Cybersecurity Incident Report: Nepal Protests and the Role of Social Media
On September 8, chaotic protests erupted in Kathmandu, Nepal, culminating in significant violence, including gunfire that resulted in fatalities. This civil unrest was primarily fueled by widespread corruption among government officials, intensifying the already escalating dissatisfaction among the populace, especially the youth led by Gen Z activists. The government’s prior decision to ban 26 social media platforms further ignited tensions, triggering street demonstrations.
The protests unfolded as nearly two dozen individuals were reported killed by authorities, leading to an unexpected mobilization of citizens. Among those witnessing these events was travel vlogger Harry Jackson, who documented his ride from Thailand to the UK. Using his platform, Jackson captured and shared the unfolding violence and its impact, granting the global audience a rare glimpse into the turmoil.
These demonstrations quickly escalated, defying law enforcement’s attempts to control the situation. Protesters stormed the parliament grounds, setting fire to the building while demanding accountability from their leaders. Jackson, equipped with social media skills honed over months of travel vlogging, became a vital source of information, relaying live updates to thousands of viewers.
The protests grew out of deep-seated frustrations regarding political corruption and the ostentatious lifestyles displayed by politicians’ children on social media, igniting broader calls for accountability that finally erupted into riotous clashes with police. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live rounds, drawing international concern over the use of excessive force against largely peaceful demonstrators.
Experts analyzing the protest dynamics may align this situation with several MITRE ATT&CK tactics. The initial unrest correlates with potential ‘Initial Access’ strategies, wherein the public’s discontent acted as a gateway for mass mobilization. Additionally, the government’s heavy-handed response could indicate a failure in ‘Defense Evasion,’ wherein authorities struggled to control narrative and suppress dissent despite employing tactics designed to quell unrest.
Jackson had initially visited Nepal earlier in June but returned once he encountered geopolitical roadblocks elsewhere. His original intent for a brief stop evolved into a front-row seat to a historic societal upheaval. Amid the turmoil, he decided to join demonstrators, recognizing the significance of the moment despite being warned about potential dangers for tourists.
Throughout the day of protests, Jackson’s footage captured both the chaos and solidarity among protesters. They assisted one another, handing out water and aiding those affected by tear gas, showcasing a community rallying together amidst crisis. His video documentation quickly gained traction, culminating in millions of views, with significant engagement on platforms like YouTube, thus amplifying the narrative of the protests worldwide.
As businesses and organizations globally monitor events like those in Nepal, it is crucial to recognize the interplay between social media and civil dissent. This incident underscores the potential for digital platforms to both inspire and inform social movements, while also highlighting vulnerabilities that can lead to significant security risks for web-based services. The response to such instances can serve as a case study for understanding how adversarial tactics may evolve as public sentiment is channeled through digital means.
