Uzbekistan Sees Dramatic Rise in Cybercrime Cases Over Past Three Years, Officials Warn

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has sounded the alarm about a significant surge in cybercrime cases over the past three years, with senior officials warning that the trend is expected to continue.

A Growing Concern

With over 25 million internet users in Uzbekistan, authorities are grappling with an upward trend in cybercrime. The analysis reveals that several types of cybercrimes are on the rise, including:

• Mass Email Phishing Campaigns: Hackers posing as popular brands or sending fake messages within social media platforms to target banks and social networks.
• Cyber Extortion: Criminals threatening to expose victims’ personal information if demands are not met.

Types of Cybercrime on the Rise

In addition to these threats, authorities are also dealing with cases of:

• Online Intimidation: Including cyberbullying, which involves using violence, insults, and other forms of harassment against individuals in social networks.
• Mass Email Phishing Campaigns: Hackers posing as popular brands or sending fake messages within social media platforms to target banks and social networks.

Authorities Urge Caution

As the number of internet users continues to grow in Uzbekistan, officials are urging citizens to be vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from these emerging threats. It is essential for individuals to:

• Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
• Keep software and operating systems up-to-date
• Report any suspicious activity to the authorities

By taking these precautions, citizens can help prevent cybercrime and keep themselves safe online.