Attack on Chrome Browser Extensions and Prevention Practices

Introduction

Google.org is committed to stepping ahead to enhance Internet safety and responsible online behaviour. ‘Google for INDIA 2023’, an innovative conclave, took place on 19th October 2023. Google.org has embarked on its vision for a safer Internet and combating misinformation, financial frauds and other threats that come from bad actors. Alphabet Big Tech is committed to leading this charter and engaging with all stakeholders, including government agencies. Google.org has partnered with CyberPeace Foundation to foster a safer online environment and empower users on informed decisions on the Internet. CyberPeace will run a nationwide awareness and capacity-building Initiative equipping more than 40 Million Indian netizens with fact-checking techniques, tools, SoPs, and guidance for responsible and safe online behaviour. The campaign will be deployed in 15 Indian regional languages as a comprehensive learning outcome for the whole nation. Together, Google.org and CyberPeace Foundation aim to make the Internet safer for everyone and work in a direction to ensure that progress for everyone is built on a strong foundation of trusted information available on the Internet and pursuing the true spirit of “Technology for Good”.

Google.org and CyberPeace together for enhanced online safety

A new $4 million grant to CyberPeace Foundation will support a nationwide awareness-building program and comprehensive multilingual digital resource hub with content available in up to 15 Indian languages to empower nearly 40 million underserved people across the country in building resilience against misinformation and practice responsible online behaviour.  Together, Google.org and CyberPeace are on their way to creating a strong pathway of trusted Internet and a safer digital environment. The said campaign will be undertaken for a duration of 3 years, and the following key components will run at the core of the same: 

• CyberPeace Corps Volunteers: This will be a pan India volunteer engagement initiative to create a community of 9 million CyberPeace Ambassadors/First Responders/Volunteers to fight misinformation and promote responsible online behaviour going far into the rural, marginalised and most vulnerable strata of society. 
• Digital Resource Hub: In pursuance of the campaign, CyberPeace is developing a cutting-edge platform offering a wealth of resources on media literacy, responsible content creation, and cyber hygiene translated into 15 Indian regional languages for a widespread impact on the ground. 
• Public Sensitisation: CyberPeace will be conducting an organic series of online and offline events focusing on empowering netizens to discern fact from fiction. These sensitisation drives will be taken on by start master trainers from different regions of India to ensure all states and UTs are impacted. 
• CyberPeace Quick Reaction Team: A specialised team of tech enthusiasts that will work closely with platforms to rapidly address new-age cyber threats and misinformation campaigns in real-time and establish best practices and SoPs for the diverse elements in the industries. 
• Engaging Multimedia Content: With CyberPeace’s immense expertise in E-Course and digital content, the campaign will produce a range of multilingual multimedia resources, including informative videos, posters, games, contests, infographics, and more.
• Fact-check unit: Fact-check units will play a crucial role in monitoring, identifying, and doing fact analysis of the suspected information and overall busting the growing incidents of misinformation. Fake news or misinformation has negative consequences on society at large. The fact-check units play a significant role in controlling the widespread of misinformation. 

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Fight Against Misinformation 

Misinformation is rampant all across the world and requires attention. With the increasing penetration of social media and the internet, this remains a global issue. Google.org has taken up the initiative to address this issue in India and, in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation taken a proactive step to multiple avenues for mass-scale awareness and upskilling campaigns have been piloted to make an impact on the ground with the vision of upskilling over 40 Million people in the country and building resilience against misinformation and practicing responsible online behavior. 

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Maj Vineet Kumar, Founder of CyberPeace, said,

"In an era in which digital is deeply intertwined with our lives, knowing how to discern, act on, and share the credible from the wealth of information available online is critical to our well-being, and of our families and communities. Through this initiative, we’re committing to help Internet users across India become informed, empowered and responsible netizens leading through conversations and actions. Whether it’s in fact-checking information before sharing it, or refraining from sharing unverified news, we all play an important role in building a web that is a safe and inclusive space for everyone, and we are extremely grateful to Google.org for propelling us forward in this mission with their grant support.”

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Annie Lewin, Senior Director of Global Advocacy and Head of Asia Pacific, Google.org said:

“We have a longstanding commitment to supporting changemakers using technology to solve humanity's biggest challenges. And, the innovation and zeal of Indian nonprofit organisations has inspired us to deepen our commitment in India. With the new grant to CyberPeace Foundation, we are proud to support solutions that speak directly to Google’s DNA, helping first-time internet users chart their path in a digital world with confidence. Such solutions give us pride and hope that each step, built on a strong foundation of trusted information, will translate into progress for all.”

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Conclusion

Google.org has partnered with government agencies and other Indian organisations with the vision of future-proof India for digital public infrastructure and staying a step ahead for Internet safety, keeping the citizens safe online. Google.org is taking its largest step yet towards online safety in India. There is widespread misinformative content and information in the digital media space or on the internet. This proactive initiative of Google.org in collaboration with CyberPeace is a commendable step to prevent the spread of misinformation and empower users to act responsibly while sharing any information and making informed decisions while using the Internet, hence creating a safe digital environment for everyone.

‍References:

• https://www.youtube.com/live/-b4lTVjOsXY?feature=shared
• https://blog.google/intl/en-in/products/google-for-india-2023-product-announcements/
• https://blog.google/intl/en-in/partnering-indias-success-in-a-new-digital-paradigm/
• https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/google-to-debut-credit-in-india-announces-a-slew-of-ai-powered-launches/104547623
• https://theprint.in/economy/google-for-india-2023-tech-giant-says-it-removed-2-million-violative-videos-in-q2-2023/1810201/

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Introduction

The G7 nations, a group of the most powerful economies, have recently turned their attention to the critical issue of cybercrimes and (AI) Artificial Intelligence. G7 summit has provided an essential platform for discussing the threats and crimes occurring from AI and lack of cybersecurity. These nations have united to share their expertise, resources, diplomatic efforts and strategies to fight against cybercrimes. In this blog, we shall investigate the recent development and initiatives undertaken by G7 nations, exploring their joint efforts to combat cybercrime and navigate the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. We shall also explore the new and emerging trends in cybersecurity, providing insights into ongoing challenges and innovative approaches adopted by the G7 nations and the wider international community.

G7 Nations and AI

Each of these nations have launched cooperative efforts and measures to combat cybercrime successfully. They intend to increase their collective capacities in detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber assaults by exchanging intelligence, best practices, and experience. G7 nations are attempting to develop a strong cybersecurity architecture capable of countering increasingly complex cyber-attacks through information-sharing platforms, collaborative training programs, and joint exercises.

The G7 Summit provided an important forum for in-depth debates on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. Recognising AI’s transformational potential, the G7 nations have participated in extensive discussions to investigate its advantages and address the related concerns, guaranteeing responsible research and use. The nation also recognises the ethical, legal, and security considerations of deploying AI cybersecurity.

Worldwide Rise of Ransomware

High-profile ransomware attacks have drawn global attention, emphasising the need to combat this expanding threat. These attacks have harmed organisations of all sizes and industries, leading to data breaches, operational outages, and, in some circumstances, the loss of sensitive information. The implications of such assaults go beyond financial loss, frequently resulting in reputational harm, legal penalties, and service delays that affect consumers, clients, and the public. The increase in high-profile ransomware incidents has garnered attention worldwide, Cybercriminals have adopted a multi-faceted approach to ransomware attacks, combining techniques such as phishing, exploit kits, and supply chain Using spear-phishing, exploit kits, and supply chain hacks to obtain unauthorised access to networks and spread the ransomware. This degree of expertise and flexibility presents a substantial challenge to organisations attempting to protect against such attacks.

Focusing On AI and Upcoming Threats

During the G7 summit, one of the key topics for discussion on the role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in shaping the future, Leaders and policymakers discuss the benefits and dangers of AI adoption in cybersecurity. Recognising AI’s revolutionary capacity, they investigate its potential to improve defence capabilities, predict future threats, and secure vital infrastructure. Furthermore, the G7 countries emphasise the necessity of international collaboration in reaping the advantages of AI while reducing the hazards. They recognise that cyber dangers transcend national borders and must be combated together. Collaboration in areas such as exchanging threat intelligence, developing shared standards, and promoting best practices is emphasised to boost global cybersecurity defences. The G7 conference hopes to set a global agenda that encourages responsible AI research and deployment by emphasising the role of AI in cybersecurity. The summit’s sessions present a path for maximising AI’s promise while tackling the problems and dangers connected with its implementation.

As the G7 countries traverse the complicated convergence of AI and cybersecurity, their emphasis on collaboration, responsible practices, and innovation lays the groundwork for international collaboration in confronting growing cyber threats. The G7 countries aspire to establish robust and secure digital environments that defend essential infrastructure, protect individuals’ privacy, and encourage trust in the digital sphere by collaboratively leveraging the potential of AI.

Promoting Responsible Al development and usage

The G7 conference will focus on developing frameworks that encourage ethical AI development. This includes fostering openness, accountability, and justice in AI systems. The emphasis is on eliminating biases in data and algorithms and ensuring that AI technologies are inclusive and do not perpetuate or magnify existing societal imbalances.

Furthermore, the G7 nations recognise the necessity of privacy protection in the context of AI. Because AI systems frequently rely on massive volumes of personal data, summit speakers emphasise the importance of stringent data privacy legislation and protections. Discussions centre around finding the correct balance between using data for AI innovation, respecting individuals’ privacy rights, and protecting data security. In addition to responsible development, the G7 meeting emphasises the importance of responsible AI use. Leaders emphasise the importance of transparent and responsible AI governance frameworks, which may include regulatory measures and standards to ensure AI technology’s ethical and legal application. The goal is to defend individuals’ rights, limit the potential exploitation of AI, and retain public trust in AI-driven solutions.

The G7 nations support collaboration among governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to foster responsible AI development and use. They stress the significance of sharing best practices, exchanging information, and developing international standards to promote ethical AI concepts and responsible practices across boundaries. The G7 nations hope to build the global AI environment in a way that prioritises human values, protects individual rights, and develops trust in AI technology by fostering responsible AI development and usage. They work together to guarantee that AI is a force for a good while reducing risks and resolving social issues related to its implementation.

Challenges on the way

During the summit, the nations, while the G7 countries are committed to combating cybercrime and developing responsible AI development, they confront several hurdles in their efforts. Some of them are:

A Rapidly Changing Cyber Threat Environment: Cybercriminals’ strategies and methods are always developing, as is the nature of cyber threats. The G7 countries must keep up with new threats and ensure their cybersecurity safeguards remain effective and adaptable.

Cross-Border Coordination: Cybercrime knows no borders, and successful cybersecurity necessitates international collaboration. On the other hand, coordinating activities among nations with various legal structures, regulatory environments, and agendas can be difficult. Harmonising rules, exchanging information, and developing confidence across states are crucial for effective collaboration.

Talent Shortage and Skills Gap: The field of cybersecurity and AI knowledge necessitates highly qualified personnel. However, skilled individuals in these fields need more supply. The G7 nations must attract and nurture people, provide training programs, and support research and innovation to narrow the skills gap.

Keeping Up with Technological Advancements: Technology changes at a rapid rate, and cyber-attacks become more complex. The G7 nations must ensure that their laws, legislation, and cybersecurity plans stay relevant and adaptive to keep up with future technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and IoT, which may both empower and challenge cybersecurity efforts.

Conclusion

To combat cyber threats effectively, support responsible AI development, and establish a robust cybersecurity ecosystem, the G7 nations must constantly analyse and adjust their strategy. By aggressively tackling these concerns, the G7 nations can improve their collective cybersecurity capabilities and defend their citizens’ and global stakeholders’ digital infrastructure and interests.

Introduction

So it's that time of year when you feel bright and excited to start the year with new resolutions; your goals could be anything from going to the gym to learning new skills and being productive this year, but with cybercrime on the rise, you must also be smart and take your New Year Cyber Resolutions seriously. Yes, you heard it right: it's a new year, a new you, but the same hackers with advanced dangers. It's time to make a cyber resolution this year to be secure, smart, and follow the best cyber safety tips for 2K25 and beyond.

Best Cyber Security Tips For You 

So while taking your cyber resolutions this 2k25, remember that hackers have resolutions too; so you have to make yours better! CyberPeace has curated a list of great tips and cyber hygiene practices you must practice in 2025:

• Be Aware Of Your Digital Rights: Netizens should be aware of their rights in the digital space. It's important to know where to report issues, how to raise concerns with platforms, and what rights are available to you under applicable IT and Data Protection laws. And as we often say, sharing is caring, so make sure to discuss and share your knowledge of digital rights with your family, peers, and circle. Not only will this help raise awareness, but you’ll also learn from their experiences, collectively empowering yourselves. After all, a well-informed online community is a happy one.
• Awareness Is Your First Line Of Defence: Awareness serves as the first line of defence, especially in light of the lessons learned from 2024, where new forms of cybercrimes have emerged with serious consequences. Scams like digital arrests, romance frauds, lottery scams, and investment scams have become more prevalent. As we move into 2025, remember that sophisticated cyber scams require equally advanced strategies to stay protected. As cybercrimes evolve and become more complex, it's crucial to stay updated with specific strategies and hygiene tips to defend yourself. Build your first line of defence by being aware of these growing scams, and say goodbye to the manipulative tactics used by cyber crooks.
• Customise Social Media Media Profile And Privacy Settings: With the rising misuse of advanced technologies such as deepfake, it’s crucial to share access to your profile only with people you trust and know. Customize your social media profile settings based on your convenience, such as who can add you, who can see your uploaded pictures and stories, and who can comment on your posts. Tailor these settings to suit your needs and preferences, ensuring a safer digital environment for yourself.
• Be Cautious: Choose wisely, just because an online deal seems exciting doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. A single click could have devastating consequences. Not every link leads to a secure website; it could be a malware or phishing attempt. Be cautious and follow basic cyber hygiene tips, such as only visiting websites with a padlock symbol, a secure connection, and the 'HTTPS' status in the URL. 
• Don’t Let Fake News Fake You Out: Online misinformation and disinformation have sparked serious concern due to their widespread proliferation. That’s why it’s crucial to 'Spot The Lies Before They Spot You.' Exercise due care and caution when consuming, sharing, or forwarding any online information. Always verify it from trusted sources, recognize the red flags of misleading claims, and contribute to creating a truthful online information landscape.
• Turn the Tables on Cybercriminals: It is crucial to know the proper reporting channels for cybercrimes, including specific reporting methods based on the type of issue. For example, ‘unsolicited commercial communications’ can be reported on the Chakshu portal by the government. Unauthorized electronic transactions can be reported to the RBI toll-free number at 14440, while women can report incidents to the National Commission for Women. If you encounter issues on a platform, you can reach out to the platform's grievance officer. All types of cybercrimes can be reported through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) and the helpline at 1930. It’s essential to be aware of the right authorities and reporting mechanisms, so if something goes wrong in your digital experience, you can take action, turn the tables on cybercrooks, and stay informed about official grievances and reporting channels.
• Log Out, Chill Out: The increased use of technology can have far-reaching consequences that are often overlooked, such as procrastination, stress, anxiety, and eye strain (also known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome). Sometimes, it’s essential to switch off the digital curtains. This is where a ‘Digital Detox’ comes in, offering a chance to recharge and reset. We’re all aware of how our devices and phones influence our daily lives, shaping our behaviours, decisions, and lifestyles from morning until night, even impacting our sleep. Taking time to unplug can provide a much-needed psychological and physical boost. Practicing a digital detox at regular suitable intervals, such as twice a month, can help restore balance, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Final Words & the Idea of ‘Tech for Good’

Remember that we are in the technological era, and these technologies are created for our ease and convenience. There are certain challenges that bad actors pose, but to counter this,  the change starts from you. Remember that technology, while having its risks, also brings tremendous benefits to society. We encourage you to take a step and encourage the responsible and ethical use of the technology. The vision for ‘Tech for Good’ will have to be expanded to a larger picture. Do not engage in a behaviour that you would not ordinarily do in an offline environment, the online environment is also the same and has far-reaching effects. Use technology for good, and follow and encourage ethical and responsible behaviour in online communities. The emphasis should be on using technology in a safer environment for everyone and combatting dishonest practices. 

The effective strategies for preventing cybercrime and dishonest practices requires cooperation , efforts by citizens, government agencies, and technology businesses. We intend to employ technology's good aspects to build a digital environment that values security, honesty, and moral behaviour while promoting innovation and connectedness. In 2025, together we can make a cyber safe resilient society.

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