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Cybersecurity

Security experts have detected a new iteration of the 'Chameleon Trojan' malware, which possesses the capability to disable biometric authentication methods.

Chameleon Trojan

• The main objective of this malware is to illicitly obtain the PIN of a phone by circumventing fingerprint and face unlock security features.
• This trojan embeds itself within authentic Android applications, including Google Chrome, to avoid detection.
• Operating discreetly in the background, it reportedly remains undetectable during runtime, managing to bypass Google Protect alerts and other security software.
• It takes advantage of the Accessibility service on Android versions 12 and earlier, and on more recent versions, it employs various methods to circumvent Google's security restrictions.

Operating Method of Chameleon Trojan

• To navigate through new restrictions, the malware displays an HTML page prompting users to enable the Accessibility service for the app, compromising the security of the device.
• Once activated, it captures on-screen content, utilizes gestures for navigation, and pilfers PINs and passwords, subsequently gaining access to more sensitive information such as credit card details and login credentials.
• The malware also monitors the user's app usage patterns to time its attacks when the device is least likely to be in use.

Protection against Chameleon Trojan

• Users are advised to avoid installing Android apps from unofficial sources to reduce the risk of malware infection.
• Be wary of enabling the Accessibility service for apps that are not well-known or trusted.
• Conducting regular security scans on the device can help in identifying and mitigating threats.
• Ensuring that Google Play Protect is enabled at all times is recommended for continuous monitoring and protection against malware.

Jimex 23

The Indian Navy is currently hosting the 2023 edition of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX 23), taking place at or off Visakhapatnam.

Details of JIMEX 2023

• This bilateral exercise involves the navies of India and Japan.
• JIMEX 23 commemorates the 11th anniversary of its initiation in 2012.
• Participants include INS Delhi, INS Kamorta, fleet tanker INS Shakti, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft P8I and Dornier, ship-borne helicopters, and fighter aircraft.
• The exercise unfolds over six days in two phases.
• The first phase, a harbor phase in Visakhapatnam, involves professional, sports, and social interactions.
• The second phase focuses on joint warfighting skills refinement at sea, enhancing interoperability through intricate operations across surface, sub-surface, and air domains.
• JIMEX 23 serves as a platform for mutual learning, fostering operational exchanges between the Indian Navy (IN) and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), reinforcing their shared commitment to maritime security in the region.

Other Exercises between India and Japan:

• Malabar: India and Japan, along with the United States and Australia, participate in the naval war gaming exercise called Malabar.
• SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force)
• Dharma Guardian (Military Exercise)

Salvex

Recently, the Indian Navy – US Navy (IN – USN) jointly conducted the Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX, from June 26 to July 6, 2023, in Kochi.

Details about EXERCISE – SALVEX:

• The Indian Navy and US Navy have engaged in joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005.
• SALVEX 2023 marks the seventh edition of this exercise.
• The participation involved ships such as INS Nireekshak and USNS Salvor, along with Specialist Diving and EOD teams from both navies.
• The exercise included joint training exercises aimed at enhancing interoperability, cohesiveness, and sharing best practices in Maritime Salvage and EOD operations.
• Constructive engagements on operational aspects contributed to advancing the skill sets of the Diving teams in various disciplines, including mine detection and neutralization, wreck location, and salvage.

Other Exercises conducted between India and US:

• Malabar Exercise: A quadrilateral naval exercise involving India, USA, Japan, and Australia.
• Exercise Tiger Triumph: A humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise.
• Yudh Abhyas: A joint military exercise.

Operation Southern Readiness – 2023

INS Sunayna visited Seychelles from July 10 to July 12, 2023, to take part in Operation Southern Readiness 2023, organized by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

Details about Southern Readiness:

• Operation Southern Readiness is an annual exercise conducted by Combined Maritime Forces.

2023 Edition

• INS Sunayna participated in the 2023 Operation Southern Readiness of Combined Maritime Forces Exercise.
• This reinforces the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and marks the maiden participation of an Indian Navy ship in the CMF exercise.
• READ ALL ABOUT INS SUNAYNA: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ins-sunayna

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)

About

• The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational maritime partnership, which exists to uphold the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas and promoting security, stability, and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Members:

• CMF includes 38 member nations, namely Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, UAE, United Kingdom, United States, and Yemen.

Command:

• CMF is led by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, who also holds the positions of Commander US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and US Navy Fifth Fleet. All four commands are based at US Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

Deputy Command:

• The Deputy Commander of CMF holds the rank of a United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore. Other key staff roles at CMF's headquarters are filled by personnel from member nations.

How CMF Operates:

• CMF nations share a commitment to uphold the International Rules-Based Order (IRBO) by safeguarding the free flow of commerce, enhancing maritime security, and deterring illicit activities by non-state actors in the CMF Area of Operations.
• CMF operates as a coalition of willing nations, allowing flexibility in participation levels based on each country's capacity to contribute assets and their availability at any given time.
• The 38 nations in CMF are not constrained by a fixed political or military mandate, showcasing the organization's adaptability. Contributions range from providing a liaison officer at CMF HQ in Bahrain to deploying warships or maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

Nomadic Elephant – 2023

A bilateral joint military exercise, "NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23," is set to take place between India and Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar from July 17 to 31, 2023.

About Exercise Nomadic Elephant:

• This marks the 15th edition of the bilateral joint military exercise.
• It is an annual training event conducted alternately in Mongolia and India.
• Soldiers from the Mongolian Armed Forces Unit 084 and Indian Army soldiers from the JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment will participate.
• The exercise aims to foster positive military relations, exchange best practices, enhance interoperability, and promote camaraderie and friendship between the two armies.
• The primary theme of the exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.
• The exercise includes a Platoon-level Field Training Exercise (FTX).
• Various training activities during the exercise will enhance skills and capabilities, including endurance training, reflex firing, room intervention, small team tactics, and rock craft training.
• Soldiers from both sides will benefit from sharing operational experiences.