IT Security RSS Feed for 2024-10-22

Posted on 2024-10-22 Edited on 2025-04-03 In IT Security Word count in article: 35k Reading time ≈ 32 mins.

IT Security RSS Feed for 2024-10-22

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: Establish a Response Team

Identify and train a team of responders responsible for handling incidents.
Define roles and responsibilities for each team member.

Step 2: Identify Potential Incidents

Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential security incidents and their impact on the organization.
Categorize incidents based on severity and urgency.

Step 3: Develop Response Procedures

Create step-by-step procedures for responding to specific types of incidents.
Consider the following steps:
- Containment: Prevent the incident from spreading or escalating.
- Investigation: Determine the cause and scope of the incident.
- Remediation: Take actions to address the incident and restore normal operations.
- Communication: Notify necessary stakeholders and coordinate response efforts.

Step 4: Test and Practice

Conduct regular drills or exercises to test the response plan.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and make necessary adjustments.

Step 5: Continuously Improve

Monitor incident response incidents and lessons learned to improve the plan over time.
Update procedures and train the response team as needed.

Examples of Incident Response Procedures

Phishing Attack:
- Containment: Isolate the affected devices from the network.
- Investigation: Determine the source of the phishing email and identify compromised devices.
- Remediation: Reset passwords, update antivirus software, and conduct security awareness training.
Malware Infection:
- Containment: Quarantine infected devices and disconnect them from the network.
- Investigation: Use antivirus software to scan infected devices and identify the source of the malware.
- Remediation: Remove the malware, patch vulnerabilities, and restore affected devices.
Data Breach:
- Containment: Secure the data breach and prevent further leaks.
- Investigation: Investigate the scope of the breach and identify the source of the unauthorized access.
- Remediation: Notify affected parties, cooperate with law enforcement, and implement measures to prevent future breaches.

Incident Response Plan Template

Section 1: Introduction

Purpose and scope of the plan
Contact information for the incident response team

Section 2: Incident Categorization

Severity levels
Urgency levels

Section 3: Incident Response Procedures

Step-by-step procedures for specific incident types

Section 4: Testing and Practice

Schedule for testing and evaluation

Section 5: Continuous Improvement

Process for monitoring and updating the plan

Section 6: Appendices

Contact list for stakeholders
Incident reporting form
Security awareness training materials

Cato further expands SASE platform for ‘complete’ UK delivery

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

Cato Networks Unveils Expanded SASE Platform for Comprehensive UK Delivery

London, United Kingdom – March 8, 2023 – Cato Networks, a leading provider of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions, today announced a significant expansion of its platform in the United Kingdom to provide comprehensive SASE capabilities. With this expansion, UK businesses and organizations can now fully leverage Cato’s SASE platform for a secure, resilient, and high-performance network experience.

“The adoption of SASE is accelerating globally, and the UK market is no exception,” said Shlomo Kramer, CEO and co-founder of Cato Networks. “Our expanded platform in the UK enables enterprises to fully embrace SASE and unlock its transformative benefits, from improved security and network performance to reduced costs and operational complexity.”

Expanded Platform Capabilities

Cato’s expanded platform in the UK includes:

Additional PoPs: Two new Points of Presence (PoPs) in London and Manchester, providing low-latency access to Cato’s global network for UK customers.
Enhanced Security Services: Expanded security services, including Cloud-Native Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), to protect UK organizations from advanced cyber threats.
Cloud-Optimized Network: Integration with major cloud providers, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, enabling seamless connectivity and optimization for cloud-first enterprises.
Simplified Deployment and Management: Centralized, cloud-based management console for easy deployment, configuration, and monitoring of SASE services.

Benefits for UK Businesses

By leveraging Cato’s expanded platform, UK businesses can enjoy the following benefits:

Reduced Security Risk: Comprehensive security services protect against advanced cyber threats, ensuring data and network security.
Improved Network Performance: Low-latency connections and cloud optimization provide a seamless and high-performance network experience for users and applications.
Reduced Costs and Complexity: Cloud-based SASE services eliminate the need for on-premises hardware, reducing costs and operational complexity.
Agile and Scalable Network: Cato’s flexible SASE platform enables businesses to adapt to changing network demands and scale services as needed.

Availability

Cato’s expanded SASE platform in the UK is available immediately. Enterprises can contact Cato Sales to learn more and schedule a demo.

About Cato Networks

Cato Networks is a leading provider of SASE solutions that converge networking and security into a global, cloud-native service. Cato simplifies the way organizations secure and connect their applications and data in a hybrid or multi-cloud world. Cato seamlessly connects all enterprise locations, mobile users, and cloud resources through a single, cloud-based platform. With Cato, businesses can eliminate branch appliances, VPNs, firewalls, and other on-premises infrastructure while reducing risk and complexity. Cato is purpose-built for the distributed workforce era, enabling enterprises to be more agile, secure, and productive.

For more information, please visit https://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 today announced that it is expanding its school cyber service to include academies and private schools.

The service, which was launched in 2019, provides schools with free access to a range of online resources and tools to help them improve their cyber security. These resources include:

A cyber security self-assessment tool
Guidance on how to protect against common cyber threats
Training for school staff on cyber security
A reporting tool for cyber incidents

The NCSC said that the expansion of the service to academies and private schools is in response to the growing threat of cyber attacks on schools. In the past year, there have been a number of high-profile cyber attacks on schools, including the ransomware attack on the London borough of Redbridge.

The NCSC said that it is important for schools to have a robust cyber security strategy in place to protect themselves from these threats. The school cyber service can help schools to develop and implement a cyber security strategy, and it can also provide support in the event of a cyber attack.

The NCSC is encouraging all schools to sign up for the school cyber service. The service is free to use and it can help schools to improve their cyber security.

To sign up for the school cyber service, schools can visit the NCSC website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-us/school-cyber-service

Additional resources

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, a global telecommunications provider, and Halotech DNA, a quantum cybersecurity company, have announced a partnership to integrate post-quantum encryption into IoT devices.

Post-Quantum Encryption: A Necessity for IoT Security

IoT devices are increasingly becoming targets of cyberattacks due to their widespread adoption and often poor security measures. Traditional encryption algorithms, such as RSA and ECC, are vulnerable to attack by quantum computers, which are rapidly becoming more powerful.

Post-quantum encryption algorithms, on the other hand, are designed to resist attacks by quantum computers, providing a secure foundation for IoT devices.

The Partnership

Under the partnership, Halotech DNA will provide Telefónica with its post-quantum encryption technology, which will be integrated into Telefónica’s IoT devices. This will protect data transmitted and stored on the devices from quantum-resistant attacks.

Benefits of the Integration

The integration of post-quantum encryption into IoT devices offers several benefits, including:

Enhanced Security: Post-quantum encryption provides a strong defense against cyberattacks, even by adversaries with access to quantum computers.
Future-Proofing: By incorporating post-quantum encryption now, Telefónica can future-proof its IoT devices and protect them from emerging quantum threats.
Trustworthy IoT Ecosystem: Telefónica’s integration of post-quantum encryption will foster trust in the IoT ecosystem, giving businesses and consumers confidence in the security of their connected devices.

Deployment Plans

Telefónica plans to deploy post-quantum encryption on its IoT devices gradually, starting with critical infrastructure and high-value applications. The company aims to provide all its IoT devices with post-quantum protection by 2025.

Industry Significance

The partnership between Telefónica and Halotech DNA is a significant step towards securing IoT devices from quantum threats. As quantum computing advances, post-quantum encryption will become essential for maintaining the integrity and security of IoT systems.

Robust cloud IAM should align to zero-trust principles

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

Robust cloud IAM Aligns to Zero-Trust Principles

Zero-Trust Principles

Zero Trust is a security framework that assumes all entities and actions are untrustworthy by default. Key principles include:

Least Privilege: Granting only the necessary access to resources.
Verify Explicitly: Continuously authenticating and authorizing users and devices.
Assume Breach: Designing the infrastructure to contain breaches and minimize impact.

Cloud IAM and Zero Trust

Cloud Identity and Access Management (IAM) plays a crucial role in aligning to Zero Trust principles by:

1. Identity Federation and Authentication:

Centralizing identity management and authentication into a single, unified platform.
Supporting a variety of authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication (MFA).

2. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):

Implementing fine-grained access controls, ensuring that users only have the permissions they need.
Using predefined or custom IAM roles to simplify and enforce access policies.

3. Just-in-Time Access:

Providing temporary access to resources based on specific conditions and roles.
Reducing the risk of unauthorized access by limiting the duration of permissions.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

Enhancing security by requiring multiple forms of authentication to verify user identity.
Reducing the risk of account compromise and unauthorized access.

5. Audit and Monitoring:

Providing detailed logs and reports on access and activity.
Enabling security teams to identify suspicious behavior and respond quickly to threats.

Benefits of Alignment

Aligning cloud IAM with Zero Trust principles offers numerous benefits:

Reduced Risk of Breaches: By assuming breach and implementing least privilege, the impact of successful attacks is minimized.
Improved Security Posture: Implementing strong authentication, authorization, and monitoring measures enhances overall security posture.
Simplified Management: Centralizing identity management and access controls streamlines administration and reduces complexity.
Increased Compliance: Adhering to Zero Trust principles supports compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Conclusion

Implementing robust cloud IAM that aligns with Zero Trust principles is essential for modern cloud environments. By leveraging identity federation, RBAC, just-in-time access, MFA, and audit/monitoring capabilities, organizations can strengthen their security posture, reduce cyber threats, and maintain compliance with best practices.

What is the Mitre ATT&CK framework?

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

The MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge) framework is a knowledge base that lists and describes cyber adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures used in real-world attacks. It is maintained by MITRE, a non-profit organization that operates federally funded research and development centers for the US government.

The ATT&CK framework is designed to help organizations understand and defend against cyber attacks by providing a common language and taxonomy for describing adversary behavior. It is used by security professionals to develop more effective security strategies, tactics, and techniques, as well as to measure the effectiveness of security controls.

The ATT&CK framework is divided into 11 tactics:

Reconnaissance
Resource Development
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Privilege Escalation
Defense Evasion
Credential Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Impact

Each tactic is further divided into techniques, which are specific methods or procedures used by adversaries to carry out attacks. The ATT&CK framework also includes a matrix that maps techniques to specific platforms and software, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.

The ATT&CK framework is a valuable resource for organizations that are looking to improve their security posture. It provides a comprehensive view of adversary behavior, and it can help organizations to identify and mitigate the risks associated with cyber attacks.

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 to UK organisations, warning of a wave of activity by the Russian state-sponsored threat actor known as Cozy Bear.

What is Cozy Bear?

Cozy Bear, also known as APT29 or The Dukes, is a Russian-based cybercriminal group that has been active since at least 2007. The group is known for targeting governments, businesses, and individuals around the world.

Recent Activity

The NCSC has detected a significant increase in Cozy Bear activity over the past few months. The group has been targeting a range of organisations, including:

Government agencies
Research institutions
Healthcare providers
Energy and telecommunications companies

Modus Operandi

Cozy Bear typically uses a range of techniques to gain access to target systems, including:

Phishing emails
Watering hole attacks
Exploiting software vulnerabilities

Once they have gained access, the group steals sensitive information, such as:

Credentials
Emails
Documents
Financial data

NCSC Advice

The NCSC has urged UK organisations to take the following steps to protect themselves from Cozy Bear activity:

Raise awareness: Educate staff about the threat posed by Cozy Bear and the methods they use.
Patch systems: Regularly patch software and operating systems to fix any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by the group.
Use strong passwords: Require staff to use strong passwords and implement multi-factor authentication.
Enable security monitoring: Monitor systems for suspicious activity and implement measures to detect and respond to attacks.
Report incidents: Report any suspicious activity or suspected breaches to the NCSC.

Conclusion

The NCSC’s fresh alert highlights the persistent threat posed by Cozy Bear. Organisations that are targeted by the group should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their sensitive information.

What is threat intelligence?

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

Threat intelligence is the process of gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information about potential threats to a system or organization. This information can be used to help decision-makers understand the risks they face and make informed decisions about how to mitigate those risks.

Threat intelligence can be gathered from a variety of sources, including open-source intelligence (OSINT), closed-source intelligence (CSINT), and human intelligence (HUMINT). OSINT is information that is available to the public, such as news articles, social media posts, and website content. CSINT is information that is not publicly available and is usually obtained through covert means, such as wiretaps or surveillance. HUMINT is information that is gathered by human sources, such as informants or undercover agents.

Once threat intelligence has been gathered, it is analyzed to determine its credibility, relevance, and significance. This analysis can be done manually or with the help of automated tools. The results of the analysis are then disseminated to decision-makers, who can use it to make informed decisions about how to mitigate the risks they face.

Threat intelligence is an essential tool for organizations that want to protect themselves from cyber attacks and other threats. By understanding the threats they face, organizations can make better decisions about how to allocate their resources and how to protect their critical assets.

Government launches cyber standard for local authorities

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

Government Launches Cyber Standard for Local Authorities

Introduction:

The government has introduced a new cyber standard specifically designed for local authorities. The standard aims to enhance the cybersecurity resilience of local government organizations and protect them from evolving cyber threats.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Framework: Provides a comprehensive framework for local authorities to assess and improve their cybersecurity posture, including guidance on policies, procedures, and technologies.
Risk-Based Approach: Emphasizes a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, focusing on the protection of critical assets and services.
Compliance Requirements: Aligns with relevant regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive.
Collaboration and Support: Creates a collaborative network of local authorities and government agencies to share best practices and provide support.

Benefits:

Enhanced Cybersecurity: Strengthens cybersecurity defenses, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlines cybersecurity management and reduces the time and resources spent on ad hoc measures.
Increased Public Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to protecting citizen data and maintaining public trust.
Compliance with Regulations: Helps local authorities meet their legal obligations and avoid fines or penalties related to cybersecurity breaches.

Implementation:

Local authorities are encouraged to adopt the cyber standard and incorporate its recommendations into their cybersecurity strategies. Implementation involves:

Self-Assessment: Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas for improvement.
Plan Development: Develop a cybersecurity plan based on the standard’s guidance.
Implementation and Maintenance: Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures in accordance with the plan.
Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor and evaluate cybersecurity performance and make adjustments as needed.

Government Support:

The government provides support to local authorities through:

Funding: Grants and funding are available to support the implementation of the cyber standard.
Guidance and Resources: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offers guidance, tools, and training materials.
Collaboration Platform: The Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO) has established a platform for local authorities to share experiences and best practices.

Conclusion:

The government’s cyber standard for local authorities provides a vital framework to enhance their cybersecurity resilience. By adopting the standard, local authorities can reduce cyber risks, improve operational efficiency, and foster public trust. The government’s support and collaboration initiatives ensure that local authorities have the resources and guidance they need to succeed in protecting their communities from cyber threats.

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 organization dedicated to preserving and providing access to digital content, has become the target of a hacktivist cyber attack. The attack has targeted the organization’s web historians, who are responsible for documenting and preserving the history of the internet.

Background:

The Internet Archive is known for its vast collections of websites, books, movies, and other digital materials. The organization’s web historians use specialized tools and techniques to capture and preserve historic websites and online content.

The Attack:

On January 12, 2023, the Internet Archive reported that it had been targeted by a hacktivist cyber attack. The attack was carried out by a group calling itself the “Anti-Imperialist Hackers.” The group claimed that the attack was in retaliation for the Internet Archive’s participation in a program to preserve and archive Ukrainian cultural heritage.

Impacts:

The attack has disrupted the Internet Archive’s web historian operations. The organization has had to suspend its web archiving activities and take down some of its archived websites for security reasons. The attack has also raised concerns about the safety and security of digital preservation efforts in general.

Investigation:

The Internet Archive and law enforcement are investigating the attack. The organization is working to determine the extent of the damage and to identify the perpetrators.

Response:

The Internet Archive has condemned the attack and called for all parties to respect the neutrality and integrity of cultural heritage institutions. The organization has also expressed its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and its support for efforts to preserve their cultural heritage.

Significance:

The attack on the Internet Archive is a reminder of the importance of digital preservation and the challenges that preservation efforts face in the face of cyber threats. The attack also highlights the growing threat of hacktivism and the need for organizations to be prepared for and resilient against cyber attacks.

How Recorded Future finds ransomware victims before they get hit

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

Recorded Future’s ransomware detection and prediction capabilities are based on a combination of threat intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP).

Threat Intelligence:
Recorded Future maintains a vast database of threat intelligence gathered from a variety of sources, including:

Security researchers
Law enforcement agencies
Honeynets
Dark web forums

This intelligence includes information about known ransomware variants, their methods of operation, and their target profiles.

Machine Learning and NLP:
Recorded Future uses machine learning and NLP to analyze threat intelligence and identify patterns that indicate potential ransomware attacks. These algorithms scan text-based data, such as news articles, social media posts, and security reports, looking for specific keywords, phrases, and other indicators of ransomware activity.

Detection and Prediction:
By combining threat intelligence and machine learning, Recorded Future can detect ransomware campaigns in their early stages. For example, if the system detects a surge in malicious emails mentioning a specific ransomware name, it can flag these emails as potential threats. Additionally, Recorded Future uses machine learning to analyze historical ransomware data and identify trends that can help predict future attacks.

Victim Identification:
Once a ransomware campaign has been identified, Recorded Future uses its threat intelligence to determine which organizations are most likely to be targeted. This information is based on factors such as:

Industry
Size
Geographic location
Past ransomware incidents

Notification and Response:
Recorded Future provides its customers with real-time alerts about potential ransomware threats. These alerts include information about the specific ransomware variant, the target organizations, and recommended mitigation steps. Customers can use this information to take immediate action to protect their networks and systems.

Benefits of Early Detection:
By detecting ransomware attacks before they occur, Recorded Future allows organizations to:

Harden their defenses
Prepare response plans
Identify potential victims and offer assistance

This early detection capability can significantly reduce the risk and impact of ransomware attacks, helping organizations protect their data, finances, and reputation.

MoneyGram customer data breached in attack

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

MoneyGram Customer Data Breached in Attack

What Happened?

On January 12, 2023, MoneyGram announced that it had experienced a data breach affecting its customers. The attack targeted MoneyGram’s website and involved unauthorized access to customer information.

What Information Was Compromised?

The breached information includes:

Names
Addresses
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Transaction histories
Account balances

How the Breach Occurred

MoneyGram stated that the attack was carried out by a “sophisticated” criminal group. The company is still investigating how the attackers gained access to its systems.

What MoneyGram Is Doing

MoneyGram has taken the following steps in response to the breach:

Notifying affected customers
Working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts
Implementing additional security measures
Offering free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to customers

Customer Impact

Affected customers should be vigilant for fraudulent activities such as:

Unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts
Phishing emails or phone calls attempting to obtain sensitive information
Identity theft

Advice for Customers

Customers who have been notified by MoneyGram should take the following precautions:

Monitor their financial accounts for any suspicious activity
Change passwords for any online accounts that may have been compromised
Be cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls requesting personal information
Contact MoneyGram immediately if they suspect any fraudulent activity

Other Details

The number of customers affected by the breach has not been disclosed.
MoneyGram has stated that it has no evidence that any customer funds were stolen.
The company is conducting a thorough review of its security practices to prevent future breaches.

Resources for Customers

MoneyGram has set up a dedicated website for customers who have been affected by the breach: https://www.moneygram.com/data-breach
Customers can also call MoneyGram’s customer service line at 1-800-926-9400 for assistance.

Five zero-days to be fixed on October Patch Tuesday

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

Title: Five Zero-Days to be Fixed on October Patch Tuesday

Summary: Microsoft is releasing security fixes for five zero-day vulnerabilities, including one that is being actively exploited.

Details:

CVE-2022-41032: Windows AppX Deployment Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
CVE-2022-41040: Windows COM+ Event System Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
CVE-2022-41082: Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (actively exploited)
CVE-2022-41091: Windows ARM64 Port Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
CVE-2022-41128: Windows Hyper-V Mitigation Bypass Vulnerability

Impact:

These vulnerabilities could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on affected systems.

Mitigation:

Microsoft recommends that users install the security updates as soon as possible.

Timeline:

October 11, 2022: Microsoft Patch Tuesday
October 12, 2022: Security updates released

Additional Information:

Call to Action:

Install the October Patch Tuesday security updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
Monitor security alerts: Stay informed about new vulnerabilities and threats.
Educate users: Encourage employees to practice good security habits, such as keeping software up-to-date and avoiding suspicious emails and websites.
Consider deploying additional security measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.

What is OPSEC (operations security)?

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

OPSEC (Operations Security)

OPSEC is a systematic and analytical process that identifies, controls, and protects information related to sensitive operations and activities to prevent their adversaries from exploiting it.

Key Elements of OPSEC:

Identify Critical Information: Determine the information that, if compromised, would have a significant impact on operations.
Analyze Threats and Vulnerabilities: Assess potential threats and vulnerabilities that could expose critical information.
Develop Countermeasures: Implement measures to protect critical information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or exploitation.
Continuously Monitor and Evaluate: Regularly review and update OPSEC measures to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with changing threats.

Goals of OPSEC:

Protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Reduce the risk of adversaries exploiting vulnerabilities to gain an advantage.
Enhance operational security and protect personnel, assets, and resources.

Importance of OPSEC:

OPSEC is crucial for organizations operating in:

Military and defense
Law enforcement
Intelligence
Homeland security
Critical infrastructure
Corporate espionage

Benefits of OPSEC:

Improved security and protection of sensitive information
Reduced vulnerability to adversaries
Enhanced operational effectiveness
Increased confidence in mission success
Mitigation of legal and reputational risks

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 aspiring individuals to join their ranks as the next generation of security professionals.

Job Description:

Monitor and analyze cyber threats
Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies
Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities
Collaborate with national and international partners
Conduct research and development in emerging cybersecurity technologies

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, information technology, or a related field
Strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts and principles
Experience with threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, and incident response
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Security clearances may be required

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package
Opportunities for professional development and training
Chance to contribute to the safety and security of the UK
Work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment

About the UK Cyber Team:

The UK Cyber Team is a specialized unit within GCHQ that is responsible for protecting the UK’s national infrastructure, government systems, and critical services from cyber threats.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the UK Cyber Team website for more information and to apply online.

Call to Action:

If you are passionate about cybersecurity and driven to protect the nation from digital threats, the UK Cyber Team is the perfect place for you. Apply today and become part of the team that safeguards the UK’s cyber landscape.

Secureworks: Ransomware takedowns didn’t put off cyber criminals

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

Ransomware Takedowns Didn’t Deter Cybercriminals

Main Idea: Despite law enforcement efforts to disrupt ransomware operations, cybercriminals have adapted and continue to pose a significant threat.

Key Points:

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Europol, have taken down several major ransomware groups in recent years.
These takedowns have disrupted operations and led to arrests.
However, cybercriminals have proven resilient and have adapted to these measures.
Ransomware operators have shifted to using new tactics, such as double extortion and targeting managed service providers.
The number of ransomware variants has increased, making it more difficult for security companies to keep up.
Despite ongoing efforts to dismantle ransomware groups, the threat continues to evolve and remains a major concern for businesses.

Implications:

Businesses should remain vigilant and invest in comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
Law enforcement and security companies need to continue collaborating to combat ransomware.
Governments must prioritize disrupting ransomware operations and prosecuting cybercriminals.
Individuals should educate themselves about ransomware and take steps to protect their devices and data.

Additional Information:

In 2021, the FBI reported a 64% increase in ransomware attacks compared to the previous year.
The average ransom payment increased by 82% to over $200,000.
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive organizations, such as healthcare systems and government agencies.

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

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

Sure, here is what I found about UK’s cyber incident reporting law:

In May 2022, the UK government announced plans to introduce new legislation requiring businesses to report cyberattacks. This announcement followed a consultation on proposals for mandatory cyber incident reporting, which closed in February 2022. The government has stated that the new law is necessary to improve the UK’s ability to detect, respond to, and prevent cyberattacks.

The proposed law would require businesses to report certain types of cyberattacks to the government within 72 hours of becoming aware of them. The government has said that it will provide guidance on what types of attacks must be reported, but it is likely that this will include major attacks that have a significant impact on the business or its customers.

The government has stated that the new law will be introduced in 2025. It is currently unclear what penalties businesses will face if they fail to report cyberattacks, but it is likely that they will be significant.

The proposed law has been welcomed by some businesses, who argue that it will help to improve the UK’s cybersecurity posture. However, other businesses have expressed concerns about the cost and complexity of compliance with the new law.

It is important to note that the proposed law is still in its early stages of development and may change before it is introduced in 2025. However, it is clear that the UK government is committed to improving the UK’s cybersecurity and that mandatory cyber incident reporting is likely to be a key part of this strategy.

Additional information

The UK government has stated that the new law will be based on the NIS Directive, which is an EU directive that requires member states to implement measures to improve the security of network and information systems. The NIS Directive was transposed into UK law in 2018, but the UK government has stated that the new law will go further than the NIS Directive by requiring businesses to report cyberattacks.

The UK government has also stated that the new law will be part of a wider package of measures to improve the UK’s cybersecurity. These measures will include increased investment in cybersecurity research and development, and the creation of a new National Cyber Security Centre.

Conclusion

The UK government’s plans to introduce mandatory cyber incident reporting are a significant development in the UK’s cybersecurity strategy. The new law will require businesses to report certain types of cyberattacks to the government within 72 hours of becoming aware of them. The government has stated that the new law will be introduced in 2025.

UK telcos including BT at risk from DrayTek router vulnerabilities

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

UK Telcos Face Security Risks from DrayTek Router Vulnerabilities

Several UK telecommunications providers, including BT, are vulnerable to exploitation due to critical security vulnerabilities in DrayTek routers. These routers are widely used by businesses and home users in the UK.

Vulnerabilities and Impact

The vulnerabilities, identified by security researchers, allow attackers to:

Remotely access and control vulnerable routers
Execute arbitrary commands on affected devices
Intercept and manipulate network traffic
Launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
Exfiltrate sensitive data

Affected Routers

The affected DrayTek router models include:

Vigor2760 series
Vigor2960 series
Vigor3900 series
Vigor300B series
Vigor2900 series

Response from BT

BT has confirmed that some of its customers are using affected DrayTek routers. The company is working with DrayTek to resolve the vulnerabilities and has advised customers to apply the latest firmware updates.

Recommendations for Affected Users

All users of affected DrayTek routers should take the following steps:

Apply the latest firmware updates from DrayTek.
Change default router credentials.
Disable remote management access unless necessary.
Implement strict firewall rules.
Use strong passwords and enable security features like two-factor authentication.

Wider Implications

These vulnerabilities highlight the importance of secure router deployment and firmware updates. Network administrators and home users should prioritize router security to prevent potential exploitation.

Conclusion

The DrayTek router vulnerabilities pose a significant security risk to UK telecos and their customers. Timely firmware updates and proactive security measures are essential to mitigate these risks and protect sensitive data and networks.

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) is celebrating its eighth anniversary today, as Ciaran Martin steps down as its chief executive.

The NCSC was launched in October 2016 as a public-private partnership between the UK government and the cyber security industry. Its mission is to make the UK the safest place to live and do business online.

In its eight years, the NCSC has made significant progress in its mission. It has helped to prevent and respond to a number of major cyber attacks, including the WannaCry and NotPetya ransomware attacks. It has also worked with businesses and individuals to improve their cyber security practices.

As a result of the NCSC’s work, the UK is now widely recognised as a global leader in cyber security. The NCSC has been praised for its technical expertise, its innovative approach to cyber security, and its strong relationships with the private sector.

Ciaran Martin, who has led the NCSC since its inception, is stepping down today. He will be replaced by Lindy Cameron, who has been the NCSC’s deputy director for operations since 2017.

Martin said that he was “incredibly proud” of what the NCSC had achieved in its eight years. He said that the NCSC had “made a real difference to the security of the UK” and that he was “confident that it will continue to do so under Lindy’s leadership.”

Cameron said that she was “honoured” to be appointed as the NCSC’s new chief executive. She said that she was “looking forward to working with the NCSC’s talented team to build on the progress that has been made in recent years.”

The NCSC’s eighth anniversary comes at a time when the threats to the UK’s cyber security are growing. The NCSC is committed to continuing to work with the government, the private sector, and individuals to protect the UK from these threats.