Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau SP Deepak Raj Awasthi Warns of Rising Social Media Hacking
29th March 2026, Kathmandu
In a recent briefing regarding the alarming surge of digital fraud in Nepal, the Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau SP Deepak Raj Awasthi identified user negligence as the primary driver behind the increase in social media hacking.
SP Deepak Raj Awasthi Warns
Despite advanced security tools being available, a lack of basic digital hygiene has left thousands of Nepalese users vulnerable to cybercriminals.
The Growing Threat Landscape: Insights from SP Deepak Raj Awasthi
According to SP Deepak Raj Awasthi, the Information Officer for the Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau, the transition from traditional crime to digital platforms has been rapid. He noted that while hacking techniques are evolving, the “human element” remains the weakest link.
“Many victims inadvertently hand over the keys to their digital lives,” stated SP Deepak Raj Awasthi. He emphasized that clicking on suspicious links and sharing security codes are the most common ways users lose control of their accounts.
Critical Security Gaps Identified by the Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau
The Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau has observed that a significant number of hacked accounts share one commonality: the absence of Two-Step Verification.
SP Deepak Raj Awasthi pointed out that:
Neglecting Security Features: Most users treat passwords as their only line of defense.
The OTP Trap: Hackers often pose as officials or relatives to trick users into revealing their One-Time Passwords (OTP).
Link Baiting: Deceptive messages promising rewards or jobs are used to deploy phishing attacks.
Cybercrime Statistics in Nepal (FY 2079/80 – 2081/82)
The data provided by the Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau paints a grim picture of the escalating threat:
FY 2079/80: 1,815 complaints
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FY 2080/81: 4,133 complaints
FY 2081/82: 7,728 complaints
Current FY 2082/83: Approximately 4,600 complaints already registered.
Investigation Challenges and the “Money Mule” Network
Investigating these crimes is a complex task for the Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau SP Deepak Raj Awasthi and his team. Many attackers operate from international jurisdictions and use “Money Mules,” innocent individuals whose bank accounts are used to launder stolen funds.
This layer of separation makes it difficult for authorities to track the primary masterminds behind the scams.
Safety Recommendations from the Cyber Bureau
To combat this trend, SP Deepak Raj Awasthi urges the public to adopt a proactive stance toward their digital security:
Mandatory Two-Step Verification: Activate this on all platforms (Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp).
Verify Before Trusting: Never send money or codes based on a chat message without a voice verification.
Immediate Reporting: Contact the Nepal Police Central Cyber Bureau and the respective social media platform as soon as a breach is suspected.
“Cybersecurity is now a personal responsibility,” concluded SP Deepak Raj Awasthi. “By staying alert and using the available security tools, citizens can prevent the majority of these digital crimes.”
For more: SP Deepak Raj Awasthi Warns
