Is Our Water Safe to Drink? Securing Our Critical Infrastructure

July 25, 2024 at 10:06AM Cybersecurity risks extend to operational technology (OT), often overlooked by IT and cybersecurity professionals. Lack of attention on OT attacks, such as those on critical infrastructure, highlights the need for better security measures. Proposed solutions include risk management, visibility, documentation, and secure remote access. Challenges persist due to limited tools, … Read more

Patch management still seemingly abysmal because no one wants the job

July 25, 2024 at 03:33AM Summary: Patching remains a challenging and laborious task for IT professionals, with low success rates and growing complexities from an increasing number of software applications and vulnerabilities. While automation tools and improved visibility in endpoint management products offer potential solutions, lack of ownership and reluctance to adopt new approaches are … Read more

Navigating the Complex Landscape of Web Browser Security

July 24, 2024 at 10:04AM Organizations are increasingly reliant on web browsers, elevating their significance in accessing critical systems and data. However, the widespread use of multiple browsers across different roles complicates security efforts. Vulnerabilities and dangerous exploits in web browsers pose significant risks, highlighting the need for robust patch management and security policies to … Read more

Wanted: A SBOM Standard to Rule Them All

July 23, 2024 at 10:07AM The SBOM, originally created by NTIA, has transitioned from niche to mandatory for federal agencies and security teams due to the rise in supply chain attacks. However, the current fragmented implementation is hindering its effectiveness. The need for a unified, comprehensive format is crucial to enhance software supply chain security … Read more

Seemplicity 2024 Remediation Operations Report: Rising Exposure Management Risk

July 22, 2024 at 04:52PM Seemplicity has released the 2024 Remediation Operations Report, based on a survey of 300 U.S. cybersecurity professionals. Key findings include a growing security budget, increased reliance on automation in vulnerability management, and the anticipated impact of AI in the field. The report also highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by … Read more

Microsoft-Signed Chinese Adware Opens the Door to Kernel Privileges

July 18, 2024 at 01:54PM Researchers discovered a fake ad blocker in China targeting Internet cafés that conceals sophisticated malware. “HotPage.exe,” approved by Microsoft, appears as adware but can intercept web traffic, introduce more ads, and drop a system-level driver. ESET reported it to Microsoft, who removed it on May 1. The malware is developed … Read more

Cisco Patches Critical Vulnerabilities in Secure Email Gateway, SSM

July 18, 2024 at 07:45AM Cisco announced software updates for around a dozen vulnerabilities, which included critical-severity bugs in Secure Email Gateway and Smart Software Manager On-Prem. The flaws could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, initiate denial-of-service conditions, or access the web UI with compromised user privileges. Cisco also addressed high-severity vulnerabilities in … Read more

Cisco Warns of Critical Flaw Affecting On-Prem Smart Software Manager

July 18, 2024 at 02:19AM Cisco released patches for a critical security flaw in Smart Software Manager On-Prem (Cisco SSM On-Prem) allowing remote attackers to change user passwords. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-20419, carries a CVSS score of 10.0. CISA also added three vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, urging federal agencies to apply … Read more

Defending OT Requires Agility, Proactive Controls

July 17, 2024 at 04:35AM Hackers with ties to the Chinese government have gained access to US critical infrastructure, transitioning from espionage to potentially compromising or destroying infrastructure via operational technology. Recent attacks on maritime and water systems signal the need for increased OT security. Three key steps include converging IT and OT security, developing … Read more

June Windows Server updates break Microsoft 365 Defender features

July 15, 2024 at 10:16AM Microsoft has confirmed that recent Windows Server updates have caused issues with some Microsoft 365 Defender features, specifically affecting the Network Detection and Response (NDR) service and other Defender components. The problem only impacts Windows Server 2022 systems and related services, with Microsoft working on a fix and providing updates … Read more