#FactCheck -Bangladesh protest video falsely shared as police firing incident in Bihar’s Siwan

Executive Summary:
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Amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, a video is being widely circulated on social media with the claim that Iran has seized a US ship in the Strait of Hormuz. However, a research by the CyberPeace found that the claim is false. The video is from 2019 and is unrelated to the current situation. It actually shows Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seizing a British-flagged tanker, Stena Impero. The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran since late February has raised concerns over global energy supply. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a key route for global oil and maritime trade. Rising tensions in the region have impacted this route, although Iran has stated that it has not been completely closed.

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Claim:
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Users on X (formerly Twitter) are sharing the video as breaking news, claiming that Iran has captured a US ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The posts suggest that the move is a direct warning to the United States.

• https://x.com/Yoddha_0/status/2036302067011297709?s=20 
• https://archive.is/UWTD7 

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Fact Check:
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To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to the same video posted on the X handle of Iran’s Press TV on July 20, 2019.

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Link:

• https://x.com/PressTV/status/1152597789362262016?s=20 
• https://x.com/PressTV/status/1152597789362262016?s=20 

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The caption of the post stated that the footage showed the moment when IRGC forces seized the British oil tanker Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz. Further, we found a July 2019 report by Al Jazeera that included visuals matching the viral video. According to the report, Iran’s IRGC had intercepted the British-flagged tanker on July 19, 2019, after which the footage was released.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/7/20/iran-releases-video-showing-capture-of-british-oil-tanker 
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Conclusion:
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The viral claim is misleading. The video is not recent and does not show Iran capturing a US ship. It is from 2019 and depicts the seizure of the British tanker Stena Impero by Iran’s IRGC.

Introduction

To every Indian’s pride, the maritime sector has seen tremendous growth under various government initiatives. Still, each step towards growth should be given due regard to security measures. Sadly, cybersecurity is still treated as a secondary requirement in various critical sectors, let alone to protect the maritime sector and its assets. Maritime cybersecurity includes the protection of digital assets and networks that are vulnerable to online threats. Without an adequate cybersecurity framework in place, the assets remain at risk from cyber threats, such as malware and scams, to more sophisticated attacks targeting critical shore-based infrastructure. Amid rising global cyber threats, the maritime sector is emerging as a potential target, underscoring the need for proactive security measures to safeguard maritime operations. In this evolving threat landscape, assuming that India's maritime domain remains unaffected would be unrealistic.

Overview of India’s Maritime Sector   

India’s potential in terms of its resources and its ever-so-great oceans. India is well endowed with its dynamic 7,500 km coastline, which anchors 12 major ports and over 200 minor ones. India is strategically positioned along the world’s busiest shipping routes, and it has the potential to rise to global prominence as a key trading hub. As of 2023, India’s share in global growth stands at a staggering 16%, and India is reportedly running its course to become the third-largest economy, which is no small feat for a country of 1.4 billion people. This growth can be attributed to various global initiatives undertaken by the government, such as “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue,” laying the foundation of an insightful dialogue between the visionaries to design a landscape for the growth of the marine sector. The rationale behind solidifying a security mechanism in the maritime industry lies in the fact that 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value is handled by this sector. 

Current Cybersecurity Landscape in the Maritime Sector 

All across the globe, various countries are recognising the importance of their seas and shores, and it is promising that India is not far behind its western counterparts. India has a glorious history of seas that once whispered tales of Trade, Power, and Civilizational glory, and it shall continue to tread its path of glory by solidifying and securing its maritime digital infrastructure. The path brings together an integration of the maritime sector and advanced technologies, bringing India to a crucial juncture – one where proactive measures can help bridge the gap with global best practices. In this context, to bring together an infallible framework, it becomes pertinent to incorporate IMO’s Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management, which establish principles to assess potential threats and vulnerabilities and advocate for enhanced cyber discipline. In addition, the guidelines that are designed to encourage safety and security management practices in the cyber domain warn the authorities against procedural lapses that lead to the exploitation of vulnerabilities in either information technology or operational technology systems. 

Anchoring Security: Global Best Practices & Possible Frameworks

The Asia-Pacific region has not fallen behind the US and the European Union in realising the need to have a dedicated framework, with the growing prominence of the maritime sector and countries like Singapore, China, and Japan leading the way with their robust frameworks. They have in place various requirements that govern their maritime operations and keep in check various vulnerabilities, such as Cybersecurity Awareness Training, Cyber Incident Reporting, Data Localisation, establishing secure communications, Incident management, penalties, etc.

Every country striving towards growth and expanding its international trade and commerce must ensure that it is secure from all ends to boost international cooperation and trust. On that note, the maritime sector has to be fortified by placing the best possible practices or a framework that is inclined towards its commitment to growth. The following four measures are indispensable to this framework, and in the maritime industry, they must be adapted to the unique blend of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) used in ships, ports, and logistics. The following mechanisms are not exhaustive in nature but form a fundamental part of the framework:

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• Risk Assessment: Identifying, analysing, and ensuring that all systems that are susceptible to cyber threats are prioritized and vulnerability scans are conducted of vessel control systems and shore-based systems. The critical assets that have a larger impact on the whole system should be kept formidable in comparison to other systems that may not require the same attention.
• Access Control: Restrictions with regard to authorisation, wherein access must be restricted to verified personnel to reduce internal threats and external breaches. 
• Incident Response Planning: The nature of cyber risks is inherently dynamic in nature; there are no calls for cyber attacks or warfare techniques. Such attacks are often committed in the shadows, so as to require an action plan to respond to and to recover from cyber incidents effectively. 
• Continuous Staff Training: Regularly educating all levels of maritime personnel about cyber hygiene, threat trends, and secure practices. 

CyberPeace Suggests: Legislative & Executive Imperatives

It can be said with reasonable foresight that the Indian maritime sector is in need of a national maritime cybersecurity framework that operates in cooperation with the international framework. The national imperatives will include robust cyber hygiene requirements, real-time threat intelligence mechanisms, incident response obligations, and penalties for non-compliance. The government must strive to support Indian shipbuilders through grants or incentives to adopt cyber-resilient ship design frameworks. 

The legislative quest should be to incorporate the National Maritime Cybersecurity Framework with the well-established CERT-In guidelines and data protection principles. The one indispensable requirement set under the framework should be to mandate Cybersecurity Awareness Training to help deploy trained personnel equipped to tackle cyber threats. The rationale behind such a requirement is that there can be no “one-size-fits-all” approach to managing cybersecurity risk, which is dynamic and evolving in nature, and the trained personnel will play a key role in helping establish a customised framework. 

References

• https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153432&reg=3&lang=1 
• https://bisresearch.com/industry-report/global-maritime-cybersecurity-market.html#:~:text=Maritime%20cybersecurity%20involves%20safeguarding%20digital,and%20protection%20against%20potential%20risks. 
• https://www.shipuniverse.com/2025-maritime-cybersecurity-regulations-a-simplified-breakdown/#:~:text=Japan%3A,for%20incident%20response%20and%20recovery. 
• https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/OurWork/Security/Documents/MSC-FAL.1-Circ.3-Rev.2%20-%20Guidelines%20On%20Maritime%20Cyber%20Risk%20Management%20(Secretariat)%20(1).pdf 

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Introduction

In an alarming event, one of India’s premier healthcare institutes, AIIMS Delhi, has fallen victim to a malicious cyberattack for the second time in the year. The Incident serves as a clear-cut reminder of the escalating threat landscape faced by the healthcare organisation in this digital age. In the attack, which unfolded with grave implications, the attackers not only explored the vulnerabilities present in the healthcare sector, but this also raised the concern about the security of patient data and the uninterrupted delivery of critical healthcare services. In this blog post, we will explore the incident, what happened, and what safety measures can be taken.

Backdrop

The cyber-security systems deployed in AIIMS, New Delhi, recently detected a malware attack. The nature and scope of the attack were both sophisticated and targeted. This second hack acts as a wake-up call for healthcare organisations nationwide. As the healthcare business increasingly depends on digital technology to improve patient care and operational efficiency, cybersecurity must be prioritised to protect sensitive data. To minimise cyber-attack dangers, healthcare organisations must invest in robust defences such as multi-factor authentication, network security, frequent system upgrades, and employee training.

The attempt was successfully prevented, and the deployed cyber-security systems neutralised the threat. The e-Hospital services remain to be fully secure and are functioning normally.

Impact on AIIMS

Healthcare services have been under hackers’ radar worldwide, and the healthcare sector has been impacted badly. The attack on AIIMS Delhi’s effects has been both immediate and far-reaching. The organisation, which is recognised for delivering excellent healthcare services and performing breakthrough medical research, faced significant interruptions in its everyday operations. Patient care and treatment processes were considerably impeded, resulting in delays, cancellations, and the inability to access essential medical documents. The stolen data raises serious concerns about patient privacy and confidentiality, raising doubts about the institution’s capacity to protect sensitive information. Furthermore, the financial ramifications of the assault, such as the cost of recovery, deploying more robust cybersecurity measures, and potential legal penalties and forensic analyses, contribute to the scale of the effect. The event has also generated public concerns about the institution’s ability to preserve personal information, undermining confidence and degrading AIIMS Delhi’s image.

Impact on Patients: The attacks not only impact the institutes but also have serious implications for the patients and here are some key highlights:

Healthcare Service Disruption: The hack has affected the seamless delivery of healthcare services at AIIMS Delhi. Appointments, surgeries, and other medical treatments may be delayed, cancelled, or rescheduled. This disturbance can result in longer wait times, longer treatment periods, and potential problems from delayed or interrupted therapy.

Patient Privacy and Confidentiality are jeopardised because of the breach of sensitive patient data. Medical data, test findings, and treatment plans may have been compromised. This breach may diminish patient faith in the institution’s capacity to safeguard their personal information, discouraging them from seeking care or submitting sensitive information in the future.

As a result of the cyberattack, patients may endure mental anguish and worry. Fear of possible exploitation of personal health information, confusion about the scope of the breach, and concerns about the security of their healthcare data can all have a negative impact on their mental health. This stress might aggravate pre-existing medical issues and impede total recovery.

Trust at stake: A data breach may harm patients’ faith and confidence in AIIMS Delhi and the healthcare system. Patients rely on healthcare facilities to keep their information secure and confidential while providing safe, high-quality care. A hack can doubt the institution’s ability to safeguard patient data, affecting patients’ overall faith in the organisation and potentially leading to patients seeking care elsewhere.

Cybersecurity Measures

To avoid future hacks and protect patient data, AIIMS Delhi must prioritize enhancing its cybersecurity procedures. The institution can strengthen its resistance to changing threats by establishing strong security practices. The following steps can be considered.

Using Multi-factor Authentication: By forcing users to submit several forms of identity to access systems and data, multi-factor authentication offers an extra layer of protection. AIIMS Delhi may considerably lower the danger of unauthorised access by applying this precaution, even in the case of leaked passwords or credentials. Biometrics and one-time passwords, for example, should be integrated into the institution’s authentication systems.

Improving Network Security and Firewalls: AIIMS Delhi should improve network security by implementing strong firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and network segmentation. These techniques serve to construct barriers between internal systems and external threats, reducing attackers’ lateral movement within the network. Regular network traffic monitoring and analysis can assist in recognising and mitigating any security breaches.

Risk Assessment: Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments are required to uncover possible flaws and vulnerabilities in AIIMS Delhi’s systems and infrastructure. Security professionals can detect vulnerabilities and offer remedial solutions by carrying out controlled simulated assaults. This proactive strategy assists in identifying and addressing any security flaws before attackers exploit them.

Educating and training Healthcare Professionals: Education and training have a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity practices in healthcare facilities. Healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, administrators, and support staff, must be well-informed about the importance of cybersecurity and trained in risk-mitigation best practices. This will empower healthcare professionals to actively contribute to protecting the patient’s data and maintaining the trust and confidence of patients.

Learnings from Incidents

AIIMS Delhi should embrace cyber-attacks as learning opportunities to strengthen its security posture. Following each event, a detailed post-incident study should be performed to identify areas for improvement, update security policies and procedures, and improve employee training programs. This iterative strategy contributes to the institution’s overall resilience and preparation for future cyber-attacks. AIIMS Delhi can effectively respond to cyber incidents, minimise the impact on operations, and protect patient data by establishing an effective incident response and recovery plan, implementing data backup and recovery mechanisms, conducting forensic analysis, and promoting open communication. Proactive measures, constant review, and regular revisions to incident response plans are critical for staying ahead of developing cyber threats and ensuring the institution’s resilience in the face of potential future assaults.

Conclusion

To summarise, developing robust healthcare systems in the digital era is a key challenge that healthcare organisations must prioritise. Healthcare organisations can secure patient data, assure the continuation of key services, and maintain patients’ trust and confidence by adopting comprehensive cybersecurity measures, building incident response plans, training healthcare personnel, and cultivating a security culture. Adopting a proactive and holistic strategy for cybersecurity is critical to developing a healthcare system capable of withstanding and successfully responding to digital-age problems.