A Kochi-based doctor recently lost Rs five lakh from his bank account after he fell victim to a phishing email mistaking it for an authentic communication from his bank. In the wake of more people falling victim to scams and phishing, Kerala Police is gearing up to roll out a major cyber security system which enables public to identify potential phishing messages, links, websites and scam applications.
Apart from enabling people to verify the phone number from which the message or SMS has come and check whether the number is associated with reported scams or trustworthy sources, the system will also have a facility to verify the legitimacy of email addresses and validate the genuineness of bank account details which the scamsters use.
As per the latest details available from top officials with Kerala Police, the department has begun process to identify an information technology startup to help the police develop the necessary cyber security infrastructure and integrate it with police’s official app for the public to use. A high-level team of the officials led by State Police Chief Dr Shaik Darvesh Saheb, ADGP (Intelligence) Manoj Abraham and ADGP (Law and Order) M R Ajith Kumar will monitor the implementation of the project which is said to be first of its kind in the country to help general public verify the authenticity of e-mails, phone calls, SMS, websites and links which they receive in phones and computers.
“We are working in coordination with Kerala Startup Mission to select the startup for developing the system. The startup mission has called an Expression of Interest from startups who are willing to coordinate with Kerala Police to develop the system,” said a senior police official.
“By integrating a comprehensive scam detection system into our official app, we aim to empower users with the tools necessary to verify the authenticity of information and sources. This initiative is geared towards facilitating a safer digital environment and enhancing user confidence in online interactions,” said an official document of Kerala Police.
Kerala Police will also collaborate with national portals to access and integrate relevant data for scam detection, ensuring accuracy and reliability of the system through API integration. “The state-of-the-art user friendly cyber security infrastructure will be a proactive approach towards safeguarding public security and trust. By using advanced technology and data analysis, we aim to empower public with the tools they need to make informed decisions and protect themselves from online scams and phishing attacks,” the officials added.
A section of the Kerala police is not even bothered about helping victims involved in cyber fraud. An amount held ( by cybercrime police) in cyber fraud only need to get the court order by the police for the release. Instead they are finding means to divert the case trying as hard as possible not to get involved being indifferent to the plight of the victim.