#FactCheck - Viral Post of Gautam Adani’s Public Arrest Found to Be AI-Generated

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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Introduction 

The world has been witnessing various advancements in cyberspace, and one of the major changes is the speed with which we gain and share information. Cyberspace has been declared as the fifth dimension of warfare, and hence, the influence of technology will go a long way in safeguarding ourselves and our nation. Information plays a vital role in this scenario, and due to the easy access to information, the instances of misinformation and disinformation have been rampant across the globe. In the recent Russia-Ukraine crisis, it was clearly seen how instances of misinformation can lead to major loss and harm to a nation and its subjects. All nations and global leaders are deliberating upon this aspect and efficient sharing of information among friendly nations and inter-government organisations. 

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What is IW? 

IW, also known as Information warfare, is a critical aspect of defending our cyberspace. Information Warfare, in its broadest sense, is a struggle over the information and communications process, a struggle that began with the advent of human communication and conflict. Over the past few decades, the rapid rise in information and communication technologies and their increasing prevalence in our society has revolutionised the communications process and, with it, the significance and implications of information warfare. Information warfare is the application of destructive force on a large scale against information assets and systems, against the computers and networks that support the four critical infrastructures (the power grid, communications, financial, and transportation). However, protecting against computer intrusion, even on a smaller scale, is in the national security interests of the country and is important in the current discussion about information warfare.

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IW in India 

The aspects of misinformation have been recently seen in India in the form of the violence in Manipur and Nuh, which resulted in a massive loss of property and even human lives. A lot of miscreants or anti-national elements often seed misinformation in our daily news feed, and this is often magnified by social media platforms such as Instagram or X (formerly known as Twitter) and OTT-based messaging applications like WhatsApp or Telegram during the pandemic. It was seen nearly every week that some or the other new ways to treat COVID-19 were shared on Social media, which were false and inaccurate, especially in regard to the vaccination drive. A lot of posts and messages highlighted that the Vaccine is not safe, but a lot of this was a part of misinformation propaganda. Most of the time, the speed of spread of such episodes of misinformation is rapid and is often spread by the use of social media platforms and OTT messaging applications. 

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IW and Indian Army

Former Meta employees have recently come up with allegations that the Chinar Corp of the Indian Army had approached the social media giant to suppress some pages and channels which propagated content that may be objectionable. It is alleged that the formation made such a request to propagate its counterintelligence operations against Pakistan. The Chinar Corps is one of the most prestigious formations of the Indian Army and has the operational area of Kashmir Valley. The instances of online grooming and brainwashing have been common from the anti-national elements of Pakistan, as a faction of youth has been engaged in terrorist activities directly or indirectly. Various messaging and social media apps are used by the bad actors to lure in innocent youth on the fake and fabricated pretext of religion or any other social issue. The Indian Army had launched an anti-misinformation campaign in Kashmir, which aimed to protect Kashmiris from the propaganda of fake news and misinformation, which often led to radicalisation or even riots or attacks on defence forces. The aspect of net neutrality is often misused by bad actors in areas which are sociological, critical or unstable. The Indian Army has created special offices focusing on IW at all levels of formations, and the same is also used to eradicate all or any fake news or fake propaganda against the Indian Army. 

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Conclusion

Information has always been a source of power since the days of the Roman Empire. Control, dissemination, moderation and mode of sharing of information plays a vital role for any nation both in term of safety from external threats and to maintain National Security. Information Warfare is part of the 5th dimension of warfare, i.e., Cyberwar and is a growing concern for developed as well as developing nations. Information warfare is a critical aspect which needs to be incorporated in terms of basic training for defence personnel and law enforcement agencies. The anti-misinformation operation in Kashmir was primarily focused towards eradicating the bad elements after repealing Article 377,  from cyberspace and ensuring harmony, peace, stability and prosperity in the state.    

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References 

• https://irp.fas.org/eprint/snyder/infowarfare.htm
• https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/metas-india-team-delayed-action-against-army-led-misinfo-op-in-kashmir-us-news-report/article67352470.ece
• https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/facebook-instagram-block-handles-of-chinar-corps-no-response-from-company-over-a-week-says-officials-1910445-2022-02-08

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Introduction

To combat the problem of annoying calls and SMS, telecom regulator TRAI has urged service providers to create a uniform digital platform in two months that will allow them to request, maintain, and withdraw customers’ approval for promotional calls and messages. In the initial stage, only subscribers will be able to initiate the process of registering their consent to receive promotional calls and SMS, and later, business entities will be able to contact customers to seek their consent to receive promotional messages, according to a statement issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Saturday.

TRAI Directs Telecom Providers to Set Up Digital Platform

TRAI has now directed all access providers to develop and deploy the Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) facility for creating a unified platform and process to digitally register customers’ consent across all service providers and principal entities. Consent is received and maintained under the current system by several key entities such as banks, other financial institutions, insurance firms, trading companies, business entities, real estate businesses, and so on.

The purpose, scope of consent, and the principal entity or brand name shall be clearly mentioned in the consent-seeking message sent over the short code,” according to the statement.

It stated that only approved online or app links, call-back numbers, and so on will be permitted to be used in consent-seeking communications.

TRAI issued guidelines to guarantee that all voice-based Telemarketers are brought under a single Distributed ledger technology (DLT) platform for more efficient monitoring of nuisance calls and unwanted communications. It also instructs operators to actively deploy AI/ML-based anti-phishing systems as well as to integrate tech solutions on the DLT platform to deal with malicious calls and texts.

TRAI has issued two separate Directions to Access Service Providers under TCCCPR-2018 (Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations) to ensure that all promotional messages are sent through Registered Telemarketers (RTMs) using approved Headers and Message Templates on Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) platform, and to stop misuse of Headers and Message Templates,” the regulator said in a statement.

Users can already block telemarketing calls and texts by texting 1909 from their registered mobile number. By dialing 1909, customers can opt out of getting advertising calls by activating the do not disturb (DND) feature.

Telecom providers operate DLT platforms, and businesses involved in sending bulk promotional or transactional SMS must register by providing their company information, including sender IDs and SMS templates.

According to the instructions, telecom companies will send consent-seeking messages using the common short code 127. The goal, extent of consent, and primary entity/brand name must be clearly stated in the consent-seeking message delivered via the shortcode.

TRAI stated that only whitelisted URLs/APKs (Android package kits file format)/OTT links/call back numbers, etc., shall be used in consent-seeking messages.

Telcos must “ensure that promotional messages are not transmitted by unregistered telemarketers or telemarketers using telephone numbers (10 digits numbers).” Telecom providers have been urged to act against all erring telemarketers in accordance with the applicable regulations and legal requirements.

Users can, however, refuse to receive any consent-seeking messages launched by any significant Telcos have been urged to create an SMS/IVR (interactive voice response)/online service for this purpose.

According to TRAI’s timeline, the consent-taking process by primary companies will begin on September 1.According to a nationwide survey conducted by a local circle, 66% of mobile users continue to receive three or more bothersome calls per day, the majority of which originate from personal cell numbers.

There are scams surfacing on the internet with new types of scams, like WhatsApp international call scams. The latest scam is targeting Delhi police, the scammers pretend to be police officials of Delhi and ask for the personal details of the users and the calling them from a 9-digit number.

A recent scam

A Twitter user reported receiving an automated call from +91 96681 9555, stating, “This call is from Delhi Police.” It went on to ask her to stay in the queue since some of her documents needed to be picked up. Then he said he is a sub-inspector at New Delhi’s Kirti Nagar police station. He then questioned if she had lately misplaced her Aadhaar card, PAN card, or ATM card, to which she replied ‘no’. The fraudster then claims to be a cop and asks her to validate the final four digits of her card because they have discovered a card with her name on it. And so many other people tweeted about this.

The scams are constantly increasing as earlier these scammers asked for account details and claimed to be Delhi police and used 9-digit numbers for scamming people.

TRAI’s new guidelines regarding the consent to receive any promotional calls and messages to telecommunication providers will be able to curb the scams.

The e- KYC is an essential requirement as e-KYC offers a more secure identity verification process in an increasingly digital age that uses biometric technologies to provide quick results.

Conclusion

The aim is to prevent unwanted calls and communications sent to customers via digital methods without their permission. Once this platform is implemented, an organization can only send promotional calls or messages with the customer’s explicit approval. Companies use a variety of methods to notify clients about their products, including phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media. Customers, however, are constantly assaulted with the same calls and messages as a result of this practice. With the constant increase in scams, the new guideline of TRAI will also curb the calling of Scams. digital KYC prevents SIM fraud and offers a more secure identity verification method.