99.9 % of scams nothing to do with security; scammers playing with peoples’ minds
While it is a very often spoken topic on ‘scams and hacks’, people get duped into investing in fraudulent and bogus schemes. The more transactions happen, the more fraudsters come into play. Hackers are smarter and more tech savvy than normal people. 99.9 per cent of scams reported are nothing to do with security, but scammers playing with people’s minds, according to experts, who urged the government to pass the proposed Cyber Security Act.
Last Monday the Sunday Times Business Club (STBC) organised a discussion titled ‘Fake websites, phishing and dangers of the Internet’ at the Tiki Bar, Shangri-La Hotel. The two panellists were LankaPay, CEO, Channa de Silva and Sri Lanka CERT, Chief Information Security Officer, Nirosh Ananda. The club is sponsored by Shangri-La and NDB bank.
The two panellists - Channa de Silva (left) and Nirosh Ananda at the event. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara.
The discussion dealt with the recent concerns over fake websites and fake messages on WhatsApp and other social media platforms and how to counter these threats. Online fraud is a growing concern in Sri Lanka where many people have been duped into investing in fraudulent and bogus schemes.
Mr. De Silva in his presentation highlighted, “There are more than 32 million cellular mobile connections in Sri Lanka though the country’s population is 21 million people. More than 12 million individuals are using the Internet while 7.5 million people are connected on social media. Year-on-year the number of individuals using the Internet have increased by 3.9 per cent while people getting connected to social media platforms have increased by 6.5 per cent. 67 per cent of the population use smartphones for their day-to-day personal use.”
He stressed that people should avoid sharing of one-time-password (OTP), phishing attacks via malicious URLs, fake internet banking sites, bogus investments via WhatsApp groups and downloading malware.
Mr. Ananda said that scammers use various types of websites to bring it to the users’ attention such as phishing sites, fake e-commerce stores, tech support scams, investment and cryptocurrency scams, lottery and prize scams and survey or giveaway scams.
“Scammers don’t use their own bank accounts, but hire drug addicts and strangers who are not aware of what is happening in their bank accounts. You need to act like a hacker with a hacker to be smart and safe at your end. Hackers also use zoom meeting link methods to get people involved and obtain the OTP to take control of the mobile device and bank accounts. Hackers often use the technique of ‘social engineering’, to convince people to reveal specific personal information for illegitimate reasons,” noted Mr. Ananda.
Do not click anything without identifying it as legitimate. Once caught into the trap it’s very difficult to get away. Use digital vigilantly and create awareness among friends and peer groups on how to use technology responsibly.
Mr. Ananda outlined a list of things to stay safe from hackers and scams. Verify websites – check reviews and ratings before using unfamiliar websites. Check domain age – scam sites are often new, use tools to see when the domain was registered. Use security tools – antivirus software and browser extensions that warn against malicious sites. Be skeptical of emails – avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages. Pay securely – use credit cards or trusted payment systems with fraud protection. Avoid wire transfers or prepaid gift cards.
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