Cyber ​​Attack: A major cyber threat looms over millions of Indians during the festive season. Hackers have breached the systems of a major bank and a well-known electronics chain. Learn the full story.

Cyber ​​attacks on Indian companies

Cyber ​​Attack: While people are shopping extensively online during the Diwali festive season, cybercriminals have begun targeting Indian companies. The latest case involves the well-known AU Small Finance Bank and the popular electronics retail chain Vijay Sales. Hackers claim to have breached the systems of these two major companies and stolen data from millions of Indian customers.

Most worryingly, Vijay Sales' customer and company data has been put up for sale on the dark web. The bank has been openly threatened with public disclosure. This major cyberattack has put ordinary people's privacy and hard-earned money at serious risk. Let's explain what the hackers have gotten hold of and the potential harm it could cause you.  

AU Small Finance Bank's KYC and loan records hacked.

According to a report by cybersecurity monitoring platform Hackmaniac, a hacker group called ScarletGroup claims to have breached the systems of AU Small Finance Bank. The hackers have threatened to leak all customer private data if the bank doesn't meet their terms. The hacker group claims to have access to customer KYC documents, identification cards like PAN and Aadhaar cards, credit reports, bank statements, loan forms, and signed agreements.

The issue isn't limited to customers; hackers have also infiltrated the bank's internal systems. They've reportedly gained access to bank employee details, login histories, insurance documents, and audit logs. A countdown timer has even been set up on the dark web.

Vijay Sales' Super Admin Access is being sold for Rs 21 lakh.  

Electronics showroom chain Vijay Sales has suffered another major setback. According to Dark Web Informer, a user named ShinyMontana has offered to sell Vijay Sales' super administrator access for $25,000, or approximately ₹2.1 million. The hacker has also shared screenshots of the company's admin dashboard as proof.

It is claimed that through this access, records of over three million shopping orders, data on 15,000 employees, and billing records for approximately 140,000 vendors have been obtained. Furthermore, the hackers have also obtained customer payment histories, bank transfer details, stock information, and company financial reports. The hacker even claims he can make changes to the company's systems at will.  

Customers are at risk of banking fraud.

Following these cyberattacks on banks and retail stores, people are fearful of being victims of banking fraud. Cybercriminals can use a user's Aadhaar number, PAN number, bank statements, and shopping payment history to commit various types of online fraud. They can steal your identity and obtain fraudulent loans in your name.

They may open a new bank account or make phishing calls posing as bank officials. Since they will have accurate information about your actual transactions and past orders, you could easily fall for their scam. To avoid such threats, it's important not to trust any KYC update or refund messages from unknown numbers. Regularly check your bank account statements.