Security operations and management
Cybersecurity operations and management are vital to protect enterprises against cyber threats. Learn how to create and manage infosec programs and SOCs, perform incident response and automate security processes. Also read up on security laws and regulations, best practices for CISOs and more.
Top Stories
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Feature
20 Dec 2024
Identity and access management tools and features for 2025
The IAM tool marketplace is complex and ever-changing. Learn about key features and how to discern what your organization needs before approaching potential providers. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
19 Dec 2024
Add gamification learning to your pen testing training playbook
Organizations that embrace gamification in their pen testing training are better positioned to build and maintain the skilled security teams needed to address evolving threats. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
Biden signs executive order to modernize cyberdefenses
Following several high-profile attacks on the federal government, the new executive order seeks to eliminate outdated security practices and improve supply chain security. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2021
Cyber insurance firm AXA halts coverage for ransom payments
As ransomware attacks increase across the globe and ransom payment reimbursement becomes a key issue for cyber insurers, AXA may be setting a new trend for private industries. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2021
'Bulletproof' hosts catch RICO charges for aiding cybercriminals
Four men pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy charges for operating a bulletproof hosting service that provided infrastructure to cybercriminals' operations. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 May 2021
Despite confusion, zero-trust journey underway for many
Zero trust is a catchy phrase with seemingly lofty goals. Uncover the reality behind one of infosec's hottest buzzphrases, and learn why it's within reach for many companies today. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 May 2021
6 ways to spur cybersecurity board engagement
New research suggests corporate boards are paying closer attention to cybersecurity, but experts say progress is still modest and slow. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
03 May 2021
Cybersecurity contingency planning needs a face-lift
Following the unexpected craziness of 2020, companies need to sit down and revamp their cybersecurity contingency plan to ensure their business continuity. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Apr 2021
Risk & Repeat: Will the Ransomware Task Force make an impact?
The Institute for Security and Technology's Ransomware Task Force published several recommendations to better address the growing security threat. Will they work? Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2021
Ransomware Task Force takes aim at cryptocurrencies
The Ransomware Task Force released a new report with recommendations on how to tackle the growing ransomware problem, including regulation of cryptocurrency services. Continue Reading
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Podcast
15 Apr 2021
Risk & Repeat: FBI's web shell removal raises questions
The FBI accessed computers -- without the knowledge or consent of the owners -- to remove hundreds of web shells placed in vulnerable Microsoft Exchange servers. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2021
Applus inspection systems still down following malware attack
Applus Technologies said it stopped a malware attack two weeks ago, but systems are still down as eight states are forced to extend vehicle inspection dates. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
FBI removes web shells from infected Exchange servers
The DOJ announced the FBI had successfully removed hundreds of web shells from computers impacted by ProxyLogon and related Exchange Server vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2021
Can a new DHS cybersecurity strategy help the private sector?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security outlines federal plans to improve public and private cybersecurity, but analysts advise caution over strategies that can't be mandated. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
Man indicted in Kansas water facility breach
While the attempted tampering of a Kansas water facility occurred more than two years ago, the Justice Department this week indicted a 22-year-old former employee. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
CISA: U.S. agencies must scan for Exchange Server attacks
CISA has not said whether any federal agencies have been hit by Exchange Server attacks, but the directive requires them to use Microsoft's detection tools to identify threats. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2021
DHS: Ransomware poses a national security threat
Ransomware is just one threat DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discusses during an RSA Conference webcast on the cybersecurity challenges facing the U.S. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2021
Ransomware negotiations: An inside look at the process
Ransomware negotiators are brought in to communicate with cybercriminals and hopefully arrange less expensive payments. How often do they succeed? Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2021
FBI IC3 report's ransomware numbers are low, experts say
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a massive increase in financial losses from 2020 ransomware attacks, but infosec experts say the problem is worse than statistics say. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2021
Top incident response tools to boost network protection
Incident response tools can help organizations identify, prevent and respond to malware exploits, ransomware and other targeted cybersecurity attacks. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
16 Mar 2021
How attackers counter incident response after a data breach
It's not over until it's over. Explore how attackers use backdoors and evasion techniques to counter incident response measures even long after a data breach is disclosed. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2021
McAfee sells off enterprise business for $4 billion
Less than six months after its IPO, McAfee has agreed to sell its enterprise business to private equity firm Symphony Technology Group and refocus on consumer cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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News
01 Mar 2021
Chinese threat group 'RedEcho' targeting Indian power grid
The Chinese nation-state actor's targets include 10 different Indian power sector organizations, but Recorded Future said there's no evidence RedEcho triggered blackouts. Continue Reading
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Podcast
26 Feb 2021
Risk & Repeat: Inside the SolarWinds Senate hearing
This week's Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on SolarWinds tackled the attribution case against Russian state-sponsored hackers, as well as questions for AWS. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2021
Senate hearing: SolarWinds evidence points to Russia
Executives from Microsoft and FireEye said that there was substantial evidence pointing to Russia's role in the SolarWinds attack and no evidence found leading anywhere else. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2021
How to prevent supply chain attacks: Tips for suppliers
Every company, large and small, must assume it is a target in the supply chain. Suppliers should follow these best practices to keep themselves and their customers protected. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2021
White House: 100 companies compromised in SolarWinds hack
The White House discussed its response to the SolarWinds attacks, which so far have compromised nine federal agencies and approximately 100 private sector companies. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2021
DOJ indicts additional WannaCry conspirators
The unsealed indictments accuse three individuals of being part of a hacking group, known as APT38 or Lazarus Group, within a North Korean military intelligence agency. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2021
4 tips for aligning security with business objectives
Today's most effective CISOs develop cybersecurity strategies that fit their organizations' risk appetites and support business growth. Learn how they do it. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2021
DOJ charges suspect in NetWalker ransomware attacks
The Department of Justice launched a coordinated effort to disrupt the notorious ransomware operation, which has infected healthcare organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jan 2021
Emotet taken down in global law enforcement operation
Ukraine's National Police said two citizens of Ukraine face up to 12 years in prison for their role in maintaining and operating Emotet, and other suspects have been identified. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2021
Capitol building breach poses cybersecurity risks
While security experts are divided on the level of risk, they agree there is a potential for threats after rioters stormed the Capitol building and ransacked offices. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2021
2021 IT priorities require security considerations
AI, IoT and 5G are among the top IT priorities for CIOs and CTOs in 2021. Is your team prepared to address each tech's security needs? Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Dec 2020
What is SecOps? Everything you need to know
SecOps, formed from a combination of security and IT operations staff, is a highly skilled team focused on monitoring and assessing risk and protecting corporate assets, often operating from a security operations center, or SOC. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2020
CISA: SolarWinds backdoor attacks are 'ongoing'
A joint statement from the FBI, CISA and Office of the Director of National Intelligence says the SolarWinds backdoor attacks are 'ongoing' and have comprised federal agencies. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2020
FBI, CISA warn of growing ransomware attacks on K-12 schools
The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned that cyber attacks targeting K-12 schools are expected to continue through the 2020 - 2021 school year. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
11 Dec 2020
3 reasons why CISOs should collaborate more with CFOs
C-suite may not always understand ROI of security efforts, which is why Nabil Hannan suggests that CISOs work more closely with CFOs to learn how to best communicate security's value. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2020
Building an effective security operations center framework
An effective security operations center framework combines monitoring and analysis platforms and threat intelligence services to help organizations respond to risks quickly. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2020
Russian state-sponsored hackers exploit VMware vulnerability
The NSA issued a cybersecurity advisory warning government agencies to mitigate as soon as possible, as the vulnerability was disclosed and patched last week. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2020
7 SecOps roles and responsibilities for the modern enterprise
Now hiring: As organizations increasingly favor proactive cyber threat hunting and detection over bare-bones prevention, SecOps roles and responsibilities are shifting, too. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2020
Ransomware attack shuts down Baltimore County schools
Ransomware incapacitated Baltimore County Public Schools' network just before Thanksgiving, but the school system said students' Chromebooks and Google accounts were not impacted. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Nov 2020
8 benefits of a security operations center
A security operations center can help lessen the fallout of a data breach, but its business benefits go much further than that. Here are eight SOC benefits to consider. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Nov 2020
10 tips for building a next-generation SOC
Check out 10 tips to help build a next-generation security operations center with the integrated tools to free security analysts to get ahead of and respond to threats fast. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2020
Pair cyber insurance, risk mitigation to manage cyber-risk
The role of cyber insurance may come after a breach, but it remains a useful element in an organization's vulnerability management strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2020
Cyber insurance explained, from selection to post-purchase
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you understand what cyber insurance can and can't do -- and what type of policy will do the most for you. Continue Reading
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Podcast
20 Nov 2020
Risk & Repeat: Christopher Krebs out as CISA director
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast discusses President Trump's firing of CISA Director Christopher Krebs, which was a controversial move in the infosec community. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
White House questions election security; experts do not
A number of infosec experts, election officials and government agencies say Election Day was free from hacking and cyber attacks, but the White House disagrees. Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2020
President Trump fires CISA director Christopher Krebs
President Trump fired Krebs as director of CISA after the agency pushed back on unfounded accusations about widespread voter fraud and voting system hacks during the election. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2020
Palo Alto Networks buys Expanse for $800 million
Palo Alto Networks continued its acquisition spree with an agreement to purchase San Francisco-based security vendor Expanse, which specializes in attack surface management. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2020
Note these 5 security operations center best practices
Understanding the five steps needed to ensure security operations center best practices will help organizations decide whether to outsource their SOC initiatives. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2020
CISA: No election hacking, but plenty of misinformation
Election Day in the U.S. occurred with no evidence of cyber attacks or voting machine hacks, but CISA has its hands full with disinformation and conspiracy theories. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2020
Cybersecurity communication key to addressing risk
As security teams strengthen communication with the overall organization as well as with vendors, more positive cybersecurity cultures can be forged. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2020
Benefits of virtual SOCs: Enterprise-run vs. fully managed
A virtual security operations center, be it managed in-house or by a third party, is becoming an increasingly popular option to save money and improve reliability. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2020
Security automation tools and analytics reshape SecOps efforts
To transition from being reactive to proactive in terms of cybersecurity threats, check out how SecOps teams can use security analytics and automation tools to make the change. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2020
NSA issues advisory against Chinese state-sponsored hackers
Among the 25 vulnerabilities listed in the NSA advisory, numerous were critical and carried a CVSS score either at or close to 10, the highest possible. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2020
Evaluating SOC automation benefits and limitations
Security operations center automation can help address the security skills gap by scaling critical analyst responsibilities. But an overreliance on AI introduces other risks. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2020
After a brief pause, Trickbot rebounds from takedown efforts
Attempts to disrupt the notorious Trickbot botnet, most recently through Microsoft's legal takedown, have proven short-lived as ransomware attacks have resumed. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Oct 2020
Blockchain or bust? Experts debate applications for elections
Blockchain has been proposed as a solution for security issues around e-voting. But some infosec experts are skeptical that the technology is the right fit for U.S. elections. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2020
Trickbot takedown: Will it make a dent in ransomware attacks?
A court order allowed Microsoft and several partners to take down the Trickbot botnet, which is commonly used to deploy ransomware, but it's unclear how long the impact will last. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2020
Hackers exploit Netlogon flaw to attack government networks
CISA issued an alert stating those government networks that were targeted by the APT were close to election systems and the activity may pose some risk to those systems. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2020
Ping acquires blockchain identity startup ShoCard
Ping accelerated its push into the personal identity management market with the acquisition of ShoCard, which uses a blockchain-based platform to manage consumer identities. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2020
Surge in ransomware attacks threatens student data
Ransomware attacks are not the only threats facing K-12 schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cybercriminals are stealing and exposing students' personal data as well. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
01 Oct 2020
3 common election security vulnerabilities pros should know
Election security remains top of mind for many right now, with Nabil Hannan discussing vulnerabilities like remote breaches, new attack surfaces and poor current controls. Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2020
Ivanti makes double acquisition of MobileIron, Pulse Secure
Ivanti will acquire all outstanding shares of MobileIron stock for approximately $872 million. The financial terms of Pulse Secure's acquisition were not disclosed. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2020
7 SOC automation use cases to augment security operations
Implementing SOC automation can have far-reaching benefits for an organization's infosec program and security culture. Learn how by exploring these seven use cases of AI in SOCs. Continue Reading
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News
23 Sep 2020
FBI: Disinformation attacks on election results 'likely'
Foreign threat actors and cybercriminals are "likely" to spread disinformation around 2020 election results through social media and also alter election-related websites. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2020
5 key enterprise SOC team roles and responsibilities
Review the key players in the 2020 SOC and their specific responsibilities, as well as best practices to ensure effective teamwork for a secure organization. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2020
Cyber attacks on schools increasing amid remote learning shift
The pandemic forced schools to make a quick transition to remote learning with little resources and weak security postures, and threat actors have increased their attacks. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2020
Gartner: Securing remote workforce a top priority
In a COVID-19 pandemic world with new security threats and risks emerging, Gartner analysts discussed the urgency of securing access and devices for remote employees. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2020
Disinformation, mail-in ballots top election security concerns
While there have been no major cyberattacks this election season, threat actors are waging disinformation campaigns around hot-button issues like mail-in ballots. Continue Reading
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Video
26 Aug 2020
AI security concerns keeping infosec leaders up at night
Conversations about 'AI as a solution' may overlook potentially grave AI security issues. Explore the potential infosec implications of the emerging technology in this video. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2020
How to handle Amazon S3 bucket pen testing complexity
Security researcher Benjamin Caudill shares details from his book, 'Hands-On AWS Penetration Testing with Kali Linux,' and advice on Amazon S3 bucket pen testing for ethical hackers. Continue Reading
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Podcast
14 Aug 2020
Risk & Repeat: Black Hat 2020 highlights
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast recaps Black Hat USA 2020 and discusses some of the best sessions, worst vulnerabilities and the overall virtual conference experience. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
13 Aug 2020
How security champions can help, despite working remotely
By effectively using collaboration tools, security champions can still spread a company's security message even as most offices stay closed and employees work remotely. Continue Reading
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News
06 Aug 2020
CISA chief: Ransomware could threaten election security
During a Black Hat USA 2020 session, CISA Chief Christopher Krebs said ransomware attacks on city, state and local governments are a major concern for election security. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2020
Matt Blaze warns of election security challenges amid COVID-19
In his Black Hat USA 2020 keynote, security researcher Matt Blaze discussed the challenges facing U.S. elections this year and what must be done to solve them. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2020
Post-pandemic cybersecurity: Lessons learned
Pandemic lockdowns provided companies with valuable cybersecurity experience. Here's how to make sure post-pandemic cybersecurity operations are prepared for a second wave. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2020
Advent, Forescout bury the hatchet with new acquisition deal
Despite an ugly legal dispute and allegations of channel stuffing, Advent International and Forescout Technologies are moving forward with an amended acquisition agreement. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2020
To face modern threats, using AI for cybersecurity a necessity
As cyberattacks grow in complexity, using AI for cybersecurity is required to stay ahead of threats. Here's how to integrate AI into security processes and avoid potential risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2020
Interconnected critical infrastructure increases cybersecurity risk
Separately managed but interconnected critical infrastructure sectors are not all bound to security requirements and may be at risk of cascading attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2020
3 must-ask post-pandemic questions for CISOs
The worldwide health pandemic has created multiple challenges for today's CISOs and their security teams. Ask these three questions to stay safe in a post-pandemic workplace. Continue Reading
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Podcast
19 Jun 2020
Risk & Repeat: Vault 7 report slams CIA security practices
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast discusses the CIA's internal task force report on the Vault 7 leak, which blasted the agency for a variety of serious security lapses. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2020
CIA unaware of Vault 7 theft until WikiLeaks dump
An internal CIA report from the Wikileaks Task Force blasted the agency over the leak of the Vault 7 cyberweapons, which exposed dangerous hacking tools and vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2020
Unpack the use of AI in cybersecurity, plus pros and cons
The use of AI in cybersecurity is now under renewed scrutiny as its popularity rises. Discover the pros and cons of machine learning and AI for incident response. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 May 2020
Top 6 cloud security analytics use cases
Security analytics use cases vary from fraud detection to threat intelligence analysis. Learn how deploying this technology in the cloud can improve enterprise infosec programs. Continue Reading
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Podcast
22 May 2020
Risk & Repeat: When will mobile voting be ready?
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast examines the rise of mobile voting apps and how security experts have expressed concerns about the risks deploying the technology for elections. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2020
Forescout sues Advent for calling off acquisition
Forescout Technologies filed a lawsuit against Advent International, claiming the private equity firm violated the terms of its $1.9 billion acquisition agreement. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2020
Top 2 post-COVID-19 CISO priorities changing in 2020
CISO priorities for 2020 were upended when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Learn two ways forward-thinking CISOs are planning to deal with the new normal. Continue Reading
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Podcast
15 May 2020
Risk & Repeat: Black Hat, DEF CON canceled
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast looks at the recent cancellations of Black Hat USA 2020 and DEF CON 28 and what their virtual replacements will try to accomplish. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2020
Advance your security operations center with AI
Powering a security operations center with AI systems not only automates tasks, but also complements admins' efforts to more effectively combat threats and transform processes. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2020
Experts say mobile voting tech isn't the answer to COVID-19
Despite the mounting need for another alternative to in-person voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, experts say mobile and online voting is just not ready for the general public. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2020
Cybersecurity impact analysis template for pandemic planning
This template from IANS Research can help IT and security professionals document and prioritize essential processes, staffing and systems when faced with a pandemic event. Continue Reading
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Podcast
24 Apr 2020
Risk & Repeat: Are ransomware attacks up or down?
This week's Risk & Repeat podcast looks at the latest research and analysis around ransomware to see what effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the threat landscape. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Apr 2020
Zero-trust management challenges outweighed by benefits
The zero-trust model's adoption, deployment and management challenges are easily outweighed by its ability to offset modern threats, IEEE senior member Jack Burbank advises. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2020
With US ban, Huawei products put CISOs on notice
The U.S. federal government has enacted bans on equipment it deems a national security risk. The move should make CISOs wary of what products they bring into their organizations. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2020
4 essential AI-enabled security concerns for buyers and vendors
Experts offer four concerns for enterprises and vendors to discuss in order to deploy and run AI-based cybersecurity tools. Continue Reading
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News
31 Mar 2020
FTC calls out VoIP providers over coronavirus robocalls
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warned nine voice over IP companies that 'assisting and facilitating' illegal robocalls related to COVID-19 is against the law. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2020
AI Security Alliance urges clarity for buying AI security tools
Vendors and customers must be aware of potential gaps between expectations and reality in the sale or purchase of AI cybersecurity products, an AI security expert advises. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2020
Experts say CIA security triad needs a DIE model upgrade
Using a distributed, immutable, ephemeral strategy instead of the traditional CIA triad could enable enterprises to encourage security by design and minimize risk, two experts say. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2020
Emsisoft, Coveware offer free ransomware services to hospitals
As they grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers will have free access to a range of ransomware-related services from security vendors Emsisoft and Coveware. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2020
What's the biggest cybersecurity threat in 2020? Experts weigh in
At RSA Conference 2020, SearchSecurity asked several experts what they considered to be the biggest cybersecurity threat this year. Here's what they said. Continue Reading
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Podcast
06 Mar 2020
Risk & Repeat: Recapping RSA Conference 2020
This Risk & Repeat podcast looks back at RSA Conference and discusses some of the highlights from the show, from ransomware trends to nation-state hacking discussions. Continue Reading