Subject Reference: GS Paper III (Internal Security - Cyber Security)
- The News (Dec 2025): MeitY and CERT-In issued a high-level advisory regarding "Ghost Pairing." Unlike traditional scams that require an OTP, this technique tricks users into linking a hacker's device to their WhatsApp account using a legitimate "pairing code."
- Apt Topic: "Social Engineering & The Evolution of Cyber-Enabled Crimes"
- The Modus Operandi: It exploits the Companion Mode feature. Attackers send a fake link (e.g., "View this photo") that leads to a phishing site. This site prompts the user to enter a code, which secretly authorizes the attacker’s browser as a "linked device."
- The "Ghost" Element: Once linked, the attacker can read, send, and delete messages in real-time, often without the user knowing for months, as the original device remains active.
- Internal Security Relevance: Discuss the need for Digital Literacy as a defense mechanism and the role of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
