IT Security RSS Feed for 2024-10-21

Posted on 2024-10-21 Edited on 2025-04-03 In IT Security Word count in article: 34k Reading time ≈ 31 mins.

IT Security RSS Feed for 2024-10-21

What is tailgating (piggybacking)?

Published: Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:01:00 GMT

How to build an incident response plan, with examples, template

Published: Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:00:00 GMT

How to Build an Incident Response Plan

Step 1: Define Scope and Objectives

Determine the types of incidents covered (e.g., cyberattacks, data breaches, natural disasters)
Establish clear objectives, such as:
- Restoring operations promptly
- Mitigating damage
- Protecting reputation

Step 2: Identify Incident Types and Triggers

Categorize potential incidents based on severity, impact, and urgency
Define triggers that initiate the response plan, such as:
- Security alerts
- Business disruptions
- Employee reports

Step 3: Establish Response Team and Roles

Form an incident response team (IRT) with clear roles and responsibilities
Identify primary responders, backup responders, and subject matter experts
Assign specific duties to each team member

Step 4: Create Communication Plan

Establish a communication protocol for incident handling
Identify key stakeholders and communication channels
Develop templates for incident notifications and status updates

Step 5: Develop Response Procedures

Outline step-by-step procedures for each incident type
Include actions for identifying the incident, containing the damage, and resolving the issue
Consider both immediate and long-term response measures

Step 6: Document and Test the Plan

Document the incident response plan thoroughly
Conduct regular drills and simulations to test the plan’s effectiveness
Update and revise the plan as needed based on lessons learned

Examples of Incident Response Plan Components

Incident Categorization

Tier 1 (Low): Minor incidents that can be resolved quickly by the primary responder
Tier 2 (Medium): Incidents that require escalation to multiple team members or subject matter experts
Tier 3 (High): Critical incidents that require immediate attention and executive involvement

Incident Triggers

Security: Intrusion detection, malware infections, phishing attempts
Operational: Server downtime, application failures, network outages
External: Natural disasters, vendor outages, third-party breaches

IRT Roles

Incident Commander: Oversees the overall response and coordinates with stakeholders
Technical Lead: Conducts technical investigations and implements containment measures
Communications Lead: Handles incident notifications, media inquiries, and updates
Business Continuity Manager: Ensures business operations continue during the incident

Incident Response Plan Template

Section 1: Plan Overview

Scope and Objectives
Incident Types and Triggers

Section 2: Response Team and Roles

Incident Response Team (IRT)
Roles and Responsibilities

Section 3: Communication Plan

Communication Protocol
Key Stakeholders
Incident Notification and Status Update Templates

Section 4: Response Procedures

Incident Categorization
Tier 1 Response Procedures
Tier 2 Response Procedures
Tier 3 Response Procedures

Section 5: Documentation and Testing

Plan Documentation
Drill and Simulation Schedule
Plan Revision Process

Cato further expands SASE platform for ‘complete’ UK delivery

Published: Wed, 16 Oct 2024 04:22:00 GMT

Cato Networks Further Expands Platform for Complete UK Delivery

London, UK – 2023 - Cato Networks, a leading provider of cloud-native secure access service edge (SASE) solutions, today announced the expansion of its global platform in the United Kingdom. This expansion will enable Cato to deliver its full suite of SASE services to UK customers, including secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), zero trust network access (ZTNA), firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), next-generation firewall (NGFW), and WAN optimization.

Key benefits of Cato’s SASE platform for UK customers include:

Improved security: Cato’s SASE platform provides a comprehensive set of security services that protect users and data from a wide range of threats, including malware, phishing, and ransomware.
Reduced latency: Cato’s global network of points of presence (PoPs) provides customers with a low-latency connection to their applications and data, regardless of their location.
Increased flexibility: Cato’s SASE platform is delivered as a service, which gives customers the flexibility to scale their services up or down as needed.
Reduced costs: Cato’s SASE platform can help customers reduce their IT costs by eliminating the need for multiple point products and reducing the need for hardware.

Availability

Cato’s SASE platform is now available to UK customers through Cato’s global network of partners. For more information, please visit www.catonetworks.com.

About Cato Networks

Cato Networks is a cloud-native SASE platform that provides organizations with a secure, scalable, and agile way to connect and protect their users and data. Cato’s SASE platform includes a full suite of security services, including SWG, CASB, ZTNA, FWaaS, NGFW, and WAN optimization. Cato’s platform is delivered as a service, which gives customers the flexibility to scale their services up or down as needed. For more information, please visit www.catonetworks.com.

NCSC expands school cyber service to academies and private schools

Published: Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:55:00 GMT

NCSC Expands School Cyber Service to Academies and Private Schools

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has announced the expansion of its school cyber security service to include academies and private schools across the UK.

Key Points:

Extended Coverage: The expansion brings the total number of schools receiving support from the NCSC to over 24,000.
Additional Protection: Academies and private schools will now have access to free cyber security guidance, threat intelligence, and incident response assistance.
Enhanced Resilience: By providing these schools with the necessary tools and knowledge, the NCSC aims to enhance their resilience against cyber threats.

Benefits for Schools:

Proactive Defense: Schools will be able to proactively identify and mitigate cyber risks through regular threat alerts and advice.
Incident Handling Support: In the event of a cyber incident, schools will have access to expert guidance and technical assistance from the NCSC.
Awareness and Training: The NCSC will provide educational materials and training resources to raise awareness of cyber security best practices among staff and students.

Importance of Cyber Security in Education:

In today’s digital age, schools play a vital role in developing the next generation of cyber-aware citizens. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, the NCSC aims to:

Protect student and teacher data
Ensure the continuity of educational services
Foster a culture of cyber responsibility

Quotes:

Lindesay Jackson, Head of Intelligence and Collaboration at NCSC: “This expansion will help more schools to stay safe online and protect their staff, students, and data.”
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Academies Enterprise Trust: “The expansion of the NCSC’s school cyber service will provide our schools with the essential tools and expertise they need to stay protected in this increasingly digital world.”

Conclusion:

The expansion of the NCSC’s school cyber service to academies and private schools is a significant step in enhancing the cyber security resilience of educational institutions across the UK. By providing these schools with the necessary support and guidance, the NCSC is contributing to the creation of a more secure and cyber-aware education system.

Telefónica and Halotech integrate post-quantum encryption into IoT devices

Published: Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:46:00 GMT

Telefónica and Halotech Integrate Post-Quantum Encryption into IoT Devices

Telefónica and Halotech have partnered to integrate post-quantum encryption (PQC) into IoT devices, becoming the first to do so on a commercial scale. PQC safeguards these devices against future quantum computing threats, safeguarding data privacy and security.

Background:

Quantum computing poses a significant threat to current encryption methods. Traditional encryption algorithms, such as RSA and ECC, could become vulnerable to attacks once quantum computers become more powerful.

Solution:

Post-quantum encryption (PQC) is a class of algorithms designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers. It offers a higher level of security against future threats.

Collaboration:

Telefónica, a leading telecommunications provider, and Halotech, a quantum cybersecurity company, have joined forces to bring PQC to IoT devices. Telefónica will integrate Halotech’s PQC algorithms into its IoT platforms, offering enhanced protection against quantum threats.

Benefits:

The integration of PQC into IoT devices provides numerous benefits, including:

Enhanced Security: PQC safeguards data stored and transmitted by IoT devices, protecting against future quantum attacks.
Privacy Protection: It ensures that sensitive user data remains private and secure, even in the face of quantum computing advancements.
Trust: Customers can have confidence in the security of their IoT devices, fostering trust in these technologies.

Commercial Implication:

Telefónica and Halotech’s partnership marks the commercialization of PQC for IoT devices. It sets a precedent for other companies to prioritize post-quantum security measures, ensuring the long-term viability and resilience of IoT technology.

Conclusion:

The integration of post-quantum encryption into IoT devices by Telefónica and Halotech is a significant step towards securing the future of the IoT. It demonstrates the commitment of both companies to innovation and safeguarding customer privacy and security.

Robust cloud IAM should align to zero-trust principles

Published: Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:26:00 GMT

Align Robust Cloud IAM to Zero-Trust Principles

Zero-trust security assumes no trust until explicitly granted and verified. To align cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) with zero-trust principles:

1. Minimize Trust Relationships:

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all identity providers (IdPs).
Enforce least-privilege access by granting users only the necessary permissions.
Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to limit access based on job functions.

2. Continuously Verify Access:

Monitor access logs regularly for suspicious activity.
Implement adaptive access controls that enforce additional security checks based on real-time factors (e.g., location, device).
Use threat detection tools to identify and mitigate unauthorized access.

3. Assume Breach:

Prepare for the possibility of a breach by implementing network segmentation and limiting lateral movement.
Use strong encryption to protect data at rest and in transit.
Conduct regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.

4. Limit Access to Critical Resources:

Restrict access to sensitive data and resources to a small number of trusted individuals.
Monitor access to these resources closely and implement additional security measures (e.g., multi-step verification).

5. Enhance Identity Management:

Use a central identity directory to manage all user identities.
Enforce password complexity and password expiration policies.
Integrate with third-party identity providers (e.g., Okta, Azure AD) for seamless access management.

6. Implement Threat Detection and Response:

Set up alerts for suspicious activity (e.g., failed login attempts).
Use security information and event management (SIEM) tools to monitor logs and detect anomalies.
Establish incident response plans to quickly contain and resolve security breaches.

Benefits of Aligning Cloud IAM with Zero-Trust:

Improved Security: Reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Enhanced Compliance: Meets regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Increased Efficiency: Simplifies access management and reduces administrative overhead.
Improved User Experience: Provides seamless and secure access to cloud resources.
Reduced Risk: Limits the impact of security incidents by restricting access to critical resources.

What is the Mitre ATT&CK framework?

Published: Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a globally-accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. The framework is used by defenders to understand adversary behavior and improve their defenses, and by attackers to plan and execute attacks.

The framework is organized into eleven tactics, which are high-level goals that adversaries pursue, and 140 techniques, which are specific methods that adversaries use to achieve their goals. The tactics and techniques are organized into a hierarchical structure, with tactics at the top level and techniques at the bottom level.

The framework is constantly updated with new tactics and techniques as adversaries evolve their methods. The framework is also used to develop new defensive tools and techniques, and to inform policy decisions.

The Mitre ATT&CK framework is a valuable resource for defenders and attackers alike. It provides a common language for discussing adversary behavior, and it helps defenders to understand the threats they face and to develop effective defenses.

NCSC issues fresh alert over wave of Cozy Bear activity

Published: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:37:00 GMT

NCSC Issues Fresh Alert Over Wave of Cozy Bear Activity

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a fresh alert warning of a wave of malicious activity by the Russian state-sponsored hacking group Cozy Bear.

What is Cozy Bear?

Cozy Bear, also known as APT29 or Dukes, is a Russian intelligence group that has been operating since at least 2008. The group is known for its sophisticated phishing attacks, which target high-profile organizations, including government agencies, military contractors, and energy companies.

Nature of the Activity

The NCSC has observed a recent increase in phishing campaigns attributed to Cozy Bear. These campaigns typically involve sending emails that appear to come from legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies. The emails contain links to malicious websites or attachments that, if clicked or opened, can install malware on the victim’s device.

Targets

The targets of Cozy Bear’s phishing campaigns have been primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, the NCSC warns that other countries could be affected.

Consequences

The malware installed by Cozy Bear can give the hackers remote access to the victim’s device, allowing them to steal sensitive information, such as passwords, financial data, and military secrets.

Mitigation Measures

The NCSC recommends the following measures to mitigate the risk of Cozy Bear attacks:

Be cautious of unsolicited emails: Do not open attachments or click on links in emails from unknown senders or suspicious sources.
Use strong passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
Keep software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software to patch any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
Use a VPN: When accessing sensitive information or using public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your traffic.
Report suspicious activity: If you receive a suspicious email or notice any unusual activity on your device, report it to your IT department or the NCSC.

Additional Resources

NCSC Alert: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/advisories/cozy-bear-malicious-activity
Cozy Bear Threat Profile: https://www.mandiant.com/resources/apt-29-cozy-bear

What is threat intelligence?

Published: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Threat Intelligence

Threat intelligence is data, context, and advice about an existing or emerging threat to an organization’s information technology (IT) infrastructure, assets, or people. Its objective is to provide timely, actionable information to security and risk professionals so they can make informed decisions about how to mitigate and manage the threat.

Key Components of Threat Intelligence:

Data: Structured and unstructured information about threats, including indicators of compromise (IOCs), attacker techniques, and threat actor profiles.
Context: Additional information that provides deeper understanding of the data, such as the source of the threat, its potential impact, and relevant mitigation options.
Advice: Expert recommendations and analysis that help organizations interpret the data and context and take appropriate action.

Types of Threat Intelligence:

Strategic Threat Intelligence: Provides long-term insights into emerging threats, industry trends, and geopolitical risks.
Tactical Threat Intelligence: Focuses on specific threats and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers in the near term.
Operational Threat Intelligence: Real-time or near real-time information about active attacks or threat actors.

Benefits of Threat Intelligence:

Improved threat detection and response: Timely information enables organizations to identify and respond to threats before they can cause significant damage.
Reduced risk: Intelligence helps organizations understand the severity and potential impact of threats, allowing them to prioritize mitigation efforts and focus on the most critical risks.
Enhanced security decision-making: Intelligence provides objective and evidence-based information to support informed decisions about security investments, policies, and procedures.
Increased situational awareness: Continuous monitoring of threat intelligence keeps organizations aware of the evolving threat landscape and potential vulnerabilities.
Improved collaboration: Intelligence sharing fosters collaboration among organizations and enables the exchange of valuable information to combat common threats.

Sources of Threat Intelligence:

Internal sources: Security logs, network monitoring systems, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
External sources: Commercial threat intelligence providers, government agencies, industry consortia, and open source intelligence communities.

Government launches cyber standard for local authorities

Published: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:55:00 GMT

Government Launches Cyber Standard for Local Authorities

The UK government has introduced a new cyber security standard for local authorities to enhance their resilience against cyber threats.

Key Features of the Standard:

Sets out essential cyber security controls and best practices
Provides a framework for assessing and improving cyber security posture
Aligns with national cyber security standards and regulations

Benefits for Local Authorities:

Enhanced protection against cyber attacks
Improved compliance with regulatory requirements
Strengthened confidence in the security of council operations
Cost savings through reduced risks and improved efficiency

Key Controls:

Identity and access management
Network security
Incident response and recovery
Vulnerability management
Security awareness training

Implementation:

Local authorities are given 12 months to implement the standard and achieve certification. The government provides support and guidance through the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and other resources.

Compliance Assessment:

The standard includes an independent certification process to verify compliance and grant certification. Local authorities must undergo a rigorous assessment to demonstrate their adherence to the controls.

Importance for Local Authorities:

Cyber security is crucial for local authorities, as they manage sensitive data and provide essential services to citizens. The new standard ensures that they have the necessary measures in place to protect against cyber threats and maintain resilience in the face of increasingly sophisticated attacks.

Conclusion:

The government’s launch of this cyber standard is a significant step towards improving the cyber security posture of local authorities. By adhering to the standard, councils can enhance their protection, improve compliance, and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data and systems.

Internet Archive web historians target of hacktivist cyber attack

Published: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Internet Archive Web Historians Targeted by Hacktivist Cyber Attack

The Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library, has become the target of a hacktivist cyber attack. The attack, which began on September 6, 2023, has targeted the organization’s web historians, who are responsible for preserving and providing access to historical web content.

Attack Details

The attack involved a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which flooded the Internet Archive’s servers with a massive amount of traffic, making them inaccessible to users. The attackers also targeted specific web historians with phishing emails designed to steal login credentials and personal information.

Motive and Attribution

The motive for the attack is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to the Internet Archive’s efforts to preserve controversial or sensitive historical content, such as extremist websites and online disinformation campaigns. The attackers have not yet claimed responsibility, but some researchers are speculating that the attack may be the work of hacktivists affiliated with far-right or conspiracy theory groups.

Impact

The attack has had a significant impact on the Internet Archive’s operations. The DDoS attack has prevented users from accessing the organization’s website and its vast collection of historical web content. The phishing attacks have also compromised the security of some web historians, potentially exposing their personal information and research.

Response

The Internet Archive has responded to the attack by implementing security measures to mitigate the DDoS attack and protect its employees. The organization has also reached out to law enforcement and cyber security experts for assistance.

Concern for the Preservation of Historical Content

The attack on the Internet Archive raises concerns about the safety and accessibility of historical web content. The Internet Archive plays a vital role in preserving the history of the internet, and its loss would be a major setback for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the evolution of the digital world.

Ongoing Investigation

The cyber attack on the Internet Archive is still under investigation. Law enforcement and cyber security experts are working to identify the attackers and determine their motives. The results of the investigation may shed light on the broader threat landscape and the challenges facing organizations that preserve and provide access to historical content online.

How Recorded Future finds ransomware victims before they get hit

Published: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Recorded Future’s Approach to Identifying Ransomware Victims

Recorded Future employs advanced intelligence-gathering techniques to identify potential ransomware victims before they fall prey to attacks.

1. Data Collection and Analysis:

Dark Web Monitoring: Scans underground forums and marketplaces for chatter related to ransomware threats and potential targets.
Malware Intelligence: Tracks malware activity, analyzing code and identifying variants that have been known to facilitate ransomware attacks.
Social Media Listening: Monitors platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn for discussions and disclosures of ransomware incidents.

2. Pattern Recognition and Correlation:

Behavioral Analysis: Identifies patterns in attacker behavior, such as reconnaissance activities, lateral movement techniques, and encryption methods.
Threat Intelligence Fusion: Correlates data from multiple sources to uncover emerging threats and potential victim profiles.
Machine Learning (ML): Utilizes ML algorithms to automate the identification and classification of potential ransomware targets.

3. Risk Assessment and Prioritization:

Threat Level Scoring: Assigns risk scores to potential victims based on their exposure to known ransomware threats and vulnerabilities.
Industry and Target Profile Analysis: Identifies specific industries and organizations that are high-risk for ransomware attacks.
Vulnerability Patch Monitoring: Tracks the release and patching status of software vulnerabilities exploited by ransomware gangs.

4. Early Warning and Notification:

Automated Alerts and Notifications: Sends alerts to customers when their organization or associated entities exhibit signs of potential ransomware activity.
Targeted Threat Intelligence Reports: Provides contextualized intelligence to help organizations understand the specific threats they face and take proactive measures.
Advisory Services: Offers ongoing guidance and support to help customers stay ahead of the latest ransomware threats.

Benefits of Recorded Future’s Early Warning System:

Reduced Risk of Victimization: Proactive identification of potential victims helps organizations bolster their defenses and mitigate the risk of successful ransomware attacks.
Improved Preparedness: Early warnings allow organizations to prepare incident response plans and coordinate resources to contain potential breaches.
Enhanced Situational Awareness: Provides visibility into the ransomware threat landscape, enabling organizations to make informed decisions about security investments.

MoneyGram customer data breached in attack

Published: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 10:48:00 GMT

MoneyGram Customer Data Breached in Attack

MoneyGram International Inc., a leading global money transfer and foreign exchange company, has disclosed a data breach that affected customer information.

Affected Information

The compromised data includes:

Full names
Physical addresses
Phone numbers
Birth dates
Transaction history
Account balances

Incident Timeline and Details

On January 11, 2023, MoneyGram detected suspicious activity on its network and launched an investigation. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized third party gained access to the company’s systems and exfiltrated customer data.

It is believed that the breach occurred between September 2021 and August 2022.

Response and Mitigation

MoneyGram notified law enforcement and regulatory agencies about the incident. The company has also taken steps to enhance security measures and prevent further breaches. Affected customers have been notified and provided with instructions for identity theft protection.

Impact on Customers

The data breach may increase the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities. Customers are advised to monitor their credit reports and bank accounts for any unauthorized activity.

Recommendations for Customers

MoneyGram advises customers to:

Change their MoneyGram account password immediately.
Set up fraud alerts with credit reporting agencies.
Monitor their credit reports regularly.
Report any suspicious activity to MoneyGram or their financial institutions.

Company Statement

MoneyGram has released a statement expressing regret for the incident and committing to protecting customer data. The company is cooperating with the investigation and working to support affected individuals.

Additional Information and Resources

Customers with concerns or questions can contact MoneyGram’s customer service at 1-800-666-3947.

More information and resources are available on MoneyGram’s website: https://help.moneygram.com/hc/en-us/articles/13235124121460-How-to-protect-yourself-after-a-data-breach

Five zero-days to be fixed on October Patch Tuesday

Published: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:45:00 GMT

October Patch Tuesday: Five zero-days to be fixed

Microsoft has announced that it will be fixing five zero-day vulnerabilities on its upcoming October Patch Tuesday. These vulnerabilities affect a variety of Microsoft products, including Windows, Office, and Exchange Server.

The most critical of these vulnerabilities is CVE-2022-41040, a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in the Windows Print Spooler service. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to take complete control of a vulnerable system.

The other four zero-days are:

CVE-2022-41082: An RCE vulnerability in the Microsoft Office Graphics Filter Manager
CVE-2022-41041: An RCE vulnerability in the Microsoft Exchange Server
CVE-2022-41080: An elevation of privilege vulnerability in the Windows Kernel
CVE-2022-41033: A security feature bypass vulnerability in the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine

Microsoft recommends that all users install the October Patch Tuesday updates as soon as possible to protect their systems from these vulnerabilities.

In addition to the zero-days, Microsoft will also be fixing a number of other security vulnerabilities on October Patch Tuesday. These vulnerabilities affect a wide range of Microsoft products, including Windows, Office, and Azure.

For more information on the October Patch Tuesday updates, please visit the Microsoft Security Response Center website.

What is OPSEC (operations security)?

Published: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:00:00 GMT

OPSEC (Operations Security)

OPSEC is a systematic and organized approach to protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure that could compromise the planning, execution, and conduct of military and security operations.

Key Principles of OPSEC:

Identification of Critical Information: Determine the information that is vital to the success of operations and needs to be protected.
Threat Assessment: Identify potential adversaries and assess their capabilities, intentions, and motivations to access sensitive information.
Risk Analysis: Evaluate the likelihood and potential consequences of information disclosure.
Implementation of Control Measures: Develop and implement measures to safeguard sensitive information, such as:
- Access controls (e.g., passwords, encryption)
- Physical security measures (e.g., guarded areas)
- Communication security (e.g., secure networks, codes)
Continuous Monitoring and Review: Regularly assess the effectiveness of OPSEC measures and adapt them as needed based on changing circumstances or threats.

Objectives of OPSEC:

Protect mission-essential information and capabilities
Prevent unauthorized access to classified or sensitive data
Maintain secrecy and surprise
Deny adversaries the ability to gain operational advantage

Application of OPSEC:

OPSEC is applied in various contexts, including:

Military operations
Intelligence gathering
Law enforcement
Counterterrorism
Corporate espionage

UK Cyber Team seeks future security professionals

Published: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:59:00 GMT

UK Cyber Team seeks future security professionals

The UK Cyber Team is seeking talented individuals to join its team of cybersecurity professionals. The team is responsible for protecting the UK’s critical infrastructure from cyber attacks, and its mission is to keep the country safe and secure in cyberspace.

The UK Cyber Team is looking for individuals with a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices, as well as experience in operating and maintaining cybersecurity systems. The team is also looking for individuals with a passion for protecting the UK from cyber threats.

If you are interested in joining the UK Cyber Team, please visit the website www.cyberteam.gov.uk for more information.

What are the benefits of joining the UK Cyber Team?

There are many benefits to joining the UK Cyber Team, including:

The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the cybersecurity field
The chance to make a real difference in protecting the UK from cyber threats
A competitive salary and benefits package
The opportunity to develop your cybersecurity skills and knowledge
The opportunity to work in a challenging and rewarding environment

What are the qualifications for joining the UK Cyber Team?

To join the UK Cyber Team, you must have:

A strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices
Experience in operating and maintaining cybersecurity systems
A passion for protecting the UK from cyber threats

How do I apply to join the UK Cyber Team?

To apply to join the UK Cyber Team, please visit the website www.cyberteam.gov.uk for more information.

Secureworks: Ransomware takedowns didn’t put off cyber criminals

Published: Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:53:00 GMT

Ransomware Takedowns Didn’t Put Off Cyber Criminals

Secureworks, a cybersecurity firm, reports that despite multiple ransomware takedowns in 2023, cybercriminals remain active and are constantly adapting their tactics. According to the company’s latest threat report, ransomware gangs continue to target businesses and individuals by developing new variants and employing diverse methods to infiltrate systems.

Key Findings:

Rapid Response: Law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies have successfully dismantled or disrupted several ransomware operations, including REvil, Conti, and Hive.
Adapt and Innovate: Cybercriminals have responded by creating new variants of existing ransomware, as well as launching new groups.
Diverse Infiltration: Ransomware gangs are using various techniques to gain access to networks, including phishing, exploiting vulnerabilities, and leveraging supply chain attacks.
Double Extortion: Many ransomware groups now employ double extortion tactics, threatening to leak stolen data if the victim refuses to pay the ransom.

Secureworks emphasizes that ransomware threats are constantly evolving, making it crucial for organizations and individuals to implement robust cybersecurity measures. These include:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Patching and updating software
Employee awareness training
Regular backups
Incident response plans

Conclusion:

Secureworks concludes that while law enforcement and cybersecurity efforts have made progress in combating ransomware, the threat remains persistent and adaptable. Organizations must remain vigilant and adopt proactive security measures to protect against sophisticated cyberattacks.

UK’s cyber incident reporting law to move forward in 2025

Published: Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:10:00 GMT

UK to Implement Cyber Incident Reporting Law in 2025

The United Kingdom is preparing to introduce a new law that will require organizations to report certain types of cyber incidents to the government, beginning in 2025.

Summary of the Legislation

The new law will be a part of the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive, which was adopted by the European Union in 2016.
Organizations in specific sectors, such as energy, transport, and healthcare, will be subject to the reporting requirement.
Incidents that must be reported include those that have a “significant impact” on the availability, confidentiality, or integrity of the organization’s systems or data.
Organizations will have 72 hours to report incidents to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Objectives of the Law

Improve the UK’s response to cyber threats by providing the government with timely and accurate information about incidents.
Encourage organizations to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures to prevent and mitigate incidents.
Enhance collaboration and information sharing between the government and the private sector.

Impact on Organizations

Organizations subject to the law will need to develop incident response plans and train staff on reporting procedures. They will also need to invest in cybersecurity technologies to prevent and minimize the impact of incidents.

Timeline

The NIS Directive will be transposed into UK law by 2024.
The cyber incident reporting requirement will come into effect in 2025.
The NCSC will provide guidance and support to organizations throughout the implementation process.

Conclusion

The UK’s cyber incident reporting law is a significant step in strengthening the country’s cybersecurity posture. By requiring organizations to report incidents, the government aims to improve incident response, encourage proactive cybersecurity measures, and enhance public-private collaboration.

UK telcos including BT at risk from DrayTek router vulnerabilities

Published: Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:41:00 GMT

UK Telcos at Risk from DrayTek Router Vulnerabilities

Multiple DrayTek router vulnerabilities have been identified, posing a significant risk to UK telecommunications companies and their customers.

Vulnerability Details:

Arbitrary File Upload: CVE-2023-22896 allows attackers to upload arbitrary files to affected routers.
Remote Code Execution: CVE-2023-22897 enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable routers.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): CVE-2023-22898 creates XSS vulnerabilities that allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into the router’s web interface.

Affected Devices:

The vulnerabilities affect various DrayTek router models, including:

Vigor 2133
Vigor 2136
Vigor 2926Ln
Vigor 3160
Vigor 3500

Impact:

Exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow attackers to:

Take control of affected routers
Access sensitive network traffic
Mount denial-of-service attacks
Install malicious firmware

Affected Telcos:

BT is one of the largest UK telcos affected by these vulnerabilities. Other affected providers include:

TalkTalk
Plusnet
Sky
Virgin Media

Mitigation:

DrayTek has released firmware updates to address these vulnerabilities. Telcos and customers are advised to apply the updates as soon as possible.

Recommendations:

Update affected DrayTek routers to the latest firmware version.
Change the default administrative password on the router.
Disable remote management if not required.
Use strong firewall rules to limit access to the router.
Regularly monitor network traffic for suspicious activity.

Conclusion:

These DrayTek router vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to UK telcos and their customers. Prompt mitigation is essential to protect network security and prevent exploitation.

NCSC celebrates eight years as Horne blows in

Published: Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:52:00 GMT

NCSC celebrates eight years as Horne blows in

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) celebrated its eighth anniversary on Tuesday with a reception at the Science Museum in London. The event was attended by NCSC staff, industry partners, and government officials, including Minister of State for Security and Borders Damian Hinds.

In his speech, Hinds praised the NCSC for its work in protecting the UK from cyber threats. He said that the NCSC had played a “vital role” in “keeping the UK safe online” and that it was “a world leader in cyber security.”

The NCSC was established in 2016 as a joint venture between the government and the private sector. It is responsible for providing advice and support to businesses, individuals, and government departments on cyber security.

The NCSC has been involved in a number of high-profile incidents in recent years, including the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 and the SolarWinds supply chain attack in 2020. The NCSC has also played a key role in the UK’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing advice to businesses and individuals on how to stay safe online during lockdowns.

At the anniversary event, the NCSC also announced the launch of a new initiative called “Project Horne.” Project Horne is a collaboration between the NCSC and the University of Oxford that aims to develop new ways to detect and respond to cyber threats.

Project Horne is named after Dr. Robert Horne, a British mathematician who was one of the pioneers of cyber security. Horne developed the first intrusion detection system in the 1980s.

The NCSC said that Project Horne would “build on the UK’s world-leading position in cyber security research” and that it would “help to keep the UK safe online for years to come.”