India Steps Up Cybersecurity Measures Amid Rising Threats

Cybersecurity Weekly Newsletter

Date: March 19, 2025 - March 25, 2025

1️⃣Andhra Pradesh Strengthens Cybersecurity with Dedicated Units

The Andhra Pradesh Police Department has launched specialized Cyber Security Investigation Units to tackle rising cybercrimes. Key aspects of this initiative include:

• 26 cybercrime police stations—one in each district headquarters.

• Focus on the "Golden Hour" to freeze stolen funds quickly.

• Recruitment of cyber experts and formation of an IT cadre.

• Training 200 police personnel as "cyber commandos" at IIT Kanpur & IIT Madras.

• 24/7 helpline and mobile app for rapid reporting.

By integrating technology, expert training, and public awareness, Andhra Pradesh is setting a new cybersecurity standard.

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2️⃣ HAL Loses ₹55 Lakh in Email Spoofing Scam

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) fell victim to a sophisticated email spoofing scam, losing ₹55 lakh during a fighter aircraft component purchase. Fraudsters mimicked the email of American supplier PS Engineering Inc., altering just one letter, which went unnoticed.

Key details:

• HAL transferred $63,405 to the scammer's account.

• The fraud was uncovered when the supplier reported non-receipt of payment.

• Cybercriminals likely monitored email exchanges for weeks.

• HAL filed a Cyber Police complaint and enlisted IIT Kanpur cyber experts for investigation.

• Stricter security measures, including video verification and multi-level authentication, have been implemented.

This incident underscores the growing cybercrime threat and the need for robust cybersecurity protocols in financial transactions.

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3️⃣Cybersecurity Officials Warn Against Medusa Ransomware Threat

Cybersecurity experts have raised alarms over Medusa ransomware, a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) variant, targeting sectors like medical, education, legal, insurance, technology, and manufacturing.

Key Threats:

• Double-extortion model – encrypts data and threatens to leak it unless a ransom is paid.

• Data-leak site – stolen information is auctioned to the highest bidder.

Recommended Security Measures:

✔ Regularly update systems and software.

✔ Implement multi-factor authentication.

✔ Use strong, unique passwords.

With ransomware attacks on the rise, proactive cybersecurity is crucial to safeguarding critical data and infrastructure.

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4️⃣ AIS 189: Strengthening Cybersecurity in India’s Auto Industry

India is set to implement Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 189 by 2027, reinforcing cybersecurity in modern, software-driven vehicles. This regulation aligns with global standards like UN R155 and ISO/SAE 21434 to ensure vehicles are secure by design.

Key Requirements:

• Cybersecurity Management System (CSMS) to assess and mitigate risks.

• Comprehensive penetration testing before regulatory approval.

• Secure Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to prevent cyber vulnerabilities.

• Continuous cybersecurity monitoring for real-time threat detection.

Automakers must act now to integrate cybersecurity into vehicle design, avoiding compliance failures and costly redesigns. AIS 189 positions India as a leader in securing next-gen mobility.

5️⃣ OpenAI Advances Voice AI with New Audio Models

OpenAI has introduced a new suite of audio models to enhance voice-driven AI, enabling real-time speech interactions across various applications like customer support, language learning, and accessibility tools.

Key Innovations:

🔹 Speech-to-Text Models – GPT-4o Transcribe & Mini Transcribe improve transcription accuracy.

🔹 Text-to-Speech Model – Enhances expressiveness and control over AI-generated speech.

🔹 Agents SDK Enhancements – Converts text-based agents into natural voice-driven systems.

Voice AI Approaches:

✅ Speech-to-Speech (S2S) – Preserves intonation and emotion.

✅ Speech-to-Text-to-Speech (S2T2S) – Easier to implement but may add latency.

With affordable pricing and global accessibility, OpenAI’s latest models aim to make voice AI a mainstream technology.

6️⃣Telangana Cyber Bureau Warns Against Impersonation Scams

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has issued an advisory on a surge in impersonation scams targeting corporate offices and IT firms. Cybercriminals are posing as CEOs and CMDs on platforms like WhatsApp, email, and SMS, tricking employees into transferring funds for fake "urgent business needs."

Key Safety Measures:

✔ Verify financial requests via official phone calls before acting.

✔ Avoid transactions based on digital messages alone.

✔ Train finance, HR, and admin teams to detect scams.

✔ Report suspicious activity to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

The TGCSB urges businesses to implement multi-level transaction approvals and strict verification protocols to prevent financial fraud. Stay alert and protect your organization

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Stay vigilant and proactive in addressing cybersecurity challenges.