Year: 2024

Lt Col Vipin Bhatia (Retd) CEO, Hatfield In contemporary times, there have been countless instances where individuals or businesses encounter various malicious activities in their daily lives, often catching them off-guard and leaving them feeling utterly helpless. These incidents significantly disrupt their peace of mind and productivity, creating a profound sense of betrayal. Such incidents encompass a wide range of offences including theft, digital and financial fraud such as credit card scams and online frauds, asset misappropriation, identity theft, and numerous others. Hatfield Investigation & Consulting, a leading investigation firm, has a track record of assisting individuals and industries in effectively resolving such incidents. We have successfully investigated and exposed numerous fraudsters, providing resolutions directly or in collaboration with internal investigation teams. Over the years, we have been privileged to contribute to resolving cases across various sectors including steel, oil & gas, logistics, manufacturing, hospitals, and more. This article marks the beginning of a series where we highlight a case from the hospital sector and two cases from the financial industry, showcasing our experience in uncovering and investigating fraudulent activities. We will also include ‘Additional Bytes,’ on common points to safeguard against thefts/ frauds/ cyber crimes etc. Major Hospital Medicine Theft Case In a high-stakes theft at one of the largest hospitals in New Delhi, medicines worth Rs.27 Lakhs were stolen from the pharmacy department. Detective Ajit Singh played a pivotal role in unravelling the mystery of the stolen medicines, valued at Rs.27 Lakhs. Faced with 200 employees, Singh methodically narrowed the suspects to 20 through meticulous analysis. After implementing intensive surveillance, the list was reduced to 10 suspects in a week, and finally to 5 individuals. Coordinating with law enforcement, three out of the five suspects were apprehended, recovering medicines worth Rs. 5 Lakhs. Multiple surveillance and discreet investigation teams were instrumental in building a strong case. The conviction was very strong, with the first accused granted bail after 11 months. Ajit Singh was honoured with the ‘Private Investigator of the Year Award’ for his exceptional achievements in solving the theft case. Financials Frauds (Huge Digital Loots) Digital payments have become the norm of the hour. Goods are being dropped at the doorstep and numerous modes of payment are available. Customer is put into huge comfort. With the digital revolution, India is probably the only country where even a roadside cart puller can pull off digital payments. India has become the hub of financial frauds via various digital modes of payment. Every day, news on fraud coming out in the open has become normal. In India, digital payment frauds are now at an all-time high at INR14.57 billion in the first six months of the financial year 2024. Pune WhatsApp Case (2.45 Cr loss) Cyber criminals added two brothers to a WhatsApp group and enticed them with promises of substantial earnings through a ‘share trading account.’ Both brothers, who were IT professionals, were manipulated by a tech-savvy fraudsters using deceptive software that falsely displayed significant profits in their investment portfolio. Instead of withdrawing their funds, they continued to invest as instructed based on tips from the group. The fraudsters transferred money to various bank accounts, leading the brothers to believe their investments were being traded in the stock market. They were misled into thinking their initial 2 crore investment had grown to 8 crores. In March 2024, when they attempted to withdraw their supposed earnings, they were informed that SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) had frozen the account due to surveillance concerns. How to Safeguard against such scam Visakhapatnam Fake Customs Official Case (5.92Cr loss) Fraudsters impersonating customs officials or law enforcement agencies contact individuals, claiming parcels addressed in their name have been seized due to allegations involving narcotics, counterfeit passports, or illicit weapons. They coerce victims into participating in video calls where they appear in police uniforms, and brandish government IDs like Aadhaar cards submitted during courier deposits, lending credibility to their claims. They fabricate convincing narratives and eventually request small sums of money, disguised as public fines or legal fees, to resolve the supposed legal issues. In Visakhapatnam alone, by May 2024, 12 instances of courier fraud were reported, amounting to a staggering loss of 5.92 crore rupees, where victims were coerced into depositing large sums as ‘resolution fees.’ How to Safeguard against such courier frauds/ scam Additional Bytes How to protect yourself against cyber crimes * Views expressed in the article are solely of the Author

Hardware keeps improving, but the benefits to image quality are decreasing In the AIoT industry, image quality has always been the core goal for IP cameras. Therefore, the key components of IP cameras have been continually upgraded in recent years. Lens apertures have increased from F1.6 in the first generation to F1.0 today, and sensors have advanced from 2013’s FSI to 2018’s 1/ 1.8 BSI sensors. Despite these improvements, we see signs that hardware development is reaching its limits. Issues like motion blur and detail loss in complex environments still persist. Further hardware upgrades are costly and face the challenge of production quality. To achieve breakthroughs in image quality, many people are looking for solutions with fill lighting. However, even with color temperature, the improvements are subject to diminishing returns: costs rise, but the enhancements become minimal. We need to seek new technological breakthroughs. When hardware reaches the limit of image quality improvement, what is the next technological breakthrough? The answer lies in Wise-ISP technology based on UNV large model. Uniview is the first in the industry to apply large models to image processing, achieving significant improvements in night vision through deep integration of image technology and algorithms. Redefining image capabilities with UNV large model Large models have found widespread application and attention in various fields. From ChatGPT’s success in language processing to Midjourney and Sora’s advancements in text-to-image and video generation, the potential of large models is undeniable. In AIoT field, UNV large model shows strong application prospects. UNV large model focuses on multiple aspects of the AIoT field, including vision, natural language, multimodal, and image processing, with core advantages. Additionally, the large model redefines scene coverage, with over 200 detailed scenarios achieving all-time, all-weather coverage. Uniview invested in over 200 people in the development stage, 80% of whom hold master’s degrees or higher, leading to comprehensive improvements in image technology across models, scenarios, and productization. This resulted in the unique fifth-generation night vision technology, Wise-ISP. Game-changing improvement in image quality Based on UNV large model, Wise-ISP night vision technology surpasses traditional limits, easily handling ultra-dark scenarios and meeting diverse needs. To ensure product consistency, Uniview established an objective image evaluation system to rate camera performance in complex lighting conditions. This system looks at eight major indicators and over 1,000 image factors, optimizing each grade. To further enhance image quality, a new automated image professional lab was built to simulate various angles, brightness levels, and color temperatures, challenging cameras in low light, ultra-wide dynamic, strong light, and complex white balance environments. The vast data generated by automated testing feeds back into Uniview’s large model, helping Wise-ISP’s model training. Through continuous software and algorithm optimization, Uniview is leading the future of night vision technology. This is not just technological progress but a redefinition of industry development. UNV large model and Wise-ISP technology show our commitment to future image processing technology. We believe that through sustained innovation and technology growth, Uniview will continue to lead industry development, providing users with higher quality image experiences. In the AIoT field, hardware setup determines cost, software and algorithm tuning determine image quality, and price dictates market choice. The Owlview series cameras, equipped with Wise-ISP technology, have become the top choice for night vision cameras. In the future, we will extend Wise-ISP technology to more product series, so stay tuned. * Views expressed in the article are solely of the Author

Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of security and surveillance, CCTV technology continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding our homes, businesses, and public spaces. As we proceed towards the second last quarter of 2024, a host of exciting trends are reshaping the CCTV industry, offering unprecedented levels of intelligence, efficiency, and accessibility. In this article, we explore the upcoming CCTV trends that promise to revolutionize the way we monitor and protect our environments. AI-powered Analytics at the Edge Redefining Surveillance: Computing for Real-time Analysis Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of the next-generation CCTV revolution. By harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms, modern CCTV cameras can now analyze video feeds in real-time. Advanced AI-powered analytics enable features such as facial recognition, object detection, and behavior analysis. This not only enhances security but also facilitates proactive decision-making and anomaly detection. Infinova has already introduced Edge based AI solutions, thereby directly making Metadata accessible for quick analysis and action. Edge computing is rapidly emerging as a transformative trend in the CCTV industry. With increased processing power at the device level, cameras can perform advanced analytics and decision-making locally, reducing the need for continuous data transmission to central servers. This not only minimizes bandwidth usage but also enhances response times and real-time event detection. Infinova has evolved its AI solutions from simple loitering, tripwire and motion detection to include various categories like video anomaly, behaviour analysis, sound detection, statistics detection, optimum selection, face capture, video structurization, person and vehicular attributes etc., catering to a plethora of combinations which can be simultaneously run on cameras. As the use cases change there is always a demand for something new and with AI at the helm, nothing but ‘Change is Permanent.’ “In the ever-evolving landscape of security and surveillance, CCTV technology continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding our homes, businesses, and public spaces. As we proceed towards the second last quarter of 2024, a host of exciting trends are reshaping the CCTV industry, offering unprecedented levels of intelligence, efficiency, and accessibility” High-resolution and 4K Cameras for Unmatched Clarity As demand for clearer, detailed footage grows, CCTV manufacturers are increasingly adopting high-resolution and 4K cameras. These cutting-edge devices provide an unmatched level of image clarity and precision, enabling more accurate identification of suspects and critical details. As the costs of 4K technology continue to decrease, and Infinova have been one of the first company to introduce it in Indian market, the first 4K CCTV camera device we sold in India in 2017, and over the period there have been many improvements in product design, capabilities and encoding which has been a game changer in exceptance of these solutions, we expect to see a broader adoption across various surveillance applications and verticals. Cloud-based Storage and Remote Access The paradigm of CCTV storage is shifting towards the cloud. Cloud-based storage solutions offer numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and easy remote access. Users can now securely access footage from their CCTV cameras through mobile devices or web interfaces, regardless of their physical location. This trend is set to democratize surveillance, empowering users with greater control over their security systems. Though in our Indian market context, homes and small businesses have started experimenting with it; however, major critical industries and Government entities are still to find a way to come to acceptance amongst the hurdles of safety and data protection. Thermal Imaging and Enhanced Night Vision In the quest for comprehensive surveillance, thermal imaging and enhanced night vision capabilities are gaining prominence. CCTV cameras equipped with thermal sensors can detect heat signatures, enabling efficient monitoring in challenging low-light or dark environments. By incorporating cutting-edge night vision technologies, surveillance systems can deliver clear, actionable footage even in the darkest hours. Infinova has aligned interests in this segment and have included thermal product range in our kitty offering various dual sensor solutions for fixed and PTZ deployments capable of identifying heat signatures over large distances incomprehensible by standard optic sensor based cameras. Privacy Enhancements for Ethical Surveillance With public awareness about privacy concerns growing, the industry is prioritizing privacy enhancements. There is growing emphasis on privacy features like on-device processing for certain analytics, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. CCTV manufacturers are developing technologies that enable on-device processing for specific analytics, safeguarding individuals’ privacy while still providing effective surveillance solutions. By adhering to ethical practices, the industry seeks to strike a balance between security and individual rights. Infinova has achieved OWASP Security Audit Clearance for all its products by government empanelled CERT-IN affiliated agency. Integration with Smart Home Devices Seamless integration with smart home systems is becoming a norm for modern CCTV cameras. Users can now control and access their surveillance feeds through voice commands and dedicated mobile applications. This integration not only enhances user experience but also unlocks possibilities for intelligent automation and customization of security settings. “As demand for clearer, detailed footage grows, CCTV manufacturers are increasingly adopting high-resolution and 4K cameras. These cutting-edge devices provide an unmatched level of image clarity and precision, enabling more accurate identification of suspects and critical details. As the costs of 4K technology continue to decrease, and Infinova have been one of the first company to introduce it in Indian market, the first 4K CCTV camera device we sold in India in 2017, and over the period there have been many improvements in product design, capabilities and encoding which has been a game changer in exceptance of these solutions, we expect to see a broader adoption across various surveillance applications and verticals” Conclusion As we move further into 2024, the CCTV industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by the relentless pursuit of innovation. AI-powered analytics, high-resolution cameras, cloud-based storage, and privacy enhancements are just a few trends shaping the future of surveillance. These advancements promise to redefine the way we approach security and surveillance, making it more intelligent, accessible, and effective than ever before. As the technology matures, the possibilities for safer environments and streamlined operations become more apparent, heralding…

Nikhil Karan TanejaVice President and Managing Director forIndia – The Middle East and South AsiaRadware Hacktivism reached new heights in 2023. It was a year where new hacktivists appeared on the threat scene and became more visible through Telegram, a popular social media platform leveraged by many threat actors. India was certainly not immune to this hacktivist activity. In fact, according to Radware’s recent Global Threat Intelligence Analysis, India was the second most targeted country for hacktivist activity in the world in 2023 with 1242 claimed attacks – second only to Israel with 1480 claimed attacks. By learning more about these regional hacktivist trends, evolving attack tactics, and cyber targets, and the bad actors shaping them, organizations can make more informed decisions about their security defenses and respond faster to current threats. Hacktivist tactics and targets Hacktivism is a complex phenomenon that can be motivated by various factors, including religious and political beliefs. While hacktivists may have different motivations and methods, they all share a desire to use technology to advance their cause and to challenge those they believe are acting against it. Hacktivists use a variety of tactics to achieve their goals, and the specific tactics they use depend on their motivations and the resources they have at their disposal. Their methods are constantly evolving as new technologies and platforms emerge. While some tactics may be illegal or unethical, hacktivists argue that they use their skills to promote social or political change and hold powerful organizations and governments accountable for their actions. Some common tactics used by hacktivists: DDoS attacks are not only surging in volume and frequency but are also getting more sophisticated. According to Radware’s threat intelligence report, the number of attacks in the first quarter of 2024 in India alone rose 121%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Some of the latest threat intelligence also shows a global shift in DDoS tactics as attacks progress from Layers 3 and 4 to Layer 7. Layer 7 attacks target not just online applications and their APIs, but also essential infrastructure such as the Domain Name System. In India, the top targeted website category during the first quarter of 2024 was government with 45 claimed attacks. Education and financial services ranked second and third with 35 and 16 attacks respectively. These high-value targets attract malicious actors because of publicity they generate when targeted, and the tactical advantage they serve in hybrid warfare Media campaigns: Hacktivists use social platforms like Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook to spread their message and raise awareness for their cause. They create viral campaigns or use hashtags to amplify their message and reach a wider audience. DragonForce Malaysia has proven to be highly effective in their communications and moved part of their private forum to a public Telegram channel to increase their visibility. Most active attacker groups Hacktivist campaigns targeting India have been on the rise due to negative sentiments spread through social media campaigns like ‘Islamophobia_in_India’ and ‘SaveIndianMuslims.’ These campaigns often involve the sharing of fake content by people in India and abroad who have strong ideological biases. This fake content provokes hacktivist groups to misunderstand the actual social and political situation in India and take action. So, who were the bad actors with their sights set on India? Between January and March of 2024, India was the target of multiple cyber gangs. Ketapang Grey Gat Team and Sylhet Gang were among the most active hacktivist groups targeting India, ranking first and second respectively. Ranking third was Channel DDoS-V2, a DDoS-as-aService provider also known as booter or stresser service. Channel DDoS-V2 sells subscriptions to their DDoS attack infrastructure and allows anyone that pays a subscription to perform attacks on any target. In some cases, the allowed attack activity can be restricted from targeting certain countries. For example, Russian-based stresser services do not allow attacks against Russian targets. Stressers like Channel DDoS-V2 regularly target high profile organizations as a form of advertisement and proof of their capabilities. The technological race between good and bad actors has never been more intense and shows no signs of abating in the future. Going forward, look for hacktivists to become even more proficient and more emboldened with advancements like Generative AI at their fingertips. In addition, look for attack numbers to continue to climb and attack patterns to further evolve. One constant you can count on is the commitment among the hacktivist collectives to use cyber attacks to not only advance their political and religious agendas, but also capitalize on the publicity. * Views expressed in the article are solely of the Author