DGP Addresses Misinformation on Tripura's Law and Order

Introduction

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With the advent of cloud computing, new information and asset delivery avenues have become possible, including Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Software-as-a-Service. With this change, the conventional paradigm of "computer as a product" is replaced with "computing as a service," which is provided to customers via the internet by big data warehouses or the cloud. Additionally, it has brought about an essential shift in how organisations function, allowing them to access computer tools and services online instead of needing to construct and manage their IT systems. As a result, organizations are now more agile, scalable, and efficient and can react swiftly to shifting consumer demands and market situations.

The Growth of Remote and Hybrid Workspaces

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Hybrid and remote workplaces are becoming more popular post-pandemic era. Many businesses have used regional workplace solutions to manage a more scattered workforce. IT departments are put in a difficult position since they have to make sure that branch office staff and remote workers can access the information they require safely and dependably. VPNs and Direct Internet Access links are becoming more and more popular, thus IT professionals are coming up with innovative ways for connecting distant locations to the main office while protecting the confidentiality of information.

User Portability

‍The widespread use of mobile devices for work, along with the growing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) culture, has significantly contributed to the rise of remote work and flexible work environments. Employees can now connect to corporate systems using either personal or company-issued devices through secure methods such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or cloud-based platforms. This has made teleworking, work-from-home setups, and flexible work hours increasingly common and practical, allowing for greater productivity and work-life balance.

Growing Volume of Traffic

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Professionals in the modern workplace must have access to private apps stored in a data centre or a multi-cloud setup. Nevertheless, these programs might not always be easily accessible from branch offices or by remote workers and staff members might not have instant support for IT. Organizations must discover solutions to this problem so that remote workers may consistently and dependably access company resources while also making the most of their current assets. It is important to note that employees need reliable and secure ways to access their work tools from anywhere, just like they would in the office.

Battling Networking and Security Issues in a Post-Pandemic Setting

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While many businesses have successfully adopted a cloud-first approach for new system implementations or have deployed specific Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, many are still struggling to fully reap the benefits of moving most or all of their business software to the cloud.

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• Conventional IT frameworks allowed for the creation of the present company applications. Because of this, these applications are frequently inflexible and configured for fixed capacity across a limited number of data facilities. Certain organizations could lack the elements required to oversee an entire cloud migration. This could be the result of things like an affinity for on-premises systems, aversion to alteration, or a lack of experience with cloud systems. 
• Although cloud computing might be a cost-effective solution for some workloads, it might not be the best choice overall. Running certain applications in a combination of cloud services or on-premises may be more cost-effective. 
• Particularly if they are regionally distributed, workloads requiring high connection speeds or low latency may not be ideal for cloud computing.
• If a corporation lacks authority over the servers in the cloud, it may be concerned about the integrity of its data stored there. Consequently, they would rather keep it inside their data facilities.
• Firms may be restricted in their ability to migrate some types of information to the cloud by legal or compliance regulations. 

Networking and Cybersecurity Consolidation: Handling Present Risks

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In the past, protecting a network required establishing boundaries and keeping an eye on communication between recognized devices. However, it is now required for a network's components to work together as a cohesive system due to shifting expectations. To do this, flexible network pieces must be able to communicate with one another while also protecting workflows, apps, and payments that move across different devices. The current problem is to effortlessly combine security with network capabilities and connection so that data can flow between constantly moving devices while being inspected, encrypted, and subject to regulation.

Infrastructure and security personnel must update their methods and equipment to better meet these constraints to deliver reliable, efficient, and trustworthy access across users, apps, and regions within an enterprise. Inevitably, networking and safety will eventually merge for improved organizational alignment.

Businesses may stay ahead of the competition in attracting top people in an increasingly diverse and cost-effective workplace by integrating a virtual and physical workforce. The future of security solutions lies in consolidation and platformisation; a cloud-centric Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) the capacity offering paired with network edge capabilities like secured Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) can improve and automate the safety measures of the company while also cutting down on the complexity and expense of managing disparate point remedies.

Safe Networking: Moving Towards This Phenomenon and Concentration of Cybersecurity

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Companies relying on conventional networking models often face challenges in securing modern elements, such as cloud-based applications, remote users, mobile devices, and distributed locations, because traditional networks were not designed with these factors in mind. A robust networking strategy integrates both safety and networking into one system to get around these problems. It enhances security posture and network performance. It improves the user's experience and lessens the complexities of management. It is important to combine point product providers into a risk management platform rather than implementing safety measures one at a time. Tighter cooperation, greater efficiency, and a quicker, better-coordinated reaction to network threats are made possible by this.

SASE: A Coordinated Method

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Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-based architecture that offers security and networking solutions as needed and unites all edges into a single logical connection.

SASE drivers

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Conventional safety measures are ill-suited to deal with the more dispersed and complicated IT environment brought about by the advent of the Internet of Things, edge computing, and telecommuting. Using SASE, security and network services may be accessed from the cloud, eliminating the need to backhaul traffic to a single data centre for safety assessment.

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• Distant user traffic assessment and blind spots presented difficulties for companies.
• Full oversight over hybrid network operations is provided by SASE technology, which provides network services including FWaaS, SWG, DLP, and CASB.
• Issues around abnormal port usage and policy violations have arisen as more customers access SaaS apps from different gadgets and regions.
• SASE technology reduces the cost of hiring IT staff by combining safe access to resources from one supplier.
• SASE technology consolidates secure accessibility capabilities from one vendor, hence lowering the cost of hiring IT workers.
• One major benefit of SASE technology is its ease of administration. Even when overseeing multiple offices inside a corporate network, the IT department's job is minimized because a single cloud-based administrator manages the entire system.

Recommendations

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• For high-risk use cases, consider utilizing Zero Trust Network Access to supplement or replace the outdated VPN for distant users.
• Take inventory of the gear and agreements in order to progressively replace the branch and perimeter hardware on-site over a few years in favour of delivering SASE functionalities via the cloud.
• Simplify and cut expenses by grouping suppliers when VPN, CASB, and encrypted web portal agreements are up for renewal. Profit from a market that has come together and integrated these security edge services.
• Limit SASE products to a couple of partnering companies.
• Irrespective of location, integrate Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and methods of authorization (such as MFA) for every client, including those in the workplace or branch.
• To meet security and regulatory requirements, select SASE products that provide you control over where inspection takes place, how traffic is directed, what is recorded, and where records are kept.

Conclusion

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The development of cloud technology, the rise of offsite and hybrid workplaces, and the increased challenges in communication and privacy following the pandemic highlight the necessity for a comprehensive and integrated strategy. By adopting SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), a cloud-centric framework that enables secure connectivity across diverse environments, businesses can enhance cybersecurity, streamline operations, and adapt to the evolving needs of modern workplaces. This approach ultimately contributes to a safer and more efficient future for information architecture.

References

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• https://www.dsci.in/files/content/knowledge-centre/2023/DSCI-Fortinet%20POV%20Paper.pdf
• https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/cloud/cloud-trends-and-cybersecurity-challenges-navigating-future
• https://banagevikas.medium.com/cybersecurity-trends-2024-navigating-the-future-10383ec10efe

Authors:

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Soumya Gangele (Intern - Tech & Policy), CyberPeace

Neeraj Soni (Sr. Researcher), CyberPeace

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Introduction

In the era of digitalisation, social media has become an essential part of our lives, with people spending a lot of time updating every moment of their lives on these platforms. Social media networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube have emerged as significant sources of Information. However, the proliferation of misinformation is alarming since misinformation can have grave consequences for individuals, organisations, and society as a whole. Misinformation can spread rapidly via social media, leaving a higher impact on larger audiences. Bad actors can exploit algorithms for their benefit or some other agenda, using tactics such as clickbait headlines, emotionally charged language, and manipulated algorithms to increase false information.

Impact 

The impact of misinformation on our lives is devastating, affecting individuals, communities, and society as a whole. False or misleading health information can have serious consequences, such as believing in unproven remedies or misinformation about some vaccines can cause serious illness, disability, or even death. Any misinformation related to any financial scheme or investment can lead to false or poor financial decisions that could lead to bankruptcy and loss of long-term savings.

In a democratic nation, misinformation plays a vital role in forming a political opinion, and the misinformation spread on social media during elections can affect voter behaviour, damage trust, and may cause political instability.

Mitigating strategies

The best way to minimise or stop the spreading of misinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. These strategies include promoting media literacy with critical thinking, verifying information before sharing, holding social media platforms accountable, regulating misinformation, supporting critical research, and fostering healthy means of communication to build a resilient society.

To put an end to the cycle of misinformation and move towards a better future, we must create plans to combat the spread of false information. This will require coordinated actions from individuals, communities, tech companies, and institutions to promote a culture of information accuracy and responsible behaviour.

The widespread spread of false information on social media platforms presents serious problems for people, groups, and society as a whole. It becomes clear that battling false information necessitates a thorough and multifaceted strategy as we go deeper into comprehending the nuances of this problem.

Encouraging consumers to develop media literacy and critical thinking abilities is essential to preventing the spread of false information. Being educated is essential for equipping people to distinguish between reliable sources and false information. Giving individuals the skills to assess information critically will enable them to choose the content they share and consume with knowledge. Public awareness campaigns should be used to promote and include initiatives that aim to improve media literacy in school curriculum.

Ways to Stop Misinformation

As we have seen, misinformation can cause serious implications; the best way to minimise or stop the spreading of misinformation requires a multifaceted approach; here are some strategies to combat misinformation.

• Promote Media Literacy with Critical Thinking: Educate individuals about how to critically evaluate information, fact check, and recognise common tactics used to spread misinformation, the users must use their critical thinking before forming any opinion or perspective and sharing the content.
• Verify Information: we must encourage people to verify the information before sharing, especially if it seems sensational or controversial, and encourage the consumption of news or any information from a reputable source of news that follows ethical journalistic standards.
• Accountability: Advocate for social media networks' openness and responsibility in the fight against misinformation. Encourage platforms to put in place procedures to detect and delete fraudulent content while boosting credible sources.
• Regulate Misinformation: Looking at the current situation, it is important to advocate for policies and regulations that address the spread of misinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression. Transparency in online communication by identifying the source of information and disclosing any conflict of interest.
• Support Critical Research: Invest in research and study on the sources, impacts, and remedies to misinformation. Support collaborative initiatives by social scientists, psychologists, journalists, and technology to create evidence-based techniques for countering misinformation. 

Conclusion

To prevent the cycle of misinformation and move towards responsible use of the Internet, we must create strategies to combat the spread of false information. This will require coordinated actions from individuals, communities, tech companies, and institutions to promote a culture of information accuracy and responsible behaviour.

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Overview:

WazirX is the platform for cryptocurrencies, based in India that has been hacked, and it made a loss of more than $230 million in cryptocurrency. This case concerned an unauthorized transaction with a multisignature or multisig, wallet controlled through Liminal’a digital asset management platform. These attacking incidents have thereafter raised more questions on the security of the Cryptocurrency exchanges and efficiency of the existing policies and laws.

Wallet Configuration and Security Measures

This wallet was breached and had a multisig setting meaning that more than one signature was needed to authorize a transaction. Specifically, it had six signatories: five are funded by WazirX and one is funded by Liminal. Every transaction needed the approval of at least three signatories of WazirX, all of whom had addressed security concerns by using Ledger’s hardware wallets; while the Liminal, too, had a signatory, for approval.

To further increase the level of security of the transactions, a whitelisting policy was introduced, only limited addresses were authorized to receive funds. This system was rather vulnerable, and the attackers managed to grasp the discrepancy between the information available through Liminal’s interface and the content of the transaction to seize unauthorized control over the wallet and implement the theft.

Modus Operandi: Attack Mechanics

The cyber attack appears to have been carefully carried out, with preliminary investigations suggesting the following tactics: 

• Payload Manipulation: The attackers apparently substituted the transaction’s payload during signing; hence, they can reroute the collected funds into an unrelated wallet. 

• Chain Hopping: To make it much harder to track their movements, the attackers split large amounts of money across multiple blockchains and broke tens of thousands of dollars into thousands of transactions involving different cryptocurrencies. This technique makes it difficult to trace people and things. 

• Zero Balance Transactions: There were also some instances where it ended up with no Ethereum (ETH) in the balance and such wallets also in use for the purpose of further anonymization of the transactions.

• Analysis of the blockchain data suggested the enemy might have been making the preparations for this attack for several days prior to their attack and involved a high amount of planning. 

Actions taken by WazirX:

Following the attack, WazirX implemented a series of immediate actions:

• User Notifications: The users were immediately notified of the occurrence of the breach and the possible risk it posed to them. 

• Law Enforcement Engagement: The matters were reported to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and specific authorities of which the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). 

• Service Suspension: WazirX had suspended all its trading operations and user deposits’ and withdrawals’ to minimize further cases and investigate. 

• Global Outreach: The exchange contacted more than 500 cryptocurrency exchanges and requested to blacklist the wallet’s addresses linked to the theft. 

• Bounty Program: A bounty program was announced to encourage people to share information that can enable the authorities to retrieve the stolen money. A maximum of 23 million dollars was placed on the bounty. 

Further  Investigations 

WazirX stated that it has contracted the services of cybersecurity professionals to help in the prosecution process of identifying and compensating for the losses. The exchange is still investigating the forensic data and working with the police for tracking the stolen assets. Nevertheless, the prospects of full recovery may be quite questionable primarily because of complexity of the attack and the methods used by the attackers. 

Precautionary measures: 

 The WazirX cyber attack clearly implies that there is the necessity to improve the security and the regulation of the cryptocurrency industry. As exchanges become increasingly targeted by hackers, there is a pressing need for: 

• Stricter Security Protocols: The commitment to technical innovations, such as integration of MFA, as well as constant monitoring of the users’ wallets’ activities. 

• Regulatory Oversight: Formalization of the laws that require proper security for the cryptocurrency exchange platforms to safeguard their users as well as their investments. 

• Community Awareness: To bypass such predicaments, there is a need to study on emergent techniques in spreading awareness, particularly in cases of scams or phishing attempts that are likely to follow such breaches. 

Conclusion:

The cyber attack on WazirX in the field of cryptocurrency market, shows weaknesses and provides valuable lessons for enhancing the security.  This attack highlights critical vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency exchanges, even though employing advanced security measures like multisignature wallets and whitelisting policies. The attack's complexity, involving payload manipulation, chain hopping, and zero balance transactions, underscores the attackers' meticulous planning and the challenges in tracing stolen assets. This case brings a strong message regarding the necessity of solid security measures, and constant attention to security in the rapidly growing world of digital assets. Furthermore, the incident highlights the importance of community awareness and education on emerging threats like scams and phishing attempts, which usually follow such breaches. By fostering a culture of vigilance and knowledge, the cryptocurrency community can better defend against future attacks.

Reference:

https://wazirx.com/blog/important-update-cyber-attack-incident-and-measures-to-protect-your-assets/

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/the-230-million-crypto-theft-at-wazirx-is-a-wake-up-call-for-indian-regulators-government-12772563.html

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wazirx-cyberattack-in-depth-analysis-jyqxf

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