Why religious organizations and their members are vulnerable to cybercrime

Cybercrime refers to illegal activities using computers or the Internet, often involving the theft of personal information, financial fraud, and other forms of online deception. It is an insidious, malicious, and evil crime.

A recent case reported that a bishop in Kerala was duped of Rs. 15 lakhs by cyber fraudsters. His bank account was falsely linked to a money laundering case related to Jet Airways Founder Naresh Goyal. A probe has now begun under sections 66B and 66C of the IT Act and section 318 in the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita.

Cybercrime presents a significant threat to both individuals and organizations. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported more than 740,000 incidents from January to April 2024, with approximately 85% of these cases related to online financial fraud. Many of these scams involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials to coerce victims into making payments or disclosing personal information. From January to November 2024, over 92,300 such scams were reported, underscoring the urgent need for increased public awareness and enhanced cybersecurity measures.

Digital arrest fraud has led to substantial losses, exceeding Rs. 120 crore for individuals and families in India during the same period. The emotional toll of these scams can be just as damaging as the financial loss, eroding trust in digital transactions. This situation calls for greater awareness and protective measures, especially as advanced tactics like phishing and deepfake videos make it more challenging to identify fraud. Implementing strong cybersecurity practices is crucial to effectively combat these rising threats.

High-risk groups

Individuals respond to digital arrest scams in varied ways, with some being more vulnerable than others. According to experts, elderly individuals are at high risk due to limited tech familiarity. Young professionals, reliant on digital tools, often panic due to fears of reputational damage. Cybercrime consultant Mukesh Chaudhary says, “Fear of criminal charges can push retired professionals and those with reputations at stake into panic mode, making them easy targets”.

Religious men and women as the victims

Many people involved with religious institutions, such as priests, monks, nuns, and church members, have become targets of scams, particularly online arrest scams. Their trusting nature, limited knowledge of technology, and weak security measures make them vulnerable. Scammers exploit their beliefs and respect for authority, using deceptive tactics to manipulate their devotion. These criminals see them as easy targets for stealing money or sensitive information.

The fear of false accusations further complicates matters for religious individuals, as it threatens their reputations and those of their communities. This anxiety makes them prime targets for scammers, who fabricate criminal charges or send fake FIRs to create panic.

Cybercriminals also target religious institutions because they store personal and financial information but may not have strong security. These organizations keep records like names, addresses, and donations, making them easy targets for fraud. Scammers may send fake messages pretending to be from the institution, tricking people into sharing sensitive details. This can lead to financial losses and harm the institution’s reputation. To stay safe, religious organizations and their members should always verify financial requests and be extra cautious about online threats.

A Proactive Approach

Religious organizations must take cybersecurity seriously by identifying risks, educating staff and members, and implementing strong security measures. Secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, and regular software updates can help protect sensitive data. Regular backups and guidance from cybersecurity experts familiar with religious institutions can strengthen security against cyber threats.

Belji KJ

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