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Kerala Police’s ‘Bsafe’ App: Empowering Users to Combat Cyber Fraud and Deception

7 months ago
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bsafe app

Amid escalating concerns over fraudulent phone calls and online scams, a recent incident in Hyderabad and another in Goa have highlighted the need for enhanced vigilance against cyber fraud. On March 24, 2023, the Hyderabad police apprehended four individuals from Delhi who had been operating a deceptive call centre, posing as representatives of a non-banking financial company (NBFC). Their elaborate ruse had led to the swindling of 27 victims across India, resulting in a loss of Rs 5 crore. Meanwhile, in a separate case on July 11, 2023, in Goa, the authorities dismantled a ‘fake call centre’ and arrested nine individuals engaged in dumping U.S. citizens. These scammers posed as customer service representatives of U.S.-based institutions, promising loans while unlawfully impersonating U.S. bank officials through the use of the X-Lite app.

Kerala Police on X: “There have been many reported incidents of scamming using the video call system of WhatsApp and Messenger, etc. Never give in to such threats. Let us be very careful not to deceive ourselves”.

During a time when the menace of cyber fraudsters associated with loan apps has driven people to desperate measures, such as suicide, due to threats and harassment, the Kerala Police have stepped up their efforts to protect the public.” The Kerala Police Cyberdome has unveiled the ‘Bsafe’ application, aiming to empower individuals in recognizing and countering fraudulent mobile apps and deceptive phone numbers.” This innovative app offers a range of features, including the ability to scan Android apps and evaluate their security. Gilson Gilbert, an honorary assistant commander at the cyberdome, has emphasised that the ‘Bsafe Functionality’ is specifically designed to scan Android apps and assess their permissions, ultimately empowering users to protect themselves in this era of digital fraud and deception.

“Some apps take personal information, like accessing contacts and galleries. For example, loan apps first access your contacts. Our app will search through the installed apps on the phone. It doesn’t take any data but shows the severity of the permissions given to such apps. It would show in red what they are accessing. Users can still decide whether to use the app or not. Also, you can search for an app; it would show details of most apps, said Gilbert. He also added that when an app takes additional permissions during an update, that would also be shown in the app. He also said that improvements are also being added, in which user feedback on apps will also be provided through Bsafe.

The app also enables users to search for IMEI numbers and shows results from the database if that number has any records with the police. “IMEI numbers of lost or stolen devices that are reported to the police are brought to our database. The use of this feature is that when someone buys a used device, she or he can check if this device is a lost or stolen device by searching the number in the app. If it has been recorded in any police units, the app will show the option to call the region where it has been reported missing, Gilbert added.

The app boasts additional functionalities, such as a trusted directory of numbers that users can search and use with a sense of reliability. The detailed specifications of free applications served as a notable highlight at the Cyberdome booth during the recent Cocon conference, focusing on hacking and cybersecurity. Furthermore, the application allows for contact and call log manipulation on mobile phones without the need for cloud storage. It also offers a collection of complimentary podcasts covering various cybersecurity topics. The app features a dedicated section called “Scam Stories,” which recounts real-life scam incidents and offers prevention advice. Initially, when the app was introduced several years ago, its primary focus was on preventing scams by relying on advanced technology and cyber cells to block reported spam numbers, and it has since received updates to its features over the years. Just like the ‘Bsafe’ app, there are already some popular options, including Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller. These apps use databases of known spam numbers and caller information to help you screen and block unwanted calls. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of such apps may vary, and it’s essential to read user reviews and check the features of each app to determine which one best suits your needs. Additionally, your phone’s operating system may have built-in features for call blocking and identification.

In the middle of these pressing challenges, the concept of social welfare and security becomes increasingly paramount. Ensuring the well-being of individuals who may be vulnerable to cyber threats and financial exploitation is a fundamental aspect of modern society. The Kerala Police Cyberdome developed the ‘Bsafe’ application, demonstrating how they harnessed technology to enhance security and provide a safety net for those in need.

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