Managing Cyberattacks During Modern Conflicts

Being a responsible citizen of INDIA (or any nation) if ever you become a target of cybercriminals, that’s the worst nightmare of today’s modern world. Since Cybofense aims to share knowledge and experience of its professional content providers to the readers and subscriber, we have collated few steps and tips that can be followed specifically during any national conflicts or warfare. If you stuck in the swarms of cyberattack happening during the crucial time here is your guide to keep yourself and your assets safe.

You need to be well aware and take responsibility of your behavior if you fall in any category listed below or if not listed here, you know very well you are responsible for any misadventure or over enthusiastic behavior, so if

1. If you are resident of border or conflict region or village/city or someone living nearby forces establishments.
2. You are an avid adventurous or daily traveler move across the border during daytime make sure you don’t expose yourself taking pics and posting to social media.
3. If you are associated with any news channel reporting live or you are running your own news sharing YT channels, be sure what you are posting, authorities are watching your moves that can put in you in non-negotiable situations.
4. If you are running or managing business/establishment sites like restaurants, cafe nearby forces movements, make sure don’t behave over enthusiastic.

During the period of war/crises every citizen is a soldier, active or passive, so here are some steps to consider if you get hit by any state funded cyber criminals.

Immediate Actions:

1. Disconnect from the internet: very basic very reliable, Immediately disconnect your device/s from the internet to prevent any further damage, don’t playground with not a moment to show expertise, post shut down you can experiment with all digital footprints.
2. Change passwords:That’s the front gate of your breached session, immediately change all your passwords, especially for sensitive accounts that are stored on the device (keep a list handy with all usernames in a secured dairy or notebook).
3. Remove all the digital Personal Identifications from your devices, remove all the stored pages/weblinks/extensions.
4. Notify authorities: Report the incident to local authorities and cybercrime reporting centers.

In india the noted authority is Cert-In,
Report to – incident@cert-in.org.in
tollfree no- 1800-11-4949

Protective Measures

1. Use strong antivirus software: Not to mention in today’s world still has a relevance when most of us are trying to get free version after oem provided gets expired. Install and regularly update antivirus software to detect and remove malware.
2. Keep softwares up-to-date: Very basic but if there is any updaate released for phone or other devices ensure all software, including operating systems and applications, are updated with the latest security patches.
3. Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt internet traffic if needed (especially if you are a frequent visitor of gaming/betting/porn/torrent user), try to get the best paid ones avoid freebies since most of them are themselves very vulnerable to get their own data leaked or maybe they are the trap and will intrude to your home network.
4. Be cautious with emails and links: Avoid opening suspicious emails or clicking unknown links luring with winning prizes/holiday trips, or provoking messages from unknown groups for linkup/hookups/dating’s apps asking for bachelor/married groups events invitation.

Best Practices (we should be following it)

1. Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for sensitive accounts (MS auth, G-Auth, or may be RSA-apps).
2. Back up data: Regularly back up important data to a secure location, (ideally not an active storage device).
3. Monitor accounts: Closely monitor bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.
4. Stay informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Additional Resources

1. National Cyber Security Alliance: Utilize resources and guidelines from national cyber security alliances, Cert-In – Home Page
2. Cybersecurity awareness websites: Visit websites that provide cybersecurity awareness and tips – https://cybofense.com

Share this knowledge among your friends and family and help them stay aware and updated and act as a responsible citizen of the Nation. you should follow the above suggestions to take part in the war against Cyber terrorism.