look news india
The Government of India has recently shut down 1.77 crore fraudulent mobile connections that were involved in illegal activities and causing security threats. This step of the government has been taken towards stopping the increasing fraud and cyber crimes on digital and mobile platforms. Along with this, 11 lakh WhatsApp accounts will also be banned soon, which were involved in cyber crime in some way or the other.
What is this new step?
The Government of India has kept a close watch on digital fraud and cyber crime and under this, 1.77 crore fraudulent mobile connections have been identified and closed immediately. This step is important to maintain security and privacy, as various types of fraud cases were being reported through these connections, such as phishing attacks, smishing, and fake calls.
Apart from this, the process of banning 11 lakh WhatsApp accounts which were involved in illegal activities has also been started by the government. These accounts were commonly used for fraud and various cyber crimes were committed through it.
Why was this step taken?
- Increasing cyber security: The increasing impact of cyber crimes, especially through mobile and internet, had become a major concern for the government. Through these fraudulent connections and accounts, people were being affected by theft of data, fake calls and fake advertisements.
- Safety of citizens: The government wants to ensure the safety of citizens by closing illegal connections and accounts. This step has been taken to protect those who are regularly alert to avoid these frauds.
- Tackling Cyber Crime: Cyber criminals are now using digital platforms to carry out their activities. With this step the government is trying to prevent their access and at the same time they are trying to protect the citizens from it.
What kind of activities were going on on these connections?
Some of the major activities going on on fraudulent mobile connections were as follows:
- Phishing Attack: In this, fraudsters try to get sensitive information (like bank details, passwords etc.) from people by sending fake calls or messages.
- Fraud calls and spam: Illegal mobile connections were used to spread fake calls, fraudulent offers and spam messages.
- Smishing: This is a type of fraud in which fraudsters deceive people by sending text messages on the phone, such as sending false links related to banks.
Why are WhatsApp accounts being banned?
The cases of fake information and fraud on platforms like WhatsApp are increasing day by day. Cyber criminals are using these platforms to cheat people. The purpose of these illegal accounts is mainly to:
- Cloning and identity theft: Fraudsters run fake activities on WhatsApp by stealing the identities of others.
- Fraud under the guise of customer support: People commit fraud through fake customer support accounts and demand money from people.
- Sending links of fake competitions: People's data is stolen from these accounts by sending them links of fake competitions.
Ultimately what will be the benefit of this?
- Safe digital environment: This step will ensure a safe digital environment in the country and protect people from online fraud.
- Incidents of cyber crimes will reduce: This process will reduce the incidents of cyber crimes, because now the accounts and connections doing illegal activities will be identified and closed quickly.
- Public Awareness: This step will also help other people to understand the importance of cyber security and they will be alert to avoid online fraud in future.