The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a notice to Canva, an online graphic design platform, amidst a notable increase in cyber fraud incidents across India associated with the platform’s usage. Exploiting Canva’s widespread popularity, criminals have been engaging in various forms of cyber fraud, including phishing attacks and hosting malicious domains, as highlighted by Indian news channel News18. The I4C has urged Canva to promptly address these illicit activities and take necessary actions to mitigate the risks posed by Canva-related cyber fraud.
Canva, a widely-used platform offering a plethora of design templates for presentations, documents, websites, and social media graphics, is accessible via both web and mobile applications, making it convenient for users across different devices. However, the platform’s extensive reach and accessibility have also made it an attractive target for exploitation by threat actors seeking to carry out fraudulent activities. The I4C’s investigation not only focuses on Canva but also raises concerns about the potential misuse of other similar graphic design tools available online.
The surge in cyber fraud incidents linked to Canva underscores the evolving landscape of cyber threats, where malicious actors leverage popular online services for illicit activities. With the rise of AI-powered tools like Canva and ChatGPT, the creation of phishing sites and fraudulent documents has become increasingly accessible, posing significant challenges for cybersecurity efforts. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are grappling with the legal complexities of holding platforms like Canva accountable for the criminal misuse of their services while balancing users’ freedom and privacy.
