#FactCheck - Viral Video of Argentina Football Team Dancing to Bhojpuri Song is Misleading

Executive Summary:

Cyber incidents are evolving along with time, they are designed to attract and lure people through social networking sites and/or messaging services. In the recent past a spate of messages alleging that TRAI is offering ‘3 months free recharge with free voice calls and internet for 4g/5g with 200 GB free data’. These messages display the TRAI logo with attractive offers to trick the users into revealing their personal details. This blog discusses the functioning of this free mobile recharge scheme, its methods and guidelines on how to avoid such fake schemes. This blog explains the importance of vigilance and verification when receiving any links, emphasizing the need to report suspicious activities and educate others to prevent identity theft and protect personal information. 

Claim:

The message circulated an  enticing offer: free mobile recharge for 3 months which provides unlimited  free voice calls with 200GB 4G/5G data with TRAI logo. The key characteristics of the false claims are

• Official Branding: The logo of TRAI has been viewed as a deceptive facade of credibility. 

• Unrealistic Offers: It is accompanied by a free recharge , which is intended for an extended period indefinite period, like most fraudsters’ bait. 

• Urgency and Exclusivity: The offer is for a limited time to make urgency forcing the receiver to take the offer without confirmation. 

 The Deceptive Scheme:

Organized systematically, the fraudulent campaign usually proceeds in several steps, all of which aim at extracting  the victim’s personal data. Here’s a breakdown of the scheme:

1. Initial Contact:  Such messages or calls reach the users’ inboxes or phone numbers through social media applications such as WhatsApp or through text messages. These messages further implies that the user was chosen for the special offer from TRAI, which elicits the interest of the user. 

 2. Information Request: To claim the purported offer, users are directed to a website or asked to reply with personal details, including:

•  Phone number 
•  State of residence 
•  SIM provider details 

This is useful for the scammers as they harvest information which can be used to conduct identity theft or sold to others on the shady part of the internet known as the ‘Dark Web’. 

3. Fake Confirmation: After providing all the information, a congratulatory message appears on the screen showing that their phone number is eligible for the offer. The user is compelled to forward the message to many phone numbers through whatsapp to get the offer. 

 4. Pressure Tactics: The  message often implies a sense of time constraint or fear which psychologically produces pressure to provide all the user information. For example, users are given messages such as that if they do not ‘act now’, they will lose their mobile service. 

Analyzing the Fraudulent Campaign 

The TRAI fraudulent recharge scheme case depicts that  social engineering is used in cyber crimes. Here are some key aspects that characterize this campaign:

• Sophisticated Social Engineering 

Scammers take advantage of the holders’ confidence in official bodies such as TRAI. By using official TRAI logos, official language they try to deceive even cautious people. 

• Viral Spread 

The user is compelled to share the given message to friends and groups; this is an excellent strategy to spread the scam. It not only spreads the fraudulent message but also tries to extract the details of other people. 

• Technical Analysis

• Domain Name: SGOFF[.]CYOU
• Registry Domain ID: D472308342-CNIC
• Registrar WHOIS Server: whois.hkdns.hk
• Registrar URL: http://www.hkdns.hk
• Updated Date: 2024-07-24T18:50:48.0Z
• Creation Date: 2024-07-19T18:48:44.0Z
• Registry Expiry Date: 2025-07-19T23:59:59.0Z
• Registrar: West263 International Limited
• Registrar IANA ID: 1915
• Registrant State/Province: Anhui
• Registrant Country: CN
• Name Server: NORMAN.NS.CLOUDFLARE.COM
• Name Server: PAM.NS.CLOUDFLARE.COM
• DNSSEC: unsigned

Cloudflare Inc. is used to cover the scam. The real website always uses the older domain while this url has been registered recently which indicates that this link is a scam.  

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The  graph indicates that some of the communicated files and websites are malicious.

CyberPeace Advisory and Best Practice:

In light of the growing threat posed by such scams, the Research Wing of CyberPeace recommend the following best practices to help users protect themselves: 

1. Verify Communications: It is always advisable to visit the official site of the organization or call the official contact numbers of the company to speak to their customer care and clarify about the offers. 

2. Do not share personal information: No genuine organization will call the people for personal information.  Step carefully and do not provide personal  information that will lead to identity theft when dealing with such offers. 

3. Report Fraudulent Activity: If one receives any calls or messages that seem to be suspicious, then the user can report cyber crimes to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal on www. cybercrime. gov. in or call on 1930. Such scams are reportable and assist the authorities in tracking and fighting the vice. 

4. Educate Others : Always raise awareness among friends by sharing these kinds of scams. Educating people helps to avoid them falling prey to such fraudulent schemes. 

5. Use Reliable Resources :  Always refer to official sources or websites for any kind of offers or promotions.

Conclusion:

The free recharge scheme for 3 months with the logo of TRAI is a fraudulent scam. There is no official information from TRAI or in their official website about this free recharge scheme. Though the scheme looks attractive, it is deceptive.  Through this, the scammers are trying to collect personal details of the individual. Before clicking any links, it is necessary to check the authenticity of the information, report these kinds of incidents to spread awareness among people. Always be safe and be vigilant.  

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Introduction

As the sun rises on a new chapter in the Indian telecommunications narrative, the corridors of power in New Delhi are abuzz with palpable excitement and a hint of solemnity. Here, a groundbreaking proposal stands before the lawmakers of the Lok Sabha, not simply a proposed amendment or update to an existing statute, but the cornerstone of a reimagined communications epoch—the Telecommunications Bill of 2023. In every sense, this legislative masterpiece embodies a country at the intersection of tradition and innovation, eager to part ways with vestiges of colonial infrastructure that have shaped its modern landscape.

The Origins

Steeped in history, India's telecommunications system has persevered through a patchwork of regulations and ad hoc policies, growing somewhat unwieldy under the shadow of the Indian Telegraph Act (1885), the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933), and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act (1950). Yet, it is within this context of the old guard, a relic of British administration, that the new Telecommunications Bill seeks to transcend the limitations of the past. It aims to dismantle barriers and create an ecosystem that is fluid, adaptable, and resonant with the rapid cadence of technological advancements and the demands of a population increasingly reliant on digital connectivity.

In crafting this bill, the creators have meticulously knitted together an intricate fabric of vibrant threads, each signifying a pillar of progress. To herald an era of unparalleled growth and dynamism, the bill looks beyond the scope of traditional telecommunication services, boldly embracing the convergence of digital mediums such as wire, radio, and optical fibers, aligning with the modalities of 21st-century communication. The bill’s very essence is innovation, etching a new paradigm through its provisions and signalling India's readiness to interface with the ever-expanding digital frontier.

The Defining Features 

A novel and defining feature of this bill is its departure from a rigid licensing regime. It forges ahead with 'authorizations'—a signifier that resonates with flexibility, adaptability, and a regulatory approach that isn't mired in bureaucratic inertia but is rather an enabler of swift technological adoption and market responsiveness. This transformative philosophy signifies a departure from the byzantine processes of yore, orbiting instead toward an agile governance model that is both responsive to current needs and anticipative of future trends.

The introduction of mandatory biometric authentication for telecom customers articulates an unyielding stance against the rampant misuse of communication networks. Indeed, this measure draws a fine line between the right to privacy and the exigencies of data protection, posing ethical questions that animate public discourse. This balance seeks to thwart unsolicited commercial communication, exemplifying the state's vigil on the sanctuaries of personal space and tranquility.

In addition, the forward-looking bill tactically addresses the strategic use of spectrum resources with an undercurrent of prescience. By granting ‘spectrum assets’ legislative stature through the National Frequency Allocation Plan and enabling operators to adapt through 'refarming', the bill forms a visionary blueprint for resource optimization. It inherently recognizes that bandwidth is not simply a commercial commodity but one that serves the wider canvas of national imperatives, connectivity goals, and developmental aspirations.

Further embodying the dual themes of openness and vigilance, the bill incorporates provisions for interception and the implementation of a 'trusted sources' regime, a tacit acknowledgement of the cybersecurity challenges that loom on the horizon amidst increasing geopolitical strains. These measures exemplify the act of walking a tightrope between the democratic ideals of transparency and the unyielding requirements of state security.

Looking to the skies, the bill embraces satellite technologies, foreseeing their potential in unshackling the remote and marginalized areas from the constraints of terrestrial infrastructure and thus forging a digitally inclusive society. Acknowledging the expanse of the Indian subcontinent, the bill paves the way for an interconnected, digital hinterland via thoughtful satellite spectrum allocations.

Emphasizing the human thread in the digital weave, the reformulation of the Universal Service Obligation Fund into 'Digital Bharat Nidhi' underscores an unwavering commitment to reaching the unreached. It's the crystallization of a promise that every Indian, regardless of geographical and socio-economic divides, will be privy to the lenses of opportunity presented by the digital revolution.

The Watershed Moment 

The introduction of the Telecommunications Bill of 2023 is a watershed moment, a convergence where history and opportunity coalesce, propelling a nation forward with the ambitions of a burgeoning superpower replacing the Indian Telegraph Act (1885), the Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933), and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act (1950). It carries within its articles and clauses the anticipation of a billion dreams, the catalyst to a regulatory environment that nurtures innovation, equality, and a forward leap into the future. 

Conclusion

Through its comprehensive scope and visionary approach, the bill writes a fresh chapter in India's digital saga. It is an unfolding story, pregnant with the possibilities of a nascent digital age, charting a trajectory for an India poised to define its own digital dome of the sky, under which its citizens will thrive for generations to come. With every legislative step, India crafts its legacy, a narrative of evolution, a tableau that reflects the aspirations of its people and their resolve to embrace the force of technology for the collective good. As this bill advances through the legislative labyrinth, it carries the spirit of a digital renaissance nestled in the heart of the world's largest democracy.

References 

• https://www.livemint.com/industry/telecom/new-telecom-bill-set-to-approve-administrative-allocation-for-satellite-broadband-services-11702876066350.html
• https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-telecommunication-bill-2023

Introduction

“GPS Spoofing” though formerly was confined to conflict zones as a consequence, has lately become a growing hazard for pilots and aircraft operators across the world, and several countries have been facing such issues. This definition stems from the US Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, which delivers specialized advice for government regulatory authorities. Global Positioning System (GPS) is considered an emergent part of aviation infrastructure as it supersedes traditional radio beams used to direct planes towards the landing. “GPS spoofing” occurs when a double-dealing radio signal overrides a legitimate GPS satellite alert where the receiver gets false location information. In the present times, this is the first time civilian passenger flights have faced such a significant danger, though GPS signal interference of this character has existed for over a decade. According to the Agency France-Presse (AFP), false GPS signals mislead onboard plane procedures and problematise the job of airline pilots that are surging around conflict areas. GPS spoofing may also be the outcome of military electronic warfare systems that have been deployed in zones combating regional tension. GPS spoofing can further lead to significant upheavals in commercial aviation, which include arrivals and departures of passengers apart from safety.

Spoofing might likewise involve one country’s military sending false GPS signals to an enemy plane or drone to impede its capability to operate, which has a collateral impact on airliners operating at a near distance. Collateral impairment in commercial aircraft can occur as confrontations escalate and militaries send faulty GPS signals to attempt to thwart drones and other aircraft. It could, therefore, lead to a global crisis, leading to the loss of civilian aircraft in an area already at a high-risk zone close to an operational battle area. Furthermore, GPS jamming is different from GPS Spoofing. While jamming is when the GPS signals are jammed or obstructed, spoofing is very distinct and way more threatening. 

Global Reporting

An International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assessment released in 2019 indicated that there were 65 spoofing incidents across the Middle East in the preceding two years, according to the C4ADS report. At the beginning of 2018, Euro control received more than 800 reports of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in Europe. Also, GPS spoofing in Eastern Europe and the Middle East has resulted in up to 80nm divergence from the flight route and aircraft impacted have had to depend on radar vectors from Air Traffic Control (ATC). According to Forbes, flight data intelligence website OPSGROUP, constituted of 8,000 members including pilots and controllers, has been reporting spoofing incidents since September 2023. Similarly, over 20 airlines and corporate jets flying over Iran diverted from their planned path after they were directed off the pathway by misleading GPS signals transmitted from the ground, subjugating the navigation systems of the aircraft.  

In this context, vicious hackers, however at large, have lately realized how to override the critical Inertial Reference Systems (IRS) of an airplane, which is the essential element of technology and is known by the manufacturers as the “brains” of an aircraft. However, the current IRS is not prepared to counter this kind of attack. IRS uses accelerometers, gyroscopes and electronics to deliver accurate attitude, speed, and navigation data so that a plane can decide how it is moving through the airspace. GPS spoofing occurrences make the IRS ineffective, and in numerous cases, all navigation power is lost.

Red Flag from Agencies

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) correspondingly hosted a workshop on incidents where people have spoofed and obstructed satellite navigation systems and inferred that these direct a considerable challenge to security. IATA and EASA have further taken measures to communicate information about GPS tampering so that crew and pilots can make sure to determine when it is transpiring. The EASA had further pre-cautioned about an upsurge in reports of GPS spoofing and jamming happenings in the Baltic Sea area, around the Black Sea, and regions near Russia and Finland in 2022 and 2023. According to industry officials, empowering the latest technologies for civil aircraft can take several years, and while GPS spoofing incidents have been increasing, there is no time to dawdle. Experts have noted critical navigation failures on airplanes, as there have been several recent reports of alarming cyber attacks that have changed planes' in-flight GPS. As per experts, GPS spoofing could affect commercial airlines and cause further disarray. Due to this, there are possibilities that pilots can divert from the flight route, further flying into a no-fly zone or any unauthorized zone, putting them at risk.

According to OpsGroup, a global group of pilots and technicians first brought awareness and warning to the following issue when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a forewarning on the security of flight risk to civil aviation operations over the spate of attacks. In addition, as per the civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a forewarning circular on spoofing threats to planes' GPS signals when flying over parts of the Middle East was issued. DGCA advisory further notes the aviation industry is scuffling with uncertainties considering the contemporary dangers and information of GNSS jamming and spoofing. 

Conclusion

As the aviation industry continues to grapple with GPS spoofing problems, it is entirely unprepared to combat this, although the industry should consider discovering attainable technologies to prevent them. As International conflicts become convoluted, technological solutions are unrestricted and can be pricey, intricate and not always efficacious depending on what sort of spoofing is used.

As GPS interference attacks become more complex, specialized resolutions should be invariably contemporized. Improving education and training (to increase awareness among pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation experts), receiver technology (Creating and enforcing more state-of-the-art GPS receiver technology), ameliorating monitoring and reporting (Installing robust monitoring systems), cooperation (collaboration among stakeholders like government bodies, aviation organisations etc.), data/information sharing, regulatory measures (regulations and guidelines by regulatory and government bodies) can help in averting GPS spoofing.

References

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/false-gps-signal-surge-makes-life-hard-for-pilots/articleshow/108363076.cms?from=mdr
• https://nypost.com/2023/11/20/lifestyle/hackers-are-taking-over-planes-gps-experts-are-lost-on-how-to-fix-it/
• https://www.timesnownews.com/india/planes-losing-gps-signal-over-middle-east-dgca-flags-spoofing-threat-article-105475388
• https://www.firstpost.com/world/gps-spoofing-deceptive-gps-lead-over-20-planes-astray-in-iran-13190902.html
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2024/01/31/gps-spoofing-is-now-affecting-airplanes-in-parts-of-europe/?sh=48fbe725c550
• https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2024/01/30/758635.htm
• https://airwaysmag.com/gps-spoofing-commercial-aviation/
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/aviation-industry-to-tackle-gps-security-concerns-c11a917f
• https://www.deccanherald.com/world/explained-what-is-gps-spoofing-that-has-misguided-around-20-planes-near-iran-iraq-border-and-how-dangerous-is-this-2708342

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