Montenegro Banks Hit by Cybercrime: Authorities Take Action

A recent surge in cyberattacks has targeted Montenegrin banks, with criminals using malware, keyloggers, and social engineering tactics to steal sensitive information. According to a report released by the Ministry of Finance, these attacks have resulted in significant financial losses for several banks.

Authorities Take Swift Action

The authorities have taken swift action to combat this growing threat. The Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) has launched an investigation into the matter, and police have arrested several individuals suspected of involvement in the cyberattacks.

Common Tactics Used by Criminals

One of the most common tactics used by criminals is to compromise online banking systems, allowing them to access victims’ accounts and transfer funds to their own accounts. In some cases, attackers have even gone so far as to use stolen login credentials to impersonate bank customers and conduct transactions on their behalf.

Additional Security Measures

To combat this growing threat, authorities are urging banks to implement additional security measures to protect against these types of attacks. The FIA has also launched a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the dangers of cybercrime and how they can protect themselves from becoming victims.

Suspicious Activity Indicators

The report highlights several key indicators that may indicate suspicious activity in online banking transactions:

• Unusually large or frequent transfers
• Transactions inconsistent with usual business practices
• Cash withdrawals soon after deposits
• Multiple transactions carried out by different individuals to the same account

Protecting Yourself from Cybercrime

Banks are advised to closely monitor their customers’ accounts for any of these indicators and to report any suspicious activity to the FIA. Additionally, authorities are urging citizens to be cautious when conducting online banking transactions:

• Use strong passwords
• Keep your antivirus software up to date

Government Commitment

The Montenegrin government is committed to protecting its citizens from the growing threat of cybercrime. Authorities will continue to work closely with banks and other stakeholders to identify and prosecute those responsible for these attacks.