𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲

…𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒖 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 114 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔. 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒅, 𝒊𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒚𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔.

By Kezang Choden

In a recent report from the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), cyber-related cases across Bhutan have shown significant variations between 2022 and 2024. The data, spanning fourteen divisions, reveals intriguing patterns in the rise and fall of cyber incidents, prompting concern and curiosity among cybersecurity experts and the public alike.

The overall trend in cybercrimes in Bhutan’s various divisions shows a mixed picture. While some divisions saw dramatic decreases, others experienced a sudden surge in incidents. In 2022, cyber-related cases were relatively high in certain divisions. Notably, Thimphu led with a staggering 81 reported cases, followed by Trashigang with 10 cases, and Punakha with 9 cases. These figures set a baseline for subsequent years, highlighting divisions that were early hotspots for cybercrime.

The year 2023 brought a noticeable decline in several divisions. Thimphu saw a significant drop to 24 cases, indicating potential improvements in cyber security measures or reporting. However, divisions like Trashigang remained constant with another 10 cases, while Samdrupjongkhar saw an increase from 2 to 4 cases. This year also marked the emergence of cybercrime in divisions that previously reported no incidents, such as Gelephu and Tsirang.

By mid-2024, the data paints a varied picture. Thimphu reported 9 cases, continuing its downward trend. In contrast, Mongar, which had no cases in previous years, reported 5 incidents, and Trashiyangtse also recorded its first 4 cases. Trashigang, after two years of high numbers, saw a decline to 4 cases, indicating possible stabilization or improvement in that region.

Among the divisions, Thimphu stands out with the highest recorded cases, totaling 114 over the three years. Despite its declining trend, it remains a critical area for cyber security efforts. Trashigang follows with 24 cases, consistently reporting high numbers, making it another area of concern. Punakha, with 13 cases, ranks third, showing an overall decrease over the three years. On the other end of the spectrum, Trongsa reported just 2 cases over three years, standing out as having the fewest incidents. Bumthang, with only 3 cases, shows minimal cybercrime activity. Tsirang and Samtse both reported just 4 cases, indicating relatively low incidents.

Crimes and criminal methods have evolved significantly over the years. One emerging medium is communication technology, which has progressed extensively. Mobile phone technology, in particular, has advanced remarkably, offering greater flexibility and portability. Today, nearly everyone owns a mobile phone and uses various mobile applications and social media platforms to connect with countless people, both known and unknown. However, users are often unaware of the potential dangers lurking in their digital interactions. It is crucial to authenticate and verify information and take preventive steps to protect personal data.

While mobile phones have made life more convenient and productive, they have also been quickly adopted by criminals to further their illicit activities. Mobile phones are used not only to facilitate and conceal crimes but also to target various mobile networks. Studies on smartphone addiction have identified psychosocial vulnerabilities in addicted users, which may increase their risk of cybercrime victimization. Addicted users are more likely to be exposed to risky situations that heighten their chances of falling prey to cybercriminals.

Common mobile phone crimes include mobile hacking, where spyware is illegally installed on an individual’s phone, and allowing unauthorized access to personal data. Mobile cyber defamation involves sending humiliating, degrading, or obscene text messages and emails via mobile devices. Mobile pornography refers to the distribution of explicit content using mobile phones. Mobile cyberstalking is the repeated harassment or threatening behavior of cybercriminals towards their victims through mobile internet services.

Vishing, another prevalent crime, involves hackers pretending to be from trusted sources to extract important personal information from victims. Smishing uses SMS messages to deceive users into providing confidential information, such as credit card details and passwords, which hackers then exploit. SMS spoofing involves altering the origin of a text message, allowing the sender to disguise their identity, which can be used for both legal and illegal purposes, including defamation.

We often hear about phishing, and its mobile variant, smishing (SMS phishing), where cybercriminals use fake SMS messages to obtain personal information. They often impersonate reputable companies, banks, or government entities to deceive recipients into clicking malicious links. This tactic relies on social engineering techniques to exploit users.
It is crucial for smartphone users to remain vigilant and responsible. Individuals must ensure that their smartphone use does not become addictive. By adopting safe phone habits and staying informed about potential cyber threats, users can protect themselves from falling victim to cybercriminals.

Data from the RBP highlights the dynamic nature of cybercrime across Bhutan. Significant fluctuations indicate improvements in some areas, while others are emerging as new hotspots. This necessitates a targeted approach to cybersecurity, focusing on regions experiencing rising trends and learning from successful mitigation efforts. As Bhutan progresses technologically, the need for robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. Insights from this data should guide policy and community-level initiatives to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.

Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and caution when dealing with online offers. They urge the public to verify the authenticity of claims before making financial commitments, conduct thorough research, use official channels for job opportunities, and avoid sharing money or personal information with unknown parties. Investigations into fraudulent activities continue, and authorities encourage individuals who encounter cyber-related crimes to promptly report their experiences. Collaborative efforts are underway to combat these scams and protect the community from further exploitation. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies, contributing to efforts to safeguard against online fraud and deception.