Accelerating Scam Calls Persist in Latvia Remains Unabated
Headline: Latvian Mobile Operators and DNA Firewall App Work to Combat Increasing Scam Calls
In recent months, Latvia has seen a significant surge in scam calls, according to mobile operator Bite Latvija. To combat this growing issue, mobile operators and a specialized security solution known as the DNA Firewall app are taking action.
The DNA Firewall app, introduced by CERT's cyber security expert Armīns Palms, is designed to protect against fraudulent calls and prevent access to malicious websites. It works by analyzing caller behavior, blocking spoofing, and filtering malicious traffic at the telecom network level. However, its effectiveness depends on the quality of threat intelligence, real-time analytics, and how well it integrates with mobile operator systems.
Mobile operators in Latvia, such as Bite Latvija and Tele2, also have measures in place to protect their customers. These include authentication protocols, network traffic monitoring, anti-fraud software, spam call filtering, and sometimes DNS filtering to protect users from malicious websites. Their prevention success depends on continuous updates, customer awareness programs, and cooperation with law enforcement.
Bite Latvija can only verify calls between its own customers, not calls from other operators or interconnections. On the other hand, Tele2's "internet security" service protects against various phishing schemes and has blocked around 200,000 fraudulent text messages this year. Tele2 has also implemented a system that monitors calls coming from abroad and displays them to customers as if they were coming from Latvia.
In the first two weeks alone, Tele2's system blocks 50-100 fraudulent calls per hour. Mobile operator Bite has blocked 150,000 fraudulent calls this year. These numbers indicate an ongoing effort to combat fraud.
However, it's important to note that neither the DNA Firewall nor mobile phone operators can protect 100 percent against scammers. Experts warn that users should never give away personal data over a phone call.
Latvia's ease of access for fraudsters compared to other countries may contribute to the high number of scam calls. However, given Latvia’s membership in the EU, it is likely mobile operators comply with EU cybersecurity directives aimed at strengthening telecom and digital infrastructure security.
In summary, while no precise data on DNA Firewall or Latvian mobile operator security efficacy against fraudulent calls and malicious websites was found, their effectiveness generally depends on technology quality, threat intelligence, regulatory compliance, and operator diligence. The ongoing efforts by Latvian mobile operators and the DNA Firewall app suggest a commitment to protecting Latvian users from scams.
For more detailed information about DNA Firewall and operator-specific measures in Latvia, direct inquiries with Latvian telecom regulators or providers would be needed.
In the last month, Tele2's "internet security" service prevented approximately 11 million threats to its customers, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to protecting its users.
- In light of the growing number of scam calls in Latvia, mobile operators have partnered with technology like the DNA Firewall app to strengthen their cybersecurity measures, particularly in combating fraudulent calls and malicious websites.
- As cybercrime and scams continue to be a concern in the general-news domain, it's crucial for users to remain vigilant, aware that neither technological solutions like the DNA Firewall nor mobile operators can provide 100% protection against scammers.
