Bharat Web3 Association Launches ABCD Initiative to Enhance Web3 Security

Bharat Web3 Association (BWA), India's non-governmental Web3 advisory body, has announced a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing cybersecurity threats in the crypto sector. The Alliance for Blockchain and Crypto Defence (ABCD) was unveiled on December 2, 2023, with a focus on developing resources and programs to safeguard the Web3 landscape against hackers and vulnerabilities.

Key Takeaways

• New Initiative: The ABCD initiative aims to tackle Web3 security issues comprehensively.
• Collaboration: BWA will work with various governmental and cybersecurity organizations.
• Global Expansion: Future plans include expanding the initiative internationally.
• Fraud Prevention: The initiative will focus on tracking stolen assets and reporting fraudulent activities.

The BWA's Chairperson, Dilip Chenoy, emphasized the importance of building trust around Web3-related products and services, stating, "Our goal is to meet all the regulatory requirements without compromising on growth. Building trust around Web3-related products and services holds the key to mass adoption of emerging technologies in India and globally."

Comprehensive Approach to Security

The ABCD initiative will implement a multi-faceted strategy to enhance Web3 security, which includes:

• Standardizing Practices: Establishing protocols for identifying, reporting, and mitigating scams.
• Community Engagement: Conducting cybersecurity awareness sessions for community members.
• Collaboration with Authorities: Partnering with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), State Cybercrime Cells, CERT-In, I4C, and the Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND) to address current cybersecurity challenges.

Future Goals and Global Expansion

As the ABCD initiative develops, BWA plans to expand its reach beyond India. The association aims to facilitate industry-specific information sharing on an international level and increase dialogue with global authorities. Key individuals will be invited to provide strategic guidance to help achieve the alliance's objectives.

Addressing Cryptocurrency Fraud

Recent reports highlight the alarming rise in cryptocurrency-related fraud, with customers losing over $5.6 billion in 2022 alone, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. The ABCD initiative will focus on:

• Tracking Stolen Assets: Collaborating with crypto analytics firms and cybersecurity institutions to identify stolen assets by tracking suspicious wallet IDs.
• Centralized Reporting Platform: Developing a platform where members can report fraudulent activities, monitored by cybersecurity professionals.
• Common Blacklist: Creating a blacklist of users and entities involved in fraudulent activities, compiled from participant reports.

Open Invitation to Stakeholders

In the coming months, BWA will welcome Web3 stakeholders to contribute to the ABCD initiative, ensuring it remains focused on addressing cybersecurity issues effectively. Founded in 2022, BWA has been expanding its influence beyond India, recently signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Australia and Indonesia to collaborate on Web3-related matters.

Sources

• Bharat Web3 Association Announces New ‘ABCD’ Initiative Focussed on Web3 Security  | Technology News, Gadgets 360.