Hermetic Wiper

• Vaid's ICS, Lucknow
• 03, Mar 2022

Why in  News?

The Hermetic Wiper malware that targeted Ukraine” published in The Hindu on 2nd March 2022.

Ukraine has found that hundreds of its computers have been attacked by a data-wiper malware named Hermetic Wiper.

Moreover, Ukraine’s largest commercial bank was also hit by a DDoS or distributed denial-of-service attack.

What is a Hermetic Wiper?

Hermetic Wiper is a data-wiper malware that was detected on hundreds of computers in Ukraine.

This malware when downloaded can erase all the data on a device it targets in a manner that renders the data irretrievable.

The malware is also capable of attacking data recovery tools on a system and the rebooting system of a hard drive, making it difficult for the device to reboot into its operating system, essentially making it inoperable.

What is a DDoS or distributed denial-of-service attack?

A DDoS attack essentially floods a website with countless frivolous requests for information, eventually leading it to paralyze or crash. It uses bots to send these queries that bombard the site, leaving it inaccessible to legitimate users.

Such attacks, in a conflict situation, can damage critical digital infrastructure, disable government communication and the information ecosystem in a country.

Facts for Prelims :

Indian Vessels Bill, 2021:

About

• Indian Vessels Bill will replace the Inland Vessels Act, 1917. The bill aims to regulate the safety, security and registration of inland vessels.

Key Features of the Indian Vessels Bill, 2021:

Unified Law:

• The Bill provides for a unified law for the entire country, instead of separate rules framed by the States.
• This means that the certificate of registration granted under the proposed law will be deemed to be valid in all States and Union Territories.
• Moreover, there will also beno need to seek separate permissions from the States.

Central Database of Vessels:

• The Bill provides for a central database for recording the details of the vessel, vessel registration, crew on an electronic portal.

Mandatory registration of Vessels:

• The bill requires all mechanically propelled vessels to be mandatorily registered.
• On the other hand, all non-mechanically propelled vessels will also have to be enrolled at the district, taluk or panchayat or village level.

About Inland Waterways:

• India has about 14,500 km of navigable waterways which comprises rivers, canals, backwaters, creeks among others.
• About 55 million tonnes of cargo are being moved annually by Inland Water Transport (IWT), in a fuel-efficient and environment-friendly mode.