Application and platform security
Applications and platform security is the basis of preventing vulnerabilities and attacks. Learn the latest about applications attacks, secure software development, patch management, OS security, virtualization, open source security, API security, web app and server security and more.
Top Stories
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News
28 Feb 2025
Microsoft targets AI deepfake cybercrime network in lawsuit
Microsoft alleges that defendants used stolen Azure OpenAI API keys and special software to bypass content guardrails and generate illicit AI deepfakes for payment. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2025
Why and how to create Azure service principals
Service principals are a convenient and secure way to protect Azure resources. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a service principal that defends vital Azure workloads. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2022
Google patches yet another Chrome zero-day vulnerability
Google issued an update Wednesday to address a potentially serious security vulnerability in its Chrome browser, and the company urged users to patch their browsers immediately. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2022
Mailchimp suffers second breach in 4 months
While the source of the breach has not been confirmed, an attacker got into Mailchimp and gained access to the customer account of cloud hosting provider DigitalOcean. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2022
How to ensure a secure metaverse in your organization
Before deploying your company's metaverse, follow these practices -- including inventorying vulnerabilities and developing T&Cs -- to proactively address metaverse security issues. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2022
Eclypsium calls out Microsoft over bootloader security woes
At DEF CON 30, Eclypsium researchers detailed three new vulnerabilities in third-party Windows bootloaders that were signed with Microsoft's UEFI certificates. Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2022
Researchers reveal Kubernetes security holes, prevention
Researchers with Palo Alto Networks took the stage at Black Hat to explain how configurations and system privileges in Kubernetes clusters can allow container escape and takeover. Continue Reading
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News
11 Aug 2022
How CI/CD pipelines are putting enterprise networks at risk
At Black Hat USA 2022, NCC Group researchers demonstrated how threat actors can compromise CI/CD pipelines and break out into enterprise networks and cloud environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2022
Compare SAST vs. DAST vs. SCA for DevSecOps
SAST, DAST and SCA DevSecOps tools can automate code security testing. Discover what each testing method does, and review some open source options to choose from. Continue Reading
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News
03 Aug 2022
Thoma Bravo to acquire Ping Identity for $2.8B
Thoma Bravo's bid is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2022. Ping Identity's purchase price represents a 63% premium over the vendor's closing price Tuesday. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2022
10 enterprise database security best practices
Beyond protecting enterprise databases from vulnerabilities, it is critical to improve and review their security on a regular basis. Learn more with these database security best practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2022
stack pointer
A stack pointer is a small register that stores the memory address of the last data element added to the stack or, in some cases, the first available address in the stack. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jul 2022
How to secure data at rest, in use and in motion
With internal and external cyber threats on the rise, check out these tips to best protect and secure data at rest, in use and in motion. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jul 2022
AWS issues MFA call to action at re:Inforce 2022
To reduce growing attack surfaces in the cloud, AWS executives emphasized the importance of implementing MFA to protect accounts and blocking public access to cloud resources. Continue Reading
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Podcast
25 Jul 2022
The awkward state of the remote vs. in-person work debate
TechTarget senior news writer Beth Pariseau discusses return-to-work initiatives for IT pros and in-person tech conferences coming back onto the schedule. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jul 2022
Atlassian Confluence plugin contains hardcoded password
A flaw in Questions for Confluence, a first-party application in Atlassian Confluence, contains a hardcoded password enabling access into any vulnerable instance. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2022
4 critical flaws among 84 fixes in July Patch Tuesday
Microsoft's Patch Tuesday release for July brought dozens of fixes for security flaws in Windows, an Azure disaster recovery tool and the problematic Print Spooler service. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jul 2022
HackerOne incident raises concerns for insider threats
While the threat actor's motivation appears to be financial, it shows just how damaging an insider threat could be for vulnerability disclosure and bug bounty systems. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jun 2022
Ransomware gangs using Log4Shell to attack VMware instances
Ransomware groups are exploiting the Log4Shell flaw in VMware Horizon and using DLL sideloading techniques to exfiltrate and encrypt data, according to Trend Micro. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2022
An enterprise bug bounty program vs. VDP: Which is better?
Creating a bug bounty or vulnerability disclosure program? Learn which option might prove more useful, and get tips on getting a program off the ground. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2022
Top 4 best practices to secure the SDLC
NIST's Secure Software Development Framework is a set of practices for mitigating software vulnerabilities. Learn about the top SDLC best practices included in this framework. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jun 2022
Chinese HUI Loader malware ups the ante on espionage attacks
A state-sponsored piece of malware may become a favorite weapon for Beijing-backed hacking crews looking to lift intellectual property from foreign firms. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
How to set up automated log collection with PowerShell
Gathering logs from on-premises Windows Server systems or Office 365 cloud services is a necessary but tedious job. Try a PowerShell script to ease the pain. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2022
How hackers use AI and machine learning to target enterprises
AI benefits security teams and cybercriminals alike. Learn how hackers use AI and machine learning to target enterprises, and get tips on preventing AI-focused cyber attacks. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2022
Critical Atlassian Confluence flaw remains under attack
Researchers say a critical flaw in the Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server is now being used to spread ransomware in the wild, making updates a top priority. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2022
Tenable slams Microsoft over Azure vulnerabilities
Tenable expressed its frustration after working with Microsoft on the disclosure of two cloud flaws that researchers ranked as critical, which the company later silently patched. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2022
Supply chain security takes center stage at OpenJS World 2022
At OpenJS World 2022, the Open Source Security Foundation outlined two ambitious initiatives to fix supply chain security issues in open source software. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2022
CrowdStrike demonstrates dangers of container escape attacks
CrowdStrike gave a live demonstration at RSA Conference 2022 of how an attacker can use a recently discovered Kubernetes flaw to obtain full control over a container's host system. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2022
MacOS malware attacks slipping through the cracks
Apple security specialist Patrick Wardle told RSA Conference 2022 attendees that some of the worst security flaws in the macOS operating system come from overlooked bits of code. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2022
Critical Atlassian Confluence flaw exploited in the wild
No patch is currently available for the critical Atlassian bug, which affects Confluence Server and Data Center products, though one is expected by end of day Friday. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
May ransomware attacks strike municipal governments, IT firms
A major agriculture machinery vendor as well as a handful of other private companies and municipal governments were the targets of ransomware attacks in May. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jun 2022
Conti ransomware group targeted Intel firmware tools
A pair of Intel firmware management platforms were targeted by the notorious Conti ransomware group to create new attack techniques, according to Eclypsium researchers. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2022
Microsoft zero day exploited in the wild, workarounds released
A zero-day flaw in the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool has already been exploited in the wild. No patch is available yet, but Microsoft released temporary mitigations. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Twitter fined $150M for misusing 2FA data
The DOJ and FTC said the social media company misused consumers' personal data for advertisement purposes, from which it gained benefit. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 May 2022
Top 4 source code security best practices
Software supply chain attacks are on the rise. Follow these source code best practices to protect both in-house and third-party code. Continue Reading
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News
24 May 2022
Developers targeted by poisoned Python library
A developer's expired domain led to a threat actor taking control of an open source library and poisoning it with malware that could steal private keys for AWS instances. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2022
5 fundamental strategies for REST API authentication
There are various authentication methods for REST APIs, ranging from basic credentials and token encryption to complex, multilayered access control and permissions validation. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 May 2022
Apple, Microsoft, Google expand FIDO2 passwordless support
Achieving true passwordless experiences begins with companies working together to adopt standards that enable customers to use multiple devices seamlessly, regardless of OS. Continue Reading
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News
19 May 2022
VMware vulnerabilities under attack, CISA urges action
Administrators are grappling with four VMware vulnerabilities -- two older flaws that are under active exploitation and two new bugs that CISA believes will be exploited soon. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 May 2022
5 reasons software updates are important
When it's time to update your software programs, don't delay. Updates can prevent security issues and improve compatibility and program features. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 May 2022
Query event logs with PowerShell to find malicious activity
Every action on a Windows Server system gets recorded, so don't get caught by an avoidable security incident. Learn how to find potential security problems in event logs. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2022
How micropatching could help close the security update gap
Countless known but unpatched vulnerabilities pose significant, ongoing risk to the typical enterprise. Learn how micropatching could help close the security update gap. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2022
Case study: Scaling DevSecOps at Comcast
Comcast's DevSecOps transformation started small but quickly gained steam, resulting in 85% fewer security incidents in production. Learn more in this case study. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2022
The top secure software development frameworks
Keeping security top of mind when developing software is paramount. Learn how to incorporate security into the SDLC with the top secure software development frameworks. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2022
Hackers exploit vulnerable Adminer for AWS database thefts
Mandiant researchers spotted a threat group using an exploit for older versions of Adminer to get their hands on metadata that included secret keys for AWS accounts. Continue Reading
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News
05 May 2022
Google cloud misconfiguration poses risk to customers
Cloud security vendor Mitiga discovered 'dangerous functionality' in the Google Cloud Platform that could allow attackers to compromise virtual machines. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2022
Is cloud critical infrastructure? Prep now for provider outages
The cloud has quickly become critical infrastructure to many organizations. Learn about the top cloud provider outages, and discover tips on preventing disruption during downtime. Continue Reading
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News
28 Apr 2022
Phishing attacks benefiting from shady SEO practices
Cybercriminals running phishing operations are now making use of SEO specialists that break Google's rules to get themselves placed above legitimate search results to lure victims. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2022
Windows Server 2022 security hardening guide for admins
Emerging threats continue to target the Windows ecosystem, but there are multiple methods to make it tougher to be the victim of a malicious hack attempt. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2022
LemonDuck botnet evades detection in cryptomining attacks
While the botnet is not new, it appears operators are honing their skills and evading Alibaba Cloud's monitoring service to take advantage of rising cryptocurrency prices. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2022
Unethical vulnerability disclosures 'a disgrace to our field'
The cybersecurity field needs more people who use their powers for good, the lead author of Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker's Handbook, Sixth Edition says. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2022
Cryptocurrency theft leaves Beanstalk Farms' future in doubt
Beanstalk Farms' founders confirmed they found many aspects of activity during the attack 'strange' but saw no reason for concern. Now, the company's future is uncertain. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2022
Attack on Beanstalk Farms results in $182M loss
High payouts and security weaknesses make cryptocurrency a growing target, which was highlighted even further in the latest attack involving virtual currency and a DeFi platform. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2022
Critical Windows RPC vulnerability raises alarm
Security experts warn that a newly disclosed vulnerability in a critical Windows networking component is opening the door for remote takeover attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2022
The management approach for internal vs. external APIs
While internal and external APIs don't differ much mechanically, there are some important contrasts when it comes to certain API design and lifecycle management issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Apr 2022
6 enterprise secure file transfer best practices
Employees can share files with the click of a button -- but don't let the efficiency fool you. Use these secure file transfer best practices to avoid exposing confidential data. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Apr 2022
Should companies ask for a SaaS software bill of materials?
Though it isn't commonplace to ask for a SaaS software bill of materials, one can be beneficial for both SaaS providers and their customers. Learn why. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Apr 2022
content filtering
Content filtering is a process involving the use of software or hardware to screen and/or restrict access to objectionable email, webpages, executables and other suspicious items. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2022
How to implement OpenID Connect for single-page applications
The OpenID Connect authentication protocol can be used to secure a variety of applications. This excerpt teaches developers how it works with single-page applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2022
How to use OpenID Connect for authentication
OpenID Connect has become a trusted protocol to connect with identity providers. Explore how to use it for IAM, common threats to be aware of and how to connect to multiple IdPs. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2022
Zimperium acquired by Liberty Strategic Capital for $525M
Zimperium is the latest cybersecurity investment for Liberty Strategic Capital, a private equity firm founded by former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2022
Spring Framework vulnerabilities sow confusion, concern
Two different remote code execution vulnerabilities in a Java developer tool caused considerable confusion after one of the flaws was leaked online as a zero-day. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Mar 2022
The benefits and challenges of SBOMs
While software bills of material present new challenges for security teams, they offer the benefits of improved visibility, transparency and security. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2022
F-Secure splits in two as WithSecure launches
The Finnish security vendor's enterprise business sets off on its own as a new brand called WithSecure, while F-Secure will continue to operate the consumer side of the business. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2022
Cryptocurrency companies impacted by HubSpot breach
A compromised employee account at HubSpot led to the breach of several companies' customers in the cryptocurrency industry. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Mar 2022
NetOps vs. DevOps vs. NetSecOps: What's the difference?
DevOps, NetOps and NetSecOps ... oh my! These IT concepts have their differences, but at the end of the day, they're family. Here's how they relate. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2022
JavaScript apps hit with pro-Ukraine supply chain attack
A popular JavaScript package was sabotaged by its developer and seeded with messages in support of Ukraine in what has become a supply chain attack. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2022
SentinelOne acquires Attivo Networks for $617M
SentinelOne is acquiring Attivo Networks for a $616.5 million price tag and plans to merge the company's identity threat detection services with its XDR offering. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Mar 2022
Use microsegmentation to mitigate lateral attacks
Attackers will get into a company's system sooner or later. Limit their potential damage by isolating zones with microsegmentation to prevent lateral movement. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
Critical Exchange Server bug fixed for March Patch Tuesday
The vulnerability on the on-premises mail server system is one of just three critical flaws from a total of 71 bugs corrected in Microsoft products this month. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2022
security identifier (SID)
In the context of Windows computing and Microsoft Active Directory (AD), a security identifier (SID) is a unique value that is used to identify any security entity that the operating system (OS) can authenticate. Continue Reading
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News
03 Mar 2022
Intel touts security improvements in 12th-gen Core CPUs
Intel is courting enterprises with a new line of Core vPro CPUs that boast improved security protections ranging from firmware and OS to memory. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Mar 2022
Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a nonprofit foundation that provides guidance on how to develop, purchase and maintain trustworthy and secure software applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
Implement API rate limiting to reduce attack surfaces
Rate limiting can help developers prevent APIs from being overwhelmed with requests, thus preventing denial-of-service attacks. Learn how to implement rate limiting here. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2022
API security methods developers should use
Developers can reduce the attack surface by implementing security early in the API development process and knowing methods to secure older APIs that can't be deprecated. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2022
(ISC)2 study finds long remediation times for Log4Shell
An (ISC)2 survey of cybersecurity professionals found Log4Shell remediation for many organizations took several weeks or more than a month, requiring work on weekends and holidays. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2022
FBI: BEC attacks spreading to virtual meetings
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces have shifted to virtual meeting platforms, and the FBI warned that threat actors have taken note. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2022
Snyk enters cloud security market with Fugue acquisition
Analysts say the acquisition of Fugue will give Snyk an opportunity to build a presence in the cloud security market and strengthen its infrastructure-as-code capabilities. Continue Reading
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Opinion
17 Feb 2022
Shifting security left requires a GitOps approach
Shifting security left improves efficiency and minimizes risk in software development. Before successfully implementing this approach, however, key challenges must be addressed. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2022
How to successfully scale software bills of materials usage
Companies must plan properly when implementing software bills of materials at scale. Accomplish these three goals to keep SBOMs updated, accurate and actionable, despite complexity. Continue Reading
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News
09 Feb 2022
After rough January, IT gets a mild February Patch Tuesday
With one public disclosure and not a critical vulnerability in sight, administrators will have time to recover from the roller coaster of patch problems from last month. Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2022
Microsoft disables VBA macros by default
Microsoft's change in the default settings of five Office applications aims to shut down a widely used and longstanding threat vector to enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2022
More than 1,000 malware packages found in NPM repository
Researchers with WhiteSource were able to find some 1,300 examples of malware hiding under the guise of legitimate JavaScript packages on the NPM repository. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2022
Network security gets a boost in Windows Server 2022
Secured-core server is a major new security feature in Windows Server 2022, but Microsoft also introduced multiple ways to keep network connections protected in its new server OS. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jan 2022
IaC security options help reduce software development risk
The use of infrastructure as code is increasing among developers, but security teams can take advantage of a growing number of tools to make sure IaC doesn't increase risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2022
Include defensive security in your cybersecurity strategy
Is your company's cybersecurity strategy comprehensive enough to protect against an expanding threat landscape? Learn how developing defensive security strategies can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2022
Protect APIs against attacks with this security testing guide
API security cannot be overlooked. Learn how security testing can detect API vulnerabilities and weaknesses before attackers can take advantage of them. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jan 2022
What is shellcode and how is it used?
Shellcode is a set of instructions that executes a command in software to take control of or exploit a compromised machine. Read up on the malware term and how to mitigate the risk. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2022
Monero and the complicated world of privacy coins
Monero is known for being one of the most common cryptocurrencies seen in illicit transactions, but its development community paints a different picture of the privacy coin. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2022
How to start implementing passwordless authentication today
Everyone is tired of passwords, but a truly passwordless world isn't quite there yet. Learn what options companies currently have to implement passwordless authentication. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jan 2022
Crypto.com confirms $35M lost in cyber attack
The cryptocurrency exchange had claimed no customer funds were lost in the recent cyber attack, but now admits 4,836.26 ETH and 443.93 bitcoin was stolen. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2022
Introduction to automated penetration testing
Automated penetration testing, which speeds up the process for companies and vendors, is maturing. Is it ready to close the time gap between vulnerability discovery and mitigation? Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jan 2022
Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)
Pretty Good Privacy or PGP was a popular program used to encrypt and decrypt email over the internet, as well as authenticate messages with digital signatures and encrypted stored files. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2022
Cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com hit by cyber attack
The cryptocurrency exchange said it detected unauthorized activity on some user accounts over the weekend, but questions remain on the severity of the attacks. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2022
Exchange Server woes continue on January Patch Tuesday
Exchange Server admins who had to cope with a Y2K22 error to start the new year have three more vulnerabilities of varying levels of severity to resolve for Patch Tuesday. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jan 2022
Rijndael
Rijndael (pronounced rain-dahl) is an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2022
Chainalysis: Cryptocurrency crime reaches all-time high
While illicit activity peaked at $14 billion in 2021, Chainalysis said it's a drop in the bucket compared with overall transactions amid 'roaring adoption' of cryptocurrency. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2022
VMware ESXi 7 users vulnerable to hypervisor takeover bug
A recent security update addressed a hypervisor takeover vulnerability in several VMware products, but the patch omitted one key server platform in ESXi 7. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2022
New Zloader attacks thwarting Microsoft signature checks
Check Point Software Technologies found a long-known trick of injecting code into valid file signatures remains effective for spreading malware such as Zloader. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jan 2022
Is quantum computing ready to disrupt cybersecurity?
Quantum computing isn't here yet, but now is the time for companies to start considering how it may affect their business -- both negatively and positively -- in the next decade. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2021
Encrypting File System (EFS)
Encrypting File System (EFS) provides an added layer of protection by encrypting files or folders on various versions of the Microsoft Windows OS. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Dec 2021
How to make security accessible to developers
Apps are too often released with flaws and vulnerabilities. Learn how to make security accessible to developers by integrating best practices into the development lifecycle. Continue Reading