#FactCheck-AI-Generated Video Falsely Shows Samay Raina Making a Joke on Rekha

Introduction

Apple launched Passkeys with iOS 16 as a more authentic and secure mechanism. It is safer than passwords, and it is more efficient in comparison to passwords. Apple users using iOS 16 passkeys features should enable two-factor authentication.  The passkeys are an unchallenging mechanism than the passwords for the passkeys. The user just has to open the apps and websites, and then the biometric sensor automatically recognises the face and fingerprints. There can be a PIN and pattern used to log instead of passwords. The passkeys add an extra coating of protection to the user’s systems against cyber threats like phishing attacks by SMS and one-time password-based. In a report 9 to 5mac, there is confirmation that 95% of users are using passkeys. Also, with the passkeys, users’ experience will be better, and it is a more security-proof mechanism. The passwords were weak, reused credentials and credentials leaked, and the chances of phishing attacks were real.

What are passkeys?

Passkey is a digital key linked to users’ accounts and websites or applications. Passkeys allow the user to log into any application and website without entering passwords, usernames, or other details. The aim of this new feature is to replace the old long pattern of entering passwords for going through any websites and applications.

The passkeys are developed by Microsoft, Apple, and Google together, and it is also called FIDO Authentication (Fast identity online). It eliminates the need to remember passwords and the need for typing. So, the passkeys work as they replace the password with a unique digital key, which is tied to the account then, the key is stored in the device itself, and it is end-to-end encrypted. The passkeys will always be on the sites on which users specifically created them. the passkeys use the technology of cryptography for more security purposes.  And the passkeys guarantee against the phish.

And since the passkeys follow FIDO standards so, this also can be used for third-party nonapple devices as the third-party device generate a QR code that enables the iOS user to scan that to log in. It will recognise the face of the person for authentication and then asks for permission on another device to deny or allow.

How are passkeys more secure than passwords?

The passkeys follow the public key cryptographic protocols that support the security keys, and they work against phishing and other cyber threats. It is more secure than SMS and apps based on one-time passwords. And another type of multi-factor authentication.

Why are passwords insecure?

The users create passwords easily, and it is wondering if they are secure. The very important passwords are short and easy to crack as they generally relate to the user’s personal information or popular words. One password is reused by the user to the different accounts, and then, in this case, hacking one account gives access to all accounts to the hackers. The problem is that passwords have inherent flaws, like they could be easily stolen.

Are passkeys about to become obligatory?

Many websites restrict the type of passwords, as some websites ask for mixtures of numbers and symbols, and many websites ask for two-factor authentication. There is no surety about the obligation of passkeys widespread as it is still a new concept and it will take time, so it is going to be optional for a while.

• There was a case of a Heartland payment system data breach, and Heartland was handling over 100 million monthly credit card transactions for 175,000 retailers at the time of the incident. Visa and MasterCard detected the hack in January 2009 when they notified Heartland of suspicious transactions. And this happened due to a password breach. The corporation paid an estimated $145 million in settlement for illegal payments. Today, data-driven breaches affect millions of people’s personal information.
• GoDaddy reported a security attack in November that affected the accounts of over a million of its WordPress customers. The attacker acquired unauthorised access to GoDaddy’s Managed WordPress hosting environment by hacking into the provisioning system in the company’s legacy Managed WordPress code.

Conclusion

The use of strong and unique passwords is an essential requirement to safeguard information and data from cyberattacks, but still, passwords have its own disadvantages. And by the replacement of passwords, a passkey, a digital key that ensures proper safety and there is security against cyberattacks and cybercrimes through passkey. There are cases above-mentioned that happened due to the password’s weaker security. And in this technology world, there is a need for something for protection and prevention from cybercrimes, and the world dumps passwords and adopts passkeys.

References

• https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/switch-to-passkeys-more-secure-than-passwords-on-ios-16-iphone-14/
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/google-is-ending-passwords-rolls-out-passkeys-for-easy-log-in-how-to-set-it/articleshow/99988444.cms?from=mdr
• https://security.googleblog.com/2023/05/making-authentication-faster-than-ever.html#:~:text=Because%20they%20are%20based%20on,%2Dfactor%20authentication%20(MFA).

Executive Summary:

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A viral video claiming the crash site of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad has misled many people online. The video has been confirmed not to be from India or a recent crash, but was filmed at Universal Studios Hollywood on a TV or movie set meant to look like a plane crash set piece for a movie.

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Claim:

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A video that purportedly shows the wreckage of Air India Flight AI-171 after crashing in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has circulated among social media users. The video shows a large amount of aircraft wreckage as well as destroyed homes and a scene reminiscent of an emergency, making it look genuine.

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Fact check:

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In our research, we took screenshots from the viral video and used reverse image search, which matched visuals from Universal Studios Hollywood. It became apparent that the video is actually from the most famous “War of the Worlds" set, located in Universal Studios Hollywood. The set features a 747 crash scene that was constructed permanently for Steven Spielberg's movie in 2005. We also found a YouTube video. The set has fake smoke poured on it, with debris scattered about and additional fake faceless structures built to represent a scene with a larger crisis. Multiple videos on YouTube here, here, and here can be found from the past with pictures of the tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Boeing 747 crash site, made for a movie.

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The Universal Studios Hollywood tour includes a visit to a staged crash site featuring a Boeing 747, which has unfortunately been misused in viral posts to spread false information.

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While doing research, we were able to locate imagery indicating that the video that went viral, along with the Universal Studios tour footage, provided an exact match and therefore verified that the video had no connection to the Ahmedabad incident. A side-by-side comparison tells us all we need to know to uncover the truth.

                                                                        

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Conclusion:

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The viral video claiming to show the aftermath of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad is entirely misleading and false. The video is showing a fictitious movie set from Universal Studios Hollywood, not a real disaster scene in India. Spreading misinformation like this can create unnecessary panic and confusion in sensitive situations. We urge viewers to only trust verified news and double-check claims before sharing any content online.

• Claim: Massive explosion and debris shown in viral video after Air India crash.‍
• Claimed On: Social Media‍
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

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Overview:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) officially revealed on the 31st of July 2024 that its client C-Edge Technologies had been subject to a ransomware attack. These circumstances have caused C-Edge to be separated from retail payment systems to  eliminate more threats to the national payment systems. More than 200 cooperative and regional rural banks have been affected leading to disruptions in normal services including ATM withdrawals and UPI transactions.

About C-Edge Technologies:

C-Edge Technologies was founded in the year 2010 especially to meet the specific requirements of the Indian banking and other allied sectors accentuating more on the cooperative and the regional rural banks. The company offers a range of services such as Core Banking Solutions by functioning as the center of a bank where customers’ records are managed and accounting of transactions takes place, Payment Solutions through the implementation of payment gateways and mobile banking facilities, cybersecurity through threat detection and incident response to protect banking organizations, data analytics and AI through the analytics of big banking data to reduce risks and detect frauds.

Details of Ransomware attack:

Reports say, this ransomware attack has been attributed by the RansomEXX group which primarily targeted Brontoo Technology Solutions, a key collaborator with  C-Edge, through a misconfigured Jenkins server, which allowed unauthorized access to the systems.

The RansomExx group also known as Defray777 or Ransom X utilized a sophisticated variant known as RansomEXX v2.0 to execute the attack. This group often targets large organizations and demands substantial ransoms.  RansomEXX uses various malware tools such as IcedID, Vatet Loader, and PyXie RAT. It typically infiltrates systems through phishing emails, exploiting vulnerabilities in applications and services, including Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).  The ransomware encrypts files using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), with the encryption key further secured using RSA encryption. This dual-layer encryption complicates recovery efforts for victims. RansomEXX operates on a ransomware-as-a-service model, allowing affiliates to conduct attacks using its infrastructure. Earlier in 2021,  it attacked StarHub and Gigabyte’s servers for ransome.

Impact due to the attack:

The immediate consequences of the ransomware attack include:

• Service Disruption: This has negative implications to consumers especially the citizens who use the banks to do their day to day banking activities such as withdrawals and online transactions. Among the complaints some of them relate to cases where the sender’s account has been debited without the corresponding credit to the receiver account.

• Isolation Measures: Likely, NPCI is already following the right measures as it had disconnected C-Edge from its networks to contain the proliferation of the ransomware. This decision was made as a precautionary measure so that all functional aspects in a larger financial system are safeguarded.

Operations resumed:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) said it has restored connectivity with C-Edge Technologies Ltd after the latter’s network connection was severed by NPCI over security concerns that were evaluated by an external forensic auditing firm. The audit affirmed that all affected systems were contained in order to avoid the occurrence of ransomware attack contagion. All the affected systems were localized in C-Edge’s data center and no repercussion was evidenced regarding the infrastructure of the cooperative banks or the regional rural banks that are involved in the business. Both NPCI and C-Edge Technologies have resumed normalcy so that the banking and financial services being offered by these banks remain safe and secure.

Major Implications for Banking Sector:

The attack on C-Edge Technologies raises several critical concerns for the Indian banking sector:

• Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: It also shows the weak linkages which are present within the technology system that help smaller sized banks. Nevertheless, the service has been offered by C-Edge regarding their cybersecurity solution, this attack evidence that the securities required should improve in all types of banks and banking applications.

• Financial Inclusion Risks: Co operative and regional rural banks also have its importance in the financial inclusion especially in rural and semi urban areas. Gradually, interruptions to their services pose a risk to signal diminished improvement in financial literacy for the excluded groups contrary to the common year advancement.

• Regulatory Scrutiny: After this event, agencies such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may enhance the examination of the banking sector’s cybersecurity mechanisms. Some of the directives may even require institutions to adhere to higher compliance measures regarding the defense against cyber threats.

Way Forward: Mitigation  

• Strengthening Cybersecurity: It is important to enhance the cyber security to eliminate this kind of attacks in the future. This may include using  better threat detection systems, penetration testing to find the vulnerabilities, system hardening, and network monitoring  from time to time.

• Transition to Cloud-Based Solutions: The application of adaptations in cloud solutions can contribute to the enhancement in operative efficiency as well as optimization in the utilization of resources. The security features of cloud should be implemented for  safety  and protection against cyber threats for SMEs in the banking sector.

• Leveraging AI and Data Analytics: Development of the AI-based solutions for fraud and risk control means that bank organizations get the chance to address threats and to regain clients’ trust.

Conclusion:

This ransomware attack in C-Edge Technologies in the banking sector provides a warning for all the infrastructures. Initial cleanup methodologies and quarantining are effective. The continuous monitoring of cyber security features in the infrastructure and awareness between employees helps to avoid these kinds of attacks.  Building up cyber security areas will also effectively safeguard the institution against other cyber risks in the future and fortify the confidence and reliability of the financial system, especially the regional rural banks.

Reference:

• https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/c-edge-technologies-a-deep-dive-into-the-indian-fintech-powerhouse-hit-by-major-cyberattack-439657-2024-08-01
• https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/customers-at-several-small-sized-banks-affected-as-tech-provider-c-edge-suffers-ransomware-attack/article68470198.ece
• https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/ransomware-attack-disrupts-over-200-co-operative-banks-regional-rural-banks-19452521.htm
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/ransomware-breach-at-c-edge-impacts-transactions-for-cooperative-banks/articleshow/112180914.cms
• https://www.emsisoft.com/en/blog/41027/ransomware-profile-ransomexx/

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