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Showing posts with label Spam Calls. Show all posts

How Incogni Helps Protect Your Digital Privacy and Reduces Spam

 

Managing unwanted spam messages, calls, and emails has become a necessary part of online life today. Beyond annoyance, these can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other issues. Much of this activity is driven by advertisers and marketing companies, which rely on data brokers who collect, store, and sell personal data for profit. In response, data removal services like Incogni have emerged to protect online privacy. Developed by Surfshark, Incogni uses automation to simplify and expedite the process of deleting personal data from these brokers’ databases. 

Incogni is designed for ease of use and requires minimal user intervention. Users authorize Incogni to handle the data removal requests with just a few initial steps. Once signed up, Incogni handles the technical legwork of filing removal requests with data brokers on the user’s behalf. It also regularly re-checks databases to ensure that data brokers don’t re-acquire the user’s information, providing ongoing protection. Incogni then tracks and organizes each request through a clean, user-friendly dashboard that categorizes requests by status, such as “sent,” “in progress,” or “completed.” The demand for Incogni reflects growing concerns over the security of personal information. When sensitive data is leaked or accessed by malicious actors, the consequences can be severe, ranging from identity theft to financial fraud.

For many, manually contacting data brokers is too complex and time-consuming. Incogni’s automation offers an efficient alternative, saving users considerable effort while giving them peace of mind about their digital privacy. Incogni is available as a standalone service, but it can also be bundled with Surfshark’s other cybersecurity tools, such as real-time data breach alerts, antivirus software, and an ad blocker, under the Surfshark One+ plan. Incogni’s appeal is in its accessibility and price. Competing data removal services like DeleteMe, Optery, Kanary, and Privacy Bee offer similar features but are often more expensive or complex. DeleteMe, for example, tracks a larger list of brokers but is more costly. Incogni balances affordability with essential functionality, making it a practical choice for users who want effective, no-frills data removal. 

This service is ideal for people who receive excessive spam or have concerns about personal information being exposed in a data breach. Additionally, for anyone who has already faced cybercrime, Incogni helps reduce ongoing risks by limiting the spread of their personal data online. While Incogni lacks some detailed tracking features offered by its competitors, it remains highly effective at what it does, making it a convenient option for most users. With an emphasis on simplicity, Incogni lets users reclaim privacy without extensive technical knowledge, automating much of the process. By reducing users’ digital footprint and preventing misuse of their information, Incogni offers an efficient layer of security in a landscape where personal data is frequently at risk.

Combating Telecom Fraud: Trai and DoT’s Joint Effort Against Spam Calls

Combating Telecom Fraud: Trai and DoT’s Joint Effort Against Fraudulent Connections

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) and the Department of Telecom (DoT) have jointly disconnected over 1 crore mobile connections. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb spam calls, reduce cybercrime, and improve the overall telecom experience for users in India. 

According to PTI, the official statement said “To date, more than 1 crore fraudulent mobile connections have been disconnected with the help of Sancharsaathi. Further, 2.27 lakh mobile handsets have been blocked for involvement in cybercrime /financial frauds.”

The Growing Menace of Telecom Fraud

Telecom fraud has been a persistent issue in India, with millions of users receiving unsolicited calls and messages daily. These spam calls are not only a nuisance but also pose significant security risks. Fraudsters often use these calls to deceive individuals into sharing personal information, leading to financial losses and identity theft.

To address this growing challenge, Trai and DoT have taken a proactive approach by identifying and disconnecting mobile connections that are suspected of being used for fraudulent activities. This massive disconnection drive is a testament to the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding consumers and maintaining the integrity of the telecom network.

The Disconnection 

The joint effort by Trai and DoT involved a meticulous process of identifying suspicious mobile connections. This was achieved through advanced data analytics and collaboration with telecom service providers. The authorities focused on connections that exhibited unusual patterns, such as high volumes of outgoing calls or messages, which are typical indicators of spam and fraud.

In addition to disconnecting over 1 crore mobile connections, the authorities also blocked 2.27 lakh mobile handsets that were found to be involved in cybercrime and financial fraud. This dual approach of targeting both the connections and the devices used for fraudulent activities ensures a comprehensive crackdown on telecom fraud.

Enhancing Consumer Protection

“In the last fortnight, over 3.5 lakh such numbers have been disconnected and 50 entities have been blacklisted. In addition, around 3.5 Lakh unused and unverified SMS headers and 12 Lakh content templates are blocked,” another statement read.

One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to enhance consumer protection. By disconnecting fraudulent connections, Trai and DoT aim to reduce the number of spam calls and messages that consumers receive. This not only improves the user experience but also helps in building trust in the telecom sector.

Moreover, blocking mobile handsets involved in cybercrime is a crucial step in preventing further misuse. Fraudsters often use these handsets to carry out their activities, and blocking them disrupts their operations. This measure also sends a strong message to those involved in such activities that the authorities are vigilant and will take stringent actions against them.