Author: Robert Timlick

  • How Hybrid Password Attacks Work and How to Defend Against Them

    How Hybrid Password Attacks Work and How to Defend Against Them

    Threat actors constantly change tactics to bypass cybersecurity measures, developing innovative methods to steal user credentials. Hybrid password attacks merge multiple cracking techniques to amplify their effectiveness. These combined approaches exploit the strengths of various methods, accelerating the password-cracking process. 
    In this post, we’ll explore hybrid attacks — what they are
  • CISA Warns of Threat Actors Exploiting F5 BIG-IP Cookies for Network Reconnaissance

    CISA Warns of Threat Actors Exploiting F5 BIG-IP Cookies for Network Reconnaissance

    The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning that it has observed threat actors leveraging unencrypted persistent cookies managed by the F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager (LTM) module to conduct reconnaissance of target networks.
    It said the module is being used to enumerate other non-internet-facing devices on the network. The agency, however, did not disclose who
  • New Critical GitLab Vulnerability Could Allow Arbitrary CI/CD Pipeline Execution

    New Critical GitLab Vulnerability Could Allow Arbitrary CI/CD Pipeline Execution

    GitLab has released security updates for Community Edition (CE) and Enterprise Edition (EE) to address eight security flaws, including a critical bug that could allow running Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines on arbitrary branches.
    Tracked as CVE-2024-9164, the vulnerability carries a CVSS score of 9.6 out of 10.

    “An issue was discovered in GitLab EE

  • Bohemia and Cannabia Dark Web Markets Taken Down After Joint Police Operation

    Bohemia and Cannabia Dark Web Markets Taken Down After Joint Police Operation

    The Dutch police have announced the takedown of Bohemia and Cannabia, which has been described as the world’s largest and longest-running dark web market for illegal goods, drugs, and cybercrime services.
    The takedown is the result of a collaborative investigation with Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States that began towards the end of 2022, the Politie said.
    The marketplace
  • Don’t Be a Victim: Common Mobile Malware Traps

    Don’t Be a Victim: Common Mobile Malware Traps

    Your smartphone is a digital wallet, communication hub, and personal assistant. All rolled into one portable device. It’s packed with sensitive data, from financial information to personal photos. This makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. 

    Mobile malware is often overlooked. People focus on securing their laptops or desktops. But they don’t pay as close attention to smartphone and tablet security.

    In 2023, attacks on mobile devices increased by 50% over the prior year.

    The fact is that hackers haven’t overlooked mobile devices. They set many traps to get users to infect their devices with malware. We’ll uncover common mobile malware traps and tell you how to avoid them.

    Common Mobile Malware Traps

    Mobile malware is just like its computer counterpart. It is malicious software designed to harm your device or steal your data. It can arrive in various forms, from sneaky apps to deceptive links. Ignorance is not bliss here. Understanding the common traps is your first line of defense.

    1. Phishing Attacks: These are the most common. You receive a text or email appearing legitimate, often mimicking trusted brands. Clicking links or downloading attachments can lead to malware infection.
    2. Malicious Apps: Not all apps are safe. Some apps contain hidden malware that can steal data, display ads, or even control your device. Always research apps before downloading.
    3. SMS Scams: Phishing SMS scams, or smishing, use text messages to trick you. They lure you into clicking links or sharing personal information. Be wary of unexpected messages, especially those asking for sensitive info.
    4. Wi-Fi Risks: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured. Connecting to them without caution can expose your device to hackers. Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
    5. Fake Apps: These mimic popular apps but are actually malware in disguise. They can steal your login credentials, financial information, or even control your device. Always verify app authenticity.
    6. Adware: While less harmful than other malware, adware can be annoying. It can also potentially expose you to other threats. It often comes bundled with other apps.

    Protecting Yourself: Essential Tips

    • Stay Updated: Keep your phone’s operating system and apps updated. Install the latest security patches or turn on auto-update.
    • Be Wary of Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments. Particularly from unknown senders.
    • Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords for your phone and all your apps. Consider using a password manager.
    • App Store Safety: Only download apps from official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Read reviews and check permissions before installing.
    • Beware of Public Wi-Fi: Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi to encrypt your data.
    • Regular Backups: Back up your phone regularly to protect your data from loss or corruption.
    • Security Software: Consider using a reputable mobile security app for added protection.

    Extra Steps to Safeguard Your Smartphone

    Here are a few more layers of protection you can use to fortify your smartphone’s defenses.

    Physical Security Matters

    • Lock It Up: Always set a strong passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition lock. Avoid simple patterns that can be easily guessed.
    • Beware of Public Charging: Avoid using public USB charging stations. These can be compromised, allowing hackers to access your device.
    • Lost or Stolen Phone: If your phone is lost or stolen, remotely wipe its data. This protects your sensitive information.

    App Permissions: A Closer Look

    • Limit App Permissions: When installing apps, carefully review the requested permissions. Deny unnecessary permissions to safeguard your privacy and data. For instance, a flashlight app doesn’t need access to your contacts.
    • Regular App Audits: Periodically review the apps on your phone. Uninstall apps you no longer use to reduce potential vulnerabilities.

    Backup Your Data

    • Cloud Backups: Use cloud storage services to back up your data regularly. This ensures you have a copy of your important files even if your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged.
    • Local Backups: Consider backing up your phone to your computer. This is another added layer of protection.

    Empower Yourself: Take Control of Your Digital Life

    By following these tips, you can significantly enhance your smartphone’s security. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Stay vigilant, informed, and proactive in protecting your digital life.

    Your smartphone is a powerful tool. But it’s also a potential target for cybercriminals. By understanding the threats and taking proactive steps, you can prevent catastrophe. Enjoy the benefits of mobile technology without compromising your (or your company’s) security!

    Contact Us to Fortify Mobile Security at Home and Office

    A majority of employees use personal devices for work. This means mobile malware can impact more than one individual. It can also lead to a data breach of an entire company network.

    Be proactive and put mobile security in place now. Our team of experts can help with reliable solutions to secure all your devices.


    Contact us today to schedule a chat about mobile device protection.

    —

    Featured Image Credit

    This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

  • Google Joins Forces with GASA and DNS RF to Tackle Online Scams at Scale

    Google Joins Forces with GASA and DNS RF to Tackle Online Scams at Scale

    Google on Wednesday announced a new partnership with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and DNS Research Federation (DNS RF) to combat online scams.
    The initiative, which has been codenamed the Global Signal Exchange (GSE), is designed to create real-time insights into scams, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime pooling together threat signals from different data sources in order to create
  • Researchers Uncover Major Security Vulnerabilities in Industrial MMS Protocol Libraries

    Researchers Uncover Major Security Vulnerabilities in Industrial MMS Protocol Libraries

    Details have emerged about multiple security vulnerabilities in two implementations of the Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) protocol that, if successfully exploited, could have severe impacts in industrial environments.
    “The vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to crash an industrial device or in some cases, enable remote code execution,” Claroty researchers Mashav Sapir and Vera
  • N. Korean Hackers Use Fake Interviews to Infect Developers with Cross-Platform Malware

    N. Korean Hackers Use Fake Interviews to Infect Developers with Cross-Platform Malware

    Threat actors with ties to North Korea have been observed targeting job seekers in the tech industry to deliver updated versions of known malware families tracked as BeaverTail and InvisibleFerret.
    The activity cluster, tracked as CL-STA-0240, is part of a campaign dubbed Contagious Interview that Palo Alto Networks Unit 42 first disclosed in November 2023.
    “The threat actor behind CL-STA-0240
  • Social Media Accounts: The Weak Link in Organizational SaaS Security

    Social Media Accounts: The Weak Link in Organizational SaaS Security

    Social media accounts help shape a brand’s identity and reputation. These public forums engage directly with customers as they are a hub to connect, share content and answer questions. However, despite the high profile role these accounts have, many organizations overlook social media account security. Many lack the safeguards to prevent unauthorized access — a situation no organization wants as
  • Microsoft Issues Security Update Fixing 118 Flaws, Two Actively Exploited in the Wild

    Microsoft Issues Security Update Fixing 118 Flaws, Two Actively Exploited in the Wild

    Microsoft has released security updates to fix a total of 118 vulnerabilities across its software portfolio, two of which have come under active exploitation in the wild.
    Of the 118 flaws, three are rated Critical, 113 are rated Important, and two are rated Moderate in severity. The Patch Tuesday update doesn’t include the 25 additional flaws that the tech giant addressed in its Chromium-based