The Sentinel
The Cyber Yoda is the daily desk: clear, plain-spoken coverage of the cybersecurity news, scams, AI developments, and policy that affect everyday readers and businesses, with the occasional stay-safe guide.
Ministry of Cyber Affairs writers publish under pseudonyms. Our editorial model.
AI Deepfake KYC Fraud: How Scammers Bypass Face Verification (and How to Protect Yourself)
India's I4C has warned that criminals are using AI deepfakes and cloned voices to defeat the facial and Video-KYC checks banks rely on. Here's how the scam works, the warning signs, and the steps that actually protect your accounts.
Palo Alto GlobalProtect Authentication Bypass Flaw Under Attack
A critical authentication bypass vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks' PAN-OS GlobalProtect is currently being exploited in active cyberattacks.
That 'Unpaid Toll' Text Is a Scam: The Smishing Wave Hitting US and UK Phones
Fake 'unpaid toll' texts from the China-based Smishing Triad are flooding US and UK phones, with text-scam losses at 470 million dollars. How to spot them.
What to do right after a scam: A guide to reporting and recovery
Falling victim to a scam requires immediate action. This guide outlines how to secure your accounts, report fraud globally, and initiate financial recovery steps.
The EU Just Defined 'High-Risk' AI — and Quietly Delayed the Rules
The European Commission published draft guidelines on what counts as 'high-risk' AI, even as a new deal pushes the EU AI Act's toughest obligations back to 2027.
CERT-In Urges 12-Hour Patching as AI Collapses Attack Timelines
India's CERT-In urges critical, internet-facing flaws be patched or mitigated within 12 hours, warning AI has collapsed the gap between disclosure and attack.
'You Are Under Digital Arrest': How Fake Police Video Calls Are Stealing Crores From Indians
Scammers posing as police and CBI officers are digitally arresting Indians over video calls and draining their savings. How it works, and how to beat it.
That 'ChatGPT' App You Just Downloaded Might Be Malware: How Fake AI Apps Steal Your Data
Fake ChatGPT, Sora and DeepSeek apps, websites and browser add-ons are spreading data-stealing malware. How to tell a real AI tool from a malicious copy.
How to Spot a Fake Online Store and Shop Safely in 2026
Online shopping scams are evolving with AI. Learn how to identify fraudulent storefronts, verify site legitimacy, and protect your finances when buying online.
How to Report Cybercrime in Pakistan (and Recover Your Money)
Report cybercrime to the NCCIA — the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (helpline 1799), which replaced the FIA's cyber wing in 2025 — and call your bank immediately to freeze the beneficiary account.
How to Report a Scam or Cybercrime in South Africa (and Recover Your Money)
Phone your bank's 24/7 fraud line immediately to freeze the account, then lay a charge at any SAPS station and get your CAS number. South Africa has no automatic refund scheme, so a same-day report is your best chance.
How to Report a Scam in Malaysia (Call 997 and Recover Your Money)
Call the National Scam Response Centre on 997 immediately — it runs 24/7 and a 997 call now counts as your police report. Police and banks can only freeze the money inside a roughly 24-hour window, so speed is everything.