#FactCheck: AI Generated audio of CDS admitting that Pakistan Army is superior than Indian Army.

Introduction

In the age of digital advancement, where technology continually grows, so does the method of crime. The rise of cybercrime has created various threats to individuals and organizations, businesses, and government agencies. To combat such crimes law enforcement agencies are looking out for innovative solutions against these challenges. One such innovative solution is taken by the Surat Police in Gujarat, who have embraced the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bolster their efforts in reducing cybercrimes.

Key Highlights

Surat, India, has launched an AI-based WhatsApp chatbot called "Surat Police Cyber Mitra Chatbot" to tackle growing cybercrime. The chatbot provides quick assistance to individuals dealing with various cyber issues, ranging from reporting cyber crimes to receiving safety tips. The initiative is the first of its kind in the country, showcasing Surat Police's dedication to using advanced technology for public safety. Surat Police Commissioner-in-Charge commended the use of AI in crime control as a positive step forward, while also stressing the need for continuous improvements in various areas, including technological advancements, data acquisition related to cybercrime, and training for police personnel.

The Surat Cyber Mitra Chatbot, available on WhatsApp number 9328523417, offers round-the-clock assistance to citizens, allowing them to access crucial information on cyber fraud and legal matters. 

Surat Police's AI Chatbot: Cyber Mitra

• Surat Police in Gujarat, India, has launched an AI-based WhatsApp chatbot, "Surat Police Cyber Mitra Chatbot," to combat growing cybercrime.
• The chatbot provides assistance to individuals dealing with various cyber issues, from reporting cyber crimes to receiving safety tips.
• The initiative is the first of its kind in the country, showcasing Surat Police's dedication to using advanced technology for public safety.
• The Surat Cyber Mitra Chatbot, available on WhatsApp number 9328523417, offers round-the-clock assistance to citizens, providing crucial information on cyber fraud.

The Growing Cybercrime Threat

With the advancement of technology, cybercrime has become more complex due to the interconnectivity of digital devices and the internet. The criminals exploit vulnerabilities in software, networks, and human behavior to perpetrate a wide range of malicious activities to fulfill their illicit gains. Individuals and organizations face a wide range of cyber risks that can cause significant financial, reputational, and emotional harm. 

Surat Police’s Strategic Initiative

Surat Police Cyber Mitra Chatbot is an AI-powered tool for instant problem resolution. This innovative approach allows citizens to address any issue or query at their doorstep, providing immediate and accurate responses to concerns. The chatbot is accessible 24/7, 24 hours a day, and serves as a reliable resource for obtaining legal information related to cyber fraud.

The use of AI in police initiatives has been a topic of discussion for some time, and the Surat City Police has taken this step to leverage technology for the betterment of society. The chatbot promises to boost public trust towards law enforcement and improve the legal system by addressing citizen issues within seconds, ranging from financial disputes to cyber fraud incidents.

This accessibility extends to inquiries such as how to report financial crimes or cyber-fraud incidents and understand legal procedures. The availability of accurate information will not only enhance citizens' trust in the police but also contribute to the efficiency of law enforcement operations. The availability of accurate information will lead to more informed interactions between citizens and the police, fostering a stronger sense of community security and collaboration.

The utilisation of this chatbot will facilitate access to information and empower citizens to engage more actively with the legal system. As trust in the police grows and legal processes become more transparent and accessible, the overall integrity and effectiveness of the legal system are expected to improve significantly.

Conclusion

The Surat Police Cyber Mitra Chatbot is an AI-powered tool that provides round-the-clock assistance to citizens, enhancing public trust in law enforcement and streamlining access to legal information. This initiative bridges the gap between law enforcement and the community, fostering a stronger sense of security and collaboration, and driving improvements in the efficiency and integrity of the legal process.

References:

• https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/surat-first-city-in-india-to-launch-ai-chatbot-to-tackle-cybercrime/81861788.html
• https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/secure-india/gujarat-surat-police-adopts-ai-to-check-cyber-crimes/107410981
• https://www.timesnownews.com/india/chatbot-and-advanced-analytics-surat-police-utilising-ai-technology-to-reduce-cybercrime-article-107397157
• https://www.grownxtdigital.in/technology/surat-police-ai-cyber-mitra-chatbot-gujarat/

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Introduction

Ransomware is one of the serious cyber threats as it causes consequences such as financial losses, data loss, and reputation damage. Recently in 2023, a new ransomware called Akira ransomware emerged or surfaced. It has targeted and affected various enterprises or industries, such as BSFI, Construction, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, real estate and consulting, primarily based in the United States. Akira ransomware has targeted industries by exploiting the double-extortion technique by exfiltrating and encrypting sensitive data and imposing the threat on victims to leak or sell the data on the dark web if the ransom is not paid. The Akira ransomware gang has extorted a ransom ranging from $200,000 to millions of dollars.

Uncovering the Akira Ransomware operations and their targets

Akira ransomware gang has gained unauthorised access to computer systems by using sophisticated encryption algorithms to encrypt the Data. When such an encryption process is completed, the affected device or network will not be able to access its files or use its data.

The affected files by Akira ransomware showed the extension named “.akira”, and the file’s icon shows blank white pages. The Akira ransomware has developed a data leak site so as to extort victims.  And it has also used the ransom note named “akira_readme.txt”.

Akira ransomware steeled the corporate data of various organisations, which the Akira ransomware gang used as leverage while threatening the affected organisation with high ransom demands. Akira Ransomware gang threaten the victims to leak their sensitive data or corporate data in the public domain if the demanded ransom amount is not paid. Akira ransomware gang has leaked the data of four organisations and the size ranges from 5.9GB to 259 GB of data leakage.

Akira Ransomware gang communicating with Victims

The Akira ransomware has provided a unique negotiation password to each victim to initiate communication. Where the ransomware gang deployed a chat system for the purpose of negotiation and demanding ransom from the affected organisations. They have deployed a ransom note as akira_readme.txt so as to provide information as to how they have affected the victim’s files or data along with links to the Akira data leak site and negotiation site.

How Akira Ransomware is different from Pegasus Spyware

Pegasus, developed in the year 2011, belongs to one of the most powerful family of spyware. Once it has infected, it can spear your phone and your text messages or emails. It has the ability to turn your phone into a surveillance device, from copying your messages to harvesting your photos and recording calls. In fact, it has the ability to record you through your phone camera or record your conversation by using your microphone, it also has the ability to track your pinpoint location. In contrast, newly Akira ransomware affects encrypting your files and preventing access to your Data and then asking for ransom n the pretext of leaking your data or for decryption.

How to recover from malware attacks

If affected by such type of malware attack, you can use anti-malware tools such as SpyHunter 5 or Malwarebytes to scan your system. These are the security software which can scan your system and remove suspicious malware files and entries. If you are unable to perform the scan or antivirus in normal mode due to malware in your system, you can use it in Safe Mode. And try to find a relevant decryptor which can help you to recover your files. Do not fall into a ransomware gang’s trap because there is no guarantee that they will help you to recover or will not leak your data after paying the ransom amount.

Best practices to be safe from such ransomware attacks

Conclusion

The Akira ransomware operation poses serious threats to various organisations worldwide. There is a high need to employ robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard networks and sensitive data. Organisations must ensure to keep their software system updated and backed up to a secure network on a regular basis. Paying the ransom is illegal mean instead you should report the incident to law enforcement agencies and can consult with cybersecurity professionals for the recovery method.

Introduction

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ( MeitY) through its Information Security Education & Awareness ( ISEA ) came up with an advisory regarding the growing cases of e-challan fraud. Cybercriminals are exploiting the beliefs of individuals by attracting them into clicking malicious links under the impression of paying traffic fines. Cybercriminals employ sending phishing messages and impersonating official e-challan notifications as a primary method. These messages are crafted in such a way that portrays a sense of urgency, provoking individuals to click on a link for spontaneous payment. For building trust, the messages are deviously created by scammers depicting official communication, which in actuality are fake messages targeting individuals for committing online financial fraud.

Unveiling the E-Challan Scam

Scammers send a text message to your phones that closely resembles e-challan alerts. The text appears from the traffic police, informing the netizens of a traffic violation that requires a fine payment. These messages contain a link and a text message urging the recipient to settle the fine by clicking on the links to make the payment.  Scammers have started trapping innocent individuals through such fake messages. These scammers are creating and sending fake messages that look like traffic challan alert messages. However, it is a completely deceptive and fake message. Such messages contain malicious links to fake website, leading users to visit the fake website and enter their bank account details, or make the payment which ultimately leads to financial loss to victims. Cyber scammers have meticulously copied the format used by the traffic authorities however a close examination can help us spot the trap. The modus operandi of such type of scam is to get the targeted individuals to click on a malicious link for payment of traffic e-challan. Once you click on such malicious payment link to pay for the e-challan the individuals unknowingly will end up paying the cyber criminals instead of the police in a bid to discharge the traffic e-challan.

How to spot a fake E-Challan?

• Verify the Vehicle Number: Make sure that the vehicle number mentioned in the message matches your vehicle’s number. Cross-check this information with your vehicle’s number plate or the smart card ( blue book) issued by the Regional Transport Office ( RTO).
• Verify the E-challan Number: Verify the validity of the e-challan number by logging into the official traffic police website or app. Legitimate e-challans will have a corresponding record that can be cross-checked for authenticity. The challan number can be verified by logging in to the official e-challan website. It is always advisable to Visit the official government website to check if you have actually been fined.
• Inspect the Message Content: Give attention to the language inculcated in the message. Hackers' messages may contain grammatical errors or unusual phrases. For example, cybercriminals might encourage victims to visit the RTO office in person. Trying to build up confidence among the victims. Also, it is important that you do not make such payments in haste. Vehicle owners must check such messages carefully before clicking on any link.

Best Practices to Stay Safe

• Be aware of unbidden messages: Be cautious when you receive unsolicited e- challan notifications. Abstain yourself by clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. 
• Always stick to legitimate or official websites: The scammers use links which look similar to the official link, and a casual glance can miss the difference. Hence it is strictly advisable to visit the official websites only. Also do note that government websites will always have the domain '.gov.in'.  The official website of Traffic Challan is https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/ 
• Get it cross-checked through official channels: Always cross-check the authenticity of an e-challan by directly accessing official channels, such as the official traffic police website or application. 
• Connect with the RTO directly: If in doubt, independently connect with the Regional Transport Office ( RTO) using official contact details to verify the authenticity of the e-challan.  It is best not to solely rely on information received from suspicious messages. 
• Software update: Make sure that your device’s security software is up to date to protect against malware and phishing scams.

Conclusion:

Cybercriminals are exploiting the fear of traffic fines to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links and revealing their personal and financial information. These scams can lead to significant financial losses for the victims. To stay safe, it is important to be cautious of unsolicited messages, verify the authenticity of e-challans through official channels, and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Awareness is the first line of defence in the evolving landscape of online threats. 

References:

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/ahmedabad-residents-duped-out-of-lakhs-in-e-challan-scam-cops-arrest-jharkhand-man/articleshow/103528317.cms
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/new-traffic-e-challan-fraud-heres-how-to-identify-scam-messages-and-avoid-getting-duped/articleshow/104960817.cms
• https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/explained-the-new-e-challan-scam-how-we-can-escape-it-4342129

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