I4C Warns of Rising 'Boss Scam' Targeting Senior Executives in India

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a warning about the 'Boss Scam', a sophisticated cybercrime targeting senior executives in India. Cybercriminals impersonate high-ranking officials or regulators, such as the Reserve Bank of India, to send malicious files disguised as urgent compliance documents via email or WhatsApp. Once opened, these files deploy malware that compromises the executive's Windows device and hijacks active WhatsApp sessions. This allows attackers to impersonate the executive and instruct employees to make fraudulent financial transactions. The I4C emphasizes the need for organizations to enhance cybersecurity protocols and verify financial requests through direct communication. The scam exploits organizational hierarchy and trust, making it particularly effective against high-ranking officials. Executives are advised to avoid opening unsolicited attachments and to monitor active messaging sessions regularly.

Key Points: • The 'Boss Scam' targets senior executives, exploiting organizational trust and hierarchy. • Cybercriminals use malware hidden in compressed files to compromise devices and hijack WhatsApp accounts. • I4C recommends strict verification procedures for financial transactions to prevent fraud.