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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Tip
16 Dec 2024
7 DevSecOps tools to secure each step of the SDLC
DevSecOps tools come in many shapes and sizes, helping organizations do everything from discovering software vulnerabilities to preventing software supply chain data breaches. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2024
Aqua Security warns of significant risks in Prometheus stack
The cloud security vendor called on Prometheus to provide users with additional safeguards to protect against misconfigurations discovered in the open source monitoring tool. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jan 2019
What are the best ways to prevent a SIM swapping attack?
SIM swapping is on the rise as the use of mobile devices increases. Discover what SIM swaps are, how they work and how they can be mitigated. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jan 2019
How does cross-site tracking increase security risks?
Mozilla's Firefox 63 automatically blocks tracking cookies and other site data from cross-site tracking. Learn what this is and what the benefits of blocking it are with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jan 2019
How can attacks bypass Windows Driver Signature Enforcement?
Security researchers demonstrated how a new fileless attack technique can bypass a Windows kernel protection feature at Black Hat 2018. Find out how the technique works. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
UnCAPTCHA attack updated to bypass spoken phrases
Researchers updated their unCAPTCHA proof of concept to be more efficient in bypassing audio CAPTCHAs and be able to handle spoken phrases and not just strings of numbers. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2019
NSA to release GHIDRA open source reverse engineering tool
The National Security Agency plans to release an open source version of its GHIDRA reverse engineering tool during RSA Conference in March, but details about the tool are scarce. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2019
The pros and cons of proxy-based security in the cloud
Is proxy-based security in the cloud right for you? Expert Ed Moyle looks at the benefits and drawbacks of using proxies for Office 365 and other cloud platforms. Continue Reading
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News
27 Dec 2018
NPM security to use automated tools to boost community alerts
Adam Baldwin, director of security for NPM, talks chains of trust and new NPM security initiatives that will bring automated alerts to help highlight potentially malicious activity. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2018
Microsoft patches Internet Explorer zero-day bug under attack
News roundup: Microsoft issues an emergency patch for an Internet Explorer bug exploited in the wild. Plus, authorities indict three individuals for 'stresser' services, and more. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
Twitter bugs expose user data and direct messages
Two Twitter bugs led to questions about the platform's user privacy and security, while the company said one of the bugs opened the door to possible state-sponsored attacks. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Dec 2018
How Big Star Labs was able to use data collecting apps
The ad-blocking vendor AdGuard found browser extensions and apps from Big Star Labs collecting browser history data. Discover how this was accomplished with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2018
How to ensure your enterprise doesn't have compromised hardware
Enterprise protections are crucial in order to guarantee the safety of your hardware. Discover best practices to guard your enterprise's hardware with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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News
13 Dec 2018
Project Zero finds Logitech Options app critically flawed
Tavis Ormandy of Google's Project Zero discovered a serious authentication vulnerability in Logitech's Options application, but the peripheral device maker has yet to address the flaw. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Dec 2018
Why is preloading HTTP Strict Transport Security risky?
Despite being designed to improve security, infosec experts have warned against preloading the HSTS protocol. Learn about the risks of preloaded HSTS with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Dec 2018
Faxploit: How can sending a fax compromise a network?
Check Point researchers found a fax machine attack allowing attackers to access scanned documents. Discover how this is possible and how users can avoid falling victim. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
Second Google+ data exposure leads to earlier service shutdown
Another Google Plus data exposure -- this time potentially affecting more than 52 million users -- will cause the service to be shut down four months earlier than scheduled. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2018
How the SHA-3 competition declared a winning hash function
NIST tested competing hash functions over a period of five years for the SHA-3 algorithm competition. Learn the details of what they discovered from Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Facebook app permissions skirted rules to gather call logs
New email messages revealed that Facebook app permissions were carefully implemented to avoid alerting users to the fact that the Android app was gathering call log and SMS data. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Dec 2018
How did WhatsApp vulnerabilities get around encryption?
WhatsApp vulnerabilities can enable hackers to bypass end-to-end encryption and spoof messages. Expert Michael Cobb explains how these attacks work and how to prevent them. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Dec 2018
How can users remove Google location tracking completely?
Disabling Google location tracking involves more than turning off Location History. Learn how to manage your account settings to stop tracking entirely with expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Dec 2018
How does TLS 1.3 differ from TLS 1.2?
Compared to TLS 1.2, TLS 1.3 saw improvements in security, performance and privacy. Learn how TLS 1.3 eliminated vulnerabilities using cryptographic algorithms. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Dec 2018
How do L1TF vulnerabilities compare to Spectre?
Foreshadow, a set of newly discovered L1TF vulnerabilities, exploits Intel processors via side-channel attacks. Learn about L1TF and its variations from expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2018
Testing applications in production vs. non-production benefits
To ensure proper application security testing, production and non-production systems should both be tested. In this tip, expert Kevin Beaver weighs the pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Dec 2018
Marcus Ranum: Systems administration is in the 'crosshairs'
After years of spirited debates and top-notch interviews, columnist Marcus Ranum is signing (sounding?) off with some final thoughts on the future of security. Continue Reading
- 03 Dec 2018
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News
28 Nov 2018
Compromised NPM package highlights open source trouble
A compromised NPM package targeted a popular bitcoin wallet with cryptocurrency-stealing code and experts say the issue highlights the lack of a chain of trust in open source software. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Nov 2018
How container security tools affect overall system security
Container security continues to be a pressing issue as containers and hosts are being used more frequently. Learn how to keep your enterprise safe with Matt Pascucci. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Firefox Monitor offers breach alerts on visited websites
The promised integration with Have I Been Pwned is expanding in Firefox Monitor with new breach alerts when a user visits a recently compromised website. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2018
How to configure browsers to avoid web cache poisoning
Web cache poisoning poses a serious threat to web browser security. Learn how hackers can exploit unkeyed inputs for malicious use with expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Nov 2018
How does new MacOS malware target users through chat?
New malware targets cryptocurrency investors through MacOS and chat platforms were recently discovered. Learn how OSX.Dummy malware works and what users can do to spot the attack. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2018
Why entropy sources should be added to mobile application vetting
NIST's 'Vetting the Security of Mobile Applications' draft discusses four key areas of general requirements. Learn how further improvements to the vetting process could be made. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Nov 2018
How does the public Venmo API pose a threat for users?
The public Venmo API setting puts users at risk by providing detailed insight into their transactions and personal lives. Expert Michael Cobb discusses the risks of public APIs. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Nov 2018
How testing perspectives helps find application security flaws
Application security testing requires users to test from all the right perspectives. Discover testing techniques that help find application security flaws with expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2018
As PHP v5 nears its end, enterprises face serious threats
The majority of websites still use the outdated PHP v5, according to recent data, causing concern over the fact that it will stop receiving security support at the end of the year. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2018
What Microsoft's InPrivate Desktop feature could mean for enterprises
Microsoft's secretive, potential new feature InPrivate Desktop could give security teams access to disposable sandboxes. Expert Ed Moyle explains how the feature could work. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Oct 2018
Google sets Android security updates rules but enforcement is unclear
The vendor requirements for Android are a strange and mysterious thing but a new leak claims Google has added language to force manufacturers to push more regular Android security updates. ... Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2018
WebExec vulnerability leaves Webex open to insider attacks
A remote code execution flaw in Cisco Webex -- called WebExec -- could be an easy vector for insider attacks, and the researchers who found it say it's easier to exploit than detect. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Oct 2018
How was Kea DHCP v1.4.0 affected by a security advisory?
Kea, an open source DHCP server, was issued a medium security advisory for a flaw that causes memory leakage in version 1.4.0. Discover the workarounds with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2018
Does pcAnywhere put election management systems at risk?
ES&S admitted it installed the insecure remote access program pcAnywhere on election management systems. Learn what pcAnywhere is and what this risk means for election systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Oct 2018
Siemens Siclock: How do threat actors exploit these devices?
Siemens disclosed six Siclock flaws that were found within its central plant clocks. Discover why three flaws have been rated critical and how threat actors can exploit devices. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2018
How do newly found flaws affect robot controllers?
Several vulnerabilities were found in controllers made by Universal Robots. Discover what these controllers are used for and how threat actors can exploit these vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2018
Zero-day jQuery plugin vulnerability exploited for 3 years
A zero-day in jQuery File Upload could affect thousands of projects because the jQuery plugin vulnerability has existed for eight years and actively exploited for at least three years. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Oct 2018
Removable storage devices: Why are companies banning them?
IBM banned removable storage devices to encourage employees to use the company's internal file-sharing system. Learn how a ban like this can improve enterprise security. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Oct 2018
How does the APT attack Double Kill work in Office documents?
The Qihoo 360 Core Security team found a Microsoft vulnerability -- named Double Kill -- that affects applications via Office documents. Learn how this is possible with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Oct 2018
Mystery around Trend Micro apps still lingers one month later
The mystery around the Trend Micro apps that were removed from the Mac App Store continues despite Trend Micro's numerous updates on the matter. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Mozilla delays distrust of Symantec TLS certificates, Google doesn't
Mozilla delays plans to distrust Symantec TLS certificates in Firefox because despite more than one year's notice, approximately 13,000 websites still use the insecure certificates. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Oct 2018
How does Apple's Quick Look endanger user privacy?
Apple's Quick Look feature previews thumbnails that are not encrypted. Learn how this poses a security threat to enterprises from expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2018
Paul Vixie wants to stop malicious domains before they're created
Farsight Security's Paul Vixie says his company's new research into domain name lifespans and causes of death shows the need for new policies and action to curb malicious domains. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Oct 2018
The time to consider SIEM as a service has arrived
Now even your SIEM comes in the as-a-service model. Assess whether it's time to consider outsourcing this fundamental tool in your defense lineup. Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2018
Google security audit begets product changes, German probe
A Google security audit uncovered a glitch in Google Plus that exposed data from nearly 500,000 accounts, causing the company to shutter the social network and spur a German data protection probe. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2018
Picking the right focus for web application security testing
Deciding which web applications on which to focus application security testing is a challenging task. Read this list of considerations to ensure you're addressing the right areas. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Oct 2018
How does TLBleed abuse the Hyper-Threading feature in Intel chips?
TLBleed exploits Intel's HTT feature to leak data via side-channel attacks. Learn about how TLBleed obtains sensitive memory information from expert Michael Cobb. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Oct 2018
How does FacexWorm malware use Facebook Messenger to spread?
Researchers at Trend Micro found a new strain of malware -- dubbed FacexWorm -- that targets users via a malicious Chrome extension. Discover how this attack works with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Oct 2018
SamSam ransomware: How is this version different from others?
Sophos recently discovered a SamSam extortion code that performs company-wide attacks using a range of vulnerability exploits. Discover how this version differs from past variants. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
UN exposes sensitive data on public Trello boards
News roundup: The U.N. accidentally exposed credentials on public Trello boards. Plus, Uber is set to pay $148 million settlement following its 2016 data breach cover-up, and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Sep 2018
How can live chat widgets leak personal employee data?
Project Insecurity researchers found live chat software leaking personal employee data. Learn how attackers can use this leaked information and data to hurt organizations. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2018
Congressional websites need to work on TLS
Congressional websites may not always have the best security, according to Joshua Franklin. Although, senators may be better at website security than House representatives. Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2018
Election website security a mess for states and candidates alike
Joshua Franklin has been researching election website security for congressional candidates, and he found a lot of misconfigurations on official pages and other sites meant to confuse voters. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2018
Why communication is critical for web security management
Conveying the importance of web security to management can be difficult for many security professionals. Kevin Beaver explains how to best communicate with the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
Controversial Chrome login feature to be partially rolled back
Google will modify the next version of Chrome in an attempt to appease critics of the browser's cookie retention functionality and automatic Chrome login feature. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
Browser Reaper POC exploit crashes Mozilla Firefox
A security researcher developed a proof-of-concept attack on Firefox, called Browser Reaper, which can crash or freeze the browser. But he gave Mozilla short notice of the flaw. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2018
Google Chrome sign-in changes cause confusion and concern
Google Chrome sign-in changes are being criticized by experts, and poor communication from Google has led to more confusion about user privacy and consent. Continue Reading
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News
25 Sep 2018
Hardcoded credentials continue to bedevil Cisco
Cisco hit by yet another new hardcoded credentials flaw, the latest in a long line of such flaws since last year, this time in its video surveillance manager appliance. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Sep 2018
GoScanSSH: How does this malware work and differ from others?
A group of malware was discovered targeting public SSH servers. However, it avoided certain IP addresses. Discover how this is possible and how the malware works with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Podcast
20 Sep 2018
Risk & Repeat: Trend Micro apps land in hot water
In this week's Risk & Repeat podcast, SearchSecurity editors discuss Trend Micro's Mac apps, which have come under fire for questionable data collection features. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Sep 2018
Secure encrypted virtualization: How is this technology exploited?
Researchers claim to have found a new attack against VMs that affects SEV technology. Expert Judith Myerson explains what this attack is and how it can be exploited. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2018
WannaMine cryptojacker targets unpatched EternalBlue flaw
Unpatched systems are still being targeted by the WannaMine cryptojacker, despite warnings and global cyberattacks using the EternalBlue exploit leaked from the NSA. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Sep 2018
How does Telegram malware bypass end-to-end encryption?
A Telegram malware called Telegrab targets Telegram's desktop instant messaging service to collect and exfiltrate cache data. Expert Michael Cobb explains how Telegrab works. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2018
Microsoft patches Windows ALPC flaw exploited in the wild
Microsoft's September 2018 Patch Tuesday release included a fix for the Windows ALPC vulnerability that was exploited in the wild for about two weeks before being patched. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Sep 2018
SaaS platform security: The challenges of cloud network security
Organizations have the necessary tools to protect data stored and processed in IaaS platforms. Learn why SaaS platform security remains a challenge from expert Rob Shapland. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Sep 2018
What issues can arise from hardware debug exception flaws?
Misinterpretation of Intel's System Programming Guide resulted in a hardware debug exception vulnerability. Expert Michael Cobb explains how attackers can gain unauthorized access. Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2018
Misconfigured Tor sites leave public IP addresses exposed
The anonymity of Tor is once again under scrutiny, as a researcher finds misconfigured Tor sites can expose the public IP address connected to a dark web site. Continue Reading
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Podcast
06 Sep 2018
Risk & Repeat: Fortnite flaw disclosure enrages Epic Games
In this week's Risk & Repeat podcast, SearchSecurity editors discuss the dispute between Google and Epic Games over a newly disclosed flaw in the Android version of Fortnite. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2018
IonCube malware: Who do these malicious files put at risk?
Malicious files posing as legitimate ionCube files were recently found by WordPress and Joomla admins. Learn how the ionCube malware works with expert Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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News
31 Aug 2018
Another patched Apache Struts vulnerability exploited
News roundup: A new Apache Struts vulnerability was exploited in the wild mere days after it was patched. Plus, Facebook removes app over privacy concerns and more. Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2018
Windows 10 zero-day disclosed on Twitter, no fix in sight
Security researcher SandboxEscaper released proof-of-concept code for a Windows 10 zero-day on Twitter, but Microsoft has no details for a potential patch. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2018
How to monitor and detect a cloud API vulnerability
A REST API vulnerability in Salesforce's Marketing Cloud service put users at risk of data disclosure. Learn how to detect cloud API vulnerabilities from expert Rob Shapland. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2018
Fortnite vulnerability on Android causes disclosure tension
Epic Games patched a Fortnite vulnerability in its Android installer, but Google's disclosure policy comes under fire once again as Epic Games' founder called the disclosure 'irresponsible.' Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Aug 2018
How does Google's new detection model find bad Android apps?
Malicious apps have been a consistent problem for the Google Play Store, so a new detection model has been released to help clean it up. Learn how this system works with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Aug 2018
How can a 13-year-old configuration flaw affect SAP systems?
Cybersecurity vendor Onapsis found a 13-year-old flaw that affects nine out of 10 SAP NetWeaver systems. Learn how the flaw affects SAP systems with expert Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Aug 2018
How new cybersecurity problems emerge from fake news
As fake news continues to emerge, new cybersecurity challenges for IT professionals arise. Learn why we should continue to care about cyber propaganda and what we can do. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2018
Intel disclosed Spectre-like L1TF vulnerabilities
News roundup: Intel disclosed L1TF vulnerabilities with similarities to Spectre, but with a focus on data. Plus, the NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act is now a law, and more. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2018
Finalized TLS 1.3 update has been published at last
The finalized TLS 1.3 update has been published after a four-year process. The new protocol promises to be faster and more secure than its predecessor, TLS 1.2. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2018
Web cache poisoning attacks demonstrated on major websites, platforms
PortSwigger's James Kettle doesn't believe web cache poisoning is theoretical and to prove it, he demonstrated several attacks on major websites and platforms at Black Hat 2018. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2018
WhatsApp vulnerabilities let hackers alter messages
News roundup: New WhatsApp vulnerabilities enabled hackers to alter messages sent in the app. Plus, the PGA was hit with a ransomware attack, and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2018
How criticality analysis benefits from an entropy engineer
NIST published 'Criticality Analysis Process Model: Prioritizing Systems and Components' to guide organizations when prioritizing systems. Discover the key processes with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2018
BGP hijacking attacks target payment systems
Researchers discovered a wave of BGP hijacking attacks aimed at DNS servers related to payment-processing systems in an apparent effort to steal money from unsuspecting users. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Aug 2018
Microsoft's NTFS flaw: What are the potential consequences?
A security researcher exposed an NTFS flaw that Microsoft deliberately hasn't patched. Expert Michael Cobb explains how the bug works and why it isn't being treated as severe. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Aug 2018
Tom Van Vleck on the Multics operating system, security decisions
Time-sharing systems got a lot right from a security standpoint. "We aimed toward a completely lights-out, 'no chance for mistakes' interface," says the security researcher. Continue Reading
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Quiz
31 Jul 2018
Test your knowledge of secure software architecture
Domain 4 of the CCSP exam covers the fundamentals of cloud application security. Take this practice quiz to see how well you've absorbed key concepts and vocabulary. Continue Reading
- 27 Jul 2018
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Answer
25 Jul 2018
How is Apple iOS 11 affected by a QR code vulnerability?
A QR code vulnerability was recently discovered in the Apple iOS 11 camera app. Learn how an attacker could exploit it and how to avoid the issue with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Jul 2018
Bouncy Castle keystore: How are files vulnerable to brute force?
BKS files are being exposed to hash collisions, enabling hackers to use brute force attacks against C# and Java applications. Learn how this occurs and possible solutions with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2018
How did a Navarino Infinity flaw expose unauthenticated scripts?
Navarino Infinity, a satellite communication system, found and fixed a flaw that exposed an unauthenticated script. Discover what threats this flaw enabled with Judith Myerson. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
Critical Cisco vulnerabilities patched in Policy Suite
News roundup: Critical Cisco vulnerabilities in Policy Suite products were patched this week. Plus, Venmo's API is set to public, exposing a trove of customer data, and more. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2018
SaaS activity alerts can mitigate manual misconfigurations
SaaS activity management is becoming more important for infosec teams to combat issues of insider theft and unintentional exposure of sensitive data, BetterCloud's David Politis says. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Jul 2018
Trojan.AndroidOS.Loapi: What is this jack-of-all-trades malware?
Kaspersky researchers found a new Android malware that can physically harm phones. Learn how this works and the steps to mitigate the attack with expert Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2018
Port Cybersecurity
In this excerpt from chapter 3 of Port Cybersecurity, author Nineta Polemi discusses Security of Ports' Critical Information Infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jul 2018
Digimine bot: How does social media influence cryptojacking?
Facebook Messenger is being used to reach more victims with a cryptojacking bot that Trend Micro researchers named Digimine. Learn how this bot works with expert Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Jul 2018
Spider ransomware: How do ransomware attacks differ?
Spider ransomware has been found spreading malicious files via a phishing campaign that gives victims a 96-hour deadline. Learn how this attack is similar to past attacks with Nick Lewis. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2018
Seeking the Truth from Mobile Evidence
In this excerpt from chapter 19 of Seeking the Truth from Mobile Evidence, author John Bair discusses Android user enabled security in terms of passwords and gestures. Continue Reading
