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About Global Commission on Internet Governance 

The Global Commission on Internet Governance was established in January 2014 with the goal of formulating and advancing a strategic vision for Internet governance going forward. Independent research on Internet-related issues of international public policy is carried out and supported over the two-year initiative. An official commission report with particular policy recommendations for the future of Internet governance will be made available as a result of this initiative.

There are two goals for the Global Commission on Internet Governance. First, it will encourage a broad and inclusive public discussion on how Internet governance will develop globally. Second, through its comprehensive policy-oriented report and the subsequent marketing of this final report, the Global Commission on Internet Governance will present its findings to key stakeholders at major Internet governance events.‍

‍The Internet: exploring the world wide web and the deep web

The Internet can be thought of as a vast networking infrastructure, or network of networks. By linking millions of computers worldwide, it creates a network that allows any two computers, provided they are both online, to speak with one another.

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol is the only language spoken over the Internet and is used by the Web to transfer data. Email, which depends on File Transfer Protocol, Usenet newsgroups, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, and instant messaging, is also used on the Internet—not the Web. Thus, even though it's a sizable chunk, the Web is only a part of the Internet [1]. In summary, the deep Web is the portion of the Internet that is not visible to the naked eye. It is stuff from the World Wide Web that isn't available on the main Web. Standard search engines cannot reach it. More than 500 times larger than the visible Web is this enormous subset of the Internet [1-2].

The Global Commission on Internet Governance will concentrate on four principal themes:

• Improving the legitimacy of government, including standards and methods for regulation;

• Promoting economic innovation and expansion, including the development of infrastructure, competition laws, and vital Internet resources; 

• Safeguarding online human rights, including establishing the idea of technological neutrality for rights to privacy, human rights, and freedom of expression;

• Preventing systemic risk includes setting standards for state behaviour, cooperating with law enforcement to combat cybercrime, preventing its spread, fostering confidence, and addressing disarmament-related issues.

Dark Web 

The part of the deep Web that has been purposefully concealed and is unreachable using conventional Web browsers is known as the "dark Web." Dark Web sites are a platform for Internet users who value their anonymity since they shield users from prying eyes and typically utilize encryption to thwart monitoring. The Tor network is a well-known source for content that may be discovered on the dark web. Only a unique Web browser known as the Tor browser is required to access the anonymous Tor network (Tor 2014). It was a technique for anonymous online communication that the US Naval Research Laboratory first introduced as The Onion Routing (Tor) project in 2002. Many of the functionality offered by Tor are also available on I2P, another network. On the other hand, I2P was intended to function as a network inside the Internet, with traffic contained within its boundaries. Better anonymous access to the open Internet is offered by Tor, while a more dependable and stable "network within the network" is provided by I2P [3].

Cybersecurity in the dark web

Cyber crime is not any different than crime in the real world — it is just executed in a new medium: “Virtual criminality’ is basically the same as the terrestrial crime with which we are familiar. To be sure, some of the manifestations are new. But a great deal of crime committed with or against computers differs only in terms of the medium. While the technology of implementation, and particularly its efficiency, may be without precedent, the crime is fundamentally familiar. It is less a question of something completely different than a recognizable crime committed in a completely different way [4].”

Dark web monitoring

The dark Web, in general, and the Tor network, in particular, offer a secure platform for cybercriminals to support a vast amount of illegal activities — from anonymous marketplaces to secure means of communication, to an untraceable and difficult to shut down infrastructure for deploying malware and botnets.

As such, it has become increasingly important for security agencies to track and monitor the activities in the dark Web, focusing today on Tor networks, but possibly extending to other technologies in the near future. Due to its intricate webbing and design, monitoring the dark Web will continue to pose significant challenges. Efforts to address it should be focused on the areas discussed below [5].

Hidden service directory of dark web

A domain database used by both Tor and I2P is based on a distributed system called a "distributed hash table," or DHT. In order for a DHT to function, its nodes must cooperate to store and manage a portion of the database, which takes the shape of a key-value store. Owing to the distributed character of the domain resolution process for hidden services, nodes inside the DHT can be positioned to track requests originating from a certain domain [6].

Conclusion

The deep Web, and especially dark Web networks like Tor (2004), offer bad actors a practical means of transacting in products anonymously and lawfully.

The absence of discernible activity in non-traditional dark web networks is not evidence of their nonexistence. As per the guiding philosophy of the dark web, the actions are actually harder to identify and monitor. Critical mass is one of the market's driving forces. It seems unlikely that operators on the black Web will require a great degree of stealth until the repercussions are severe enough, should they be caught. It is possible that certain websites might go down, have a short trading window, and then reappear, which would make it harder to look into them.

References

1. Ciancaglini, Vincenzo, Marco Balduzzi, Max Goncharov and Robert McArdle. 2013. “Deepweb and Cybercrime: It’s Not All About TOR.” Trend Micro Research Paper. October. 
2. Coughlin, Con. 2014. “How Social Media Is Helping Islamic State to Spread Its Poison.” The Telegraph, November 5. 
3. Dahl, Julia. 2014. “Identity Theft Ensnares Millions while the Law Plays Catch Up.” CBS News, July 14. 
4. Dean, Matt. 2014. “Digital Currencies Fueling Crime on the Dark Side of the Internet.” Fox Business, December 18.
5. Falconer, Joel. 2012. “A Journey into the Dark Corners of the Deep Web.” The Next Web, October 8. 
6. Gehl, Robert W. 2014. “Power/Freedom on the Dark Web: A Digital Ethnography of the Dark Web Social Network.” New Media & Society, October 15. http://nms.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/ 10/16/1461444814554900.full#ref-38.

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Introduction

The insurance industry is a target for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of the information it holds. This makes it essential for insurance companies to have robust cybersecurity measures to protect their data and customers’ personal information.

Cyber fraud in India’s insurance industry is increasing. It is reported that the Indian insurance sector has witnessed a surge in cyber-attacks, with several instances of data breaches, identity thefts, and financial fraud being reported. These cybercrimes not only pose a significant threat to the financial stability of the insurance industry but also to the privacy and security of policyholders.

Cyber Frauds in the Insurance Industry

The insurance industry in India has been the target of increasing cyber fraud in recent years. With the growing digital transformation trend, insurance companies have become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cyber frauds in the insurance industry are initiated by hackers who use various techniques such as phishing, malware, ransomware, and social engineering to gain unauthorised access to policyholders’ personal data and sensitive information

Kinds of cyber frauds in the insurance industry

It is essential for insurers and policyholders alike to be aware of these kinds of cyber-attacks on insurance companies in today’s digital age. Staying educated about these threats can help prevent them from happening in the future.

Identity theft– One common type of cyber fraud that occurs in the insurance industry is identity theft. In this type of fraud, criminals steal personal information such as name, address, date of birth and social security numbers through phishing emails or fraudulent websites. They then use this information to open fraudulent policies or access existing ones.

Payment fraud- Another type of cyber fraud that is on the rise is payment fraud. In this type of fraud, hackers intercept electronic payments made by policyholders or agents using fake bank accounts or compromised payment gateways. The money is then siphoned into untraceable accounts, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

Phishing attacks- Where the fraudsters posed as company officials and sent emails to policyholders requesting their account details. The unsuspecting customers fell for this scam and shared their sensitive information, which was then used to access their accounts and steal funds.

Hacking- Where hackers breach the company’s system to gain access to policyholder data. The hackers’ stoles personal records, including names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and financial information, which they later sell on the dark web.

Fake policies scam- Fraudsters create fake policies using stolen identities and collect premiums from innocent customers. The insurer then voided these policies due to fraudulent activity leaving those people without valid coverage when they needed it most. The victims suffer significant financial losses due to this scam.

Fake Insurance Websites- Discuss the creation of deceptive websites that imitate well-known insurance companies, where unsuspecting individuals provide their personal details, leading to identity theft or financial losses.

Prevention of Cyber Frauds in the Insurance Industry- Best practices to follow

Prevention is better than cure, which also holds true in the case of cyber fraud in the insurance industry. The industry must take proactive steps to prevent such frauds from occurring in the first place. One of the most effective ways to do so is by investing in cybersecurity measures that are specifically designed for the insurance sector.

Insurance companies must conduct regular employee training programs on cybersecurity best practices. This includes educating employees on how to identify and avoid phishing emails, create strong passwords, and recognise potential cyber threats. Companies should also establish a reporting mechanism for employees to report suspicious activity or incidents immediately.

Having proper access controls in place is also necessary. This means limiting access to sensitive data only to those employees who need it, implementing two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring user activity logs. Regular audits can also provide an extra layer of protection against potential threats by identifying vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked during routine security checks.

Another essential step is encrypting all data transmitted between different systems and devices. Encryption scrambles data into unreadable codes that can only be deciphered using a decryption key, making it difficult for hackers to intercept or steal information in transit.

Legal Framework for Cyber Frauds in the Insurance Industry

The legal framework for cyber fraud in the insurance industry is critical to preventing such crimes. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued guidelines for insurers to establish a cybersecurity framework. The guidelines require insurers to conduct regular risk assessments, implement security measures, and ensure compliance with data privacy laws.

The Information Technology Act 2000, is another significant piece of legislation dealing with cyber fraud in India. The act defines offences such as unauthorised access to a computer system, hacking, and tampering with data. It also provides for stringent penalties and imprisonment for those found guilty of such offences.

The IRDAI’s guidelines provide insurers with a roadmap to establish robust cybersecurity measures to help prevent cyber fraud in the insurance industry. Stringent implementation of these guidelines will go a long way in safeguarding sensitive customer information from falling into the wrong hands.

Best Practices for Insurers and Policyholders

Insurers:

Implementing Strong Authentication: Encouraging the use of multi-factor authentication and secure login processes to safeguard customer accounts and prevent unauthorised access.

Regular Employee Training: Conduct cybersecurity awareness programs to educate employees about the latest threats and preventive measures.

Investing in Advanced Technologies: Utilizing robust cybersecurity tools and systems to promptly detect and mitigate potential cyber threats.

Policyholders:

Vigilance and Awareness: Policyholders must stay vigilant while sharing personal information online and verify the authenticity of insurance websites and communication channels.

Regular Updates and Patches: Advising individuals to keep their devices and software up to date to minimise vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

Secure Online Practices: Encouraging the use of strong and unique passwords, avoiding sharing sensitive information on unsecured networks, and exercising caution when clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

Conclusion

As the Indian insurance industry embraces digitisation, the risk of cyber scams and data breaches becomes a significant concern. Insurers and policyholders must collaborate to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive information and financial interests.

It is essential for insurance companies to invest in robust cybersecurity measures that can detect and prevent fraud attempts. Additionally, educating employees on the dangers of cyber fraud and implementing strict compliance measures can go a long way in mitigating risks. With these efforts, the insurance industry can continue to provide trustworthy and reliable services to its customers while protecting against cyber threats. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative that the insurance industry adapts accordingly and remains vigilant against emerging threats.

Introduction

The hospitality industry is noted to be one of the industries most influenced by technology. Hotels, restaurants, and travel services are increasingly reliant on digital technologies to automate core operations and customer interactions. The shift to electronic modes of conducting business has made the industry a popular target for cyber threats. In light of increasing cyber threats, safeguarding personal and sensitive personal data on the part of the hospitality industry becomes significant not only from a customer standpoint but also from an organisational and legal perspective.

Role of cybersecurity in the hospitality industry

A hospitality industry-based entity (“HI entity”) deploys several technologies not only to automate operations but to also deliver excellent customer experiences. Technologies such as IoTs that enable smart controls in rooms, Point-of-Sale systems that manage reservations, Call Accounting Systems that track and record customer calls, keyless entry systems, and mobile apps that facilitate easy booking and service requests are popularly used in addition to operative technologies such as Property Management Systems, Hotel Accounting Systems, Local Area Networks (LAN).{1} These technologies collect vast volumes of data daily due to the nature of operations. Such data necessarily includes personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email IDs etc. and sensitive information such as gender, bank account and payment details, health information pertaining to food allergens etc. Resultantly, the breach and loss of such critical data impacts customer trust and loyalty and in turn, their retention within the business. Lack of adequate cybersecurity measures also impacts the reputation and goodwill of an HI entity since customers are more likely to opt for establishments that prioritise the protection of their data. In 2022, cybercriminals syphoned 20GB of internal documents and customer data from Marriott Hotels, which included credit card information and staff information such as wage data, corporate card number and even a personnel assessment file. A much larger breach was seen in 2018, where 383 million booking records and 5.3 million unencrypted passport numbers were stolen from Marriott’s servers.{2}

Cybersecurity is also central to safeguarding trade secrets and key confidential trade information. An estimate of US $6 trillion per year on average amounts to losses generated from cybercrimes.{3} The figure, however, does not include the cost of breach, expenses related to incident response, legal fees, regulatory fines etc which may be significantly higher for a HI entity when loss of potential profits is factored in.

Cybersecurity is also central from a legal standpoint. Legal provisions in various jurisdictions mandate the protection of guest data. In India, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, imposes a penalty of up to Rs. 50 Crores on a breach in observing obligations to take reasonable security safeguards to prevent personal data breach.{4} Similarly, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union also has guidelines for protecting personal data. Several other industry-specific rules, such as those pertaining to consumer protection,  may also be applicable.

Breaches and Mitigation

There are several kinds of cyber security threats faced by an HI entity. “Fake Booking” is a popular method of cyber attack, whereby attackers build and design a website that is modelled exactly after the hotel’s legitimate website. Many customers end up using such malicious phishing websites thereby exposing their personal and sensitive personal data to threats. Additionally, the provision of free wifi within hotel premises, usually accessible freely to the public, implies that a malicious actor may introduce viruses and updates bearing malware. Other common cyber threats include denial of service (DoS) attacks, supply chain attacks, ransomware threats, SQL injection attacks (a type of attack where malicious code is inserted into a database to manipulate data and gain access to information), buffer overflow or buffer overrun (when the amount of data exceeds its storage capacity, implying that the excess data overflows into other memory locations and corrupt or overwrites data in those locations). 

One of the best ways to manage data breaches is to leverage newer technologies that operate on a “privacy by design” model. An HI entity must deploy web application firewalls (WAF) that differ from regular firewalls since they can filter the content of specific web applications and prevent cyber attacks. Another method to safeguard data is by deploying a digital certificate which binds a message/instruction to the owner/generator of the message. This is useful in preventing any false claims fraud by customers. Digital certificates may be deployed on distributed ledger technologies such as blockchain, that are noted for their immutability, transparency and security. Self-sovereign identities or Identifiers (SSI) are also a security use-concept of blockchain whereby individuals own and control their personal data, thereby eliminating reliance on central authorities.{5} In the hospitality industry, SSIs enhance cybersecurity by securely storing identity-related information on a decentralised network, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches. Users can selectively share their information, ensuring privacy and minimising data exposure. This approach not only protects guests' personal details but also streamlines authentication processes, making interactions safer and more efficient.

From a less technical standpoint, cybersecurity insurance may be opted for by a hotel to secure themselves and customer information against breach. Through such insurance, a hotel may cover the liability that arises from breaches caused by both first- and third-party actions.{6} Additionally, Payment Cards Industry Data Security Standards should be adhered to, since these standards ensure that businesses should apply best practices when processing credit card data through optimised security. Employee training and upskilling in basic, practical cybersecurity measures and good practices is also a critical component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

References:

• [1]  The Growing Importance of Cybersecurity in the Hospitality Industry”, Alfatec, 11 September 2023 https://www.alfatec.ai/academy/resource-library/the-growing-importance-of-cybersecurity-in-the-hospitality-industry
• [2]  Vigliarolo, Brandon, “Marriott Hotels admit to third data breach in 4 years”, 6 July 2022 https://www.theregister.com/2022/07/06/marriott_hotels_suffer_yet_another/#:~:text=In%20the%20case%20of%20the,of%20an%20individual%20organization%20ever. 

• [3] Shabani, Neda & Munir, Arslan. (2020). A Review of Cyber Security Issues in the Hospitality Industry. 10.1007/978-3-030-52243-8_35. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342683038_A_Review_of_Cyber_Security_Issues_in_Hospitality_Industry/citation/download    
• [4] The Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Digital%20Personal%20Data%20Protection%20Act%202023.pdf 
• [5]  “What is self-sovereign identity?”, Sovrin, 6 December 2018 https://sovrin.org/faq/what-is-self-sovereign-identity/ 
• [6] Yasar, Kinza, “Cyber Insurance”, Tech Target https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/cybersecurity-insurance-cybersecurity-liability-insurance