1. Fake Wedding Invitation:
   • The attacker sends a message that looks like an invitation to a wedding or other event, often accompanied by attractive images, videos, or even a personalized message.
   • The message may claim that the recipient is invited to a wedding, which seems legitimate at first glance. It often includes an exciting offer, like an exclusive link to RSVP, gift details, or event photos.
2. Link to Download APK:
   • The message will usually contain a link that prompts the recipient to “click here” to download more details, such as the wedding details, event schedule, or RSVP form.
   • This link will direct the recipient to a page that encourages them to download an APK file (Android Package). This APK file is presented as a legitimate app but is, in fact, malicious software.
3. Malware Installation:
   • Once the user downloads and installs the APK, the malware is activated on the device. This malware can take several forms, including:
     • Spyware: Collects personal data like contacts, messages, and browsing history.
     • Ransomware: Locks the device or encrypts files and demands payment to unlock.
     • Banking Trojans: Steal login credentials for online banking or other apps.
     • Remote Access Trojans (RATs): Allows hackers to remotely control the victim’s device, access sensitive information, or use the device for malicious activities.
4. Further Exploitation:
   • The malware may also attempt to propagate by sending similar fake invites to the victim’s contacts, leading to further infection and widening the scope of the scam.
   • In some cases, the malware may also be used to steal the victim’s financial details or make unauthorized transactions.

Why It’s Dangerous:

• Social Engineering: The scam preys on social trust, using a familiar and often emotionally significant context (like a wedding) to lure the victim into trusting the message.
• Undetected Malware: Since the malware is delivered through an APK rather than an official app store, it often bypasses the security checks found on trusted platforms like Google Play Store, making it harder to detect.
• Wide Reach: WhatsApp is used by millions, and these scams can spread rapidly, affecting a large number of people, particularly those who are less tech-savvy.

How to Protect Yourself:

1. Don’t Download APKs from Unknown Sources: Always avoid downloading apps or files from links shared in messages from unknown or untrusted sources. Stick to official app stores like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Enable App Verification: On Android devices, ensure that “Install from unknown sources” is disabled in the settings. This prevents APK files from being installed unless they are from trusted sources.
3. Use Reliable Security Software: Install and regularly update a trusted security app that can detect and block malicious software.
4. Verify the Source: If you receive a wedding invite or other unexpected message, confirm with the sender (via a phone call or direct contact) to verify that the invitation is legitimate before clicking on any links.
5. Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, especially if they seem to offer “too good to be true” deals or include an urgent call to action.

What to Do if You’ve Fallen Victim:

• Disconnect from the Internet: If you suspect your phone has been compromised, disconnect from Wi-Fi and mobile data to prevent further communication with the malicious server.
• Run a Security Scan: Use a reputable antivirus app to scan and remove any malware.
• Factory Reset (if necessary): If the malware is persistent, you may need to factory reset your device (make sure to back up important data beforehand).
• Notify Contacts: If the malware has spread through your contacts, notify them so they don’t fall victim to the scam as well.

Conclusion:

These types of scams are increasingly common, and people need to be vigilant when receiving unexpected or suspicious invitations via WhatsApp. The key takeaway is to avoid downloading APK files from untrusted links and be cautious about any unsolicited offers or “too good to be true” promises.

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#WeddingInviteScam

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

Twitter: @AkanchaS

https://twitter.com/AkanchaS

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

• Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
• ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
• ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
• Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.

The post Wedding Invite Scam: Don’t RSVP to Danger! #ASF appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

“Revenge pornography is the distribution of sexually explicit images or videos of individuals without their consent.^[1] The sexually explicit images or video may be made by a partner in an intimate relationship with the knowledge and consent of the subject, or it may be made without their knowledge. The possession of the material may be used by the perpetrators to blackmail the subjects into performing other sex acts, to coerce them into continuing the relationship, to punish them for ending the relationship, or to silence them.”

Source- Wikipedia

Generally, revenge pornography is associated only with females but this is not the truth even means as well as other genders are also victims of revenge pornography.

When someone’s nudes or semi-nude’s photos or videos are uploaded on internet/social media without the consent of that person it is known as revenge pornography. One may do this for several reasons such as force them to get involved in any sexual activity, or maybe to continue any kind of relationship, or to punish them in this way for many reasons. Revenge pornography is a type of cyber-crime it is a sub-type of cyber stalking.

This kind of work can be done by the person to whom the victim has send their personal photos or by the hacker. In such cases hacker hack the personal device and get access to all the personal stuff in the cell phone. Sometimes it is done to get some money form the victim or in some situation it is done to upload such video/photo on social media. It is also done to blackmail a person for getting physical or fulfilling monetary requirements. It is also a type of domestic violence.

There are various reasons behind revenge pornography such as:

• The person or hacker wants money from the victim that’s why he is blackmailing the victim. Or by releasing the personal video or photos he will get money from the website.
• In many cases this is done by the person whose girlfriend have dump him. Many boys do it as a revenge. Or to do show off in front of other people.
• It is also done to defame the character of a person.
• It is done for destroying the career of the competitor by leaking their videos for examples photos and videos of many politicians, social workers, businessman or people from any other profession are leaked to show the negative image of the person which eventually destroys their career.

Revenge Pornography Protection Under Indian Law

• Revenge pornography is a crime it is punished by both imprisonment and fine.
• Section 500: Defaming the concerned persons
• Section 504: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace
• Section 506: Punishment for criminal intimidation
• Section 509: Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman
• Section 354: Outraging the modesty of a woman
• Section 354A: Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment
• Section 354C : Voyeurism
• Section 354D: Stalking

This can be a very traumatic experience for the victim as there is huge societal shame associated with it. There is fear of being shamed in front of immediate family too. This often leads to blackmail where a victim is silenced into actions against their will or even ransom is demanded.

Let’s learn how to fight revenge pornography.

Firstly, never ever store intimate of compromising pictures/ video on any tech device or cloud. Any such data can fall into the hands of hackers. Prevention in better than cure. Therefore, first step to fight revenge pornography is to avoid storing such data on devices.

Secondly, even if you took such pictures when you were in a relationship giving your consent, please remember that you didn’t give consent to electronically distribute it. Any person indulging in such an act is an offender who should be punished.

While we know that its extremely stressful to fight revenge pornography, if you don’t fight it, the same offender will get emboldened and threaten more people leading to dangerous outcomes. You need to take a loved one into confidence, report to the police. It’s the offender who has breached your trust, you did nothing wrong. Stand up & fight revenge pornography. We are here to help you.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe!

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

PS- we have compiled several of these tips from experts/ orgs on the internet.

CONTACT US:

Website: www.akanchasrivastava.org

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

Twitter: @AkanchaS

https://twitter.com/AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

https://www.instagram.com/akanchas/

Facebook:

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LinkedIn:

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’

‘Akancha Against Harassment’ is India’s largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of advisors

Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), Special IG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Goals of this initiative

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.

Support of the Indian Police for the initiative

Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 65+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.

This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.

Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety

We run India’s only private national multilingual AI chat helpline for cyber safety. This helpline is currently available in Hindi & English on our website. It can be accessed from any internet enabled device. You can chat here anonymously, fearlessly.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

The post Beware Revenge Cyber Crime! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

“Love bombing is when a person gives you a disproportionate amount of attention and praise very early on in a romantic relationship,”

Bombarding with love, texts.. “It’s a common manipulation technique used by narcissists and toxic people who use it as a means to create an intense romantic attachment in order to enable them to control and manipulate the person at a later date.” – Wikipedia

Please do watch Tinder Swindler On Netflix For A True Life Inspired Drama Involving A Love Bomber

Online, it’s even easier to love bomb.

Love bombing is one of those painful situations that can only be understood in hindsight. Whether you are a jaded veteran of the dating world or a hopeful newbie to the apps, love bombing can affect anyone due to the heightened emotions and fast pace. Even and especially intelligent and successful

“Love bombing via dating apps is used to coerce persons of interest into having premature romantic feelings and a false sense of trust in the love bomber, someone they barely even know,” she said.

Safety Tips:

• First, don’t buy into overly effusive compliments

• Break the cycle of validation

• Speak to a trusted friend/family member

• Do not lend money early in a relationship

• Don’t make travel plans with someone you know little about and if you do inform a trusted person at all points

• Heart break and shame is the outcome

• Don’t try to change them, they might be sociopathic or even psychopathic just leave – run

• They might be doing this in parallel to many people

Note- Several points have been taken from reference article online.

Stay strong, stay aware, stay safe.

CONTACT US:

Website: www.akanchasrivastava.org

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

Twitter: @AkanchaS

https://twitter.com/AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

https://www.instagram.com/akanchas/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/akanchasrivastava1

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/akanchasrivastava/

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT’

‘Akancha Against Harassment’ is India’s largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. Its a not-for-profit Section 8 organization.

Honorary Board of advisors

Foundation’s advisory board hosts – ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), Special IG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University)

Goals of this initiative

The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities.

Support of the Indian Police for the initiative

Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 65+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive.

This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.

Multilingual AI Chat helpline for cyber safety

We run India’s only private national multilingual AI chat helpline for cyber safety. This helpline is currently available in Hindi & English on our website. It can be accessed from any internet enabled device. You can chat here anonymously, fearlessly.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

The post Beware Love Bombers Online! #AAH appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.