In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat discuss various cybersecurity topics, including the dangers of malware disguised as proof of concept code on GitHub, the alarming rise in phishing attacks, the implications of a recent Treasury hack, and the targeted attacks on Ivanti’s security products. The conversation emphasizes the need for skepticism in security research, the importance of creating a safer environment for users, and the ongoing challenges posed by sophisticated threat actors.
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat discuss various cybersecurity topics, including a significant incident involving a Tenable plugin update that disrupted Nessus agents worldwide. They delve into the implications of malicious Chrome extensions and sophisticated phishing attacks, particularly focusing on a recent incident involving OAuth trust exploitation. The conversation shifts to new HIPAA cybersecurity rules that aim to enhance security measures in healthcare, followed by a discussion on the rise of AI-generated phishing emails targeting executives. Finally, they explore the challenges of passkey technology in achieving usable security across different platforms.
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat discuss various cybersecurity topics, including the FTC’s order for Marriott and Starwood to enhance their data security measures, a recent hijacking of a Chrome extension, and emerging threats for 2025. They also delve into the implications of AI in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for governance and risk management as AI technologies become more pervasive in the workplace.
Takeaways
The FTC has mandated Marriott and Starwood to implement a comprehensive security program for 20 years.
Data breaches can lead to significant regulatory actions and long-term consequences for companies.
The hijacking of browser extensions poses a serious risk to user data and security.
Emerging threats for 2025 include zero-day exploits and supply chain attacks.
AI governance is crucial as employees increasingly use AI tools without oversight.
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat discuss various cybersecurity topics, including a year-long supply chain attack that compromised 390,000 credentials, the U.S. government’s bounty for information on North Korean IT worker farms, and the alarming number of vulnerabilities found in software containers. They also delve into the implications of the False Claims Act for cybersecurity whistleblowers and the evolving landscape of AI in security.
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, we discuss the anticipated rise of Mac malware, the economic implications of new top-level domains (TLDs) for phishing, innovative phishing techniques using corrupt documents, and the risks associated with open-source software. We also explore the concept of risk homeostasis in cybersecurity, examining how users’ perceptions of security can influence their behavior and risk-taking. The conversation emphasizes the importance of education, robust security measures, and the need for a deeper understanding of complex systems in the face of evolving threats.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ultralytics-ai-model-hijacked-to-infect-thousands-with-cryptominer/ and https://blog.yossarian.net/2024/12/06/zizmor-ultralytics-injection
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat discuss various topics including their holiday plans, updates on their podcast, and significant cybersecurity incidents. They delve into a recent Wi-Fi breach involving Russian hackers, CrowdStrike’s IT outage and its implications for customer retention, and the discovery of malware exploiting vulnerable device drivers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of security practices such as multi-factor authentication and the challenges of managing cybersecurity risks in a rapidly evolving landscape. In this engaging conversation, Andrew Kalat and Jerry Bell explore various themes in cybersecurity, including the shift towards self-service IT solutions, the rise of phishing as a service, and the evolving landscape of multi-factor authentication. They discuss the implications of new threats like BootKitty and the challenges posed by firmware vulnerabilities. The conversation also touches on the future of cloud security and the often-overlooked role of marketing in cybersecurity threats, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about their pets.
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat discuss various cybersecurity topics, including the launch of their new podcast, Getting Defensive. They delve into a CISA report on exploited vulnerabilities, highlighting the concerning trend of zero-day vulnerabilities being exploited. The conversation also covers a GitHub incident involving malicious commits aimed at framing a researcher, Microsoft’s new Windows resiliency initiative, and insights from a CISA red team assessment of a critical infrastructure organization. We emphasize the importance of consent in security assessments and the challenges organizations face in managing risks associated with outdated software.
Takeaways
The launch of the new podcast ‘Getting Defensive’ aims to explore deeper cybersecurity topics.
CISA’s report indicates a troubling trend of zero-day vulnerabilities being exploited more frequently.
Organizations must prioritize patching and mitigating controls to address vulnerabilities effectively.
The GitHub incident highlights the risks of malicious commits and the importance of code review.
Microsoft’s Windows resiliency initiative introduces new features to enhance security and system integrity.
Consent is crucial in penetration testing and security assessments.
Organizations often accept risks associated with outdated software, which can lead to vulnerabilities.
Effective monitoring and detection are essential to mitigate potential attacks.
Ransomware is not the only threat; organizations must be aware of various attack vectors.
The CISA red team assessment provides valuable insights into the security posture of critical infrastructure.
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, we discuss the theft of cloud credentials, the exploitation of SharePoint vulnerabilities, evolving malware techniques, and the importance of cyber due diligence for suppliers. They reflect on the challenges of managing secrets, the implications of auto-updates, and the need for robust risk management practices in the face of increasing cyber threats.
Delta’s Lawsuit, SEC Penalties, and Fortinet’s Zero-Day Exploit In this episode, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kellett discuss current cybersecurity issues, starting with Delta Air Lines’ $500 million lawsuit against CrowdStrike over an IT outage and data breach. They explore SEC penalties imposed on tech companies for downplaying the SolarWinds hack’s impact, followed by an analysis of the Black Basta ransomware group’s new method of posing as IT support via Microsoft Teams. The discussion concludes with concerns about the exploitation of a zero-day vulnerability in Fortinet’s firewall manager, highlighting the need for transparency and timely communication from vendors.
In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat explore several pressing cybersecurity topics as of October 2024. The discussion begins by addressing the rapid increase in vulnerability exploitation speeds, with a highlight that 70% of exploitable flaws in 2023 were zero-days, now being exploited within just five days. They stress the importance of effective patch management and prioritization tactics using tools like the CISA KEV list and Tenable’s Viper score. The episode also touches on the evolving nature of automated and targeted exploits, the critical role of timely patching, and the balance between production disruptions and security risks. The conversation broadens to include evolving endpoint security challenges, ransomware trends, and the need for vigilance in adapting to new threats. Additionally, the hosts discuss innovative ways to counter sophisticated attacks, such as leveraging more secure token-based authentication methods over SMS-based MFA. Lastly, the episode delves into how North Korean IT operatives infiltrate companies to steal sensitive data, the implications for remote work, and the importance of robust identity verification processes in hiring. Throughout, the focus remains on adapting to the dynamic threat landscape and continuous reassessment of security strategies.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:41 Current Job Market Challenges
02:02 Cybersecurity Landscape Overview
02:20 Google’s Zero-Day Vulnerability Report
04:03 Importance of Patch Management
05:04 Trends in Exploitation Timelines
11:24 Strategies for Mitigating Vulnerabilities
20:03 Red Team Tool: EDR Silencer
26:52 Microsoft’s Ransomware Defense
27:25 Ransomware Attacks: A Decrease Despite the Increase
28:13 The Role of Unmanaged Devices in Cyber Attacks
28:39 Multi-Factor Authentication: Effectiveness and Adaptation
30:07 The Arms Race in Cybersecurity
30:49 The Importance of Phishing-Resistant MFA
32:11 The Rise of SIM Cloning in Ransomware
32:44 Challenges in Adopting Advanced Security Measures
36:46 North Korean IT Workers: A New Threat
40:50 The Future of Remote Hiring and Verification
