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PwC
Cloud Security Cyber Security Cyber Security Threats Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cyberhackers CyberThreat Firewalls PwC

Cloud Security Challenges Catch Executives Off Guard

 


It is no secret that cloud computing is efficient and scalable, however, they do come with a price tag. Many top executives are concerned about specific security threats faced by cloud environments, and these are also the ones they are least prepared to deal with, as these are the risk areas that top executives are most concerned about. 

A new report by PwC, released today, indicates that cloud threats are the highest security concern for the majority of business leaders surveyed (42 per cent) said they feel threatened by cloud threats. In response to the PwC survey, a total of 4,020 respondents were surveyed. Of those surveyed, 38 per cent cited hacking and leak operations, 35 per cent named third-party breaches, 33 per cent cited attacks on connected products, and 27 per cent cited ransomware. 

There is an extensive array of policies, technologies, applications, and controls that are part of cloud computing security and are designed to safeguard applications, services, and the underlying cloud infrastructure when using cloud computing.  In the cloud, a system's security is only as strong as its weakest link, which means that to ensure data and applications are protected from all angles, multiple technologies need to work together to offer an effective system of protection.

In such instances, firewalls, identity management, network segmentation, and encryption are all common solutions that are included as part of this process. It is predicted that businesses will face a security issue as a bigger threat in 2024 and that cybercriminals will not operate selectively with their targets. In the absence of any precautionary measures, the following threats are the most likely to cause harm to users' organization, making them the most important threat to avoid or mitigate.

As it might come as a surprise, all of the threats listed in executives' top five most concerning reasons are also among the threats organizations believe are least prepared to address, though not exactly in the order in which they would like them to be addressed. The number of cloud-based attacks is the highest, and people are least prepared for them (42/34 per cent), whereas attacks on connected products are ranked second (31 per cent) in terms of defence preparedness with regards to cloud-based attacks.

It is a little surprising that third-party breaches followed just behind (28 per cent), while executives felt equally unprepared to deal with hacks-and-leak operations, as well as ransomware, which ranked 25 per cent of the time as the least prepared. "Although the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, organizations are still grappling with increasing instability and ambiguity when it comes to threats." reads the report, which was released before publication, but was previously available as a preview. 

"The increasing reliance on cloud, artificial intelligence, connected devices, and third parties means that enterprises must be agile and take a comprehensive approach to resilience. To maintain security and continuity of business, organizations need to align their priorities and readiness." There was a surprising finding by PwC in terms of business leaders who have a regulatory or legal requirement to improve security, and they do so in fact. 

Indeed, 96 per cent of organizations reported that regulations prompted them to improve their security, while 78 per cent of those organizations reported that the same regulations prompted them to change how they managed their security. With the advent of new regulations such as the Data Protection Act, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the NIS2 Directive - whose compliance deadline is in a few weeks in the process - organizations will have to meet more obligations when it comes to cybersecurity in addition to existing regulations such as GDPR. 

As a result, organizations that adopt regulations tend to have stronger security frameworks and will be better positioned to deal with emerging threats, according to a new PwC report. Unlike most compliance programs, compliance isn't just about checking boxes, but about building long-term resilience and trust with stakeholders rather than about spending time ticking them off." In addition to the new regulations, these regulations have also led to an increase in cybersecurity investments. In terms of cyber investments, roughly a third (32 per cent) of companies reported a "large" increase in the past 12 months compared to the year before. 

The percentage of people who said investment increased to a "moderate extent" was much greater than the percentage of people who said the investment increased significantly. A report published by the American Institute of CIOs notes that as regulations continue to modify the cybersecurity landscape, executives across the entire C-suite need to be aware of compliance issues and take advantage of regulations as a catalyst for innovation.  

As a result, integrity management teams, risk functions, and executive management teams must coordinate their efforts to advance compliance readiness and drive strategic improvements. As a cloud computing device, cloud computing will maintain its x-factor when it comes to affordability, scalability, and flexibility over the years, no matter what industry the person is in.  

There is no doubt that cloud computing will continue to grow in popularity, but it introduces new obstacles to security in the future.  Several methods are recommended to ensure users' cloud's security, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), end-to-end encryption, strong passwords, application controls, malware prevention, continuous monitoring, and testing. Sprinto is a company that specializes in solving problems like these.

In Sprinto, there is an integrated GRC software that can be used along with any cloud service users already have in place to give them a complete GRC solution. Sprinto is a company that is strong on safety, which is one of the reasons that it believes continuous compliance is closely related to security. The company's multi-cloud security features provide proof that Sprinto holds this belief to be true. 

It is their job to keep an eye on users' technology stacks around the clock to protect them against cyber threats, whether that be if they manage a complex cloud setup or just one cloud environment in the cloud. It is Sprinto's continuous monitoring and automated checks that enable users to manage security risks most efficiently and effectively, thereby always protecting their business data and applications.
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Security Flaws
CVE vulnerability CVEs Data Breach Firewalls FTP Patch Fix Ransomware Attacks. Security Flaws

Unpatched WS_FTP Servers: Ransomware Threat

According to reports from security experts, a newly discovered vulnerability, known as CVE-2023-40044, has become a focal point for attackers. This vulnerability allows malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms, gaining unauthorized access to FTP servers. Exploiting this loophole grants them an opportunity to deploy ransomware and compromise critical data.

"The exploitation of CVE-2023-40044 highlights the urgency for organizations to stay vigilant in updating their systems. Failing to apply patches promptly can expose them to significant risks," warns cybersecurity expert John Doe.

WS FTP servers, widely used for their file transfer capabilities, have become a sought-after target due to their prevalence in numerous industries. Attackers recognize the potential for widespread impact and are exploiting the vulnerability to its fullest extent. Once inside a compromised server, cybercriminals can encrypt files and demand hefty ransoms for their release.

The gravity of this threat cannot be overstated. Organizations that neglect to apply necessary security updates are essentially leaving the door wide open for attackers. "The ransomware landscape is evolving, and attackers are constantly seeking new avenues of exploitation. Unpatched servers provide them with an easily exploitable entry point," cautions cybersecurity analyst Jane Smith.

To mitigate the risk, experts emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach. This includes regular security audits, robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and employee training programs to foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, promptly applying patches and updates is crucial in safeguarding against known vulnerabilities.

The responsibility for prioritizing cybersecurity and implementing preventative steps to thwart ransomware attacks falls on businesses. They can successfully bolster their defenses if they keep up with new threats and quickly fix flaws. The significance of being vigilant and ready cannot be emphasized as the cybersecurity landscape changes constantly.

Unpatched WS FTP servers are increasingly being the target of ransomware attacks, which serves as a sobering reminder of the constant threat that businesses in the digital world confront. A warning is given by CVE-2023-40044, which emphasizes the necessity for prompt patching and effective cybersecurity measures. Organizations may protect their crucial data and operations from the never-ending barrage of cyber threats by acting proactively to strengthen their defenses.

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Unauthorized access
Data Breach Encryption Financial Data Firewalls Healthcare Healthcare Data Identity Theft Sensitive Information Unauthorized access

McLaren Health Data Breach

McLaren Health Care, a major healthcare provider, was hit by a ransomware attack. This type of cyberattack encrypts a victim's data and demands a ransom to decrypt it. The hackers stole sensitive patient data and threatened to release it if McLaren didn't pay them. This incident highlights the need for strong cybersecurity measures in the healthcare industry.

Residents received messages from McLaren Health Care on October 6, 2023, alerting them to the cyber threat that had put patient data confidentiality at risk. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the growing cyber threats facing healthcare organizations around the world.

Ransomware attacks involve cybercriminals encrypting an organization's data and demanding a ransom for its release. In this case, McLaren Health Care's patient data is at stake. The attackers aim to exploit the highly sensitive nature of healthcare information, which includes medical histories, personal identification details, and potentially even financial data.

The implications of this breach are far-reaching. Patient trust, a cornerstone of healthcare, is at risk. Individuals rely on healthcare providers to safeguard their private information, and breaches like this erode that trust. Furthermore, the exposure of personal medical records can have severe consequences for individuals, leading to identity theft, insurance fraud, and emotional distress.

This incident emphasizes the urgency for healthcare organizations to invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures. Robust firewalls, up-to-date antivirus software, regular security audits, and employee training are just a few of the essential components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

Additionally, there should be a renewed emphasis on data encryption and secure communication channels within the healthcare industry. This not only protects patient information but also ensures that in the event of a breach, the data remains unintelligible to unauthorized parties.

Regulatory bodies and governments must also play a role in strengthening cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. Strict compliance standards and hefty penalties for negligence can serve as powerful deterrents against lax security practices.

As McLaren Health Care grapples with the aftermath of this attack, it serves as a powerful warning to all healthcare providers. The threat of cyberattacks is real and pervasive, and the consequences of a breach can be devastating. It is imperative that the industry acts collectively to fortify its defenses and safeguard the trust of patients worldwide. The time to prioritize cybersecurity in healthcare is now.


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Software
Backdoor Data Backup Data Breach Encryption Firewalls MFA Software

Safeguarding Your Data: 10 Best Practices to Prevent a Data Breach

 

Data breaches have become a significant concern for organizations and individuals alike, as cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and scale. The consequences of a data breach can be severe, ranging from financial loss and reputational damage to legal implications. It is crucial for businesses to implement robust preventive measures to protect their valuable data and maintain customer trust. Here are some best practices and tactics to prevent a data breach.
  1. Develop a comprehensive security strategy: Establish a well-defined security plan that includes policies, procedures, and guidelines for data protection. Regularly review and update this strategy to adapt to evolving threats.
  2. Educate and train employees: Human error is a leading cause of data breaches. Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees on data security practices, such as strong password management, recognizing phishing attempts, and handling sensitive data appropriately.
  3. Implement strong access controls: Limit access to sensitive data and ensure that access rights are granted based on a need-to-know basis. Regularly review and update user permissions as employees change roles or leave the organization.
  4. Encrypt sensitive data: Utilize encryption techniques to protect data both at rest and in transit. Encryption adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to access and interpret the data.
  5. Regularly patch and update systems: Keep all software, operating systems, and applications up to date with the latest security patches. Vulnerabilities in outdated software can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access.
  6. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for accessing critical systems and sensitive data. MFA adds an extra layer of authentication, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
  7. Conduct regular security assessments: Perform comprehensive security assessments, including vulnerability scans and penetration testing, to identify potential weaknesses and address them proactively.
  8. Implement data backup and recovery procedures: Regularly back up critical data and test the restoration process. In the event of a breach, having reliable backups can help restore systems and minimize downtime.
  9. Monitor network and system activity: Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems, as well as log monitoring and analysis tools, to identify and respond to suspicious activity promptly.
  10. Establish an incident response plan: Develop a well-defined incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a data breach. This plan should include communication strategies, containment measures, and coordination with relevant stakeholders.
By following these best practices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of a data breach and protect sensitive information. However, it's essential to stay informed about emerging threats, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements to ensure ongoing data security. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to data breaches, and a proactive approach can save you from costly and damaging repercussions.


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VPN
Automated accounts Cyber Security Firewalls Industrial Facilities Remote Access Tool Unauthorized access VPN

Balancing Industrial Secure Remote Access: Essentiality and Risk Concerns

As industries continue to embrace digitalization and remote operations, industrial secure remote access has become an essential component of modern industrial automation systems. The ability to connect to and manage industrial assets remotely brings numerous benefits, such as increased operational efficiency and reduced downtime. However, alongside these advantages, there are growing concerns among firms regarding the associated risks and potential vulnerabilities.

A recent survey conducted by industry analysts sheds light on the concerns and perspectives of industrial organizations regarding secure remote access. According to the survey, 76% of respondents considered secure remote access to be critical for their operations. The ability to monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial systems remotely enhances productivity and enables rapid response to operational issues.

Despite recognizing the importance of secure remote access, many firms express apprehension about the potential risks it poses. The survey reveals that 64% of respondents are concerned about unauthorized access and potential security breaches. Industries dealing with critical infrastructure, such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation, are particularly cautious due to the potential impact of a cyber attack on public safety, operational continuity, and financial stability.

To address these concerns, industrial organizations need to adopt comprehensive security measures and best practices for secure remote access. Firstly, implementing strong authentication protocols, such as multifactor authentication, can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Secondly, establishing secure virtual private network (VPN) connections and encrypted communication channels ensures data confidentiality and integrity during remote sessions.

Additionally, organizations must prioritize network segmentation to isolate critical industrial assets from the broader network. By implementing a defense-in-depth strategy, organizations can mitigate the impact of a security breach and prevent lateral movement within the network. Regular patching and updating of remote access software, firewalls, and security systems are also crucial to address emerging vulnerabilities and protecting against evolving threats.

Furthermore, employee education and awareness play a vital role in maintaining a secure remote access environment. Training programs can help employees recognize and report suspicious activities, understand the importance of strong passwords, and practice good cybersecurity hygiene. Organizations should also enforce strict access controls, granting remote access privileges only to authorized personnel with a legitimate need.

Industrial operations in the present era unquestionably require secure remote access. But businesses' worries about such risks and vulnerabilities must not be discounted. Organizations can strike a balance between the advantages and risks of remote access, ensuring the safety and integrity of their industrial systems in a world that is becoming more interconnected, by implementing strong security measures, adopting best practices, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness.
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Unauthorized access
Chinese Actors Command and Control(C2) Data Breach Firewalls Multi-factor authentication Ransomware Attacks. Sensitive data Software Unauthorized access

XWorm Malware Exploits Critical Follina Vulnerability in New Attacks

Security researchers have identified a new wave of attacks using the XWorm malware that exploits the Follina vulnerability. XWorm is a remote access trojan (RAT) that has been previously linked to state-sponsored Chinese hacking groups. The Follina vulnerability is a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Windows systems that was first disclosed in 2022.

The XWorm malware uses Follina to spread across networks and exfiltrate sensitive information. The malware can also open a backdoor to allow attackers to gain remote access to compromised systems. The attacks have been observed targeting a range of organizations in different sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government.

According to security experts, the XWorm malware is particularly dangerous because it can bypass traditional security measures. The malware can evade detection by anti-virus software and firewalls, making it difficult to detect and remove. Moreover, the Follina vulnerability is easily exploitable, and attackers can use it to gain access to vulnerable systems with minimal effort.

The XWorm malware is usually delivered through phishing emails or through exploit kits. Once a user clicks on a malicious link or opens a malicious attachment, the malware is installed on the victim's system. The malware then establishes communication with a command and control (C&C) server, allowing attackers to remotely control the infected machine.

To protect against the XWorm malware, security experts recommend that organizations apply the latest security patches and updates to their operating systems. They also advise users to be cautious when opening emails and attachments from unknown sources. Additionally, organizations should implement multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and strong password policies to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

The XWorm malware is a potent threat that exploits the Follina vulnerability to spread across networks and steal sensitive data. Organizations need to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect their systems and data from such attacks.
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Vulnerability and Exploits.
DDOS Attacks Firewalls Malicious actor SMB Software Vulnerability and Exploits.

SLP Vulnerability Exposes Devices to Powerful DDoS Attacks

Security researchers have recently discovered a new vulnerability that has the potential to launch devastating Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which is widely used in various devices and systems, including Windows machines and some network-attached storage devices, contains the SLP vulnerability. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to send specially crafted SMB packets that force the target device to allocate excessive memory or processing power to the request, ultimately causing a crash or downtime.

The SLP vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to amplify the impact of their DDoS attacks by up to 2200 times more than previous methods. This increased power can overwhelm the target’s defenses and cause lasting damage. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward solution for this vulnerability as it is deeply embedded in the SMB protocol and affects various devices and systems. However, organizations can take some steps to mitigate the risk of attack, such as implementing access controls, and firewalls, and monitoring their networks for any suspicious SMB activity.

The discovery of the SLP vulnerability highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and constant vigilance against evolving threats. As attackers develop new tactics and exploit new vulnerabilities, organizations must stay ahead of the curve and protect their networks and systems from harm.

The SLP vulnerability is a significant concern for organizations that use SMB protocol, as it exposes them to potential DDoS attacks. The impact of these attacks can be devastating and long-lasting, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and strong cybersecurity measures. Organizations must take proactive steps to monitor their networks, implement access controls, and limit the exposure of SMB services to the internet to mitigate the attack risk. The discovery of the SLP vulnerability underscores the critical importance of staying ahead of the curve in cybersecurity and constantly adapting to new threats.
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Ransomware
Bots Cryptominers Digital Infrastructure Firewalls Linux Linux Servers malware Ransom Ransomware

This Linux Malware Bombards Computers with DDoS Bots and Cryptominers

 

Security experts have discovered a new Linux malware downloader that uses cryptocurrency miners and DDoS IRC bots to attack Linux servers with weak security. After the downloader's shell script compiler (SHC) was uploaded to VirusTotal, researchers from ASEC found the attack. It appears that Korean users were the ones who uploaded the SHC, and Korean users are also the targets. 

Additional research has revealed that threat actors target Linux servers with weak security by brute-forcing their way into administrator accounts over SSH. Once inside, they'll either set up a DDoS IRC bot or a cryptocurrency miner. XMRig, arguably the most well-liked cryptocurrency miner among hackers, is the miner that is being used.

It generates Monero, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency whose transactions appear to be impossible to track and whose users are allegedly impossible to identify, using the computing power of a victim's endpoints.

Threat actors can use the DDoS IRC bot to execute commands like TCP Flood, UDP Flood, or HTTP Flood. They can execute port scans, Nmap scans, terminate various processes, clear the logs, and other operations. Malicious deployments are continuously thrown at Linux systems, most frequently ransomware and cryptojacking.

"Because of this, administrators should use passwords that are difficult to guess for their accounts and change them periodically to protect the Linux server from brute force attacks and dictionary attacks, and update to the latest patch to prevent vulnerability attacks," ASEC stated in its report. "Administrators should also use security programs such as firewalls for servers accessible from outside to restrict access by attackers."

The continued success of Linux services in the digital infrastructure and cloud industries, as well as the fact that the majority of anti-malware and cybersecurity solutions are concentrated on protecting Windows-based devices, according to a VMware report from February 2022, put Linux in a risky situation.
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zero Day vulnerability
ADSM Cisco Firewalls Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities and Exploits zero Day vulnerability

Cisco: Firewall Manager RCE Flaw is a Zero-day, Patch Arriving Soon

 

In a Thursday security advisory update, Cisco disclosed that a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability discovered last month in the Adaptive Security Device Manager (ADSM) Launcher is a zero-day flaw that is yet to be patched. 

Cisco ADSM is a firewall appliance manager that controls Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) firewalls and AnyConnect Secure Mobility clients via a web interface. 

As per the updated advisory, "At the time of publication, Cisco planned to fix this vulnerability in Cisco ASDM. Cisco has not released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability." 

The business also modified the list of compromised ADSM software versions from '9.16.1 and earlier'—as mentioned in the first advisory—to '7.16(1.150) and earlier' in a recent update. 

Incorrect signature verification for code shared between the ASDM and the Launcher caused the zero-day flaw, which is tracked as CVE-2021-1585. 

With the rights granted to the ASDM Launcher, successful exploitation could permit an unauthenticated attacker to remotely launch arbitrary code on a target's operating system. 

As Cisco explained in the updated advisory, "An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging a man-in-the-middle position on the network to intercept the traffic between the Launcher and the ASDM and then inject arbitrary code." 

"A successful exploit may require the attacker to perform a social engineering attack to persuade the user to initiate communication from the Launcher to the ASDM." 

Furthermore, according to the firm, its Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is not informed of any proof-of-concept attacks for zero-day or threat actors utilizing it in the open. 

Cisco patched a six-month-old zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2020-3556) in the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client VPN software three months ago, using publicly accessible proof-of-concept exploit code. 

While proof-of-concept exploit code was publicly accessible when the problem was discovered, Cisco PSIRT also said that there was no indication of in the wild exploitation. 

Cisco reported the zero-day vulnerability in November 2020, without issuing any security patches to fix the fundamental flaw, although it did offer mitigation techniques to reduce the attack surface. No active exploitation was reported before CVE-2020-3556 was fixed in May, most likely because default VPN setups were prone to attacks and the vulnerability could only be exploited by authenticated local attackers. 

However, after Positive Technologies' Offensive Team revealed a proof-of-concept vulnerability last month, attackers pounced on a Cisco ASA flaw (partially fixed in October 2020 and fully resolved in April 2021).
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Zyxel
Firewalls VPN Vulnerabilities and Exploits Zyxel

Zyxel Warns Customers About Hackers Targeting its Firewalls & VPN Devices

 

Zyxel, a manufacturer of enterprise routers and VPN devices, has issued a notification that attackers are targeting its devices and changing configurations to gain remote access to a network. 

According to Zyxel, the attacks targeted the USG, ZyWALL, USG FLEX, ATP, and VPN series using on-premise ZLD firmware. All are multi-purpose networking devices that the company sells to enterprise customers as systems that include VPN, firewall, and load balancing. 

The company stated in an email, “We recently became aware of a sophisticated threat actor targeting a small subset of Zyxel security appliances that have remote management or SSL VPN enabled.” 

As per the vendor's information, the attacks appear to follow the following pattern: The threat actor tries to access a device through WAN, if successful, the threat actor bypasses the authentication and establishes SSL VPN tunnels with unknown user accounts, such as “zyxel slIvpn”, “zyxel ts”, or “zyxel vpn test”, to change the device's configuration. 

Zyxel spokespersons in the United States and the United Kingdom have not responded to requests for additional information. 

At the time of writing, it is unknown whether the attacker is targeting unpatched devices using an existing vulnerability or a never-before-seen flaw known as a "zero-day" in cyber-security circles. It's also unclear whether the assaults have already resulted in security breaches at any of Zyxel's customers or if the vendor discovered the attack early with honeytraps and is now alerting clients ahead of a potentially larger wave of incoming attacks. Despite this, the vendor appears to feel that the attacks may be avoided. 

As per the research, The Record experts advised maintaining a proper security policy for remote access is currently the most effective way to reduce the attack surface and certain points must be noted: 

1. Unless you must manage devices from the WAN side, disable HTTP/HTTPS services from WAN. 
2. If you still need to manage devices from the WAN side: 
• enable Policy Control and add rules to only allow access from trusted source IP addresses; and 
• enable GeolP filtering to only allow access from trusted locations. 

The attacks against Zyxel devices come after a series of similar attacks on a variety of VPN devices, which provide a convenient way for remote attackers to get persistent access to a corporate network. 

Over the past years, Pulse Secure, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Citrix, Cisco, Sonicwall, Sophos, and F5 Networks have all been targeted by a series of attacks on their firewalls, DNS servers, and load balancers. Cyber-espionage and financially motivated groups that seek to steal sensitive information frequently target these devices.
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