#FactCheck - AI-Generated Image Falsely Shared as ‘Border 2’ Shooting Photo Goes Viral
Executive Summary
Border 2 is set to hit theatres today, January 23. Meanwhile, a photograph is going viral on social media showing actors Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Jackie Shroff sitting together and having a meal, while a woman is seen serving food to them. Social media users are sharing this image claiming that it was taken during the shooting of Border 2. It is being alleged that the photograph shows a moment from the film’s set, where the actors were having food during a break in shooting. However, Cyber Peace research has found the viral claim to be false. Our investigation revealed that users are sharing an AI-generated image with a misleading claim.
Claim
On Instagram, a user shared the viral image on January 9, 2026, with the caption: “During the shooting of Border 2.” The link to the post, its archive link and screenshots can be seen below.
Fact Check:
To verify the claim, we first checked Google for the official star cast of the film Border 2. Our search showed that the names of the actors seen in the viral image are not part of the film’s officially announced cast. Next, upon closely examining the image, we noticed that the facial structure and expressions of the actors appeared unnatural and distorted. The facial features did not look realistic, raising suspicion that the image might have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). We then scanned the viral image using the AI-generated content detection tool HIVE Moderation. The results indicated that the image is 95 per cent AI-generated.
In the final step of our investigation, we analysed the image using another AI-detection tool, Undetectable AI. According to the results, the viral image was confirmed to be AI-generated.
Conclusion:
Our research confirms that social media users are sharing an AI-generated image while falsely claiming that it is from the shooting of Border 2. The viral claim is misleading and false.
Our research revealed that users are sharing an AI-generated image along with misleading claims
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Introduction
MEITY’s Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in collaboration with SISA, a global leader in forensics-driven cyber security company, launched the ‘Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence’ (CSPAI) program on 23rd September. This initiative marks the first of its kind ANAB-accredited AI security certification. The CSPAI also complements global AI governance efforts. International efforts like the OECD AI Principles and the European Union's AI Act, which aim to regulate AI technologies to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems are the sounding board for this initiative.
About the Initiative
The Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) is the world’s first ANAB-accredited certification program that focuses on Cyber Security for AI. The collaboration between CERT-In and SISA plays a pivotal role in shaping AI security policies. Such partnerships between the public and private players bridge the gap between government regulatory needs and the technological expertise of private players, creating comprehensive and enforceable AI security policies. The CSPAI has been specifically designed to integrate AI and GenAI into business applications while aligning security measures to meet the unique challenges that AI systems pose. The program emphasises the strategic application of Generative AI and Large Language Models in future AI deployments. It also highlights the significant advantages of integrating LLMs into business applications.
The program is tailored for security professionals to understand the do’s and don’ts of AI integration into business applications, with a comprehensive focus on sustainable practices for securing AI-based applications. This is achieved through comprehensive risk identification and assessment frameworks recommended by ISO and NIST. The program also emphasises continuous assessment and conformance to AI laws across various nations, ensuring that AI applications adhere to standards for trustworthy and ethical AI practices.
Aim of the Initiative
As AI technology integrates itself to become an intrinsic part of business operations, a growing need for AI security expertise across industries is visible. Keeping this thought in the focal point, the accreditation program has been created to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to secure AI systems. The CSPAI program aims to make a safer digital future while creating an environment that fosters innovation and responsibility in the evolving cybersecurity landscape focusing on Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Models (LLMs).
Conclusion
This Public-Private Partnership between the CERT-In and SISA, which led to the creation of the Certified Security Professional for Artificial Intelligence (CSPAI) represents a groundbreaking initiative towards AI and its responsible usage. CSPAI can be seen as an initiative addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise in AI technologies. As AI becomes more embedded in business operations, the program aims to equip security professionals with the knowledge to assess, manage, and mitigate risks associated with AI applications. CSPAI as a programme aims to promote trustworthy and ethical AI usage by aligning with frameworks from ISO and NIST and ensuring adherence to AI laws globally. The approach is a significant step towards creating a safer digital ecosystem while fostering responsible AI innovation. This certification will significantly impact the healthcare, finance, and defence sectors, where AI is rapidly becoming indispensable. By ensuring that AI applications meet the requirements of security and ethical standards in these sectors, CSPAI can help build public trust and encourage broader AI adoption.
References
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2057868
- https://www.sisainfosec.com/training/payment-data-security-programs/cspai/
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/cert-in-and-sisa-launch-ai-security-certification-program-to-integrate-ai-into-business-applications/articleshow/113622067.cms
Overview:
A recent addition to the list of cybercrime is SharpRhino, a RAT (Remote Access Trojan) actively used by Hunters International ransomware group. SharpRhino is highly developed and penetrates into the network mask of IT specialists, primarily due to the belief in the tools’ legitimacy. Going under the genuine software installer, SharpRhino started functioning in mid-June 2024. However, Quorum Cyber discovered it in early August 2024 while investigating ransomware.
About Hunters International Group:
Hunters International emerged as one of the most notorious groups focused on ransomware attacks, having compromised over 134 targets worldwide in the first seven months of 2024. It is believed that the group is the rebranding of Hive ransomware group that was previously active, and there are considerable similarities in the code. Its focus on IT employees in particular demonstrates the fact that they move tactically in gaining access to the organizations’ networks.
Modus Operandi:
1. Typosquatting Technique
SharpRhino is mainly distributed by a domain that looks like the genuine Angry IP Scanner, which is a popular network discovery tool. The malware installer, labeled as ipscan-3.9.1-setup. It is a 32-bit Nullsoft installer which embeds a password protected 7z archive in it.
2. Installation Process
- Execution of Installer: When the victim downloads and executes the installer and changes the windows registry in order to attain persistence. This is done by generating a registry entry that starts a harmful file, Microsoft. AnyKey. exe, are fakes originating from fake versions of true legitimate Microsoft Visual Studio tools.
- Creation of Batch File: This drops a batch file qualified as LogUpdate at the installer.bat, that runs the PowerShell scripts on the device. These scripts are to compile C# code into memory to serve as a means of making the malware covert in its operation.
- Directory Creation: The installer establishes two directories that allow the C2 communication – C:\ProgramData\Microsoft: WindowsUpdater24 and LogUpdateWindows.
3. Execution and Functionality:
- Command Execution: The malware can execute PowerShell commands on the infected system, these actions may involve privilege escalation and other extended actions such as lateral movement.
- C2 Communication: SharpRhino interacts with command and control servers located on domains from platforms such as Cloudflare. This communication is necessary for receiving commands from the attackers and for returning any data of interest to the attackers.
- Data Exfiltration and Ransomware Deployment: Once SharpRhino has gained control, it can steal information and then proceed to encrypt it with a .locked extension. The procedure generally concludes with a ransom message, which informs users on how to purchase the decryption key.
4. Propagation Techniques:
Also, SharpRhino can spread through the self-copying method, this is the virus may copy itself to other computers using the network account of the victim and pretending to be trustworthy senders such as emails or network-shared files. Moreover, the victim’s machine may then proceed to propagate the malware to other systems like sharing in the company with other employees.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs):
- LogUpdate.bat
- Wiaphoh7um.t
- ipscan-3.9.1-setup.exe
- kautix2aeX.t
- WindowsUpdate.bat
Command and Control Servers:
- cdn-server-1.xiren77418.workers.dev
- cdn-server-2.wesoc40288.workers.dev
- Angryipo.org
- Angryipsca.com
Analysis:
Graph:
Precautionary measures to be taken:
To mitigate the risks posed by SharpRhino and similar malware, organizations should implement the following measures:
- Implement Security Best Practices: It is important only to download software from official sites and avoid similar sites to confuse the user by changing a few letters.
- Enhance Detection Capabilities: Use technology in detection that can detect the IOCs linked to Sharp Rhino.
- Educate Employees: Educate IT people and employees on phishing scams and the requirement to check the origin of the application.
- Regular Backups: It is also important to back up important files from systems and networks in order to minimize the effects of ransomware attacks on a business.
Conclusion:
SharpRhino could be deemed as the evolution of the strategies used by organizations like Hunters International and others involved in the distribution of ransomware. SharpRhino primarily focuses on the audience of IT professionals and employs complex delivery and execution schemes, which makes it an extremely serious threat for corporate networks. To do so it is imperative that organizations have an understanding of its inner workings in order to fortify their security measures against this relatively new threat. Through the enforcement of proper security measures and constant enlightenment of organizations on the importance of cybersecurity, firms can prevent the various risks associated with SharpRhino and related malware. Be safe, be knowledgeable, and most importantly, be secure when it comes to cyber security for your investments.
Reference:
https://cybersecuritynews.com/sharprhino-ransomware-alert/
https://cybersecsentinel.com/sharprhino-explained-key-facts-and-how-to-protect-your-data/
https://www.dataprivacyandsecurityinsider.com/2024/08/sharprhino-malware-targeting-it-professionals/
Executive Summary
Amid the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran, a video is rapidly going viral on social media with Hindi and Urdu captions. The clip shows several vehicles on a road while a large number of black birds can be seen circling in the sky. Users are sharing the video with the claim that it shows thousands of crows hovering over Tel Aviv after an Iranian attack. Some have even described it as a sign of a major impending event.
However, an research by the CyberPeace found the claim to be misleading. The viral video is old and has no connection to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, a keyframe from the video was reverse searched on Yandex. This led to the same video being shared on Reddit on June 13, 2024, where it was described as footage from the US state of Texas. Further searches using the keywords “Crows in Texas” revealed that the same video had been shared on Facebook in April and June 2024. These posts also claimed that the visuals were captured near a supermarket in Texas, where a large number of crows were seening.
While the exact location of the video cannot be independently confirmed, the available evidence clearly establishes that the footage predates the current conflict and is unrelated to any recent events involving Iran or Israel.
Conclusion
The viral video showing a flock of birds in the sky is not linked to any Iranian attack on Israel. It has been available online since 2024 and is being falsely shared in the context of the ongoing conflict.
