Threats and vulnerabilities
Keeping up with the latest threats and vulnerabilities is a battle for any security pro. Get up-to-date information on email threats, nation-state attacks, phishing techniques, ransomware and malware, DDoS attacks, APTs, application vulnerabilities, zero-day exploits, malicious insiders and more.
Top Stories
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Video
12 Jul 2024
An explanation of Trojan horse
Trojan horses are a type of malware that can take control of your computer and even access your camera. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2024
Ransomware gangs increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities
New research from Cisco Talos highlighted three of the most popular known vulnerabilities that were exploited by ransomware gangs for initial access during 2023 and 2024. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2024
Check Point sheds light on Windows MSHTML zero-day flaw
A Check Point Software Technologies researcher who discovered CVE-2024-38112 said the Windows spoofing vulnerability may have been exploited as far back at January 2023. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2024
Microsoft fixes 2 zero-days in massive July Patch Tuesday
Microsoft disclosed and patched a whopping 142 vulnerabilities in a busy Patch Tuesday that included two zero-day flaws under active exploitation in the wild. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2024
Governments issue warning on China's APT40 attacks
Government agencies say APT40 continues to pose significant risk to organizations across the globe by exploiting vulnerabilities in public-facing applications. Continue Reading
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Podcast
09 Jul 2024
Risk & Repeat: Hacks, lies and LockBit
Months after an international law enforcement effort disrupted the notorious ransomware-as-a-service operation, LockBit falsely claimed that it breached the U.S. Federal Reserve. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2024
Use these 6 user authentication types to secure networks
One layer of security that all networks and applications need is authentication. Read up on six authentication types, from 2FA to biometrics to certificates. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2024
Ransomware hits CDK Global, public sector targets in June
The prevalent threat continued to cause disruptions last month as city halls were forced to close and auto dealerships faced downstream effects after an attack against CDK Global. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2024
How API attacks work, plus 5 common types
A growing number of API attacks put enterprises at risk of serious data breaches. Learn how these attacks work, and explore some API security best practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jul 2024
16 common types of cyberattacks and how to prevent them
To stop cybercrime, companies must understand how they're being attacked. Here are the most damaging types of cyberattacks and what to do to prevent them. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jul 2024
cyber attack
A cyber attack is any malicious attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer, computing system or computer network with the intent to cause damage. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jul 2024
RSA security conference video roundup: 2024 perspectives
We chatted on camera with attendees and presenters at RSAC 2024. To get the highlights of one of the world's major cybersecurity conferences, check out this video collection. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
03 Jul 2024
The latest from Black Hat USA 2024
Use this guide to Black Hat 2024 to keep up on breaking news, trending topics and expert insights from one of the world's top cybersecurity conferences. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2024
The CDK Global outage: Explaining how it happened
CDK Global was hit with a ransomware attack affecting thousands of U.S. auto dealerships. Keep reading to learn more about this attack and how it affected the industry. Continue Reading
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News
01 Jul 2024
Critical OpenSSH vulnerability could affect millions of servers
Exploitation against CVE-2024-6387, which Qualys nicknamed 'regreSSHion,' could let attackers bypass security measures and gain root access to vulnerable servers. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2024
Supply chain attacks conducted through Polyfill.io service
In February, a Chinese company named Funnell bought the Polyfill.io domain, which sparked concerns in the infosec community about potential supply chain threats. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2024
LockBit claim about hacking U.S. Federal Reserve fizzles
Evolve Bank & Trust confirmed that it was affected by a cybersecurity-related incident, but has not yet said whether the LockBit ransomware gang was responsible. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2024
MoveIt Transfer vulnerability targeted amid disclosure drama
Progress Software's MoveIt Transfer is under attack again, just one year after a Clop ransomware actor exploited a different zero-day MoveIt flaw against thousands of customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2024
12 common types of malware attacks and how to prevent them
The umbrella term malware is one of the greatest cybersecurity threats enterprises face. Learn about 12 common types of malware and how to prevent them. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2024
Best practices for protection from ransomware in cloud storage
Cybercriminals are getting smarter and evolving their enterprise attacks. Be proactive -- get out in front of ransomware in cloud storage before the attack occurs. Continue Reading
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News
25 Jun 2024
CISA discloses breach of Chemical Security Assessment Tool
The breach, which CISA first disclosed in March, stemmed from Ivanti zero-day vulnerabilities that a Chinese nation-state threat actor first exploited in January. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2024
EDR vs. antivirus: What's the difference?
Endpoint detection and response and antivirus tools both protect enterprise networks, and both have distinct advantages. Which is better for your organization? Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2024
What is security information and event management (SIEM)?
Security information and event management (SIEM) is an approach to security management that combines security information management (SIM) and security event management (SEM) functions into one security management system. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2024
Biden administration bans Kaspersky Lab products in US
The Biden administration announced a ban on Kaspersky Lab products inside the United States due to the antivirus vendor's ties with the Russian government. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2024
SolarWinds Serv-U vulnerability under attack
The Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium observed exploitation against CVE-2024-28995, a high-severity vulnerability in SolarWind's Serv-U file transfer product. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2024
Phoenix SecureCore UEFI firmware bug affects Intel processors
Multiple Intel processors and hundreds of PC models are potentially vulnerable to a recently disclosed vulnerability in Phoenix SecureCore UEFI firmware. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jun 2024
How Amazon's decision to ditch Active Directory paid off
Amazon's decision to build its own identity and access management system was an expensive one, but an infamous supply chain attack validated the move. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
zero-day vulnerability
A zero-day vulnerability is a security loophole in software, hardware or firmware that threat actors exploit before the vendors can identify and patch it. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2024
malware
Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that's intentionally harmful to a computer, network or server. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2024
How deepfakes threaten biometric security controls
Biometric security controls are under attack by deepfakes -- convincing images, videos and audio created by generative AI. But all is not lost. Learn how to mitigate the risk. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2024
Black Basta might have exploited Microsoft flaw as zero-day
While investigating a ransomware attack, Symantec found evidence that suggests Black Basta threat actors exploited a Microsoft vulnerability as a zero-day. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Jun 2024
Zero trust vs. defense in depth: What are the differences?
Security administrators don't have to choose between zero-trust and defense-in-depth cybersecurity methodologies. Learn how the two frameworks complement each other. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2024
Hacking vs. spoofing: What's the difference?
While email, text and phone enable instant communication in a technology-driven world, they also expose individuals and companies to cyberattacks such as hacking and spoofing. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
communications intelligence (COMINT)
Communications intelligence (COMINT) is information gathered from the communications between individuals or groups of individuals, including telephone conversations, text messages, email conversations, radio calls and online interactions. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Jun 2024
electronic intelligence (ELINT)
Electronic intelligence (ELINT) is intelligence gathered using electronic sensors, usually used in military applications. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2024
Critical Progress Telerik vulnerability under attack
Threat actors are targeting vulnerable Progress Telerik Report Server systems just days after a proof of concept was published detailing a vulnerability exploit chain. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2024
Ransomware ravaged schools and cities in May
The public sector took the brunt of ransomware in May, while another damaging attack against a healthcare company disrupted patient access to pharmacy services. Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 Jun 2024
Risk & Repeat: Sorting out Snowflake's security mess
This podcast episode discusses the recent attacks against Snowflake customers and a controversial report that claimed the cloud storage and analytics giant had been breached. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jun 2024
Reporting ransomware attacks: Steps to take
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and FBI recommend reporting ransomware attacks to the authorities as soon as possible. This expert advice outlines the process. Continue Reading
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News
04 Jun 2024
Tenable warns of vulnerability in Azure service tags
Microsoft disagreed with Tenable's assessment, saying the security issue in Azure service tags is not a vulnerability and that additional authentication layers are required. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jun 2024
ChatGPT plugin flaws introduce enterprise security risks
Insecure plugin design -- one of the top 10 LLM vulnerabilities, according to OWASP -- opens enterprises to attacks. Explore ChatGPT plugin security risks and how to mitigate them. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2024
Law enforcement conducts 'largest ever' botnet takedown
An international law enforcement effort called 'Operation Endgame' disrupted several infamous malware loaders and botnets used by ransomware gangs and other cybercriminals. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 May 2024
What is extortionware? How does it differ from ransomware?
Prevention is the only line of defense against an extortionware attack. Learn how extortionware works and why it can be more damaging than ransomware. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2024
Why healthcare data is often the target of ransomware attacks
The healthcare industry relies heavily on IT systems. Sensitive patient data is valuable to hackers, leading to ransomware attacks that disrupt operations and endanger lives. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2024
Check Point discovers vulnerability tied to VPN attacks
While Check Point identified CVE-2024-24919 as the root cause behind recent attack attempts on its VPN products, it's unclear if threat actors gained access to customer networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2024
What role does an initial access broker play in the RaaS model?
Initial access brokers play an increasingly vital role in the ransomware ecosystem, establishing entry points from which RaaS groups can facilitate attacks against organizations. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2024
93% of vulnerabilities unanalyzed by NVD since February
New research from VulnCheck shows the NIST's National Vulnerability Database has struggled to manage a growing number of reported vulnerabilities this year. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2024
Critical bug discovered in open source utility Fluent Bit
Tenable researchers discovered a critical vulnerability, dubbed 'Linguistic Lumberjack,' in Fluent Bit, an open source logging utility widely used by major cloud providers. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2024
Rapid7 warns of alarming zero-day vulnerability trends
The cybersecurity vendor tracked vulnerabilities that were used by threat actors in mass compromise events and found more than half were exploited as zero days. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 May 2024
ATM jackpotting
ATM jackpotting is the exploitation of physical and software vulnerabilities in automated banking machines that result in the machines dispensing cash. Continue Reading
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Podcast
15 May 2024
Risk & Repeat: Recapping RSA Conference 2024
Artificial intelligence was center stage at RSA Conference 2024, but the show also focused on secure-by-design principles, the ransomware landscape and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2024
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a public framework for rating the severity and characteristics of security vulnerabilities in information systems. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Google discloses 2 zero-day vulnerabilities in less than a week
Google released fixed versions to address the two vulnerabilities in its Chrome web browser, but the updates will roll out in stages with no specific dates available. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2024
Cloud vulnerability management: A complete guide
Your security strategy might not grapple directly with cloud vulnerability management. Is it time to consider the possible benefits and challenges of this emerging product class? Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2024
RSAC panel debates confidence in post-quantum cryptography
The Cryptographers' Panel at RSAC offered opinions on their confidence in PQC following the release of a paper questioning lattice-based encryption's viability. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 May 2024
bug bounty program
A bug bounty program, also called a vulnerability rewards program (VRP), is a crowdsourcing initiative that rewards individuals like ethical hackers and security researchers for discovering and reporting vulnerabilities and bugs in software. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
SD-WAN security
SD-WAN security refers to the practices, protocols and technologies protecting data and resources transmitted across software-defined wide area network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
virtual machine escape
A virtual machine escape is an exploit in which an attacker runs code on a VM that lets the operating system (OS) running within it break out and interact directly with the hypervisor. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2024
Dell 'security incident' might affect millions
Dell notified customers that a company portal connected to customer data exposed orders, names and addresses, while reports indicate the data is now up for sale on the dark web. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
threat actor
A threat actor, also called a malicious actor or bad actor, is an entity that is partially or wholly responsible for an incident that affects -- or has the potential to affect -- an organization's security. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2024
Build a resilient network: What I learned from 5 thought leaders
At the 2024 'Strategies for a Resilient Network' summit, five thought leaders shared best practices to help you achieve optimal network resiliency. Learn more. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2024
National Security Agency warns against paying ransoms
Rob Joyce and David Luber, former and current directors of cybersecurity at the NSA, discuss how the ransomware attack on Change Healthcare exemplified the cons of paying ransoms. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2024
Patch management vs. vulnerability management: Key differences
Although patch and vulnerability management are intertwined, they differ in critical ways. It's important to have distinct tools and processes to execute both effectively. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2024
VM security in cloud computing explained
Cloud computing allows an organization to reduce its risks by having to secure fewer resources. The tradeoff is that cloud creates more attack vectors. Don't let VMs trip you up. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2024
White House: Threats to critical infrastructure are 'severe'
While the White House released the new National Cybersecurity Strategy last year to help combat threats to critical infrastructure organizations, attacks have continued. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2024
SentinelOne: Ransomware actors are adapting to EDR
At RSA Conference 2024, SentinelOne's Alex Stamos discussed ongoing global threats such as ransomware and how threat actors are changing their techniques. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2024
U.S. agencies continue to observe Volt Typhoon intrusions
A panel of experts at RSA Conference 2024 discussed Volt Typhoon and warned the Chinese nation-state threat group is still targeting and compromising U.S. organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2024
How to detect deepfakes manually and using AI
Deepfakes rely on AI to generate realistic but counterfeit content. A variety of automated tools and manual hints can help organizations pinpoint deepfake videos and images. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2024
Recorded Future observes 'concerning' hacktivism shift
At RSA Conference 2024, Recorded Future detailed alarming trends as nation-state attackers operate under the guise of hacktivism to cover real threats to organizations. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2024
IBM study shows security for GenAI projects is an afterthought
IBM's survey of C-suite executives finds that 82% say trustworthy and secure AI are essential, but only 24% have a security component included in their GenAI projects. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2024
What is a potentially unwanted program (PUP)?
A potentially unwanted program (PUP) is a program that may be unwanted, despite the possibility that users consented to download it. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2024
U.S. warns of pro-Russian hacktivist attacks against OT systems
CISA calls on OT device manufacturers to implement more effective security protocols as attacks against critical infrastructure organizations continue. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2024
Verizon DBIR: Vulnerability exploitation in breaches up 180%
Verizon said it examined approximately twice as many breaches for the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report -- 10,626 out of 30,458 total tracked incidents. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
01 May 2024
RSA Conference 2024 focuses on collaboration, resilience
Follow TechTarget Security's RSAC 2024 guide for pre-conference insights and the most pressing presentations and breaking news at the world's biggest infosec event. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2024
Risk & Repeat: Change Healthcare's bad ransomware bet
This Risk & Repeat podcast discusses Change Healthcare's ransomware attack and the apparent further spread of sensitive data despite the company paying a ransom. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2024
Cisco zero-day flaws in ASA, FTD software under attack
Cisco revealed that a nation-state threat campaign dubbed 'ArcaneDoor' exploited two zero-day vulnerabilities in its Adaptive Security Appliance and Firepower Threat Defense products. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2024
Critical CrushFTP zero-day vulnerability under attack
While a patch is now available, a critical CrushFTP vulnerability came under attack as a zero-day and could allow attackers to exfiltrate all files on the server. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2024
Coalition: Insurance claims for Cisco ASA users spiked in 2023
Coalition urged enterprises to be cautious when using Cisco and Fortinet network boundary devices as attackers can leverage the attack vectors to gain initial access. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2024
GitHub vulnerability leaks sensitive security reports
The vulnerability is triggered when GitHub users correct code or other mistakes they discover on repositories. But GitHub does not believe it warrants a fix. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2024
Traditional MFA isn't enough, phishing-resistant MFA is key
Not every MFA technique is effective in combating phishing attacks. Enterprises need to consider new approaches to protect end users from fraudulent emails. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2024
U.S. cracks down on commercial spyware with visa restrictions
The move marks the latest effort by the U.S. government to curb the spread of commercial spyware, which has been used to target journalists, politicians and human rights activists. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2024
Creating a patch management policy: Step-by-step guide
A comprehensive patch management policy is insurance against security vulnerabilities and bugs in networked hardware and software that can disrupt your critical business processes. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2024
Mandiant: Attacker dwell time down, ransomware up in 2023
Mandiant's 'M-Trends' 2024 report offered positive signs for global cybersecurity but warned that threat actors are shifting to zero-day exploitation and evasion techniques. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2024
Mitre breached by nation-state threat actor via Ivanti flaws
An unnamed nation-state threat actor breached Mitre through two Ivanti Connect Secure zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-46805 and CVE-2024-21887, disclosed earlier this year. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2024
CISA: Akira ransomware extorted $42M from 250+ victims
The Akira ransomware gang, which utilizes sophisticated hybrid encryption techniques and multiple ransomware variants, targeted vulnerable Cisco VPNs in a campaign last year. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2024
Cisco discloses high-severity vulnerability, PoC available
The security vendor released fixes for a vulnerability that affects Cisco Integrated Management Controller, which is used by devices including routers and servers. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2024
Mandiant upgrades Sandworm to APT44 due to increasing threat
Over the past decade, Sandworm has been responsible for high-severity attacks that highlight the group's persistence, evasion techniques and threat to government bodies. Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2024
CISA: Midnight Blizzard obtained federal agency emails
CISA ordered U.S. federal agencies to reset any credentials exposed by Midnight Blizzard's breach against Microsoft and notify CISA in the case of a known or suspected compromise. Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2024
Palo Alto Networks discloses RCE zero-day vulnerability
Threat actors have exploited the remote code injection flaw, which affects the GlobalProtect gateway in Palo Alto Networks' PAN-OS software, in a 'limited' number of attacks. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Apr 2024
5 trends in the cyber insurance evolution
As cyber insurance companies evolve, they will wield more power throughout the industry. Check out five areas where cyber insurance trends are changing the cybersecurity market. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2024
fraud detection
Fraud detection is a set of activities undertaken to prevent money or property from being obtained through false pretenses. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2024
Unit 42: Malware-initiated scanning attacks on the rise
Palo Alto Networks' research team warned of threat actors compromising one victim and then using that victim's resources to discreetly scan for vulnerabilities on other systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2024
Why the Keitaro TDS keeps causing security headaches
Keitaro insists it is on the side of the law, but threat actors continue to flock to the software company's traffic distribution system to redirect users to malicious domains. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2024
Flaws in legacy D-Link NAS devices under attack
Internet scans show threat actors are targeting CVE-2024-3273 in thousands of end-of-life D-Link NAS devices, and exploitation requires no authentication. Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 Apr 2024
Risk & Repeat: Cyber Safety Review Board takes Microsoft to task
This podcast episode discusses the Cyber Safety Review Board's report on Microsoft and its conclusion that the software giant must overhaul its security culture. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2024
Ransomware attacks ravaged municipal governments in March
Many municipalities across the U.S. faced network outages, data breaches and large ransom demands following a flurry of ransomware attacks last month. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2024
Infosec professionals praise CSRB report on Microsoft breach
Security professionals and executives weigh in on how the Cyber Safety Review Board handled its investigation into Microsoft and what it could mean for the tech giant. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2024
5 top OT threats and security challenges
Securing operational technology is particularly critical but also especially challenging. Consider these top OT threats and how to manage them. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2024
Cyber Safety Review Board slams Microsoft security failures
The Department of Homeland Security's Cyber Safety Review Board said a 'cascade' of errors at Microsoft allowed nation-state hackers to access U.S. government emails last year. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2024
Trend Micro: LockBit ransomware gang's comeback is failing
LockBit is struggling to resume operations in part due to the name-and-shame aspect of the international law enforcement operation responsible for the gang's disruption. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2024
Cloud computing forensics techniques for evidence acquisition
With the proper tools and methodologies, security teams can provide analysts with the critical pieces required to complete cloud computing forensics investigations. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2024
XZ backdoor discovery reveals Linux supply chain attack
A maintainer for XZ, a popular open source compression library for Linux distributions, compromised the open source project over the course of two years. Continue Reading