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APT Rogues’ Gallery: The World’s Most Dangerous Cyber Adversaries

Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups are not a new scourge. These sophisticated, state-sponsored cyber adversaries, with deep pockets and highly advanced technical skills, conduct prolonged and targeted attacks to infiltrate networks, exfiltrate sensitive data, and disrupt critical infrastructure. The stakes…

Best Practices for Transitioning from Security to Privacy

As global privacy requirements evolve, many information security professionals are called upon to enhance or lead information privacy programs. While this transition may seem like a natural progression, I learned five important lessons when I moved from a focus on…

Cyber Fraud: The Primary Culprit in UK Payment Fraud

Cyber fraud has skyrocketed from a growing concern to the leading driver of payment fraud in the UK, infiltrating most businesses in the country and exposing them to previously unimagined financial and operational risks. This was one of the findings…

The Cost of Ransomware: Shutdowns & Extortion

Ransomware is no longer in its heyday. Evolving, AI-driven cybersecurity tools and global law enforcement efforts have seen to that. But that doesn’t mean ransomware is no longer a threat. In fact, in some ways, the danger is greater than…

April 2025 Patch Tuesday Analysis

Today’s Patch Tuesday Alert addresses Microsoft’s April 2025 Security Updates. We are actively working on coverage for these vulnerabilities and expect to ship ASPL-1151 as soon as coverage is completed. In-The-Wild & Disclosed CVEs CVE-2025-29824 A vulnerability in the Windows…

How CEOs Can Embrace GenAI for Business Growth

It’s well-trodden ground by now, but generative AI is really one of the business world’s most important technologies. Like it or not, it will soon become integral to everyday business operations. Those who learn how to use it effectively will…

Tripwire Patch Priority Index for March 2025

Tripwire’s March 2025 Patch Priority Index (PPI) brings together important vulnerabilities for Microsoft and Google. Up first on the list are patches for Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) and Google Chromium that resolve spoofing, out of bounds read, use after free, and…

HellCat Ransomware: What You Need To Know

What is HellCat? HellCat is the name of a relatively new ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group that first came to prominence in the second half of 2024. Like many other ransomware operations, HellCat breaks into organisations, steals sensitive files, and encrypts computer…

Top Cybersecurity Considerations When Moving Commercial Premises

When relocating office locations domestically or internationally, organizations must ensure the safe passage and management of more than just their physical assets and hardware. The complex cybersecurity obstacles before, during, and after an operational overhaul can outnumber the physical difficulties…

Japan Passes Active Cyber Defense Bill

Over the past few years, many countries have made considerable efforts to bolster cybersecurity preparedness. These efforts are understandable when put into a geopolitical context: global relationships in the past five years have been among the most tumultuous in decades,…

VanHelsing Ransomware: What You Need To Know

What is the VanHelsing ransomware? First reported earlier in March 2025, VanHelsing is a new ransomware-as-a-service operation. Oh, so it’s a relatively new player on the malware scene, then. Why the concern? At least three victims of VanHelsing have already…

An Introduction to Data Masking in Privacy Engineering

Protecting individual privacy is paramount, given the proliferation of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and other sensitive data collected by enterprises across all industries. One way to protect sensitive data is through PII masking e.g., consistently changing names or including only…

Top 10 Scam Techniques: What You Need to Know

Scammers are highly resourceful and cunning when devising new ways to swindle people. But they often rely on long-standing persuasion techniques for their tricks to work. So, you may hear about a new scam that uses a novel narrative, but…

BlackLock Ransomware: What You Need To Know

What is the BlackLock ransomware? BlackLock is a relatively new ransomware group. First seen in March 2024, the ransomware operation initially operated under the name El Dorado, before rebranding as BlackLock late last year. BlackLock follows a RaaS (ransomware-as-a-service) business…

Strengthening Critical Infrastructure with the NCSC CAF

Critical infrastructure organizations bear an enormous responsibility. The assets, systems, and networks they manage are crucial to the functioning of a healthy society. They provide water, energy, transportation, healthcare, telecommunications, and more—should they fail, they would bring entire countries to…

The Role of Localization in Cybersecurity Threat Mitigation

If your website is targeting multiple states or countries, by default, you face a double-pronged challenge: adapting to regional regulatory demands while defending against sophisticated cyber threats. Tackling this requires localization. But what does the term actually entail? Localization isn’t…

What Is SCM (Security Configuration Management)?

Attackers always seek the easiest path to get into our systems and compromise data. System misconfigurations and insecure default settings are often the criminals’ favorite vectors since these errors allow them easy access to critical systems and data. The rise…

Cybersecurity Can’t Wait: Modern Enterprises Must Adapt

Technology is evolving at a startling pace, perhaps faster than ever before. Businesses are scrambling to reap the rewards of these technologies, especially AI. But do they recognize the cybersecurity risks associated with these changes? The World Economic Forum’s latest…

March 2025 Patch Tuesday Analysis

Today’s VERT Alert addresses Microsoft’s March 2025 Security Updates. VERT is actively working on coverage for these vulnerabilities and expects to ship ASPL-1147 as soon as coverage is completed. In-The-Wild & Disclosed CVEs CVE-2025-26633 According to Microsoft, improper neutralization in…

How to Secure Your Mobile Device: 9 Tips for 2025

Can you imagine a life without your smartphone? For most of us, this is a difficult task, and some younger readers will have never lived in a world without smartphones. The countless functionalities of modern mobile devices – surfing the…

Cactus Ransomware: What You Need To Know

What is the Cactus ransomware? Cactus is a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group that encrypts victim’s data and demands a ransom for a decryption key. Hundreds of organisations have found themselves the victim of Cactus since it was first discovered in March…

Tripwire Patch Priority Index for February 2025

Tripwire’s February 2025 Patch Priority Index (PPI) brings together important vulnerabilities for Microsoft. Up first on the list are patches for Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) that resolve 4 remote code execution and 2 spoofing vulnerabilities. Next on the list are patches…

What is SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM)?

Over 80% of businesses use at least one Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application in their operations, per a report by SaaS Academy. It’s easy to see why SaaS applications are the fulcrum of many businesses today. From collaboration tools to CRMs, SaaS…

Agentic AI: Redefining the Future of Autonomy in Business

The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) agents signals a profound transformation in how businesses operate. Unlike traditional AI models that process and respond to queries, Google defines that “Agents are autonomous and can act independently of human intervention.” At the…

Are Your VM Scans Testing the Entirety of the Network?

Many organizations have a vulnerability management (VM) problem without knowing it. Vulnerability management is a crucial component of any organization’s cybersecurity program and is required by most major compliance standards because of its sink-or-swim impact on network security. One of…

CIS Controls Version 8.1: What you need to know

The latest version of the CIS Controls was released in June 2024. The new version, 8.1, introduces some minor updates via design principles. Context New asset classes are updated to better match the specific parts of an enterprise’s infrastructure that…

How to Achieve Compliance with NIS Directive

The original NIS Directive came into force in 2016 as the EU’s first comprehensive law governing cybersecurity in member states. As part of its key policy objective to make Europe “fit for the digital age,” the European Commission proposed in…

Key Updates in the OWASP Top 10 List for LLMs 2025

Last November, the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) released its Top Ten List for LLMs and Gen AI Applications 2025, making some significant updates from its 2023 iteration. These updates can tell us a great deal about how the…

Making Sense of Australia’s New Cybersecurity Legislation

Late last year, Australia’s Cyber Security Act 2024 received Royal Assent and became Law. It was a huge moment for cybersecurity legislation in Australia, serving as the country’s first-ever standalone cybersecurity law, addressing key legislative gaps, and bringing the country…

Protecting the Manufacturing Sector from Ransomware

The manufacturing sector has long been a favorite target for ransomware actors. However, the true scale of the issue has only recently become apparent: research published in Infosecurity Magazine last December revealed that ransomware attacks on manufacturing companies have caused…

Cybersecurity for Electricity Distribution [2025 Update]

Electricity transmission and distribution are popular topics at the moment, especially as they pertain to utilities infrastructure security. These essential pillars of modern society are undergoing rapid digital transformation, with increased connectivity and technological sophistication harboring large-scale cybersecurity challenges. Electrical…

Monitoring Applications vs. Operating Systems: Why It Matters

In today’s dynamic IT environments, securing and maintaining the integrity of your systems is critical. Fortra’s Tripwire Enterprise is a robust tool designed to help organizations ensure compliance and security by continuously monitoring the configuration and behavior of their IT…

Advanced Ransomware Evasion Techniques in 2025

Ransomware has become more than a threat—it’s a calculated assault on industries, wielding AI-driven precision to bypass traditional defenses. Attackers adapt faster than ever, turning cybersecurity into a high-stakes race where falling behind isn’t an option. As we step into…

IIoT Security Threats Reshape Factory Protection Strategies

Modern factories are increasingly relying on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. This shift is beneficial in many regards, including higher efficiency and transparency, but it also introduces unique cybersecurity concerns. Better vulnerability management for IIoT systems is essential if…

Holding the Tide Against the Next Wave of Phishing Scams

By now, we should all be pretty well acquainted with phishing scams. They’ve been around for a very long time—nearly 30 years, in fact—and are the primary focus of most security awareness training programs and initiatives. Despite this, phishing remains…

VERT Threat Alert: February 2025 Patch Tuesday Analysis

Today’s VERT Alert addresses Microsoft’s February 2025 Security Updates. VERT is actively working on coverage for these vulnerabilities and expects to ship ASPL-1143 as soon as coverage is completed. In-The-Wild & Disclosed CVEs CVE-2025-21391 A vulnerability in Windows Storage could…

Building a Vulnerability Management Program from Scratch

Building a vulnerability management (VM) program from the ground up is no small feat. It requires technical expertise, organizational buy-in, and a clear roadmap. In recent months, I’ve been working with a client who had to discard their legacy approach…

Key Takeaways from the NCSC Annual Review 2024

In early December 2024, the UK’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) released its eighth Annual Review. While the report’s primary focus is to recap the NCSC’s activities over the past year, it also offers invaluable insights into how the UK…

“Quishing” – The Emerging Threat of Fake QR Codes

QR codes have revolutionized digital interactions, offering quick access to websites and services and adding a layer of security to many apps. These quick and seemingly innocent codes are everywhere — however, their widespread use has made them a prime…

Research Reveals Data Breaches On The Rise at UK Law Firms

British legal professionals have seen a “significant surge” in data breaches, according to new research from NetDocuments, a firm that provides a cloud-based content management platform for the legal sector. The firm has described how it analysed data from the…

How CISOs Can Build a Cybersecurity-First Culture

Creating an enterprise security-first culture is one of the most impactful things a CISO can do to protect their organization. Sure, high-tech solutions and fancy tools are important, but they are largely ineffective when staff are unable or unwilling to…

CIS Control 03: Data Protection

Key Takeaways for Control 3 At the heart of a strong data management plan is awareness surrounding the ‘ Five Ws’ of the enterprise’s data: What data does the enterprise store or handle? Who should have access to it? Where…

Zero Trust Principles for Critical Infrastructure Security

The cyber threat to critical infrastructure has never been greater. The growing sophistication of cybercriminals, deteriorating geopolitical relations, and the convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) have created unprecedented risks for critical infrastructure organizations. Fortunately, resources are…

What Is a Security Operations Center (SOC)?

Data breaches continue to cost organizations millions of dollars each year, with costs rising steadily. According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach has surged to $4.88 million globally, reflecting the…

Tripwire Patch Priority Index for January 2025

Tripwire’s January 2025 Patch Priority Index (PPI) brings together important vulnerabilities for Microsoft. First on the list are patches for the Microsoft office platform, including Word, Access, Visio, Excel, OneNote, and Outlook. These patches resolve 13 issues such as remote…

Tackling the New CIS Controls

In the early part of 2024, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) released the latest version of the well-respected Critical Security Controls (CSC). The new version, 8.1, adds contours to the prior versions, making it more comprehensive and timely in…

Identifying and Responding to Investment Scams

Investment scams are a growing problem. Modern cybercriminals are increasingly using this technique to swindle money out of unsuspecting victims. It’s easy to understand why: investment scams are remarkably effective. Research from Barclays even found that they accounted for a…

Best Practices for Securing Your SaaS Environment

Can you imagine a modern working world without Software-as-a-Service ( SaaS) applications? Productivity, communication, and project management solutions have transformed the modern workplace, enabling hybrid and remote working, helping to cut costs, and offering unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and innovation.…

New Law Could Mean Prison for Reporting Data Leaks

The Turkish government is proposing a controversial new cybersecurity law that could make it a criminal act to report on data breaches. The new legislation proposes penalties for various cybersecurity-related offences. But they key one which has people concerned is…

CIS Control 05: Account Management

Knowing who has credentials, how those credentials are granted, and how they are being used is the foundation of any secure environment. It begins with user accounts and the credentials they use. Maintaining a thorough inventory of all accounts and…

Helping the Energy Sector Navigate NERC Complexities

The energy sector is the cornerstone of modern infrastructure, powering essential services and supporting the daily operations of economies worldwide. However, it also faces unique cybersecurity challenges, particularly in complying with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s Critical Infrastructure Protection…

Medusa Ransomware: What You Need To Know

What is the Medusa ransomware? Medusa is a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platform that first came to prominence in 2023. The ransomware impacts organisations running Windows, predominantly exploiting vulnerable and unpatched systems and hijacking accounts through initial access brokers. Initial access brokers?…

CIS Control 06: Access Control Management

CIS Control 6 merges some aspects of CIS Control 4 (admin privileges) and CIS Control 14 (access on a need-to-know basis) into a single access control management group. Access control management is a critical component in maintaining information and system…

Think You Know Tripwire? Think Again

Fortra’s Tripwire has always been widely known as a File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) solution, and a very good one at that. The good news is that it still is – only when you look closely, it’s a lot more. And…