#FactCheck - Indian Men’s 4x400m Relay Team’s Record-Breaking Achievement in August 2023 Misrepresented as Recent Event
Executive Summary:
The viral video circulating on social media about the Indian men’s 4x400m relay team recently broke the Asian record and qualified for the finals of the world Athletics championship. The fact check reveals that this is not a recent event but it is from the World World Athletics Championships, August 2023 that happened in Budapest, Hungary. The Indian team comprising Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi, and Rajesh Ramesh, clocked a time of 2 minutes 59.05 seconds, finishing second behind the USA and breaking the Asian record. Although they performed very well in the heats, they only got fifth place in the finals. The video is being reuploaded with false claims stating its a recent record.
Claims:
A recent claim that the Indian men’s 4x400m relay team set the Asian record and qualified to the world finals.
Fact Check:
In the recent past, a video of the Indian Men’s 4x400m relay team which set a new Asian record is viral on different Social Media. Many believe that this is a video of the recent achievement of the Indian team. Upon receiving the posts, we did keyword searches based on the input and we found related posts from various social media. We found an article published by ‘The Hindu’ on August 27, 2023.
According to the article, the Indian team competed in the World Athletics Championship held in Budapest, Hungary. During that time, the team had a very good performance. The Indian team, which consisted of Muhammed Anas Yahiya, Amoj Jacob, Muhammed Ajmal Variyathodi, and Rajesh Ramesh, completed the race in 2:58.47 seconds, coming second after the USA in the event.
The earlier record was 3.00.25 which was set in 2021.
This was a new record in Asia, so it was a historic moment for India. Despite their great success, this video is being reshared with captions that implies this is a recent event, which has raised confusion. We also found various social media posts posted on Aug 26, 2023. We also found the same video posted on the official X account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the caption of the post reads, “Incredible teamwork at the World Athletics Championships!
Anas, Amoj, Rajesh Ramesh, and Muhammed Ajmal sprinted into the finals, setting a new Asian Record in the M 4X400m Relay.
This will be remembered as a triumphant comeback, truly historical for Indian athletics.”
This reveals that this is not a recent event but it is from the World World Athletics Championships, August 2023 that happened in Budapest, Hungary.
Conclusion:
The viral video of the recent news about the Indian men’s 4x400m relay team breaking the Asian record is not true. The video was from August 2023 that happened at the World Athletics Championships, Budapest. The Indian team broke the Asian record with 2 minutes 59.05 seconds in second position while the US team obtained first position with a timing of 2 minutes 58.47 seconds. However, the video circulated projecting as a recent event is misleading and false.
- Claim: Recent achievement of the Indian men's 4x400m relay team broke the Asian record and qualified for the World finals.
- Claimed on: X, LinkedIn, Instagram
- Fact Check: Fake & Misleading
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Introduction
The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in) is a nodal agency of the government established and appointed as a national agency in respect of cyber incidents and cyber security incidents in terms of the provisions of section 70B of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000. CERT-In has issued a cautionary note to Microsoft Edge, Adobe and Google Chrome users. Users have been alerted to many vulnerabilities by the government's cybersecurity agency, which hackers might use to obtain private data and run arbitrary code on the targeted machine. Users are advised by CERT-In to apply a security update right away in order to guard against the problem.
Vulnerability note
Vulnerability notes CIVN-2023-0361, CIVN-2023-0362 and CIVN-2023-0364 for Google Chrome for Desktop, Microsoft Edge and Adobe respectively, include more information on the alert. The problems have been categorized as high-severity issues by CERT-In, which suggests applying a security upgrade right now. According to the warning, there is a security risk if you use Google Chrome versions earlier than v120.0.6099.62 on Linux and Mac, or earlier than 120.0.6099.62/.63 on Windows. Similar to this, the vulnerability may also impact users of Microsoft Edge browser versions earlier than 120.0.2210.61.
Cause of the Problem
These vulnerabilities are caused by "Use after release in Media Stream, Side Panel Search, and Media Capture; Inappropriate implementation in Autofill and Web Browser UI, “according to the explanation in the issue note on the CERT-In website. The alert further warns that individuals who use the susceptible Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome browsers could end up being targeted by a remote attacker using these vulnerabilities to send a specially crafted request.” Once these vulnerabilities are effectively exploited, hackers may obtain higher privileges, obtain sensitive data, and run arbitrary code on the system of interest.
High-security issues: consequences
CERT-In has brought attention to vulnerabilities in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Adobe that might have serious repercussions and put users and their systems at risk. The vulnerabilities found in widely used browsers, like Adobe, Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome, present serious dangers that might result in data breaches, unauthorized code execution, privilege escalation, and remote attacks. If these vulnerabilities are taken advantage of, private information may be violated, money may be lost, and reputational harm may result.
Additionally, the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information may be compromised. The danger also includes the potential to interfere with services, cause outages, reduce productivity, and raise the possibility of phishing and social engineering assaults. Users may become less trusting of the impacted software as a result of the urgent requirement for security upgrades, which might make them hesitant to utilize these platforms until guarantees of thorough security procedures are provided.
Advisory
- Users should update their Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Adobe software as soon as possible to protect themselves against the vulnerabilities that have been found. These updates are supplied by the individual software makers. Furthermore, use caution when browsing and refrain from downloading things from unidentified sites or clicking on dubious links.
- Make use of reliable ad-blockers and strong, often updated antivirus and anti-malware software. Maintain regular backups of critical data to reduce possible losses in the event of an attack, and keep up with best practices for cybersecurity. Maintaining current security measures with vigilance and proactiveness can greatly lower the likelihood of becoming a target for prospective vulnerabilities.
References
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fast transforming our future in the digital world, transforming healthcare, finance, education, and cybersecurity. But alongside this technology, bad actors are also weaponising it. More and more, state-sponsored cyber actors are misusing AI tools such as ChatGPT and other generative models to automate disinformation, enable cyberattacks, and speed up social engineering operations. This write-up explores why and how AI, in the form of large language models (LLMs), is being exploited in cyber operations associated with adversarial states, and the necessity for international vigilance, regulation, and AI safety guidelines.
The Shift: AI as a Cyber Weapon
State-sponsored threat actors are misusing tools such as ChatGPT to turbocharge their cyber arsenal.
- Phishing Campaigns using AI- Generative AI allows for highly convincing and grammatically correct phishing emails. Unlike the shoddily written scams of yesteryears, these AI-based messages are tailored according to the victim's location, language, and professional background, increasing the attack success rate considerably. Example: It has recently been reported by OpenAI and Microsoft that Russian and North Korean APTs have employed LLMs to create customised phishing baits and malware obfuscation notes.
- Malware Obfuscation and Script Generation- Big Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT may be used by cyber attackers to help write, debug, and camouflage malicious scripts. While the majority of AI instruments contain safety mechanisms to guard against abuse, threat actors often exploit "jailbreaking" to evade these protections. Once such constraints are lifted, the model can be utilised to develop polymorphic malware that alters its code composition to avoid detection. It can also be used to obfuscate PowerShell or Python scripts to render them difficult for conventional antivirus software to identify. Also, LLMs have been employed to propose techniques for backdoor installation, additional facilitating stealthy access to hijacked systems.
- Disinformation and Narrative Manipulation
State-sponsored cyber actors are increasingly employing AI to scale up and automate disinformation operations, especially on election, protest, and geopolitical dispute days. With LLMs' assistance, these actors can create massive amounts of ersatz news stories, deepfake interview transcripts, imitation social media posts, and bogus public remarks on online forums and petitions. The localisation of content makes this strategy especially perilous, as messages are written with cultural and linguistic specificity, making them credible and more difficult to detect. The ultimate aim is to seed societal unrest, manipulate public sentiments, and erode faith in democratic institutions.
Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI – OpenAI Report (June 2025)
OpenAI released a comprehensive threat intelligence report called "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI" and the “Staying ahead of threat actors in the age of AI”, which outlined how state-affiliated actors had been testing and misusing its language models for malicious intent. The report named few advanced persistent threat (APT) groups, each attributed to particular nation-states. OpenAI highlighted that the threat actors used the models mostly for enhancing linguistic quality, generating social engineering content, and expanding operations. Significantly, the report mentioned that the tools were not utilized to produce malware, but rather to support preparatory and communicative phases of larger cyber operations.
AI Jailbreaking: Dodging Safety Measures
One of the largest worries is how malicious users can "jailbreak" AI models, misleading them into generating banned content using adversarial input. Some methods employed are:
- Roleplay: Simulating the AI being a professional criminal advisor
- Obfuscation: Concealing requests with code or jargon
- Language Switching: Proposing sensitive inquiries in less frequently moderated languages
- Prompt Injection: Lacing dangerous requests within innocent-appearing questions
These methods have enabled attackers to bypass moderation tools, transforming otherwise moral tools into cybercrime instruments.
Conclusion
As AI generations evolve and become more accessible, its application by state-sponsored cyber actors is unprecedentedly threatening global cybersecurity. The distinction between nation-state intelligence collection and cybercrime is eroding, with AI serving as a multiplier of adversarial campaigns. AI tools such as ChatGPT, which were created for benevolent purposes, can be targeted to multiply phishing, propaganda, and social engineering attacks. The cross-border governance, ethical development practices, and cyber hygiene practices need to be encouraged. AI needs to be shaped not only by innovation but by responsibility.
References
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/02/14/staying-ahead-of-threat-actors-in-the-age-of-ai/
- https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/openais-chatgpt-hit-nation-state-hackers-a-28640
- https://oecd.ai/en/incidents/2025-06-13-b5e9
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/security-insider/meet-the-experts/emerging-AI-tactics-in-use-by-threat-actors
- https://www.wired.com/story/youre-not-ready-for-ai-hacker-agents/
- https://www.cert-in.org.in/PDF/Digital_Threat_Report_2024.pdf
- https://cdn.openai.com/threat-intelligence-reports/5f73af09-a3a3-4a55-992e-069237681620/disrupting-malicious-uses-of-ai-june-2025.pdf
Introduction
In today’s time, everything is online, and the world is interconnected. Cases of data breaches and cyberattacks have been a reality for various organisations and industries, In the recent case (of SAS), Scandinavian Airlines experienced a cyberattack that resulted in the exposure of customer details, highlighting the critical importance of preventing customer privacy. The incident is a wake-up call for Airlines and businesses to evaluate their cyber security measures and learn valuable lessons to safeguard customers’ data. In this blog, we will explore the incident and discuss the strategies for protecting customers’ privacy in this age of digitalisation.
Analysing the backdrop
The incident has been a shocker for the aviation industry, SAS Scandinavian Airlines has been a victim of a cyberattack that compromised consumer data. Let’s understand the motive of cyber crooks and the technique they used :
Motive Behind the Attack: Understanding the reasons that may have driven the criminals is critical to comprehending the context of the Scandinavian Airlines cyber assault. Financial gain, geopolitical conflicts, activism, or personal vendettas are common motivators for cybercriminals. Identifying the purpose of the assault can provide insight into the attacker’s aims and the possible impact on both the targeted organisation and its consumers. Understanding the attack vector and strategies used by cyber attackers reveals the amount of complexity and possible weaknesses in an organisation’s cybersecurity defences. Scandinavian Airlines’ cyber assault might have included phishing, spyware, ransomware, or exploiting software weaknesses. Analysing these tactics allows organisations to strengthen their security against similar assaults.
Impact on Victims: The Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) cyber attack victims, including customers and individuals related to the company, have suffered substantial consequences. Data breaches and cyber-attack have serious consequences due to the leak of personal information.
1)Financial Losses and Fraudulent Activities: One of the most immediate and upsetting consequences of a cyber assault is the possibility of financial loss. Exposed personal information, such as credit card numbers, can be used by hackers to carry out illegal activities such as unauthorised transactions and identity theft. Victims may experience financial difficulties and the need to spend time and money resolving these concerns.
2)Concerns about privacy and personal security: A breach of personal data can significantly impact the privacy and personal security of victims. The disclosed information, including names, addresses, and contact information, might be exploited for nefarious reasons, such as targeted phishing or physical harassment. Victims may have increased anxiety about their safety and privacy, which can interrupt their everyday life and create mental pain.
3) Reputational Damage and Trust Issues: The cyber attack may cause reputational harm to persons linked with Scandinavian Airlines, such as workers or partners. The breach may diminish consumers’ and stakeholders’ faith in the organisation, leading to a bad view of its capacity to protect personal information. This lack of trust might have long-term consequences for the impacted people’s professional and personal relationships.
4) Emotional Stress and Psychological Impact: The psychological impact of a cyber assault can be severe. Fear, worry, and a sense of violation induced by having personal information exposed can create emotional stress and psychological suffering. Victims may experience emotions of vulnerability, loss of control, and distrust toward digital platforms, potentially harming their overall quality of life.
5) Time and Effort Required for Remediation: Addressing the repercussions of a cyber assault demands significant time and effort from the victims. They may need to call financial institutions, reset passwords, monitor accounts for unusual activity, and use credit monitoring services. Resolving the consequences of a data breach may be a difficult and time-consuming process, adding stress and inconvenience to the victims’ lives.
6) Secondary Impacts: The impacts of an online attack could continue beyond the immediate implications. Future repercussions for victims may include trouble acquiring credit or insurance, difficulties finding future work, and continuous worry about exploiting their personal information. These secondary effects can seriously affect victims’ financial and general well-being.
Apart from this, the trust lost would take time to rebuild.
Takeaways from this attack
The cyber-attack on Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is a sharp reminder of cybercrime’s ever-present and increasing menace. This event provides crucial insights that businesses and people may use to strengthen cybersecurity defences. In the lessons that were learned from the Scandinavian Airlines cyber assault and examine the steps that may be taken to improve cybersecurity and reduce future risks. Some of the key points that can be considered are as follows:
Proactive Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Management: The cyber assault on Scandinavian Airlines emphasises the significance of regular risk assessments and vulnerability management. Organisations must proactively identify and fix possible system and network vulnerabilities. Regular security audits, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments can help identify flaws before bad actors exploit them.
Strong security measures and best practices: To guard against cyber attacks, it is necessary to implement effective security measures and follow cybersecurity best practices. Lessons from the Scandinavian Airlines cyber assault emphasise the importance of effective firewalls, up-to-date antivirus software, secure setups, frequent software patching, and strong password rules. Using multi-factor authentication and encryption technologies for sensitive data can also considerably improve security.
Employee Training and Awareness: Human mistake is frequently a big component in cyber assaults. Organisations should prioritise employee training and awareness programs to educate employees about phishing schemes, social engineering methods, and safe internet practices. Employees may become the first line of defence against possible attacks by cultivating a culture of cybersecurity awareness.
Data Protection and Privacy Measures: Protecting consumer data should be a key priority for businesses. Lessons from the Scandinavian Airlines cyber assault emphasise the significance of having effective data protection measures, such as encryption and access limits. Adhering to data privacy standards and maintaining safe data storage and transfer can reduce the risks connected with data breaches.
Collaboration and Information Sharing: The Scandinavian Airlines cyber assault emphasises the need for collaboration and information sharing among the cybersecurity community. Organisations should actively share threat intelligence, cooperate with industry partners, and stay current on developing cyber threats. Sharing information and experiences can help to build the collective defence against cybercrime.
Conclusion
The Scandinavian Airlines cyber assault is a reminder that cybersecurity must be a key concern for organisations and people. Organisations may improve their cybersecurity safeguards, proactively discover vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to prospective attacks by learning from this occurrence and adopting the lessons learned. Building a strong cybersecurity culture, frequently upgrading security practices, and encouraging cooperation within the cybersecurity community are all critical steps toward a more robust digital world. We may aim to keep one step ahead of thieves and preserve our important information assets by constantly monitoring and taking proactive actions.
