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Vulnerabilities and Exploits
Breach data security IT Companies Threat Detection Vulnerabilities and Exploits

End-User Risks: Enterprises on Edge Amid Growing Concerns of the Next Major Breach

 

The shift to remote work has been transformative for enterprises, bringing newfound flexibility but also a myriad of security challenges. Among the rising concerns, a prominent fear looms large - the potential for end-users to inadvertently become the cause of the next major breach. 

As organizations grapple with this unsettling prospect, the need for a robust security strategy that addresses both technological and human factors becomes increasingly imperative. Enterprises have long recognized that human error can be a significant factor in cybersecurity incidents. However, the remote work surge has amplified these concerns, with many organizations now expressing heightened apprehension about the potential for end-users to inadvertently compromise security. 

A recent report highlights that this fear is not unfounded, as enterprises increasingly worry that employees may become the weak link in their cybersecurity defenses. The complexity of the remote work landscape adds a layer of difficulty to security efforts. Employees accessing sensitive company data from various locations and devices create a broader attack surface, making it challenging for IT teams to maintain the same level of control and visibility they had within the confines of the corporate network. 

This expanded attack surface has become a breeding ground for cyber threats, and organizations are acutely aware that a single unintentional action by an end-user could lead to a major breach. Phishing attacks, in particular, have become a prevalent concern. Cybercriminals have adeptly adapted their tactics to exploit the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, capitalizing on the increased reliance on digital communication channels. End-users, potentially fatigued by the constant influx of emails and messages, may unwittingly click on malicious links or download infected attachments, providing adversaries with a foothold into the organization's systems. 

While end-users can be the first line of defense, their actions, if not adequately guided and secured, can also pose a significant risk. Enterprises are grappling with the need to strike a delicate balance between enabling a seamless remote work experience and implementing stringent security measures that mitigate potential threats arising from end-user behavior. Education and awareness emerge as critical components of the solution. Organizations must invest in comprehensive training programs that equip employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and thwart potential security threats. 

Regularly updated security awareness training can empower end-users to recognize phishing attempts, practice secure online behavior, and promptly report any suspicious activity. Moreover, enterprises need to implement advanced cybersecurity technologies that provide an additional layer of protection. AI-driven threat detection, endpoint protection, and multi-factor authentication are crucial elements of a modern cybersecurity strategy. These technologies not only bolster the organization's defenses but also alleviate some of the burdens placed on end-users to be the sole gatekeepers of security. 

Collaboration between IT teams and end-users is paramount. Establishing open communication channels encourages employees to report security incidents promptly, enabling swift response and mitigation. Additionally, organizations should foster a culture of cybersecurity responsibility, emphasizing that every employee plays a crucial role in maintaining a secure digital environment. As the remote work landscape continues to evolve, enterprises must adapt their cybersecurity strategies to address the shifting threat landscape. 

The concerns about end-users being the potential cause of the next major breach underscore the need for a holistic approach that combines technological advancements with ongoing education and collaboration. By fortifying the human element of cybersecurity, organizations can navigate the complexities of remote work with confidence, knowing that their employees are not unwittingly paving the way for the next significant security incident.
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Technology
CIO CISO CISOs Cyber Security IT Companies Technology

The Convergence of CIO and CISO Roles in the Digital Age

 


As businesses embrace the cloud, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and remote work, a million-dollar question arises: How will these roles evolve? The answer seems as complex as the myriad factors influencing it – company size, industry, culture, existing organizational charts, and future digital transformation plans, to name a few. Some advocate maintaining the status quo, while others propose a more specialized split between a business-oriented executive focused on risk management and compliance, and a technical executive honing in on threat prevention and response.

Regardless of the path chosen, the crux of the matter remains – the imperative need for collaboration and alignment between CIOs and CISOs. In a world where successful digital transformation is contingent upon the delicate relation between innovation and security, these IT leaders find themselves at the forefront, shaping the future of businesses large and small. The article will delve into the intricacies of this new development, shedding light on the collaborative journey of CIOs and CISOs as they navigate the ever-changing currents of technology and cybersecurity.

About two decades ago, CIOs primarily focused on managing an organization's IT infrastructure and applications. However, with the rise of digital transformation, cloud computing, and remote work, their role has shifted. Today, CIOs act as brokers of IT services, concentrating on how technology can drive innovation and effectively managing resources.

Concurrently, the profile of CISOs has been on the rise, fueled by compliance mandates, data breaches, and emerging cybersecurity threats. Compliance requirements such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and SOC 2 have played a dual role – increasing the visibility and budgets for cybersecurity teams but often falling short in addressing sophisticated threats like phishing and ransomware.

The growing importance of digital security at the board level has prompted CIOs, traditionally the voice of digital matters, to delve deeper into understanding cybersecurity. This trend blurs the lines between the roles of CIOs and CISOs.

Enter digital transformation, offering an opportunity to enhance cybersecurity. Despite some skepticism about its promises, digital transformation has necessitated closer collaboration between CIOs and CISOs. While CIOs continue to guide the ship, CISOs have become proactive partners, deeply involved in operational decision-making from the outset.

As companies embrace the cloud, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and remote work, the question arises – how will these roles evolve? The answer is not straightforward and depends on various factors like company size, industry, culture, and existing IT setup. Some suggest maintaining the status quo, while others propose splitting the roles into a business-oriented executive focusing on risk management and compliance, and a more technical executive concentrating on threat prevention and response.

Regardless of the direction these roles take, the overarching theme is the critical need for collaboration and alignment between CIOs and CISOs for successful digital transformation. This synergy is essential not only during the transformation process but also for navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

In essence, the traditional boundaries between CIOs and CISOs are fading, giving way to a collaborative approach that acknowledges the intertwined nature of technology and cybersecurity. As companies navigate this evolution, the success of their digital transformation hinges on the ability of these IT leaders to work hand-in-hand, ensuring a secure and innovative future for businesses of all sizes.

This transformative shift emphasises the importance of simplifying and strengthening the relationship between CIOs and CISOs, creating a united front against the ever-growing challenges of the digital age.


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Threat actors
CISA & FBI CrowdStrike cryptocurrency hack Cyber Attacks IT Companies JumpCloud Labyrinth Collima North Korea Hackers Threat actors

North Korea-Backed Hackers Breach US Tech Company to Target Crypto Firms


A North Korean state-sponsored hacking group has recently breached a US IT management company, in a bid to further target several cryptocurrency companies, cybersecurity experts confirmed on Thursday. 

The software company – JumpCloud – based in Louisville, Colorado reported its first hack late in June, where the threat actors used their company’s systems to target “fewer than 5” of their clients. 

While the IT company did not reveal the identity of its affected customers, cybersecurity firms CrowdStrike Holding and Alphabet-owned Mandiant – managing JumpCloud and its client respectively – claims that the perpetrators are known for executing heists targeting cryptocurrency. 

Moreover, two individuals that were directly connected to the issue further confirmed the claim that the JumpCloud clients affected by the cyberattack were in fact cryptocurrency companies. 

According to experts, these North Korea-backed threat actors, who once targeted firms piecemeal are now making efforts in strengthening their approach, using tactics like a “supply chain attack,” targeting companies that could provide them wider access to a number of victims at once.

However, Pyongyang’s mission to the UN did not respond to the issue. North Korea has previously denied claims of it being involved in cryptocurrency heists, despite surplus evidence claiming otherwise.

CrowdStrike has identified the threat actors as “Labyrinth Collima,” one of the popular North Korea-based operators. The group, according to Mandiant, works for North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), its primary foreign intelligence agency.

However, the U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA and the FBI did not confirm the claim. 

Labyrinth Chollima is one of North Korea’s most active hackers, claiming responsibility for some of the most notorious and disruptive cyber threats in the country. A staggering amount of funds has been compromised as a result of its cryptocurrency theft: An estimated $1.7 billion in digital currency was stolen by North Korean-affiliated entities, according to data from blockchain analytics company Chainalysis last year.

JumpCloud hack first came to light earlier this month when an email from the firm reached its customers, mentioning how their credentials would be changed “out of an abundance of caution relating to an ongoing incident.”

Adam Meyers, CrowdStrike’s Senior Vice President for Intelligence further warns against Pyongyang’s hacking squads, saying they should not be underestimated. "I don't think this is the last we'll see of North Korean supply chain attacks this year," he says.  

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Stealing of Sensitive data
Credit Card hack Data Breach Data Stolen Global Data Arts IT Companies MS Digital Grow Stealing of Sensitive data

Data Breach: Data of 168 Million Citizens Stolen and Sold, 7 Suspects Arrests


A new case of a massive data breach that would have had consequences over the national security has recently been exposed by Cyberabad Police. The investigation further led to the arrest of seven individuals hailing from a gang, allegedly involved in the theft and sale of the sensitive government data and some significant organizations, including credentials of defense personnel as well as the personal and confidential data of around 168 million citizens. 

The accused were discovered selling data on more than 140 distinct groups of individuals, including military personnel, bank clients, energy sector consumers, NEET students, government employees, gas agencies, high net worth individuals, and demat account holders. 

Another category of victims include Bengaluru women’s consumer data, data of people who have applied for loans and insurance, credit card and debit card holders (of AXIS, HSBC and other banks), WhatsApp users, Facebook users, employees of IT companies and frequent flyers. 

"When an individual calls the toll-free numbers of JustDial and asks for any sector or category related confidential data of individuals, their query is listed and sent to that category of the service provider. Then these fraudsters call those clients/ fraudsters and send them samples. If the client agrees to purchase, they make payment and provide the data. This data is further used for committing crime," stated the commissioner. 

The accused gang apparently operated via registered and unregistered organizations: Data Mart, Infotech, Global Data Arts and MS Digital Grow. 

The accused were found to have access to 2.5 lakh defense personnel's sensitive data, including their ranks, email addresses, places of posting, etc. The thieves gained access to the data of 35,000 Delhi government employees, 12 million WhatsApp users, 17 lakh Facebook users, and 11 million customers of six banks. Also, the defendants had access to information on 98 lakh applicants for credit cards. 

Main suspect Kumar in Noida, Nitish Bhushan had created a call center and obtained credit card records from Muskan Hassan, another defendant. The other suspects, Pooja Pal and Susheel Thomar were reportedly operating as tele-callers at Bhushan’s call center. While, Atul Pratap Singh's business, "Inspiree Digital," gathered credit cardholder data and profitably marketed it. Atul's workplace had employed Muskan as a telemarketer before she started her own business, "MS Digital Grow." She served as a middleman, selling data. She organized the data that Atul had provided and sold it to Bhushan. 

Sandeep Pal founded Global Data Arts and sold private consumer information to fraudsters engaging in online crimes through Justdial services and social media platforms. The seventh defendant, Zia Ur Rehman, shared the database with Atul and Bhushan and offered bulk message services for advertising.  

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Security Approach
Application Security Cisco Cyber Security DecSecOps IT IT Companies Organization security Security Approach

Utilizing an Integrated Approach for Application Security


Among every industry and organizations, application security has emerged as a progressively complex and challenging issue. Over the past few years, the rapid innovation in this field has resulted in the increase of attack surfaces, significantly where firms have shifted to modern application stacks on cloud-based security. Attack surfaces have also been expanded by the increased deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices, as well as by new hybrid working patterns. 

The volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks have sharply increased at the same time, causing concerns inside IT departments. According to the most recent study from Cisco AppDynamics, the shift to a security approach for the full application stack, 78% of technologists believe that their company is susceptible to a multi-stage cybersecurity attack that would target the entire application stack over the course of the following 12 months. Indeed, such an attack might have catastrophic results for brands. 

The major problem for IT teams is the lack of the right level of visibility and insights in order to recognize where new threats are emerging across a complicated topology of applications. More than half of engineers claim that they frequently find themselves operating in "security limbo" since they are unsure of their priorities and areas of concentration. 

IT teams can safeguard the complete stack of modern apps throughout the entire application lifecycle by using an integrated approach to application security. It offers total protection for applications across code, containers, and Kubernetes, from development to production. Moreover, with coupled application and security monitoring, engineers can assess the potential business effect of vulnerabilities and then prioritize their responses instead of being left in the dark. 

Moving to a Security Approach for the Full Application Stack 

In order to improve the organization security, tech experts are recognizing the need for adopting a security strategy for the entire application stack that provides comprehensive protection for their applications from development through to production across code, containers, and Kubernetes. 

Moreover, IT teams are required to integrate their performances and security checks to gain a better understanding of the way security flaws and incidents could impact users and organizations. Tech experts can assess the significance of risks using severity scoring while taking the threat's context into account thanks to business transaction insights. This entails that they can give priority to threats that pose a risk to an application or environment that is crucial for conducting business. 

Due to the complexity and dynamic nature of cloud-native technologies, as well as the quick expansion of attack surfaces, IT teams are increasingly relying on automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify and fix problems across the entire technology stack, including cloud-native microservices, Kubernetes containers, multi-cloud environments, or mainframe data centers. 

AI is already being used for continuous detection and prioritization, maximizing speed and uptime while lowering risk by automatically identifying and blocking security exploits without human interaction. Also, more than 75% of technologists think AI will become more crucial in tackling the issues their firm has with speed, size, and application security skills. 

To safeguard modern application stacks, companies must encourage much closer IT team collaboration. With a DevSecOps strategy, security teams analyze and evaluate security risks and priorities during planning phases to establish a solid basis for development. This adds security testing early in the development process. 

IT teams can be far more proactive and strategic in how they manage risk with a comprehensive approach to application security that combines automation, integrated performance, security monitoring, and DevSecOps approaches. A security strategy for the entire application stack can free engineers from their impasse and enable them to create more secure products, prevent expensive downtime, and advance into the next innovation era.  

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