Tag: Help Net Security

Critical vulnerabilities remain unresolved due to prioritization gaps

Fragmented data from multiple scanners, siloed risk scoring and poor cross-team collaboration are leaving organizations increasingly exposed to breaches, compliance failures and costly penalties, according to Swimlane. The relentless surge of vulnerabilities is pushing security teams to their limits, forcing…

FBI removed PlugX malware from U.S. computers

The Justice Department announced on Tuesday that, alongside international partners, the FBI deleted “PlugX” malware from thousands of infected computers worldwide. As described in court documents unsealed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a group of hackers sponsored by the…

Contextal Platform: Open-source threat detection and intelligence

Contextal Platform is an open-source cybersecurity solution for contextual threat detection and intelligence. Developed by the original authors of ClamAV, it offers advanced features such as contextual threat analysis, custom detection scenarios through the ContexQL language, and AI-powered data processing—all…

Using cognitive diversity for stronger, smarter cyber defense

In this Help Net Security interview, Mel Morris, CEO of Corpora.ai, discusses how cognitive biases affect decision-making during cybersecurity incidents. Morris shares insights on the challenges of designing user-friendly cybersecurity tools that consider human cognitive processes. How do cognitive biases…

Cybersecurity is stepping into a new era of complexity

Cybersecurity is entering a new era of complexity, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report. Growing complexity intensifies cyber inequity This complexity arises from the rapid growth of emerging technologies, prevailing geopolitical uncertainty, the evolution of…

Malicious actors’ GenAI use has yet to match the hype

Generative AI has helped lower the barrier for entry for malicious actors and has made them more efficient, i.e., quicker at creating convincing deepfakes, mounting phishing campaigns and investment scams, the most recent report by the Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA)…

Commvault strengthens Microsoft Active Directory protection

Commvault introduced an expansion of its platform to provide full and automated forest recovery for the world’s most widely used enterprise identity and access solution, Microsoft Active Directory. As organizations continue to combat non-stop cyberattacks and threats, Commvault Cloud Backup…

How AI and ML are transforming digital banking security

In this Help Net Security interview, Nuno Martins da Silveira Teodoro, VP of Group Cybersecurity at Solaris, discusses the latest advancements in digital banking security. He talks about how AI and ML are reshaping fraud detection, the growing trend of…

This is the year CISOs unlock AI’s full potential

In 2025, CISOs will have powerful new capabilities as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) continues to mature. Evolving beyond providing answers to questions, GenAI will provide proactive recommendations, take action, and communicate in a personalized manner. This transition will enable CISOs…

What 2024 taught us about security vulnerabilties

From zero-day exploits to weaknesses in widely used software and hardware, the vulnerabilities uncovered last year underscore threat actors’ tactics and the critical gaps in organizational defenses. This roundup showcases the standout findings from 2024’s cybersecurity reports, highlighting critical risks…

Cybersecurity jobs available right now: January 14, 2025

Application Security Engineer ENOC | UAE | On-site – View job details As an Application Security Engineer, you will establish and maintain DLP policies to prevent unauthorized access, transmission, or disclosure of sensitive data, focusing on both on-premises and cloud…

UK domain registry Nominet breached via Ivanti zero-day

The number of internet-facing Ivanti Connect Secure instances vulnerable to attack via CVE-2025-0282 has fallen from 2,048 to 800 in the last four days, the Shadowserver Foundation shared today. In the meantime, UK domain registry Nominet became the first publicly…

Alleged Blender, Sinbad cryptomixer operators arrested, indicted

Three Russian nationals have been indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for their alleged role as operators of cryptocurrency mixing (cryptomixer) services Blender.io and Sinbad.io. Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko and Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik were arrested on Dec. 1, 2024, roughly…

New infosec products of the week: January 10, 2025

Here’s a look at the most interesting products from the past week, featuring releases from BioConnect, BreachLock, McAfee, Netgear, and Swimlane. NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender, protects home networks against cyber threats Armor is a security and privacy solution available…

Code Intelligence Spark automates software testing

Code Intelligence announced Spark, an AI test agent that autonomously identifies bugs in unknown code without human interaction. It’s the first AI Agent to find a real-world vulnerability by automatically generating and running a test for a widely used open-source…

Wireshark 4.4.3 released: Updated protocol support, bug fixes

Wireshark, the popular network protocol analyzer, has reached version 4.4.3. Wireshark offers deep inspection across hundreds of protocols, live and offline analysis, and display filters. With multi-platform support, VoIP analysis, and capture file compatibility, it’s perfect for professionals seeking intuitive…

The ongoing evolution of the CIS Critical Security Controls

For decades, the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) have simplified enterprises’ efforts to strengthen their cybersecurity posture by prescribing prioritized security measures for defending against common cyber threats. In this article, we’ll review the story of the CIS Controls…

Synology ActiveProtect boosts enterprise data protection

Synology releases ActiveProtect, a new line of data protection appliances designed to provide enterprises a unified backup solution with simplicity, security and scalability. ActiveProtect integrates backup software, servers, and backup repositories into a seamless, unified platform. This streamlined solution enables…

Sara: Open-source RouterOS security inspector

Sara is an open-source tool designed to analyze RouterOS configurations and identify security vulnerabilities on MikroTik hardware. Sara’s main feature is using regular expressions as the primary analysis mechanism. This allows you to quickly and accurately process RouterOS configuration text…

Swimlane Hero helps solve complex security operations problems

Swimlane unveiled Hero, a private agentic AI security operations (SecOps) companion. Built on the foundation of Swimlane’s Hero AI innovations, Hero empowers security teams to work smarter and faster by suggesting next steps and answering complex questions privately to speed…

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark set to launch

The White House has announced the launch of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for consumer-grade internet-connected devices. “The White House launched this bipartisan effort to educate American consumers and give them an easy way to…

BioConnect unveils biometric devices for secure access control

BioConnect introduced its Arc Series biometric devices. Designed to address the evolving security, compliance, and scalability needs of enterprises and data centers, the Arc Series sets a new standard in modern access control. The launch includes three innovative devices: Arc…

Mitel MiCollab, Oracle WebLogic Server vulnerabilities exploited by attackers

CISA has added Mitel MiCollab (CVE-2024-41713, CVE-2024-55550) and Oracle WebLogic Server (CVE-2020-2883) vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. The Mitel MiCollab vulnerabilities exploited Mitel MiCollab is a popular enterprise collaboration suite. CVE-2024-41713 and CVE-2024-55550 are both path traversal…

Scaling penetration testing through smart automation

In this Help Net Security interview, Marko Simeonov, CEO of Plainsea, discusses how organizations can move beyond compliance-driven penetration testing toward a more strategic, risk-based approach. He explains how automation, human expertise, and continuous monitoring can transform penetration testing into…

The top target for phishing campaigns

Despite organizations’ repeated attempts at security awareness training, with a particular emphasis on how employees can avoid being phished, in 2024 enterprise users clicked on phishing lures at a rate nearly three times higher than in 2023, according to Netskope.…

Cybersecurity jobs available right now: January 8, 2025

AI Penetration Tester Microsoft | Canada | Remote – View job details As an AI Penetration Tester, you will discover and exploit vulnerabilities end-to-end in order to assess the security of AI systems. Execute offensive operations on production AI systems…

UN aviation agency investigating possible data breach

The United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) confirmed on Monday that it’s “actively investigating reports of a potential information security incident allegedly linked to a threat actor known for targeting international organizations.” The statement came a few days after…

eBay CISO on managing long-term cybersecurity planning and ROI

In this Help Net Security interview, Sean Embry, CISO at eBay, discusses key aspects of cybersecurity leadership. He shares insights on balancing long-term strategic planning with immediate threat response, evaluating the ROI of new technologies, and addressing employee cybersecurity fatigue.…

Making the most of cryptography, now and in the future

Enterprise cryptography faces risks beyond just the advent of quantum computers. For starters, there is no guarantee that the traditional algorithms have not been broken. Though we believe that it is “unlikely” they can be, the reality is that in…

Open source worldwide: Critical maintenance gaps exposed

Lineaje recently released a report identifying the US and Russia as the leading generators of open-source projects, with both countries also having the highest numbers of anonymous open-source contributions. In this Help Net Security video, Nick Mistry, SVP and CISO…

How AI and deepfakes are redefining social engineering threats

This article presents key insights from 2024 reports on the rise of phishing attacks, focusing on how advancements in AI and deepfake technology are making social engineering tactics more sophisticated. Cybercriminals exploit file sharing services to advance phishing attacks Examining…

Balancing proprietary and open-source tools in cyber threat research

In this Help Net Security interview, Thomas Roccia, Senior Security Researcher at Microsoft, discusses how threat research drives faster, better decision-making in cybersecurity operations. Roccia provides insights into balancing internal and external research strategies, the influence of AI and geopolitical…

Users receive at least one advanced phishing link every week

Phishing remains one of the most significant cyber threats impacting organizations worldwide, according to SlashNext. Credential phishing is raising Credential theft attacks surged dramatically in the second half of 2024 (703%), signaling a sharp escalation in the use of sophisticated…

Is healthcare cybersecurity in critical condition?

This article highlights key findings and trends in healthcare cybersecurity for 2024. From the rising impact of cyberattacks on patient care to the vulnerabilities posed by medical devices and supply chains, these insights provide an overview of the current state…

The modern CISO is a cornerstone of organizational success

The chief information security officer (CISO) role has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a purely technical position to a role that bridges business strategy, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity. The post The modern CISO is a cornerstone of organizational success…

Best practices for ensuring a secure browsing environment

In this Help Net Security interview, Devin Ertel, CISO at Menlo Security, discusses how innovations like AI and closer collaboration between browser vendors and security providers will shape the future of browser security. The post Best practices for ensuring a…

Deepfakes question our ability to discern reality

As deepfakes become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, their potential for misuse in areas such as cybercrime, misinformation campaigns, and identity theft continues to grow. In this article, you will find key insights from 2024 reports on deepfake technology and the…

The real cost of data breaches for businesses

This article presents key findings from 2024 reports on data breaches. Breaches are taking longer to resolve and are becoming more costly for organizations. With recovery times extending and costs increasing, businesses face growing challenges in managing the aftermath. Full…

CISOs don’t invest enough in code security

72% of security leaders agree that the age of AI necessitates a complete reset of how organizations approach application security, according to Cycode. This urgency is reinforced by the fact that 93 billion lines of code were generated in the…

Why software is the key to FI risk management

Risk management is important, but it’s not always exciting. Many risk professionals still rely on spreadsheets and manual methods despite the availability of better options. Excel is familiar and cost-effective. Some spreadsheets are handy for certain risk management activities. In…

The state of cybersecurity and IT talent shortages

This article highlights key findings and trends in the 2024 IT and cybersecurity skills gap, from the shortage of cybersecurity talent to the rising demand for certifications and upskilling programs, offering insights into the current state of skills development in…

Hottest cybersecurity open-source tools of the month: December 2024

This month’s roundup features exceptional open-source cybersecurity tools that are gaining attention for strengthening security across various environments. SafeLine: Open-source web application firewall (WAF) SafeLine is an open-source and self-hosted Web Application Firewall (WAF) that protects websites from cyber attacks.…

reconFTW: Open-source reconnaissance automation

reconFTW is an open-source tool that simplifies and automates the reconnaissance process, delivering subdomain enumeration, vulnerability assessment, and gathering intelligence about a target. Using various techniques — such as passive and brute-force methods, permutations, certificate transparency analysis, source code scraping,…

Cybercriminals tighten their grip on organizations

Cybercriminals are using a variety of new methods to target organizations across industries. In this article, we examine the most pressing trends and findings from the 2024 surveys on the growing threat of cybercrime. Social engineering scams sweep through financial…

Overwhelmed by fraud? Here’s how financial pros fight back

In this Help Net Security interview, Patrick Harding, Chief Architect at Ping Identity, discusses the growing threat of deepfake-related fraud and its impact on financial security. He also discusses overlooked vulnerabilities in digital banking and offers advice for organizations to…

Infosec products of the month: December 2024

Here’s a look at the most interesting products from the past month, featuring releases from: Appdome, Cato Networks, Datadog, Fortinet, GitGuardian, Horizon3.ai, Netwrix, Radiant Logic, RunSafe Security, SecureAuth, Stairwell, Stamus Networks, Sweet Security, Tenable, Trellix, Versa Networks, and Veza. GitGuardian…

Service disruptions continue to blindside businesses

Service disruptions remain a critical concern for IT and business executives, with 88% of respondents saying they believe another major incident will occur in the next 12 months, according to PagerDuty. PagerDuty surveyed 1,000 IT and business executives who were…

iOS devices more exposed to phishing than Android

The mobile threat landscape continues to grow at an alarming rate as cybercrime groups shift their tactics and target mobile devices in the early stages of their attacks, according to a recent Lookout report. The report highlights insights behind a…

Cybersecurity spending trends and their impact on businesses

Managing cybersecurity and IT budgets is a critical element of organizational strategy. With increasing threats to data security, the rise of ransomware, and the need to protect IT infrastructure, organizations must invest wisely in cybersecurity to stay secure. This article…

2025 is going to be a bumpy year for IoT

In the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, 2025 is shaping up to be a politically charged year. Major global jurisdictions are set to implement device security regulations, coinciding with potential tariffs, shifting production dynamics, and rising geopolitical tensions. My advice…

Cybersecurity jobs available right now: December 24, 2024

Application Security DevOps engineer Twixor | India | On-site – View job details As an Application Security DevOps engineer, you will Implement and oversee application security measures to protect company’s software and infrastructure. Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability testing.…

How CISOs can make smarter risk decisions

In this Help Net Security interview, Gavin Reid, CISO at HUMAN Security, talks about the latest cybersecurity threats and how attackers are becoming more sophisticated. He explains the difficulties organizations encounter in detecting fraud and malicious bots while keeping the…

AI-driven scams are about to get a lot more convincing

McAfee’s predictions for 2025 highlight emerging threats that consumers may encounter as cybercriminals exploit advanced AI technology. From hyper-realistic deepfakes and live video scams to AI-driven phishing, smishing, and malware attacks, these predictions reveal how cybercriminals are using AI-powered tools…

API security blind spots put businesses at risk

Many customer-facing APIs remain unprotected, leaving businesses vulnerable to breaches. To address these threats, a comprehensive approach to API security, covering every stage of the lifecycle, is essential to protect sensitive data and prevent exploitation. In this article, you will…

US charges suspected LockBit ransomware developer

The US Department of Justice has unsealed charges against Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, suspected of being a developer for the LockBit ransomware group. Panev was arrested in August 2024 and is currently in custody in…

Evilginx: Open-source man-in-the-middle attack framework

Evilginx is an open-source man-in-the-middle attack framework designed to phish login credentials and session cookies, enabling attackers to bypass 2FA safeguards. “Back in 2017, I was experimenting with extracting cookies from one browser and importing them into another. I realized…

How companies can fight ransomware impersonations

As these threat actors become increasingly strategic and harder to detect, organizations must take all measures to protect their data, including cybersecurity training. In this Help Net Security video, Rodman Ramezanian, Global Cloud Threat Lead at Skyhigh Security, discusses how…

What open source means for cybersecurity

With outdated and inadequately maintained components, along with insecure dependencies, the open-source ecosystem presents numerous risks that could expose organizations to threats. In this article, you will find excerpts from 2024 open-source security reports that can help your organization strengthen…

CISA: Use Signal or other secure communications app

In the wake of the widespread compromise of US telecom giants’ networks by Chinese hackers and the FBI advising Americans to use end-to-end encrypted communications, CISA is advising “highly targeted individuals” – senior government officials and politicians – to lock…

AI is becoming the weapon of choice for cybercriminals

AI changes how organizations look at cybersecurity GenAI is compromising security while promising efficiency This article highlights key findings from 2024 reports on AI and GenAI technologies, focusing on their potential and major challenges. Overreliance on GenAI to develop software…