A new platform between banks, payment services and the executive branch aims to strengthen future cyber defenses against potential fraudsters. “Exchange and networking for the benefit of the customer” is the motto.
Nowadays it is not always positive to look at your own account. But the mood becomes even gloomier if you have fallen victim to so-called phishing attacks, or data theft. Because then it can happen very quickly and your own money is suddenly transferred to complete strangers far away abroad.
Victim is gullible or uninformed
Cases continue to emerge where gullible or simply uninformed victims have transferred thousands of euros to alleged relatives or supposedly official bodies. In some cases, amounts of money were even distributed to children even though they did not have it themselves, the experts said.
The fight against fraudsters is therefore identified as the most urgent problem for the police and the banking sector: tens of thousands of cybercrime offenses have already been counted (see the factual box below). The researchers emphasize: “Although we are a strong driving force in the preventive field, there still needs to be more exchange between the different contact points,” explains Andreas Holzer, director of the Federal Criminal Police Office.
Karner: Many crimes go unreported
At the initiative of Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), a separate platform was established together with representatives of the domestic banking sector, Payment Services Austria and Card Complete (Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club). Karner explains: “Anti-phishing sounds harmless, but it affects many people. Many crimes go unreported, but we are aware of the problem. In the future, every police officer should have the basic tools to fight internet fraudsters, and any business or anyone affected will receive our help.”
But you only have to be afraid of your own money to a limited extent, because without blindly falling into all kinds of pitfalls, the accounts are safe, the managers explain. But the human factor is a weak point, they say.
Important tip from the professionals: Employee numbers, codes or passwords are never requested by employees of external IT companies via text message, e-mail or telephone.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
