31/03/2025

LYFE MONDAY | MAR 31, 2025

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Beware of online scams A S Malaysians prepare to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, cybercriminals are also getting ready, targeting unsuspecting victims through online scams. AI-driven o Stay safe this Raya

ransomware simulations have shown that cyberattacks can now happen up to 100 times faster than before, making it more critical than ever to stay alert and informed. With AI-powered threats evolving rapidly, it is crucial for Malaysians to stay vigilant, verify sources before making any payments and never share sensitive banking information such as OTPs or SecureTAC. A moment of caution can prevent significant financial losses. Common scams during Hari Raya include: • Deepfake scams Scammers use deepfake technology to impersonate well-known public figures, making fraudulent schemes more convincing. Videos or audio clips are manipulated to appear as though they are from celebrities, government officials or bank representatives. These deepfaked voices may urge victims to donate to fake charities, invest in fraudulent schemes or share sensitive information.

Last year alone, 871 online fraud cases were recorded during the Raya period, resulting in losses exceeding RM37.2 million. With the increase in online transactions during Ramadan and Raya, scammers exploit the festive spirit to deceive people through fake job offers, donation scams, phishing attacks and fraudulent investment schemes. According to the Palo Alto Networks Incident Response Report, cybercriminals are now leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their tactics. AI is being used to generate convincing phishing emails, automate malware creation and bypass security defenses at an alarming rate.

Remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. – FREEPIKPIC

personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of online sellers and charities before making payments or donations. Avoid downloading applications from unknown sources, as they may contain hidden malware. Most importantly, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, awareness and caution are the best defenses. By staying informed and practicing safe online habits, Malaysians can enjoy a festive and fraud-free Raya celebration. This article is contributed by Palo Alto Networks.

through verified airline and bus company websites and avoid making payments through unofficial channels. • Counterfeit online shopping deals Scammers take advantage of the festive season by offering fake “Hari Raya discounts” on non-existent or counterfeit products. Victims make payments but never receive their orders. To avoid this, shop only from reputable e commerce platforms and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. To protect yourself this Raya, it is crucial to stay vigilant. Never share your OTP or SecureTAC with anyone, and be cautious of any unexpected messages or calls requesting

submersion in up to 1.5m of freshwater for 30 minutes and resisting high-pressure, high-temperature water sprays. Whether capturing breathtaking portraits or adventuring in extreme conditions, the Vivo V50 blends top-tier imaging with high durability. It elevates the smartphone experience with its powerful performance, stunning display and advanced camera capabilities. Vivo is holding a V50 roadshow at IOI City Mall, Symphony 3 until Friday. Visitors can step inside a 40-seater red bus and get a hands-on experience of the V50’s portrait photography capabilities. Attendees will also receive a complimentary cup of HWC coffee after snapping some images at the curated photo spots. Always verify unusual requests from public figures through official channels before taking action. • Travel ticket fraud Many Malaysians book flights and bus tickets to return to their hometowns during Raya, creating opportunities for scammers. Fraudsters create fake travel websites or offer heavily discounted tickets through social media. Victims often realise too late that their bookings are fake. A total of 118 million Class One vehicles were recorded using highways over a six-day period during each major celebration last year, highlighting the scale of festive travel. To stay safe, always book tickets

Scammers use deepfakes to impersonate famous celebrities. – PEXELSPIC

Vivo V50 pairs premium camera with toughness

The Vivo V50 redefines mobile photography with its Zeiss All Main Camera.

LAUNCHED on March 13, the Vivo V50 redefines mobile photography with its Zeiss All Main Camera, a result of Vivo and Zeiss’s dedication to professional-grade optics. Its 1/1.55” large sensor main camera, paired with Vivo’s AI 3D Studio Lighting 2.0, ensures superior light sensitivity, while the Vivo VCS Camera-Bionic Spectrum processes light naturally for enhanced clarity and realism. The AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0 introduces a 143x ultra-soft fill light with multi-angle illumination, offering cinematic Rembrandt Lighting for a dramatic, three-dimensional effect and Butterfly Lighting to accentuate facial contours with a sophisticated glow. For ultra-stable shots, the 50 MP Zeiss OIS All Main Camera incorporates a mini gimbal system

and CIPA 4.0 DSLR-level stabilisation, minimising motion blur and delivering sharp low-light images. Featuring Zeiss Multifocal Portrait, the Vivo V50 offers 23mm, 35mm and 50mm focal lengths. Each focal length is carefully paired with a selection of Zeiss Style Bokeh, creating classic and distinctive bokeh effects with expertly tuned colour grading for a signature look – Zeiss Biotar Style Bokeh, Zeiss B-Speed Style Bokeh, Zeiss Distagon Style Bokeh, Zeiss Sonnar Style Bokeh, Zeiss Planar Style Bokeh, Zeiss Cine-Flare Portrait and Zeiss Cinematic Style Bokeh. This comprehensive selection creates classic and distinctive bokeh and expertly tuned colour grading for a signature look. Built for any environment, the V50 features IP68 & IP69 water and dust resistance, withstanding