#Incident Response

[cybersecuritycue]

Lessons Learned from Major Incident Response Cases

Major incident response cases have taught me one important thing: cybersecurity is never about “if” but “when.” Every organization, no matter how small or large, faces the risk of a serious cyberattack. And when that moment comes, how well we respond makes all the difference. That’s why studying major incident response cases isn’t just useful but essential. Why We Must Learn from Major Incident…

[managedclouddc]

[goodoldbandit]

AI in Threat Detection and Incident Response: A Double-Edged Sword.

Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo. skm.stayingalive.in AI helps detect cyber threats faster—but can you trust it? Learn how leaders can balance power and risk in cybersecurity AI. Why the future of cybersecurity leadership hinges on managing the paradox of AI. In the high-stakes world of digital transformation, cybersecurity isn’t just a department—it’s a boardroom priority. As…

[asestimationsconsultants]

Cybersecurity Considerations in Cloud-Based Estimating Service Platforms

Introduction The rapid adoption of cloud-based tools in industries like construction, manufacturing, and engineering has revolutionized how businesses handle estimating services. Cloud-based estimating service platforms provide immense benefits, such as accessibility, collaboration, and real-time updates, which help companies improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, the increased use of these platforms also raises significant cybersecurity concerns. Protecting sensitive data, ensuring platform reliability, and maintaining secure access are all critical components of ensuring the success of cloud-based estimating services.

This article will explore the cybersecurity considerations that organizations must take into account when utilizing cloud-based estimating services. We will highlight the importance of robust security measures, best practices for mitigating risks, and the role of the cloud service provider in safeguarding data.

Understanding the Cybersecurity Risks in Cloud-Based Estimating Services Cloud-based estimating services store vast amounts of sensitive information, including cost estimates, project budgets, pricing data, and contract details. This data is crucial for project planning, and its loss or theft could result in financial, legal, or reputational damage. The cybersecurity risks in cloud platforms include data breaches, unauthorized access, data manipulation, and service outages that can disrupt operations.

Hackers and cybercriminals may target cloud-based estimating services to access proprietary cost data, sensitive client information, or intellectual property. This makes cloud security a critical concern for businesses that rely on these services. Additionally, the remote nature of cloud access increases the potential for data exposure, especially if users access the platform from unsecured devices or networks.

Choosing a Secure Cloud Service Provider One of the first steps in ensuring cybersecurity for cloud-based estimating services is selecting a reliable cloud service provider (CSP) that prioritizes security. Reputable CSPs offer advanced security features, including end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and continuous monitoring of their networks. They should also comply with industry standards and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), depending on the industry.

Before selecting a CSP, organizations should thoroughly evaluate the provider’s security protocols, certifications, and track record. It’s also important to assess the provider’s ability to scale security measures as your business grows. A strong partnership with a reputable provider ensures that security is embedded into the platform from the ground up.

Data Encryption and Secure Storage Data encryption is one of the most effective measures for securing sensitive information in cloud-based estimating platforms. By encrypting data both during transmission and at rest, companies can ensure that even if hackers intercept the data, they cannot access or misuse it.

In addition to encryption, secure storage practices are crucial for protecting estimating data. Cloud service providers should store data in secure data centers equipped with physical security measures, such as biometric access controls, surveillance, and disaster recovery plans. These physical and digital safeguards help protect against both cyber threats and natural disasters.

User Access Control and Authentication Controlling user access is another essential aspect of cybersecurity in cloud-based estimating services. Businesses must establish strict user access protocols to ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive project data and cost estimates. This includes defining user roles, limiting permissions, and requiring strong authentication methods.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a powerful tool for enhancing access security. By requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, alongside their username and password, MFA ensures that only legitimate users can access the platform.

Organizations should also regularly review and update user access permissions to ensure that former employees or contractors do not retain access to sensitive information after their engagement ends.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Plans Data loss is a major risk for businesses relying on cloud-based estimating services. Whether due to a cyber attack, natural disaster, or technical failure, losing critical estimating data can severely disrupt project timelines and budget management. Therefore, having a solid data backup and disaster recovery plan is crucial.

Cloud-based platforms should offer automated data backups to prevent loss of estimates and other project information. It is important for businesses to regularly test their backup systems and ensure that data can be quickly recovered in the event of an incident. The disaster recovery plan should also outline clear steps for restoring access to the platform, rebuilding project estimates, and ensuring continuity of operations.

Monitoring and Incident Response Continuous monitoring of the cloud environment is essential for detecting potential security threats. Cloud service providers should implement real-time threat detection systems to identify unusual activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or unusual data transfers. Monitoring tools can also track user behaviors, alert administrators about security anomalies, and provide insights into potential vulnerabilities.

In addition to monitoring, businesses should have a clear incident response plan in place. This plan outlines the steps to take in the event of a cyberattack, such as isolating affected systems, notifying affected parties, and coordinating with cybersecurity experts. A well-defined response plan helps minimize the impact of a security breach and ensures that the organization can recover quickly.

Employee Training and Security Awareness Even with the best technology in place, human error remains one of the largest cybersecurity risks. Employees who are unaware of security best practices may inadvertently compromise data by clicking on phishing emails, using weak passwords, or accessing the platform from unsecured devices.

To mitigate this risk, organizations should provide regular cybersecurity training to all employees who use cloud-based estimating services. Training should cover topics such as identifying phishing attempts, using strong and unique passwords, and securing devices. A culture of cybersecurity awareness helps reduce the chances of a successful attack and empowers employees to play an active role in protecting company data.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements Depending on the industry, businesses using cloud-based estimating services must comply with various regulations related to data security and privacy. For instance, the construction industry may need to adhere to data protection laws, while healthcare-related estimating services might be subject to HIPAA regulations.

Cloud service providers should be transparent about their compliance with these regulations, and businesses should ensure that they understand their obligations when using cloud-based platforms. By partnering with a provider that meets the required compliance standards, companies can avoid legal and financial penalties while safeguarding their data.

Conclusion As cloud-based estimating services become increasingly integral to project planning and execution, securing sensitive data and protecting against cybersecurity threats are paramount concerns. Organizations must take proactive measures, such as selecting reputable service providers, implementing data encryption, controlling user access, and creating robust backup and disaster recovery plans. With a focus on cybersecurity, companies can confidently leverage cloud-based estimating services while minimizing the risk of data breaches and service disruptions.

By investing in the right security tools, maintaining ongoing monitoring, and ensuring employee awareness, businesses can strengthen the cybersecurity of their cloud-based estimating platforms and protect the valuable data that drives their projects forward.

[fuerst-von-plan1]

Effektive Cybersecurity-Strategien für E-Commerce-Plattformen

Die fortschreitende Digitalisierung hat den E-Commerce in den letzten Jahren revolutioniert. Doch mit den zahlreichen Vorteilen, die der Online-Handel bietet, kommen auch erhebliche Sicherheitsrisiken. Cyberangriffe auf E-Commerce-Plattformen können nicht nur zu finanziellen Verlusten führen, sondern auch das Vertrauen der Kunden in die Marke nachhaltig schädigen. Daher ist es unerlässlich,…

[american-baidu-yandex-contact]

Incident Response

[jcmarchi]

New MOVEit transfer vulnerabilities that require patching (2024) - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/new-moveit-transfer-vulnerabilities-that-require-patching-2024-cybertalk/

New MOVEit transfer vulnerabilities that require patching (2024) - CyberTalk

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Remember last year’s MOVEit meltdown? Get ready for a reprise…

For anyone who missed last year’s madness, MOVEit Transfer is a popular managed file transfer product sold by Progress Software, which provides business applications and services to more than 100,000 organizations globally.

In 2023, the software code for the MOVEit Transfer product was found to contain multiple vulnerabilities, leading to a rash of ransomware attacks, and data exposure for thousands of organizations.

The level of business exploitation was so severe that it impacted the results of this year’s “Data Breach Investigations Report” (DBIR) from Verizon.

Earlier this month, Progress Software contacted users about two high-severity vulnerabilities, CVE-2024-5805 and CVE-2024-5806. Both are categorized as authentication bypass-style vulnerabilities. Each one has been assigned a 9.1 severity score.

To allow adequate time for patching, the information was under embargo until June 25th. This appears to have been a wise move, as just hours after being made public, at least one vulnerability is seeing active exploit attempts in the wild.

The Shadowserver Foundation has detected exploitation efforts that hone in on honeypot systems, in particular.

The new bugs

“To be clear, these vulnerabilities are not related to the zero-day MOVEit Transfer vulnerability we reported in May 2023,” said a Progress Software spokesperson.

CVE-2024-5806 is an improper authentication vulnerability in MOVEit’s SFTP module, which can potentially lead to authentication bypass in some instances.

Cyber security researchers have noted that this CVE could be weaponized to “impersonate any user on the server.”

CVE-2024-5805 is another SFTP-associated authentication bypass vulnerability, which affects MOVEit Gateway version 2024.0.0.

Action items

As a cyber security leader, have your team check on whether or not your MOVEit Transfer software is up-to-date. Patches are available for all vulnerabilities.

Communicate to your team that these vulnerabilities are a priority, as they have serious business implications. If patching hasn’t yet been completed, emphasize the importance of patching quickly. After patching, confirm successful implementation.

Additional considerations

Reassess your organization’s vulnerability to ransomware attacks. Take a layered approach to cyber security and consider additional cyber security measures. You might want to invest in proactive processes like vulnerability assessments and red teaming. In addition, review and update your incident response plan, as to address potential MOVEit Transfer exploitation attempts. Further information

As compared to the MOVEit Transfer exposure numbers from last year, experts say that the numbers appear similar – the geographies and networks where MOVEit Transfer is observed also mirror those of the 2023 incident.

See CyberTalk.org’s past MOVEit Transfer coverage here. Get more insights into software supply chain vulnerabilities here.

Lastly, to receive cyber security thought leadership articles, groundbreaking research and emerging threat analyses each week, subscribe to the CyberTalk.org newsletter.

[dromologue]

In the midst of rapidly advancing technological progress, the rise of digitization and remote work has become a prevailing trend. As a result, critical infrastructures are increasingly susceptible to new risks, continually expanding the realm of cybersecurity threats and attack methods. Consequently, organizations are more inclined to entertain the notion of paying ransoms to threat actors. It is imperative for organizations to remain vigilant against these emerging threats to safeguard their systems. The recent proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has given rise to AI-powered cyber-attacks, which are experiencing exponential growth. This development has facilitated cybercriminals in creating sophisticated and innovative malware embedded with new zero-day vulnerabilities. AI-powered cyber-attacks leverage machine learning to adapt to evolving defenses and devise novel methods to circumvent them, all while remaining undetected. This enables them to establish an illicit, enduring presence within networks for the purpose of extracting highly sensitive data. In order to effectively counter advanced cyber-attacks, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach and incorporate zero trust principles into their architecture. This involves: - Treating every device, node, or entity as a potential threat point. - Implementing explicit identification, authentication, and authorization measures. - Embracing a default deny model as opposed to a default access model. - Developing proactive incident response plans. - Providing cybersecurity best practices training for employees. - Deploying AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. We invite you to engage in thoughtful discourse on these topics, cultivating a clear understanding and exploring strategies for integrating zero trust into your scalable enterprise architecture.

[artisticdivasworld]

How to Protect Your Business From Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity is a major topic every business owner should be discussing. Here is some info from FRC that we hope helps.

Imagine we’re sitting down over a cup of coffee, and you’ve just asked me how to shield your trucking business from the ever-looming shadow of cyber threats. It’s a digital age dilemma, but I’m here to walk you through some straightforward strategies to bolster your defenses. First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cyber threats. They’re not just a problem for the tech industry;…

[infydeva]

Learn about Microsoft Security Copilot

Microsoft Security Copilot (Security Copilot) is a generative AI-powered security solution that helps increase the efficiency and capabilities of defenders to improve security outcomes at machine speed and scale, while remaining compliant to responsible AI principles. Introducing Microsoft Security Copilot: Learn how the Microsoft Security Copilot works. Learn how Security Copilot combines an…

[goodoldbandit]

Unmasking Cyber Threats: The Power of Digital Forensics & Incident Response.

Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo. skm.stayingalive.in An in-depth look at digital forensics and incident response, exploring tools, techniques, and clear strategies to tackle cyber breaches and analyze digital evidence. This post explores digital forensics and incident response with clear steps and real examples that spark discussion. We break down techniques, introduce simple yet…

[professionalhackersindia]

Bashfuscator - A Fully Configurable And Extendable Bash Obfuscation Framework

Documentation What is Bashfuscator? Bashfuscator is a modular and extendable Bash obfuscation framework written in Python 3. It provides numerous different ways of making Bash one-liners or scripts much more difficult to understand. It accomplishes this by generating convoluted, randomized Bash code that at runtime evaluates to the original input and executes it. Bashfuscator makes generating…

[tomorrowusa]

People need to be reminded of Trump's woeful incompetence which came to a head during the pandemic emergency and resulted in the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans.

The Obama administration successfully dealt with the threats from swine flu and Ebola. There was no swine flu disaster, there was no Ebola disaster, and there was even no Zika disaster because competent people were running the US. Near the end of Obama's term, his National Security Council staff put together a 69-page playbook on how to deal with pandemic emergencies. It's called "Playbook for Early Response to High-Consequence Emerging Infectious Disease Threats and Biological Incidents". Of course Trump ignored the document and plunged the nation into COVID hell.

Trump team failed to follow NSC’s pandemic playbook

Michelle Obama, in one of her best speeches ever in Kalamazoo this weekend, excoriated Trump's incompetence.

Michelle Obama laced into Donald Trump in a searing speech in Michigan on Saturday, accusing the former president of “gross incompetence” and having an “amoral character” while challenging hesitant Americans to choose Kamala Harris for US president. “By every measure, she has demonstrated that she’s ready,” the former first lady told a rapt audience in Kalamazoo. “The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment?” [ ... ] In raw and strikingly personal terms, she asked why Harris was being held to a “higher standard” than her opponent. Trump’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and his failed attempt to cling to power after losing the 2020 election should alone be disqualifying, Obama argued. But now the people who worked closest with him when he was president – his former advisers and cabinet secretaries – had stepped forward with a warning that he should not be allowed to return to power.

ICYMI, here is Michelle Obama's speech in Michigan.

Too many people have been afflicted by Trumpnesia. They seem to have forgotten the catastrophe that happened starting on 22 January 2020 when the first COVID infection was discovered on US soil. On that day Trump told CNBC: "we have it totally under control" and "it's going to be just fine".

Instead of following Playbook for Early Response to High-Consequence Emerging Infectious Disease Threats and Biological Incidents, Trump did the usual bullshit Trump things like criticize the Oscars and rage-tweet from the bathroom. He belatedly declared a state of emergency on Friday the 13th of March – the day after the stock market crashed.

Don't let anybody in real life get away with describing the Trump years as some sort of utopia.

Some people disingenuously claim they don't know enough about Kamala Harris despite her 20 years in public service. We all know more than enough about Trump's egregious ineptitude which turned a national emergency into a prolonged national nightmare.