Web3 Could’ve Saved Uber from Falling for a Teenager’s Hack

In a world full of Web2 vulnerabilities, Web3 could've saved Uber from attacks

Two weeks ago, ride-sharing service Uber witnessed a major cyber security breach that forced it to take several critical systems offline following an alleged social engineering attack on an employee by an apparent teenage hacktivist. The incident came to light late on Thursday 15 September according to the New York Times, an individual claiming responsibility for the attack shared screengrabs of various compromised Uber resources with the newspaper and security researchers. Many security experts believe that Web3 could've saved Uber from this breach and Web2 is to be blamed.

What would a Web3 for Uber look like?

According to Cointelegraph, Web3 does not necessarily mean a change in the app interfaces we interact with. In fact, one could argue that continuity and similarity are key to adoption. A Web3 for Uber would look and feel pretty much the same on the surface. It would have the same overall purpose and function as existing Web2 ride-hailing apps. Below the deck, however, it would be a very different beast. The benefits Web3 offers Uber are decentralized governance, data sovereignty, and inclusive monetization models — systems that distribute earnings democratically —engineered under the surface.

Web3 is all about verifiable ownership. It is the first time that people can verifiably own assets, be it digital or physical, through the Web. This pertains to ownership of value in the form of cryptocurrencies; but in the case of Web3 ride-hailing, it also pertains to retaining ownership of your data and ownership of the apps, underlying networks, and the vehicles themselves.

A good deal of web3 security rests on blockchains' special ability to make commitments and to be resilient to human intervention. But the related feature of finality – where transactions are generally irreversible – makes these software-controlled networks a tempting target for attackers. Indeed, as blockchains – the distributed computer networks that are the foundation of web3 – and their accompanying technologies and applications accrue value, they become increasingly coveted targets for attackers.

Web3 could've saved Uber from getting hacked. But how?

Traditional security design principles are just as essential for Web3 systems as any other. Builders must incorporate security-minded criteria into their designs, products, and infrastructures. For example, developers should work to minimize attack surface areas, secure defaults, and zero-trust frameworks, and ensure separate and minimal privileges. Technologies must come secondary to the principles that inform their designs.

Cyber-risk management programs benefit from collaborating with industry peers to increase the understanding and mitigation of emerging threats. In the context of Web3, some channels resemble traditional resources, such as open-source platforms, like GitHub or OODA Loop's recently released Cryptocurrency Incident Database. After noticing a high number of cybersecurity incidents among Web3 projects, OODA Loop built the database to help security researchers and engineers see common cyber attack categories and root causes. Builders should also publish security guidance for developers on their platforms. Web3's development is relatively public, so other avenues for research include Reddit, Discord, and Twitter.

The Defining Properties of Web3

The novel and unheard-of features that are tuned inside the current Web 2.0 environment make Web3 appealing. Web3 has the potential to drastically change how people use the internet. With Web3, automated everyday chores, scheduled reminders, AI-based search, and other features will become increasingly ubiquitous. Web 3.0 has significantly improved users' digital experiences while also providing security for online applications.

The use of 3D graphics opens up a world of options for how the material might be seen. Semantic metadata also facilitates information connectedness, allowing everyone on one central hub to access all information available dependent on user behavior. This goes beyond the concept of a basic website and builds its own web. Web 3.0 will allow services to be utilized everywhere, thanks to the fact that all data is given access to numerous smart apps.

The Real Internet Revolution

Web 3.0 has come to alter the game for everyone in every industry. Take, for example, the health sector, which is based on Web 2.0. What if there was a method to digitize and automate all current and incoming data to minimize effort and save time? Because Web 3.0 promotes itself as a 'find engine' rather than a 'search engine', this is conceivable.

It may become easier and faster to treat people based on their medical histories and genetic profiles. Medical practitioners can rely on Web 3.0-based smart apps to proceed with a new case using a system that can give quick go-to measures depending on new admissions. The same may be said with prescription drugs and diagnostics. We will also have a system at some point where a doctor-patient relationship will include automated stages that can cut latency and expenses.

Because of the vast number of options that have yet to be discovered, Web 3.0's capabilities are unclear. The unstructured web is only going to become bigger and better, and it can be extended across industries of all sorts, which is something we can get thrilled about. As a result, it's reasonable to claim that Web 3.0 is the real internet revolution that many people are eagerly anticipating.

Conclusion

We should expect a great wave of the global digital revolution as we transition to a more centralized internet, with augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) playing major roles in determining our use-case situations. What Web 3.0 brings to the game is much-needed development space for designers. On the other side, consumers may anticipate improved digital experiences and a more polished internet overall.