Interplay of Quantum Computing and AI

In the rich history of humanity, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has added a new, delicate aspect. The aspect of promising technological advancement has the potential to either enrich the nest of our society or destroy it entirely. The latest straw in this complex nest is generative AI, a frontier teeming with both potential and perils. It is a realm where the ethereal concepts of cyber peace and resilience are not just theoretical constructs but tangible necessities.

The spectre of generative AI looms large over the digital landscape, casting a long shadow on the sanctity of data privacy and the integrity of political processes. The seeds of this threat were sown in the fertile soil of the Cambridge Analytica scandal of 2018, a watershed moment that unveiled the extent to which personal data could be harvested and utilized to influence electoral outcomes. However despite the indignation, the scandal resulted in meagre alterations to modus operandi of digital platforms.

Fast forward to the present day, and the spectre has only grown more ominous. A recent report by Human Rights Watch has shed light on the continued exploitation of data-driven campaigning in Hungary's re-election of Viktor Orbán. The report paints a chilling picture of political parties leveraging voter databases for targeted social media advertising, with the ruling Fidesz party even resorting to the unethical use of public service data to bolster its voter database.

The Looming Threat of Disinformation

As we stand on the precipice of 2024, a year that will witness over 50 countries holding elections, the advancements in generative AI could exponentially amplify the ability of political campaigns to manipulate electoral outcomes. This is particularly concerning in countries where information disparities are stark, providing fertile ground for the seeds of disinformation to take root and flourish.

The media, the traditional watchdog of democracy, has already begun to sound the alarm about the potential threats posed by deepfakes and manipulative content in the upcoming elections. The limited use of generative AI in disinformation campaigns has raised concerns about the enforcement of policies against generating targeted political materials, such as those designed to sway specific demographic groups towards a particular candidate.

Yet, while the threat of bad actors using AI to generate and disseminate disinformation is real and present, there is another dimension that has largely remained unexplored: the intimate interactions with chatbots. These digital interlocutors, when armed with advanced generative AI, have the potential to manipulate individuals without any intermediaries. The more data they have about a person, the better they can tailor their manipulations.

Root of the Cause 

To fully grasp the potential risks, we must journey back 30 years to the birth of online banner ads. The success of the first-ever banner ad for AT&T, which boasted an astounding 44% click rate, birthed a new era of digital advertising. This was followed by the advent of mobile advertising in the early 2000s. Since then, companies have been engaged in a perpetual quest to harness technology for manipulation, blurring the lines between commercial and political advertising in cyberspace.

Regrettably, the safeguards currently in place are woefully inadequate to prevent the rise of manipulative chatbots. Consider the case of Snapchat's My AI generative chatbot, which ostensibly assists users with trivia questions and gift suggestions. Unbeknownst to most users, their interactions with the chatbot are algorithmically harvested for targeted advertising. While this may not seem harmful in its current form, the profit motive could drive it towards more manipulative purposes.

If companies deploying chatbots like My AI face pressure to increase profitability, they may be tempted to subtly steer conversations to extract more user information, providing more fuel for advertising and higher earnings. This kind of nudging is not clearly illegal in the U.S. or the EU, even after the AI Act comes into effect. The market size of AI in India is projected to touch US$4.11bn in 2023. 

Taking this further, chatbots may be inclined to guide users towards purchasing specific products or even influencing significant life decisions, such as religious conversions or voting choices. The legal boundaries here remain unclear, especially when manipulation is not detectable by the user. 

The Crucial Dos/Dont's 

It is crucial to set rules and safeguards in order to manage the possible threats related to manipulative chatbots in the context of the general election in 2024.

First and foremost, candor and transparency are essential. Chatbots, particularly when employed for political or electoral matters, ought to make it clear to users what they are for and why they are automated. By being transparent, people are guaranteed to be aware that they are interacting with automated processes.

Second, getting user consent is crucial. Before collecting user data for any reason, including advertising or political profiling, users should be asked for their informed consent. Giving consumers easy ways to opt-in and opt-out gives them control over their data.

Furthermore, moral use is essential. It's crucial to create an ethics code for chatbot interactions that forbids manipulation, disseminating false information, and trying to sway users' political opinions. This guarantees that chatbots follow moral guidelines.

In order to preserve transparency and accountability, independent audits need to be carried out. Users might feel more confident knowing that chatbot behavior and data collecting procedures are regularly audited by impartial third parties to ensure compliance with legal and ethical norms.

Important "don'ts" to take into account. Coercion and manipulation ought to be outlawed completely. Chatbots should refrain from using misleading or manipulative approaches to sway users' political opinions or religious convictions.

Another hazard to watch out for is unlawful data collecting. Businesses must obtain consumers' express agreement before collecting personal information, and they must not sell or share this information for political reasons.

At all costs, one should steer clear of fake identities. Impersonating people or political figures is not something chatbots should do because it can result in manipulation and false information.

It is essential to be impartial. Bots shouldn't advocate for or take part in political activities that give preference to one political party over another. In encounters, impartiality and equity are crucial.

Finally, one should refrain from using invasive advertising techniques. Chatbots should ensure that advertising tactics comply with legal norms by refraining from displaying political advertisements or messaging without explicit user agreement.

Present Scenario

As we approach the critical 2024 elections and generative AI tools proliferate faster than regulatory measures can keep pace, companies must take an active role in building user trust, transparency, and accountability. This includes comprehensive disclosure about a chatbot's programmed business goals in conversations, ensuring users are fully aware of the chatbot's intended purposes.

To address the regulatory gap, stronger laws are needed. Both the EU AI Act and analogous laws across jurisdictions should be expanded to address the potential for manipulation in various forms. This effort should be driven by public demand, as the interests of lawmakers have been influenced by intensive Big Tech lobbying campaigns.

At present, India doesn’t have any specific laws pertaining to AI regulation. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), is the executive body responsible for AI strategies and is constantly working towards a policy framework for AI. The Niti Ayog has presented seven principles for responsible AI which includes equality , inclusivity, safety, privacy, transparency, accountability, dependability and protection of positive human values.

Conclusion 

We are at a pivotal juncture in history. As generative AI gains more power, we must proactively establish effective strategies to protect our privacy, rights and democracy. The public's waning confidence in Big Tech and the lessons learned from the techlash underscore the need for stronger regulations that hold tech companies accountable. Let's ensure that the power of generative AI is harnessed for the betterment of society and not exploited for manipulation.

Reference

McCallum, B. S. (2022, December 23). Meta settles Cambridge Analytica scandal case for $725m. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64075067

Hungary: Data misused for political campaigns. (2022, December 1). Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/12/01/hungary-data-misused-political-campaigns

Statista. (n.d.). Artificial Intelligence - India | Statista Market forecast. https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/artificial-intelligence/india

What is Deepfake

Deepfakes have been, a fascinating but unsettling phenomenon that is now prominent in this digital age. These incredibly convincing films have drawn attention and blended in well with our high-tech surroundings. The lifelike but completely manufactured quality of deepfake videos has become an essential component of our digital environment as we traverse the broad reaches of our digital society. While these works have an undoubtedly captivating charm, they have important ramifications. Come along as we examine the deep effects that misuse of deepfakes can have on our globalized digital culture. After many actors now business tycoon Ratan Tata has become the latest victim of deepfake. Tata called out a post from a user that used a fake interview of him in a video recommending Investments.

Case Study

The nuisance of deep fake is sparing none from actors politicians to entrepreneurs everyone is getting caught in the Trap. Soon after the actresses Rashmika Mandana, Katrina Kaif, Kajol and other actresses fell prey to the rising scenario of deepfake, a new case from the industry emerged, which took Mr. Ratan Tata on storm. Business tycoon Ratan Tata has become the latest victim of deepfake. He took to his social media sharing an image of the interview that asked people to invest money in a project in a post on Instagram. Ratan Tata called out a post from a user that used a fake interview of him in a video recommending these Investments. 

This nuisance that has been created because of the deepfake is sparing nobody from actors to politicians to entrepreneurs now everyone is getting caught in the trap the latest victim being Ratan Tata. Tech magnate Ratan Tata is the most recent victim of this deepfake phenomenon. The millionaire was seen in the video, which was posted by the Instagram user, giving his followers a once-in-a-million opportunity to "exaggerate investments risk-free."

In the stated video, Ratan Tata was seen giving everyone in India advice mentioning to the public regarding the opportunity to increase their money with no risk and a 100% guarantee. The caption of the video clip stated, "Go to the channel right now."

Tata annotated both the video and the screenshot of the caption with the word "FAKE."

Ongoing Deepfake Assaults in India

Deepfake videos continue to target celebrities, and Priyanka Chopra is also a recent victim of this unsettling trend. Priyanka's deepfake adopts a different strategy than other examples, including actresses like Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif, Kajol, and Alia Bhatt. Rather than editing her face in contentious situations, the misleading film keeps her looking the same but modifies her voice and replaces real interview quotes with made-up commercial phrases. The deceptive video shows Priyanka promoting a product and talking about her yearly salary, highlighting the worrying development of deepfake technology and its possible effects on prominent personalities.

Prevention and Detection

In order to effectively combat the growing threat posed by deepfake technology, people and institutions should place a high priority on developing critical thinking abilities, carefully examining visual and auditory cues for discrepancies, making use of tools like reverse image searches, keeping up with the latest developments in deepfake trends, and rigorously fact-check reputable media sources. Important actions to improve resistance against deepfake threats include putting in place strong security policies, integrating cutting-edge deepfake detection technologies, supporting the development of ethical AI, and encouraging candid communication and cooperation. We can all work together to effectively and mindfully manage the problems presented by deepfake technology by combining these tactics and making adjustments to the constantly changing terrain.

Conclusion

The current instance involving Ratan Tata serves as an example of how the emergence of counterfeit technology poses an imminent danger to our digital civilization. The fake video, which was posted to Instagram, showed the business tycoon giving financial advice and luring followers with low-risk investment options. Tata quickly called out the footage as "FAKE," highlighting the need for careful media consumption. The Tata incident serves as a reminder of the possible damage deepfakes can do to prominent people's reputations. The issue, in Ratan Tata's instance specifically, demands that public personalities be more mindful of the possible misuse of their virtual identities. We can all work together to strengthen our defenses against this sneaky phenomenon and maintain the trustworthiness of our internet-based culture in the face of ever-changing technological challenges by emphasizing preventive measures like strict safety regulations and the implementation of state-of-the-art deepfake detection technologies.

References

• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ratan-tata-slams-deepfake-video-that-features-him-giving-risk-free-investment-advice/articleshow/105805223.cms
• https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ratan-tata-flags-deepfake-video-of-his-interview-recommending-investments-4640515
• https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/short-video/viralvideo-business-tycoon-ratan-tata-falls-victim-to-deepfake-408557-2023-12-07
• https://www.livemint.com/news/india/false-ratan-tata-calls-out-a-deepfake-video-of-him-giving-investment-advice-11701926766285.html

Introduction:

With improved capabilities and evasion strategies, the Vultur banking Trojan has reappeared and is a serious danger to Android users. The virus now employs numerous encrypted payloads, encrypted communication, and poses as legitimate apps. It is transmitted by trojanized dropper programs on the Google Play Store. Vultur targets victims via phone calls and SMS messages. With the help of this updated version of Vultur, attackers may take total control of compromised devices. They can perform a variety of remote control operations like install, remove, upload, and download files, halt the execution of programs, and circumvent the lock screen. The virus is now far more hazardous than it was previously because of its improved capacity to remotely access and manipulate machines.

Overview: 

The Android banking malware Vultur is well-known for its ability to record screens. It was first identified by ThreatFabric in March 2021 and targets banking apps for remote control and keylogging.

The malicious apps were hosted on the Google Play Store by the Brunhilda dropper-framework, which was used for its distribution. Initial versions of the program used reputable remote access tools such as ngrok and AlphaVNC.

Hybrid attacks have been used in recent operations to disseminate the Brunhilda dropper via phone calls and SMS. The dropper uses a number of payloads to distribute an upgraded version of Vultur.

41 new Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) commands and seven new Command-and-Control (C2) methods are included in the most recent version of Vultur. 

With the help of Android's Accessibility Services, these enhancements concentrate on remote access functionality that improves the malware's capacity to communicate with the victim's screen.

Modus operandi of Attack:

Hybrid Attack Method:

• Utilizes a phone call, two SMS messages, and trick users into installing malware.

• First SMS tricks victims into calling a certain number by claiming to have made significant, unlawful transactions, which gives the impression of urgency.

• Although there was no transaction in reality, the urgency motivates victims to act quickly.

Trozonized MacAfee App:

• The victims are told to install a trojanized version of the McAfee Security program from a given link during the phone call.

• This app looks harmless and has features similar to the original McAfee Security app, but it's actually the Brunhilda dropper.

• The victims are misled into assuming that the security software they are installing is authentic.

Execution of Vultur Payloads:

• Three payloads connected to Vultur are decrypted and executed via the Brunhilda dropper.

• Threat actors can carry out a variety of malicious operations, including keylogging and screen recording, on the victim's mobile device thanks to these payloads, which grant them total access over it.

• The infected device of the victim allows the threat actors to launch additional assaults or obtain private data.

Indication of the attack:

The symptoms of a Vultur banking Trojan infection include:

• Remote Access: This malware gives the hacker the ability to remotely use the infected device via clicking, scrolling, and swiping through Android's accessibility services.

• File Management: Through this, the malware is able to copy, share, remove, create, and locate files from devices it has infected.

• App Blocking: For instance; the malicious software can be programmed to stop the victims from opening a certain bunch of apps.

• Custom Notifications: Attackers can embed the malware with the functionality of displaying the customized notifications in the taskbar.

• Keyguard Disabling: The malware may be designed to turn off Screen Lock Guard feature so the lock screen security measure can be easily bypassed.

• Encrypted C2 Communication: The malware chooses AES data encryption, with Base64 text encoding to provide hidden traces for C2 communication.

• Payload Decryption: The malware uses native code, mostly written in C as well as C++, to decode the goods, thus, making a process of reversing more complicated.

• Spying on Financial Apps: The malware uses screen-streaming and keylogging as ways of acquiring facts about the victim’s mobile banking applications.

Indicator of Compromise:

File hash (SHA-256)

• edef007f1ca60fdf75a7d5c5ffe09f1fc3fb560153633ec18c5ddb46cc75ea21
• 89625cf2caed9028b41121c4589d9e35fa7981a2381aa293d4979b36cf5c8ff2
• 1fc81b03703d64339d1417a079720bf0480fece3d017c303d88d18c70c7aabc3
• 4fed4a42aadea8b3e937856318f9fbd056e2f46c19a6316df0660921dd5ba6c5
• 001fd4af41df8883957c515703e9b6b08e36fde3fd1d127b283ee75a32d575fc
• fc8c69bddd40a24d6d28fbf0c0d43a1a57067b19e6c3cc07e2664ef4879c221b
• 7337a79d832a57531b20b09c2fc17b4257a6d4e93fcaeb961eb7c6a95b071a06
• 7f1a344d8141e75c69a3c5cf61197f1d4b5038053fd777a68589ecdb29168e0c
• 26f9e19c2a82d2ed4d940c2ec535ff2aba8583ae3867502899a7790fe3628400
• 2a97ed20f1ae2ea5ef2b162d61279b2f9b68eba7cf27920e2a82a115fd68e31f
• c0f3cb3d837d39aa3abccada0b4ecdb840621a8539519c104b27e2a646d7d50d
• 92af567452ecd02e48a2ebc762a318ce526ab28e192e89407cac9df3c317e78d
• fa6111216966a98561a2af9e4ac97db036bcd551635be5b230995faad40b7607
• dc4f24f07d99e4e34d1f50de0535f88ea52cc62bfb520452bdd730b94d6d8c0e
• 627529bb010b98511cfa1ad1aaa08760b158f4733e2bbccfd54050838c7b7fa3
• f5ce27a49eaf59292f11af07851383e7d721a4d60019f3aceb8ca914259056af
• 5d86c9afd1d33e4affa9ba61225aded26ecaeb01755eeb861bb4db9bbb39191c
• 5724589c46f3e469dc9f048e1e2601b8d7d1bafcc54e3d9460bc0adeeada022d
• 7f1a344d8141e75c69a3c5cf61197f1d4b5038053fd777a68589ecdb29168e0c
• fd3b36455e58ba3531e8cce0326cce782723cc5d1cc0998b775e07e6c2622160
• 819044d01e8726a47fc5970efc80ceddea0ac9bf7c1c5d08b293f0ae571369a9
• 0f2f8adce0f1e1971cba5851e383846b68e5504679d916d7dad10133cc965851
• fb1e68ee3509993d0fe767b0372752d2fec8f5b0bf03d5c10a30b042a830ae1a
• d3dc4e22611ed20d700b6dd292ffddbc595c42453f18879f2ae4693a4d4d925a
• f4d7e9ec4eda034c29b8d73d479084658858f56e67909c2ffedf9223d7ca9bd2
• 7ca6989ccfb0ad0571aef7b263125410a5037976f41e17ee7c022097f827bd74
• c646c8e6a632e23a9c2e60590f012c7b5cb40340194cb0a597161676961b4de0

Command and Control Servers

• safetyfactor[.]online
• cloudmiracle[.]store
• flandria171[.]appspot[.]com (FCM)
• newyan-1e09d[.]appspot[.]com (FCM)

Droppers distribution URL’s

• mcafee[.]960232[.]com
• mcafee[.]353934[.]com
• mcafee[.]908713[.]com
• mcafee[.]784503[.]com
• mcafee[.]053105[.]com
• mcafee[.]092877[.]com
• mcafee[.]582630[.]com
• mcafee[.]581574[.]com
• mcafee[.]582342[.]com
• mcafee[.]593942[.]com
• mcafee[.]930204[.]com

Steps to be taken when your device is compromised?.

• Change the password: Vultur revealed multiple cases where threat actors can gain access to your financial and private information. To safeguard your account, reset passwords on other devices and create secure, unique passwords during the time. Instead of simply storing your password, a reputed password manager is the most secure way of storing information.

• Keep an eye on your transactions and accounts: It is advised that you regularly monitor your online accounts for any unusual or illegal activity. Keep a watch out for any irregularities, and report anything suspicious to the provider or authorities straight immediately.. Also check your credit reports and scores attentively to make sure that your identity or cards are not compromised.

• Make sure you are using identity theft protection: Many pieces of information about your identity are stored in an Android device. Cyber criminals can easily get hold of this data and make major damage to you, including stealing your money and identity. For your own protection, some of the identity theft protection services that monitor all your personal information and notify you on any unusual activity and, as well, helps you to freeze your accounts would be beneficial.

• Immediately get in touch with your banks and credit card companies: Your personal information such as credit card or bank details is of high risk to be exposed to hackers who could use them to make transactions without you knowing. You should inform your credit card and the lending bank about the situation as soon as possible. They would help you if your cards were used for fraudulent charges and your card be either frozen or canceled. Besides, they can get new cards issued.

• Make your contacts alert regarding the fraud you faced: Threat actors may access your social media or email accounts to send phishing messages or spam to people in your contact list, if they gain access to them. Moreover, they may masquerade as you and try to extort cash from you or disclose your personal information. Distributing a message to your contacts stating that they shouldn’t open or reply to any messages that look like they are not from you and look very strange or suspicious, will be a great idea.

• Make a backup and wipe all your device content in factory settings: You can always factory reset your device to ensure it is free of viruses and spyware. In other words, it will refresh Android and leave behind all your data and settings. Back up all the critical data prior to processing it and assure that everything is restored from a trustworthy source only.

Preventive measures to be taken:

• Avoid calling back to the hacker: If a hacker texts you claiming to have approved a sizable bank transaction, refrain from picking up the phone. You can always check by making a call to your own financial intuition. However, never pick up on an unknown number that someone else sends you.

• Avoid sideloading apps and shortened URLs: Try to avoid sideloading apps. That's the moment when you install apps from unofficial sources. Users may be tricked into downloading malware using short URLs.

• Be careful granting permissions: Be cautious when allowing permissions for apps. Think about whether an app really needs access to specific data or device functions.

• Limit the apps you have on your phone: On your phone, having plenty of apps might sometimes make it easier to become infected with malware. Over time, these apps may allow harmful code to enter your system, and the more programs you have to update and monitor, the greater the risk to your Android device. This is how to remove pointless apps from your Android device.

• Download apps from reputable sources: Additionally, make sure the programs you download are from reputable and authorized developers. Do your homework and read reviews before you install.

• Keep your Android device updated: With the help of software and security upgrades, your phone can automatically maintain security. Remember to install them.

• Have good antivirus software on all your devices: The best defense against malware on all of your devices is to install antivirus software. By blocking you from clicking on potentially dangerous links, antivirus software can keep malware off your devices and keep hackers from accessing your personal data.

Conclusion:

Vultur is a terrifying banking Trojan with a great deal of sophistication. It's unsettling that hackers can take complete control of your Android device, which emphasizes how crucial it is that you take precautions. It all starts with a text message in these attacks. You must take the time to independently contact your banking institution to check whether there are any issues. You may prevent having your entire device compromised and your personal information exposed by simply investing an additional few minutes.

Reference:

• https://research.nccgroup.com/2024/03/28/android-malware-vultur-expands-its-wingspan/
• https://www.threatfabric.com/blogs/vultur-v-for-vnc\
• https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/malware-adware/this-nasty-android-banking-trojan-lets-hackers-completely-hijack-your-phone-how-to-stay-safe
• https://thehackernews.com/2024/04/vultur-android-banking-trojan-returns.html?m=1
• https://www.smallbiztechnology.com/archive/2024/04/vultur-trojan-heightens-android-app-security-risks.html/
• https://securityaffairs.com/161320/malware/vultur-banking-trojan-android.html
• https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/detections/android-trojan-spy-vultur
• https://www.scmagazine.com/brief/updated-vultur-android-banking-trojan-emerges
• https://innovatecybersecurity.com/security-threat-advisory/windows-server-updates-blamed-for-domain-controller-crashes-kb5035855-and-kb5035857/

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