Data breach scare at Women’s University, 40 students receive calls

At least 40 students at Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University in Koti have reportedly fallen victim to a suspected cyber-fraud involving phone hacks and suspicious calls. Police are investigating a possible internal data breach and have not ruled out blackmail or insider involvement

Hyderabad: The investigators of the alleged data breach incident reported at the Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, Koti (formerly Osmania University Women’s College), have preliminarily found that at least 40 students have fallen prey to a cyber-fraud incident that has triggered panic on campus.

According to the police, several students had received suspicious calls from unidentified persons who enquired about their personal details, university attendance, and health conditions. The callers even claimed that a health check-up was being organised jointly with the university and asked the students to attend, raising concerns of a possible organised scam.

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In parallel, cyber fraudsters allegedly hacked into the mobile phones of some students, gaining unauthorised access to their personal data. Though reports claimed that the victims were also threatened and blackmailed using the compromised content, the police said they were yet to investigate it.

They are also verifying if any phishing links or malicious apps were used to hack the phones.

The Sultan Bazaar police, who are currently handling the case, said initial findings point to a serious data breach of the university’s records. However, the cyber crooks have not demanded or siphoned any money either from the students or the university so far.

A senior officer said all possible angles were being probed in the case. “We are also probing the possibility of an insider’s role in the breach. Depending on the outcome and the gravity of the case, it may be transferred to the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police for a detailed investigation.”

Meanwhile, cybercrime teams are analysing the digital trail to trace the perpetrators.