Cyber Fraud: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C) has issued an important warning for government employees. This cyber security unit of the Home Ministry has said that an attempt is being made to cheat through WhatsApp in the name of fake information related to the 8th Pay Commission. Cyber criminals are sending such messages to employees claiming that they will have to download a file to know what their new salary will be after the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission. In fact, this file is becoming a weapon of fraud.
How does this WhatsApp APK scam work?
According to I4C, a link or APK file is sent to employees on WhatsApp. It is written in the message that by installing this file they can see the calculation of their revised salary. As soon as a person installs that APK file in his phone, hackers get access to the device.
After this, they can withdraw money from the account within a few minutes by obtaining the banking details, OTP and other sensitive information present in the mobile. The agency has made it clear that the government never shares information related to salary, pension or pay commission through APK file.
I4C security advice
The cyber security agency has advised employees to remain alert. Do not trust any suspicious WhatsApp message, email or call, especially if it is related to salary revision. Avoid downloading APK files from unknown or unverified sources. Keep in mind that government departments never send .APK files through WhatsApp. For correct information related to Pay Commission, salary or pension, visit only the official website.
What is APK file and why is it dangerous?
APK i.e. Android Package Kit is the file for installing apps in Android smartphones. Usually people download apps from Google Play Store where security checks are done. But when a user installs an APK file from an external source, he has to turn on the Unknown Sources option in the phone’s settings. This step makes the security of the phone weak.
I4C advises to keep this option turned off to avoid any malware or financial fraud. A little caution can keep both your mobile and bank account safe.
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