India: Free movies and web series can be a cyber crime trap
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has listed movies and web series, one should not watch on free websites, as clicking on such free websites may lead to a malware being downloaded without the knowledge of the user, which could hack all the information either from the user’s computer or mobile phone.
The hacker may sell the information to foreign handlers or use it to harass the person demanding ransom. This threat comes at a time when most are at home and bingeing on the web.
Maharashtra Cyber Department has filed a total of 512 cyber-related cases in lockdown. 273 people have been arrested till now.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department said that the number of people using the internet has increased these days. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of this.
Maharashtra Cyber Department has listed out 10 movies and 10 web shows one would not watch on a free website. Here’s the complete list:
MOVIES:
- Mardani 2
- Zootopia
- Jawani Diwani
- Chhapaak
- Love Aaj Kal
- Inception
- Baahubali
- Rajnigandha
- Gully Boy
- Bala
WEB SERIES:
- Delhi Crime
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Panchayat
- Akoori
- Fauda
- Ghoul
- Mindhunter
- Narcos
- Devlok
- Lost
Cyber expert Ankur Puranik said, “These cybercriminals bring new techniques to reach your mobiles every time. They always try to put malware software inside your phones. They try to know your passwords and OTP. They send messages using different offers or links which claim to give you a free Netflix subscription, free data, Paytm verification, etc. As soon as you click on such links or messages, a virus is installed in your mobile phone or computer and all your data is leaked.”
Puranik added, “Always keep a backup of your data, use different mobile phones if the option is available, and most importantly, don’t keep all apps open in the back. Turn off other applications while running one application. In Paytm, set a payment limit. Install anti-viruses, anti-malware, etc. in your computer and mobile.”
Maharashtra Cyber Department further added that in case one has downloaded such a movie or web series, and it prompts you for some permission before playing it, do not click on ‘allow’ and delete said file immediately.
