iNews Vol 170

India's robust cybersecurity efforts have been recognized globally, with the country jumping to Tier 1 in the Global Cybersecurity Index. However, cyber threats persist, with India facing millions of internet-borne attacks and incidents like the hacking of Avis rental car data. Major developments include Mastercard's acquisition of Recorded Future for intelligence gathering and the UK designating datacenters as critical infrastructure. International concerns revolve around alleged covert arms dealing and global influence operations by entities like RT, as well as risks to election mail due to U.S. Postal Service issues. Criminal activities highlighted include the arrest of suspected African cybercrime group members in Singapore and the conviction of a hacker who brought stolen credit card data into the UK.

Indians faced over 10 million internet-borne cyberthreats during April-June quarter: report

Indian computer users have faced over 10 million internet-borne cyberthreats and over 14 million local incidents on their computers during the second quarter of 2024 through April to June

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India jumps to Tier 1 in Global Cybersecurity Index 2024

The report placed 46 countries in Tier 1, the highest of the five tier, reserved for “role modelling” countries that demonstrate a strong commitment in all five cybersecurity pillars

Mastercard buys Recorded Future for $2.65 billion

The financial giant expects the deal to close by the first quarter of 2025.

US accuses RT, others of covert arms dealing, global influence operations

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said information from RT employees indicate the media outlet is “functioning like a de facto arm” of the Russian government.

Election officials say U.S. Postal Service woes place election mail at risk

A letter from election officials in all 50 states and D.C. said the agency needed to take immediate

Singapore Arrests 6 Suspected Members of African Cybercrime Group

Law enforcement seized electronics containing special hacking tools and software as well as a substantial amount of cash in the raids.

UK datacentres to be designated critical infrastructure

Facilities to receive greater protection in attempt to reduce potential impact of adverse incidents or attacks

Hacker pleads guilty after arriving on plane from Ukraine with a laptop crammed full of stolen credit card details

A man from New York City has admitted to computer hacking and associated crimes after being caught with a laptop containing hundreds of thousands of stolen payment card details.

Hacker Hits Rental Car Provider Avis, Steals Data on 300,000 Users

Stolen data includes phone number, date of birth, and credit card and driver’s license numbers.