Russians will be protected from cybercriminals. What you need to know

A federal law aimed at combating online fraud comes into force on June 1. It changes the password change procedure for "Public Services" and restricts the ability to transfer a SIM card to other persons. What is the essence of the innovations and how they will help combat fraud — in the material of Izvestia.

Changing the password for Public Services

• Since June 1, a new password change procedure has been in effect on the Gosuslug portal. Now the platform sends a special code to confirm the operation only if there is no phone call on the mobile device at that moment. This measure is aimed at combating fraudsters, who often try to take over a user's account on Public Services by exerting psychological pressure on him during a telephone conversation.

• Now, before telling the attacker the password change code, the person will first have to end the call. According to the logic of the legislators, by getting rid of the pressure, the user will be able to objectively assess the situation and refuse to perform actions imposed by fraudsters.

What will change in the lives of Russians from June 1

Increased child benefits, control of money transfers and QR codes for entry into the country

Restriction on SIM card transfer

• Starting from June 1, the ability to transfer a SIM card to another person will be limited. You will be able to entrust your SIM card only to close relatives. Among them are parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, children and grandchildren.

• The measure is aimed at combating fraudulent schemes that attract droppers — people through whom the money received as a result of fraud is laundered. The attackers withdraw funds through a chain of transfers to the cards of the droppers, who often do not even suspect that they have become participants in the fraud. In addition to this change, from June 1, Rosfinmonitoring will be able to block suspicious transfers that may be related to fraud.

Other measures to combat cyberbullying

• Certain provisions of the law come into force in August and September, for example, restrictions on mass calls, which are also often carried out by fraudsters. From August 1, receiving such calls will be possible only if the user has given their consent to the telecom operator in advance. Such an item can be specified in the contract that the user enters into with the telecom operator or the customer of the calls, for example, a retail chain or a bank.

• From September 1, operators will be required to label calls by specifying the name of the organization, and users will have the opportunity to withdraw consent to mass and automatic calls. The measure will not apply to calls from government agencies.

• Also, starting from September 1, the user will be able to enter a self-ban on signing a contract for the provision of mobile communication services. This provision is designed to protect those who are unwittingly involved in fraudulent schemes as droppers. It will be possible to issue a ban at the MFC or on the Gosuslug portal, and in order to remove it, you will have to come to the MFC personally.

• In September, the "second hand" rule, which the Central Bank insisted on, will be implemented. Users will have the opportunity, in agreement with the bank, to select an authorized person who will confirm transactions for large amounts. The "second-hand rule" will help protect the elderly, who are most often victims of fraudsters. Even if the scammers manage to convince them to transfer the money, but the authorized person does not confirm the financial transaction within 12 hours, it will be automatically canceled.