Internet users are becoming more aware of old scams such as ransomware and phishing. So cyber criminals are switching to innovative techniques - crypto-jacking and form-jacking - to extort money.
A report by US tech giant Microsoft says last year there was a 73 per cent decrease in ransomware attacks on organisations across the world. These scams threaten to publish the victim's data or block access to systems unless a ransom is paid.
Technological advances are also proving facilitators to criminals as they shift their focus to new targets to better monetise their illegal activities.
The National explains the different fraudulent methods..
What is form-jacking?
In this rip-off, cyber criminals input malicious code into retail websites to steal debit card or credit card details of shoppers. When customers enter the payment information, the hackers can copy everything. More than 4,800 websites are compromised with form-jacking code every month, according to American software company Symantec, which blocked about 3.7 million such attacks last year.
One in 344 form-jacking incidents were blocked in the UAE, indicating a serious threat for both local businesses and consumers, said Gordon Love, vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Symantec.
Which industries are more prone to form-jacking?
Cyber experts say it is usually small and medium-sized retailers, selling goods ranging from clothing to garden equipment, which have had form-jacking code infect their websites. This is a global problem with the potential to affect any business that accepts payments from customers online.
What is crypto-jacking?
Crypto-jacking is the unauthorised use of someone else's computer to mine cryptocurrency. The malware stays hidden in the victim's device for months, or even years. It can take over the entire computing resource, such as memory and electricity to mint virtual currencies such as Bitcoin.
Incidents of crypto-jacking tripled in 2018, according to a report by Internet Society in the US. It says these techniques are increasingly attractive to criminals as they represent a "direct path from infiltration to income and are difficult to detect".
How pervasive is crypto-jacking?
In 2018, Symantec blocked almost 69 million crypto-jacking attacks - more than four times as many as in 2017 (16 million).
Unlike threats such as ransomware or phishing, which immediately interrupt victims' devices, crypto-jacking could remain in the background for a long time before users detect what is happening. It can cause a slowdown in device performance, overheating of batteries and higher overhead costs due to increased use of electricity.
Will the era of 5G devices increase the chance of cyber attacks?
Industry experts say the growing popularity and usage of 5G equipment will increase the spectrum for attacks. US tech company Hewlett-Packard says that 70 per cent of Internet of Things devices - essential 5G network carriers - are vulnerable to hacking. As more fifth-generation IoT devices enter the market, they will connect directly to the network rather than via a Wi-Fi router, making the devices more vulnerable to direct attack.
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
THE%20STRANGERS'%20CASE
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Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
SPECS
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
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A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
A%20QUIET%20PLACE
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Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJune%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMohammed%20Alnamara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMicrofinance%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFamily%20offices%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
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Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5