Cybercrimes Involving AI on the Rise in Northern Cyprus

Cases of fraud and data theft using artificial intelligence (AI) are increasing in the TRNC. The Information Technologies and Communications Authority (BTHK) is urging updates to existing laws and the creation of dedicated cybercrime units.

Speaking to the Turkish News Agency Cyprus (TAK), BTHK President Kadri Bürüncük revealed a sharp rise in cybersecurity breaches. In 2021, 97 vulnerabilities were identified in the TRNC, but by 2024, this number had surged to 233, with a peak of 259 cases in 2023.

Bürüncük emphasized that efforts to combat cybercrime in the TRNC are being carried out in close cooperation with Turkey’s National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM).

Thanks to this partnership, Northern Cyprus has strengthened its defenses against cyber threats and conducted in-depth research on crime prevention. Identified security weaknesses have been reported to relevant institutions, allowing them to take the necessary measures.

Who Are the Main Targets?

Online scammers in Northern Cyprus tend to prey on elderly individuals, businesses, government institutions, and frequent internet users.

Some of the most common scams involve phishing—tricking victims into providing personal and financial details through fake emails, fraudulent websites, or deceptive links. Cybercriminals also use psychological manipulation, either by gaining a victim’s trust or by resorting to intimidation tactics.

Other popular methods include:

• Fake payment pages and fraudulent websites

• Phishing scams via text messages or phone calls to steal credit card information

• Data breaches and leaks

• Cyberbullying—harassment, blackmail, and online stalking

• AI-powered scams using deepfake audio and video manipulation

The Need for Stronger Regulations

Although the TRNC has laws in place to combat cybercrime—including the "Cybercrime Law," the "Personal Data Protection Law," and the "Electronic Communications Law"—Bürüncük stressed that these legal frameworks need to be continuously updated to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology.

How to Protect Yourself

To reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime, experts recommend:

Using strong, unique passwords for different platforms
Enabling two-factor authentication on all online accounts
Avoiding the sharing of personal information on social media and public platforms
Being cautious of suspicious emails, links, and messages
Keeping software and security programs updated