The Railway Protection Force (RPF) recently uncovered the operations of an illegal software called “Real Mango,” used for securing confirmed railway reservations. In this article, we’ll explore details about Real Mango, its working procedure, and the implications of this discovery on the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRFIS) and Railway Protection Force.
About Real Mango
Real Mango came into limelight as an illegal software designed explicitly for booking Tatkal railway tickets in India. The tool’s illicit nature stems from its ability to bypass regular protocols and secure reservations swiftly, often at the cost of ordinary citizens’ chances to book their own travel accommodations.
Functioning of Real Mango
Considered highly advanced, Real Mango operates by bypassing CAPTCHA, a standard internet security measure deployed for user verification. It goes further by synchronizing with bank OTPs through an integrated mobile app and automatically populating this information into the necessary online forms.
To streamline the booking process, Real Mango employs auto-fill technology to enter passenger and payment details. To circumvent restrictions on booking multiple tickets, it logs into the IRCTC website using several unique IDs. These tactics result in accelerated ticket booking capabilities that often edge out common individuals attempting to secure their own reservations. The net effect is a heightened risk for ticket hoarding and black market sales.
Implications and Measures
This troubling discovery has significant implications for railway reservation systems. In response, the information provided by RPF is expected to aid the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) enhance the security features within its Passenger Reservation System (PRS).
About CRIS
Founded by the Ministry of Railways in July 1986, CRIS serves as the primary Information Technology (IT) wing of Indian Railways. Based in New Delhi, it handles crucial functions such as passenger ticketing, freight operations, train dispatching and control, crew management, and e-procurement.
Role of Railway Protection Force
The Railway Protection Force is a security organization established under the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957. Its primary objective is to safeguard railway property and passenger areas. RPF can search, arrest, investigate, and prosecute offenses committed under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966, the Railways Act, 1989.
However, it’s worth noting that the power to arrest under different penal laws lies with the Government Railway Police (GRP). As a component of state police, GRP holds responsibility for maintaining law and order on railways, including trains. It also assists railway officers and inquires into railway accidents.
Understanding CAPTCHA
An acronym for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart”, CAPTCHA plays a crucial role in distinguishing between genuine users and spam robots. Its validation methods include math or general knowledge questions, visual puzzles, and even chess puzzles. As seen in the case of Real Mango, bypassing such security protocols can lead to significant digital security threats.