the catastrophe increases their emotional weakness, making them more vulnerable to the demands of sextortionists. The offenders take use of these emotions, coercing victims into cooperation out of fear of being involved in the apparent tragedy.
The impact on the victim’s mental well-being cannot be overstated. They may experience intense psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The guilt and shame associated with the false belief of being linked to someone’s death can have long-lasting effects on their emotional health and overall quality of life, others may have trust issues.
Law enforcement agencies advised
Law enforcement organisations were concerned about the growing annoyance of these illegal acts. The use of deep fake methods or other AI technologies to make convincing morphing films demonstrates scammers’ improved ability. These tools are fully capable of modifying digital information in ways that are radically different from the genuine film, making it difficult for victims to detect the fake nature of the video.
Defence strategies to fight back: To combat sextortion, a proactive approach that empowers individuals and utilizes resources is required. This section delves into crucial anti-sextortion techniques such as reporting events, preserving evidence, raising awareness, and implementing digital security measures.
- Report the Incident: Sextortion victims should immediately notify law enforcement. Contact your local police or cybercrime department and supply them with any important information, including specifics of the extortion attempt, communication logs, and any other evidence that can assist in the investigation. Reporting the occurrence is critical for keeping criminals responsible and averting additional harm to others.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserving evidence is critical in creating a solid case against sextortionists. Save and document any types of contact connected to the extortion, including text messages, emails, and social media conversations. Take screenshots, record phone calls (if legal), and save any other digital material or papers that might be used as evidence. This evidence can be useful in investigations and judicial processes.
Digital security: Implementing comprehensive digital security measures can considerably lower the vulnerability to sextortion assaults. Some important measures that one can use:
- Use unique, complicated passwords for all online accounts, and avoid reusing passwords across platforms. Consider utilising password managers to securely store and create strong passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible, which adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a code delivered to your phone or email, in addition to the password.
- Regular software updates: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and programmes up to date. Security patches are frequently included in software upgrades to defend against known vulnerabilities.
- Adjust your privacy settings on social networking platforms and other online accounts to limit the availability of personal information and restrict access to your content.
- Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unfamiliar or suspect sources. When exchanging personal information online, only use trusted websites.
Conclusion:
Combating sextortion demands a collaborative effort that combines proactive tactics and resources to confront this damaging practice. Individuals may actively fight back against sextortion by reporting incidences, preserving evidence, raising awareness, and implementing digital security measures. It is critical to empower victims, encourage their rehabilitation, and collaborate to build a safer online environment where sextortionists are held accountable and everyone can navigate the digital environment with confidence.
