The Centre said I4C interventions, including geo-blocking of malicious C2 servers through the Sahyog Portal, have protected over 10,000 Indians from a WhatsApp account takeover campaign. Cybercriminals were using fake regulatory documents to spread malware that hijacked WhatsApp Web sessions and circulated malicious files to more contacts.

New Delhi, Aug 7: The Centre on Friday said that coordinated action by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), including geo-blocking of command-and-control (C2) servers through the Sahyog Portal, has protected more than 10,000 Indians from a WhatsApp account takeover campaign.

Cyber campaign blocked

In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said I4C has observed a sharp rise in complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) regarding the takeover of WhatsApp accounts through malicious files disguised as account statements and communications purportedly issued by regulatory authorities.

"Through these coordinated interventions, more than 10,000 Indians have been protected from this campaign so far. Malwares are being blocked regularly through Sahyog Portal," the ministry said.