Threats and vulnerabilities
Keeping up with the latest threats and vulnerabilities is a battle for any security pro. Get up-to-date information on email threats, nation-state attacks, phishing techniques, ransomware and malware, DDoS attacks, APTs, application vulnerabilities, zero-day exploits, malicious insiders and more.
Top Stories
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Podcast
23 Dec 2024
Risk & Repeat: The state of ransomware in 2024
Ransomware made major headlines in 2024, from the massive Change Healthcare attack to the creative takedown of the notorious LockBit ransomware-as-a-service gang. Continue Reading
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News
19 Dec 2024
BeyondTrust SaaS instances breached in cyberattack
BeyondTrust, a privileged access management vendor, patched two vulnerabilities this week after attackers compromised SaaS instances for a 'limited number' of customers. Continue Reading
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News
23 May 2024
93% of vulnerabilities unanalyzed by NVD since February
New research from VulnCheck shows the NIST's National Vulnerability Database has struggled to manage a growing number of reported vulnerabilities this year. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2024
Critical bug discovered in open source utility Fluent Bit
Tenable researchers discovered a critical vulnerability, dubbed 'Linguistic Lumberjack,' in Fluent Bit, an open source logging utility widely used by major cloud providers. Continue Reading
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News
21 May 2024
Rapid7 warns of alarming zero-day vulnerability trends
The cybersecurity vendor tracked vulnerabilities that were used by threat actors in mass compromise events and found more than half were exploited as zero days. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 May 2024
ATM jackpotting
ATM jackpotting is the exploitation of physical and software vulnerabilities in automated banking machines that result in the machines dispensing cash. Continue Reading
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Podcast
15 May 2024
Risk & Repeat: Recapping RSA Conference 2024
Artificial intelligence was center stage at RSA Conference 2024, but the show also focused on secure-by-design principles, the ransomware landscape and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2024
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) is a public framework for rating the severity and characteristics of security vulnerabilities in information systems. Continue Reading
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News
14 May 2024
Google discloses 2 zero-day vulnerabilities in less than a week
Google released fixed versions to address the two vulnerabilities in its Chrome web browser, but the updates will roll out in stages with no specific dates available. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2024
Cloud vulnerability management: A complete guide
Your security strategy might not grapple directly with cloud vulnerability management. Is it time to consider the possible benefits and challenges of this emerging product class? Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2024
RSAC panel debates confidence in post-quantum cryptography
The Cryptographers' Panel at RSAC offered opinions on their confidence in PQC following the release of a paper questioning lattice-based encryption's viability. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 May 2024
bug bounty program
A bug bounty program, also called a vulnerability rewards program (VRP), is a crowdsourcing initiative that rewards individuals like ethical hackers and security researchers for discovering and reporting vulnerabilities and bugs in software. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
SD-WAN security
SD-WAN security refers to the practices, protocols and technologies protecting data and resources transmitted across software-defined wide area network infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 May 2024
virtual machine escape
A virtual machine escape is an exploit in which an attacker runs code on a VM that lets the operating system (OS) running within it break out and interact directly with the hypervisor. Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2024
Dell 'security incident' might affect millions
Dell notified customers that a company portal connected to customer data exposed orders, names and addresses, while reports indicate the data is now up for sale on the dark web. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2024
threat actor
A threat actor, also called a malicious actor or bad actor, is an entity that is partially or wholly responsible for an incident that affects -- or has the potential to affect -- an organization's security. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2024
Build a resilient network: What I learned from 5 thought leaders
At the 2024 'Strategies for a Resilient Network' summit, five thought leaders shared best practices to help you achieve optimal network resiliency. Learn more. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2024
National Security Agency warns against paying ransoms
Rob Joyce and David Luber, former and current directors of cybersecurity at the NSA, discuss how the ransomware attack on Change Healthcare exemplified the cons of paying ransoms. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2024
Patch management vs. vulnerability management: Key differences
Although patch and vulnerability management are intertwined, they differ in critical ways. It's important to have distinct tools and processes to execute both effectively. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2024
VM security in cloud computing explained
Cloud computing allows an organization to reduce its risks by having to secure fewer resources. The tradeoff is that cloud creates more attack vectors. Don't let VMs trip you up. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2024
White House: Threats to critical infrastructure are 'severe'
While the White House released the new National Cybersecurity Strategy last year to help combat threats to critical infrastructure organizations, attacks have continued. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2024
SentinelOne: Ransomware actors are adapting to EDR
At RSA Conference 2024, SentinelOne's Alex Stamos discussed ongoing global threats such as ransomware and how threat actors are changing their techniques. Continue Reading
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News
07 May 2024
U.S. agencies continue to observe Volt Typhoon intrusions
A panel of experts at RSA Conference 2024 discussed Volt Typhoon and warned the Chinese nation-state threat group is still targeting and compromising U.S. organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2024
How to detect deepfakes manually and using AI
Deepfakes rely on AI to generate realistic but counterfeit content. A variety of automated tools and manual hints can help organizations pinpoint deepfake videos and images. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2024
Recorded Future observes 'concerning' hacktivism shift
At RSA Conference 2024, Recorded Future detailed alarming trends as nation-state attackers operate under the guise of hacktivism to cover real threats to organizations. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2024
IBM study shows security for GenAI projects is an afterthought
IBM's survey of C-suite executives finds that 82% say trustworthy and secure AI are essential, but only 24% have a security component included in their GenAI projects. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2024
What is a potentially unwanted program (PUP)?
A potentially unwanted program (PUP) is a program that may be unwanted, despite the possibility that users consented to download it. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2024
U.S. warns of pro-Russian hacktivist attacks against OT systems
CISA calls on OT device manufacturers to implement more effective security protocols as attacks against critical infrastructure organizations continue. Continue Reading
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News
01 May 2024
Verizon DBIR: Vulnerability exploitation in breaches up 180%
Verizon said it examined approximately twice as many breaches for the 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report -- 10,626 out of 30,458 total tracked incidents. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
01 May 2024
RSA Conference 2024 focuses on collaboration, resilience
Follow TechTarget Security's RSAC 2024 guide for pre-conference insights and the most pressing presentations and breaking news at the world's biggest infosec event. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2024
Risk & Repeat: Change Healthcare's bad ransomware bet
This Risk & Repeat podcast discusses Change Healthcare's ransomware attack and the apparent further spread of sensitive data despite the company paying a ransom. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2024
Cisco zero-day flaws in ASA, FTD software under attack
Cisco revealed that a nation-state threat campaign dubbed 'ArcaneDoor' exploited two zero-day vulnerabilities in its Adaptive Security Appliance and Firepower Threat Defense products. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2024
Critical CrushFTP zero-day vulnerability under attack
While a patch is now available, a critical CrushFTP vulnerability came under attack as a zero-day and could allow attackers to exfiltrate all files on the server. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2024
Coalition: Insurance claims for Cisco ASA users spiked in 2023
Coalition urged enterprises to be cautious when using Cisco and Fortinet network boundary devices as attackers can leverage the attack vectors to gain initial access. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2024
GitHub vulnerability leaks sensitive security reports
The vulnerability is triggered when GitHub users correct code or other mistakes they discover on repositories. But GitHub does not believe it warrants a fix. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2024
Traditional MFA isn't enough, phishing-resistant MFA is key
Not every MFA technique is effective in combating phishing attacks. Enterprises need to consider new approaches to protect end users from fraudulent emails. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2024
U.S. cracks down on commercial spyware with visa restrictions
The move marks the latest effort by the U.S. government to curb the spread of commercial spyware, which has been used to target journalists, politicians and human rights activists. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2024
Creating a patch management policy: Step-by-step guide
A comprehensive patch management policy is insurance against security vulnerabilities and bugs in networked hardware and software that can disrupt your critical business processes. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2024
Mandiant: Attacker dwell time down, ransomware up in 2023
Mandiant's 'M-Trends' 2024 report offered positive signs for global cybersecurity but warned that threat actors are shifting to zero-day exploitation and evasion techniques. Continue Reading
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News
22 Apr 2024
Mitre breached by nation-state threat actor via Ivanti flaws
An unnamed nation-state threat actor breached Mitre through two Ivanti Connect Secure zero-day vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-46805 and CVE-2024-21887, disclosed earlier this year. Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2024
CISA: Akira ransomware extorted $42M from 250+ victims
The Akira ransomware gang, which utilizes sophisticated hybrid encryption techniques and multiple ransomware variants, targeted vulnerable Cisco VPNs in a campaign last year. Continue Reading
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News
18 Apr 2024
Cisco discloses high-severity vulnerability, PoC available
The security vendor released fixes for a vulnerability that affects Cisco Integrated Management Controller, which is used by devices including routers and servers. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2024
Mandiant upgrades Sandworm to APT44 due to increasing threat
Over the past decade, Sandworm has been responsible for high-severity attacks that highlight the group's persistence, evasion techniques and threat to government bodies. Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2024
CISA: Midnight Blizzard obtained federal agency emails
CISA ordered U.S. federal agencies to reset any credentials exposed by Midnight Blizzard's breach against Microsoft and notify CISA in the case of a known or suspected compromise. Continue Reading
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News
12 Apr 2024
Palo Alto Networks discloses RCE zero-day vulnerability
Threat actors have exploited the remote code injection flaw, which affects the GlobalProtect gateway in Palo Alto Networks' PAN-OS software, in a 'limited' number of attacks. Continue Reading
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Opinion
10 Apr 2024
5 trends in the cyber insurance evolution
As cyber insurance companies evolve, they will wield more power throughout the industry. Check out five areas where cyber insurance trends are changing the cybersecurity market. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Apr 2024
fraud detection
Fraud detection is a set of activities undertaken to prevent money or property from being obtained through false pretenses. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2024
Unit 42: Malware-initiated scanning attacks on the rise
Palo Alto Networks' research team warned of threat actors compromising one victim and then using that victim's resources to discreetly scan for vulnerabilities on other systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2024
Why the Keitaro TDS keeps causing security headaches
Keitaro insists it is on the side of the law, but threat actors continue to flock to the software company's traffic distribution system to redirect users to malicious domains. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2024
Flaws in legacy D-Link NAS devices under attack
Internet scans show threat actors are targeting CVE-2024-3273 in thousands of end-of-life D-Link NAS devices, and exploitation requires no authentication. Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 Apr 2024
Risk & Repeat: Cyber Safety Review Board takes Microsoft to task
This podcast episode discusses the Cyber Safety Review Board's report on Microsoft and its conclusion that the software giant must overhaul its security culture. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2024
Ransomware attacks ravaged municipal governments in March
Many municipalities across the U.S. faced network outages, data breaches and large ransom demands following a flurry of ransomware attacks last month. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2024
Infosec professionals praise CSRB report on Microsoft breach
Security professionals and executives weigh in on how the Cyber Safety Review Board handled its investigation into Microsoft and what it could mean for the tech giant. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2024
5 top OT threats and security challenges
Securing operational technology is particularly critical but also especially challenging. Consider these top OT threats and how to manage them. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2024
Cyber Safety Review Board slams Microsoft security failures
The Department of Homeland Security's Cyber Safety Review Board said a 'cascade' of errors at Microsoft allowed nation-state hackers to access U.S. government emails last year. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2024
Trend Micro: LockBit ransomware gang's comeback is failing
LockBit is struggling to resume operations in part due to the name-and-shame aspect of the international law enforcement operation responsible for the gang's disruption. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2024
Cloud computing forensics techniques for evidence acquisition
With the proper tools and methodologies, security teams can provide analysts with the critical pieces required to complete cloud computing forensics investigations. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2024
XZ backdoor discovery reveals Linux supply chain attack
A maintainer for XZ, a popular open source compression library for Linux distributions, compromised the open source project over the course of two years. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2024
Typosquatting campaign, malicious packages slam PyPI
Threat actors used automated typosquatting attacks to lead victims to malicious python packages in yet another campaign targeting the open-source software supply chain. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Mar 2024
5 areas to help secure your cyber-risk management program
To meet the challenges of managing cyber-risk, organizations need to have a cyber-risk management plan in place. Look at five areas to better secure your organization's assets. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2024
Microsoft Teams phishing attacks and how to prevent them
Users who think phishing happens only over email should think again. Learn about recent Microsoft Teams phishing attacks and how to defend against them. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2024
Spyware vendors behind 75% of zero-days targeting Google
Google observed 97 zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in the wild last year, which was more than a 50% increase over the 62 exploited zero-day vulnerabilities tracked in 2022. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2024
Unpatched flaw in Anyscale's Ray AI framework under attack
Oligo Security researchers say thousands of Ray servers have been compromised through the flaw, but Anyscale said it has received no reports of exploitation. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2024
Flashpoint observes 84% surge in ransomware attacks in 2023
The threat intelligence vendor anticipates that enterprises will continue to face increases in ransomware activity and data breaches in 2024, with some silver linings ahead. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2024
SQL injection vulnerability in Fortinet software under attack
Fortinet and CISA confirmed CVE-2023-48788 is being actively exploited. But the Shadowserver Foundation found that many vulnerable instances remain online. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2024
Top.gg supply chain attack highlights subtle risks
Threat actors used fake Python infrastructure and cookie stealing to poison multiple GitHub code repositories, putting another spotlight on supply chain risks. Continue Reading
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Report
25 Mar 2024
35 cybersecurity statistics to lose sleep over in 2024
Here are 35 eye-opening cybersecurity stats from dozens of security experts -- on crime, jobs and trends -- to consider while developing your 2024 security plan. Continue Reading
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News
22 Mar 2024
'GoFetch' attack spells trouble for Apple M-series chips
Academic researchers discovered a hardware optimization feature called 'data memory-dependent prefetcher' could be abused to extract secret encryption keys from vulnerable systems. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2024
AWS fixes 'FlowFixation' vulnerability for account hijacking
A Tenable researcher discovered a session fixation flaw in AWS Managed Workflows for Apache Airflow that, combined with a misconfiguration, could enable account hijacking. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2024
NCC Group: Ransomware attacks jump 73% in February
While NCC Group expected an increase in ransomware attacks from January to February, year-over-year data showed just how persistent the threat is to enterprises. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2024
10 remote work cybersecurity risks and how to prevent them
Larger attack surfaces, limited oversight of data use and more vulnerable technologies are among the security risks faced in remote work environments. Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2024
CISA urges defensive actions against Volt Typhoon threats
The U.S. cybersecurity agency advised critical infrastructure leaders to adopt several best practices and defensive measures to protect against Chinese state-sponsored attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2024
How to defend against phishing as a service and phishing kits
Phishing is a perennial thorn in the side of enterprise security. Thanks to phishing-as-a-service offerings and phishing kits, the problem will only get worse. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2024
Exploitation activity increasing on Fortinet vulnerability
The Shadowserver Foundation recently saw an increase in exploitation activity for CVE-2024-21762, two days after a proof-of-concept exploit was published. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2024
GitOps users warned to patch 3 new Argo CD CVEs
Three recently identified vulnerabilities, one designated high severity, now have fixes following a lengthy disclosure process and disagreements about their real-world risk. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2024
virus (computer virus)
A computer virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a program or file. A virus can replicate and spread across an infected system and it often propagates to other systems, much like a biological virus spreads from host to host. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2024
JetBrains, Rapid7 clash over vulnerability disclosure policies
In a blog post this week, JetBrains argued that attacks on TeamCity customers were the result of Rapid7 publishing the full technical details of two critical vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2024
virus signature (virus definition)
A virus signature, also known as a 'virus definition,' is a piece of code with a unique binary pattern that identifies a computer virus or family of viruses. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2024
How to craft a generative AI security policy that works
The advent of generative AI threatens to poke additional holes in your cybersecurity strategy. Compiling a GenAI-based security policy to guide your responses can help. Continue Reading
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Podcast
13 Mar 2024
Risk & Repeat: CISA hacked via Ivanti vulnerabilities
The compromise of two internal CISA systems comes on the heels of ongoing attacks and developments related to two zero-day vulnerabilities Ivanti disclosed in January. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2024
How data poisoning attacks work
Generative AI brings business opportunities to the enterprise but also security risks. Learn about an evolving attack vector called data poisoning and how it works. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2024
Researchers warn devs of vulnerabilities in ChatGPT plugins
OpenAI and two third-party providers fixed vulnerabilities in the experimental ChatGPT plugins framework, but Salt Security researchers caution devs that security risks persist. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2024
4 types of prompt injection attacks and how they work
Compromised LLMs can expose sensitive corporate data and put organizations' reputations at risk. Learn about four types of prompt injection attacks and how they work. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2024
LockBit attacks continue via ConnectWise ScreenConnect flaws
Coalition is latest company to confirm LockBit activity against vulnerable ScreenConnect instances. But the insurer found significant differences between previous LockBit attacks. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2024
CISA confirms compromise of its Ivanti systems
CISA said that approximately one month ago, it identified 'activity indicating the exploitation of vulnerabilities in Ivanti products the agency uses.' Continue Reading
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Podcast
07 Mar 2024
Risk & Repeat: Alphv/BlackCat's chaotic exit (scam)
This podcast episode discusses the possible exit scam of ransomware-as-a-service gang Alphv/BlackCat, as well as the chaotic months the gang had leading up to its closure. Continue Reading
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News
06 Mar 2024
Apple discloses 2 iOS zero-day vulnerabilities
CVE-2024-23225 and CVE-2024-23296, which bypass kernel memory protections, mark the second and third zero-day vulnerabilities that Apple has disclosed and patched this year. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2024
Explore mitigation strategies for 10 LLM vulnerabilities
As large language models enter more enterprise environments, it's essential for organizations to understand the associated security risks and how to mitigate them. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2024
Alphv/BlackCat leak site goes down in possible exit scam
An Alphv/BlackCat affiliate accused the ransomware gang of stealing a ransom payment worth more than $20 million that may have been obtained in the Change Healthcare attack. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2024
Critical JetBrains TeamCity vulnerabilities under attack
Exploitation activity has started against two vulnerabilities in JetBrains TeamCity, which has been targeted previously by nation-state threat actors such as Russia's Cozy Bear. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2024
DoS vs. DDoS: How they differ and the damage they cause
DoS and DDoS attacks may not be new, but that doesn't mean they are any less disruptive to organizations. Companies should understand what they are and how they work. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2024
LockBit, Alphv/BlackCat highlight February ransomware activity
With events surrounding the LockBit and Alphv/BlackCat gangs and the ConnectWise ScreenConnect flaws, ransomware activity continues this year after a surge in 2023. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2024
How dynamic malware analysis works
Security teams use dynamic malware analysis to uncover how malware works -- and thereby improve threat hunting and incident detection capabilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Feb 2024
phishing
Phishing is a fraudulent practice in which an attacker masquerades as a reputable entity or person in an email or other form of communication. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Feb 2024
Risk & Repeat: LockBit resurfaces after takedown
LockBit returns just days after an international law enforcement operation infiltrated the ransomware gang's network and seized infrastructure, source code and decryption keys. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2024
Ransomware gangs exploiting ConnectWise ScreenConnect flaws
Ransomware activity is ramping up against vulnerable ScreenConnect systems as Black Basta and Bl00dy threat actors were observed exploiting the vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2024
LockBit restores servers following law enforcement takedown
Law enforcement agencies last week announced a takedown of the LockBit ransomware gang that involved the seizure of servers, websites and decryption keys, as well as two arrests. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2024
GitHub Copilot replicating vulnerabilities, insecure code
Research from Snyk shows that AI assistants such as GitHub Copilot, which offer code completion suggestions, often amplify existing bugs and security issues in a user's codebase. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2024
ConnectWise ScreenConnect flaws under attack, patch now
Huntress said in a blog post this week that the ConnectWise ScreenConnect flaws, which have come under attack, were 'trivial and embarrassingly easy' for a threat actor to exploit. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2024
cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting internet-connected systems such as hardware, software and data from cyberthreats. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2024
Coalition: Vulnerability scoring systems falling short
Coalition said enterprises faced more substantial fallout from attacks on Citrix Bleed and Progress Software's MoveIt Transfer due to inadequate vulnerability prioritization. Continue Reading
