
A 17-year-old Chinese exchange student, Kai Zhuang, became the target of a cyber-kidnapping scam, leading to his parents being extorted for $80,000 (approximately Rs 66 lakh).
Initial Report and Concerns:
Mr Zhuang’s parents in China reported him missing on Thursday, December 28. Concerns were raised about a potential kidnapping and ransom demand to officials at his host high school in Riverdale, Utah.
What is Cyber-Kidnapping?
Cyber-kidnapping involves unauthorized access to computer systems or data, demanding ransom for restoring access or preventing sensitive information release. It often exploits victims through online communication, creating a false perception of danger or kidnapping, resulting in a ransom demand.
Cyber kidnapping refers to a crime where the ‘kidnappers’ convince their victim to hide, and then contact their loved ones for ransom. The victim is also made to send pictures that make it look like they are being held captive — showing them bound or gagged. These are then shared with the family. Both parties believe their loved ones will be harmed if they don’t do as the kidnappers ask.The ‘kidnappers’, though not physically present, monitor the victim online through video-call platforms.
Exploitation of Emotional Pressure:
Schemes like cyber-kidnapping exploit emotional pressure and fear to extort money from victims.
Police Investigation:
A comprehensive investigation involving bank records, purchases, and phone data was conducted. The police traced Kai Zhuang’s location approximately 25 miles north of Brigham City in Utah.
Rescue Operation:
Due to concerns about Zhuang’s safety in Utah’s cold weather, authorities intensified the search. He was located in a tent, equipped with only a heat blanket, a sleeping bag, limited food and water, and several phones believed to be used for the cyber-kidnapping.
Rescue
Discovered by a hiking sergeant on Sunday, December 31, Mr Zhuang was found “alive but very cold and scared.”
After rescue, Kai Zhuang requested a warm cheeseburger and a conversation with his family, who had paid $80,000 during the cyber-kidnapping scam, as reported by Riverdale police.
How to stay safe from cyber kidnapping?
- Regularly backup your important data on an external device or cloud storage to restore files if encrypted.
- Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and applications updated to patch vulnerabilities.
- Install reliable antivirus and anti-malware software and keep it updated for threat detection and removal.
- Exercise caution with emails and attachments, especially from unknown sources.
- Turn on automatic updates for your operating system and software.
- Create strong, unique passwords for your accounts and consider using a password manager.
- Stay informed about cybersecurity threats and educate yourself and colleagues on online safety.
- Use firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and segment your network for enhanced security.
- Limit user privileges to only grant necessary access, especially administrative privileges.
- Be skeptical of unexpected pop-ups or ads claiming immediate attention for your system.
- Regularly monitor your financial and online accounts for suspicious activity.
- Consider cybersecurity training for employees to prevent social engineering attacks.