#FactCheck - Virat Kohli's Ganesh Chaturthi Video Falsely Linked to Ram Mandir Inauguration

Introduction

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology recently released the IT Intermediary Guidelines 2023 Amendment for social media and online gaming. The notification is crucial when the Digital India Bill’s drafting is underway. There is no denying that this bill, part of a series of bills focused on amendments and adding new provisions, will significantly improve the dynamics of Cyberspace in India in terms of reporting, grievance redressal, accountability and protection of digital rights and duties.

What is the Amendment?

The amendment comes as a key feature of cyberspace as the bill introduces fact-checking, a crucial aspect of relating information on various platforms prevailing in cyberspace. Misformation and disinformation were seen rising significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and fact-checking was more important than ever. This has been taken into consideration by the policymakers and hence has been incorporated as part of the Intermediary guidelines. The key features of the guidelines are as follows –

• The phrase “online game,” which is now defined as “a game that is offered on the Internet and is accessible by a user through a computer resource or an intermediary,” has been added.
• A clause has been added that emphasises that if an online game poses a risk of harm to the user, intermediaries and complaint-handling systems must advise the user not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update, or share any data related to that risky online game.
• A proviso to Rule 3(1)(f) has been added, which states that if an online gaming intermediary has provided users access to any legal online real money game, it must promptly notify its users of the change, within 24 hours.
• Sub-rules have been added to Rule 4 that focus on any legal online real money game and require large social media intermediaries to exercise further due diligence. In certain situations, online gaming intermediaries:

• Are required to display a demonstrable and obvious mark of verification of such online game by an online gaming self-regulatory organisation on such permitted online real money game
• Will not offer to finance themselves or allow financing to be provided by a third party.
• Verification of real money online gaming has been added to Rule 4-A.

• The Ministry may name as many self-regulatory organisations for online gaming as it deems necessary for confirming an online real-money game.
• Each online gaming self-regulatory body will prominently publish on its website/mobile application the procedure for filing complaints and the appropriate contact information.
• After reviewing an application, the self-regulatory authority may declare a real money online game to be a legal game if it is satisfied that:

• There is no wagering on the outcome of the game.
• Complies with the regulations governing the legal age at which a person can engage into a contract.
• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 have a new rule 4-B (Applicability of certain obligations after an initial period) that states that the obligations of the rule under rules 3 and 4 will only apply to online games after a three-month period has passed.
• According to Rule 4-C (Obligations in Relation to Online Games Other Than Online Real Money Games), the Central Government may direct the intermediary to make necessary modifications without affecting the main idea if it deems it necessary in the interest of India’s sovereignty and integrity, the security of the State, or friendship with foreign States.
• Intermediaries, such as social media companies or internet service providers, will have to take action against such content identified by this unit or risk losing their “safe harbour” protections under Section 79 of the IT Act, which let intermediaries escape liability for what third parties post on their websites. This is problematic and unacceptable. Additionally, these notified revisions can circumvent the takedown order process described in Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. They also violated the ruling in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), which established precise rules for content banning.
• The government cannot decide if any material is “fake” or “false” without a right of appeal or the ability for judicial monitoring since the power to do so could be abused to thwart examination or investigation by media groups. Government takedown orders have been issued for critical remarks or opinions posted on social media sites; most of the platforms have to abide by them, and just a few, like Twitter, have challenged them in court.

Conclusion

The new rules briefly cover the aspects of fact-checking, content takedown by Govt, and the relevance and scope of sections 69A and 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Hence, it is pertinent that the intermediaries maintain compliance with rules to ensure that the regulations are sustainable and efficient for the future. Despite these rules, the responsibility of the netizens cannot be neglected, and hence active civic participation coupled with such efficient regulations will go a long way in safeguarding the Indian cyber ecosystem.

Introduction:

A new Android malware called NGate is capable of stealing money from payment cards through relaying the data read by the Near Field Communication (“NFС”) chip to the attacker’s device. NFC  is a device which allows  devices such as smartphones to communicate over a short distance wirelessly.  In particular, NGate allows forging the victims’ cards and, therefore, performing fraudulent purchases or withdrawing money from ATMs. . 

 About NGate Malware: 

The whole purpose of NGate malware is to target victims’ payment cards by relaying the NFC data to the attacker’s device. The malware is designed to take advantage of phishing tactics and functionality of the NFC on android based devices. 

Modus Operandi: 

• Phishing Campaigns: The first step is spoofed emails or SMS used to lure the users into installing the  Progressive Web Apps (“PWAs”) or the WebAPKs presented as genuine banking applications. These apps usually have a layout and logo that makes them look like an authentic app of a Targeted Bank which makes them believable. 

• Installation of NGate: When the victim downloads the specific app, he or she is required to input personal details including account numbers and PIN numbers. Users are also advised to turn on or install  NFC on their gadgets and place the payment cards to the back part of the phone to scan the cards. 

• NFCGate Component: One of the main working features of the NGate is the NFCGate, an application created and designed by some students of Technical University of Darmstadt. This tool allows the malware to:
  • • Collect NFC traffic from payment cards in the vicinity. 
    • Transmit, or relay this data to the attacker’s device through a server. 
    • Repeat data that has been previously intercepted or otherwise copied.

It is important to note that some aspects of NFCGate mandate a rooted device; however, forwarding NFC traffic can occur with devices that are not rooted, and therefore can potentially ensnare more victims. ‍

Technical Mechanism of Data Theft:

• Data Capture: The malware exploits the NFC communication feature on android devices and reads the information from the payment card, if the card is near the infected device. It is able to intercept and capture the sensive card details.  

• Data Relay: The stolen information  is transmitted through a server to the attacker’s device so that he/she is in a position to mimic the victim’s card. 

• Unauthorized Transactions: Attackers get access to spend money on the merchants or withdraw money from the ATM that has NFC enabled. This capability marks a new level of Android malware in that the hackers are able to directly steal money without having to get hold of the card. 

Social Engineering Tactics: 

In most cases, attackers use social engineering techniques to obtain more information from the target before implementing the attack. In the second phase, attackers may pretend to be representatives of a bank that there is a problem with the account and offer to download a program called NGate, which in fact is a Trojan under the guise of an application for confirming the security of the account. This method makes it possible for the attackers to get ITPIN code from the sides of the victim, which enables them to withdraw money from the targeted person’s account without authorization. 

 Technical Analysis:

The analysis of malicious file hashes and phishing links are below:

Malicious File Hashes:

csob_smart_klic.apk:

• MD5: 7225ED2CBA9CB6C038D8
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.B

csob_smart_klic.apk:

• MD5: 66DE1E0A2E9A421DD16B
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C

george_klic.apk:

• MD5: DA84BC78FF2117DDBFDC
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C

george_klic-0304.apk:

• MD5: E7AE59CD44204461EDBD
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C

rb_klic.apk:

• MD5: 103D78A180EB973B9FFC
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.A

rb_klic.apk:

• MD5: 11BE9715BE9B41B1C852
• Classification: Android/Spy.NGate.C.

Phishing URLs:

Phishing URL: 

• https://client.nfcpay.workers[.]dev/?key=8e9a1c7b0d4e8f2c5d3f6b2

Additionally, several distinct phishing websites have been identified, including:

• rb.2f1c0b7d.tbc-app[.]life
• geo-4bfa49b2.tbc-app[.]life
• rb-62d3a.tbc-app[.]life
• csob-93ef49e7a.tbc-app[.]life
• george.tbc-app[.]life.

Analysis:

‍

‍

Broader Implications of NGate: 

The ultramodern features of NGate mean that its manifestation is not limited to financial swindling. An attacker can also generate a copy of NFC access cards and get  full access when hacking into restricted areas, for example, the corporate offices or restricted facility. Moreover, it is also safe to use the capacity to capture and analyze NFC traffic as threats to identity theft and other forms of cyber-criminality. 

Precautionary measures to be taken:

To protect against NGate and similar threats, users should consider the following strategies:

• Disable NFC: As mentioned above, NFC should be not often used, it is safe to turn NFC on Android devices off. This perhaps can be done from the general control of the device in which the bursting modes are being set. 

• Scrutinize App Permissions: Be careful concerning the permission that applies to the apps that are installed particularly the ones allowed to access the device. Hence, it is very important that applications should be downloaded only from genuine stores like Google Play Store only. 

• Use Security Software: The malware threat can be prevented by installing relevant security applications that are available in the market. 

• Stay Informed: As it has been highlighted, it is crucial for a person to know risks that are associated with the use of NFC while attempting to safeguard an individual’s identity. 

Conclusion: 

The presence of malware such as NGate is proof of the dynamism of threats in the context of mobile payments. Through the utilization of NFC function, NGate is a marked step up of Android malware implying that the attackers can directly manipulate the cash related data of the victims regardless of the physical aspect of the payment card. This underscores the need to be careful when downloading applications and to be keen on the permission one grants on the application. Turn NFC when not in use, use good security software and be aware of  the latest scams are some of the measures that help to fight this high level of financial fraud. The  attackers are now improving their methods. It is only right for the people and companies to take the right steps in avoiding the breach of privacy and identity theft.

Reference:

• https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/ngate-android-malware-relays-nfc-traffic-to-steal-cash/
• https://therecord.media/android-malware-atm-stealing-czech-banks
• https://www.darkreading.com/mobile-security/nfc-traffic-stealer-targets-android-users-and-their-banking-info
• https://cybersecuritynews.com/new-ngate-android-malware/

‍

Executive Summary:

The claim of a video of  US President Joe Biden dozing off during a television interview is digitally manipulated . The original video is from a 2011 incident involving actor and singer Harry Belafonte. He seems to fall asleep during a live satellite interview with KBAK – KBFX - Eyewitness News. Upon thorough analysis of keyframes from the viral video, it reveals that US President Joe Biden’s image was altered in Harry Belafonte's video. This confirms that the viral video is manipulated and does not show an actual event involving President Biden.

‍

Claims:

A video shows US President Joe Biden dozing off during a television interview while the anchor tries to wake him up.

Fact Check:

Upon receiving the posts, we watched the video then divided the video into keyframes using the inVid tool, and reverse-searched one of the frames from the video.

We found another video uploaded on Oct 18, 2011 by the official channel of KBAK - KBFX - Eye Witness News. The title of the video reads, “Official Station Video: Is Harry Belafonte asleep during live TV interview?”  

The video looks similar to the recent viral one, the TV anchor could be heard saying the same thing as in the viral video. Taking a cue from this we also did some keyword searches to find any credible sources. We found a news article posted by Yahoo Entertainment of the same video uploaded by KBAK - KBFX - Eyewitness News.

‍

Upon thorough investigation from reverse image search and keyword search reveals that the recent viral video of US  President Joe Biden dozing off during a TV interview is digitally altered to misrepresent the context. The original video dated back to 2011, where American Singer and actor Harry Belafonte was the actual person in the TV interview but not US  President Joe Biden.

Hence, the claim made in the viral video is false and misleading.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the viral video claiming to show US President Joe Biden dozing off during a television interview is digitally manipulated and inauthentic. The video is originally from a 2011 incident involving American singer and actor Harry Belafonte. It has been altered to falsely show US President Joe Biden. It is a reminder to verify the authenticity of online content before accepting or sharing it as truth.

• Claim:  A viral video shows in a television interview US President Joe Biden dozing off  while the anchor tries to wake him up.
• Claimed on: X (Formerly known as Twitter)
• Fact Check: Fake & Misleading