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APT stands for Advanced Persistent Threat. An APT attack is a sophisticated and targeted cyberattack where an unauthorized user gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. The term "persistent" indicates that the attacker maintains a long-term presence within the targeted network to achieve specific objectives. Key characteristics of APT attacks include: 1. Advanced Techniques: APT attackers often employ advanced and sophisticated methods to breach security measures. This may involve the use of zero-day exploits (vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor or the public), custom malware, or other advanced tactics. 2. Persistence: APT attackers aim to remain undetected for a prolonged period to achieve their goals, which could include stealing sensitive information, conducting espionage, or disrupting operations. 3. Targeted: APT attacks are typically targeted at specific individuals, organizations, or industries. The attackers often conduct thorough research to gather intelligence about the target before launching the attack. 4. Customized Malware: APT attacks frequently involve the use of custom-designed malware, tailored to the specific target environment. This makes it harder for traditional security tools to detect and mitigate the threat. 5. Stealthy Operations: APT attackers prioritize remaining stealthy and avoiding detection. They may use techniques such as lateral movement within a network, privilege escalation, and encryption to conceal their activities. 6. Long-Term Goals: APT attacks are not opportunistic or random; they are conducted with specific, long-term objectives. These objectives could include stealing intellectual property, gaining political advantage, or other strategic goals. 7. Multiple Phases: APT attacks often unfold in multiple phases, including initial reconnaissance, gaining access, maintaining persistence, lateral movement, and achieving the ultimate objective. Defending against APT attacks requires a multi-layered approach, including robust cybersecurity measures, continuous monitoring, employee education on security best practices, and timely incident response capabilities. Organizations need to be proactive in their cybersecurity efforts to detect and mitigate APT threats effectively. https://sharkstriker.com/guide/advanced-persistent-threats-apt-why-you-should-know-about-them/

Managed Security and In-house Security are two different approaches to handling cybersecurity within an organization. Here are the key differences between them: 1. Ownership and Responsibility: Managed Security: In this model, a third-party service provider (Managed Security Service Provider or MSSP) is responsible for managing and overseeing the organization's security infrastructure and operations. The MSSP takes on the responsibility for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents. In-house Security: In this model, the organization itself is responsible for all aspects of its security program. This includes hiring and training its own security team, procuring and managing security tools, and developing and implementing security policies and procedures. 2. Expertise and Skills: Managed Security: MSSPs typically have a team of highly skilled security professionals who specialize in various aspects of cybersecurity. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table and often have access to advanced technologies and threat intelligence. In-house Security: The organization must invest in hiring and training its own security team. This may require significant time and resources to find and retain qualified individuals, and to provide ongoing training to keep them updated on the latest threats and technologies. 3. Cost: Managed Security: While MSSPs come with a service fee, they can often provide cost savings compared to maintaining an in-house security team, especially for smaller organizations that may not have the budget for a full-fledged security program. In-house Security: While there may be initial cost savings in terms of not paying for external services, the organization will need to budget for salaries, benefits, training, and security tools. Additionally, there may be hidden costs associated with managing an in-house team, such as infrastructure and operational expenses. 4. Scalability: Managed Security: MSSPs often have the capacity to quickly scale up or down based on the organization's needs. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses experiencing rapid growth or dealing with seasonal fluctuations in demand. In-house Security: Scaling an in-house team can be more challenging and time-consuming. Hiring and training new personnel takes time, and it may not always be feasible to quickly ramp up the security team in response to changing circumstances. 5. Response Time: Managed Security: MSSPs are often staffed around the clock, providing 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities. This can lead to quicker detection and response times in the event of a security incident. In-house Security: The availability of in-house security personnel may be limited to regular business hours, unless the organization invests in additional resources for round-the-clock coverage. 6. Customization: Managed Security: MSSPs offer standardized security services and solutions that may not be as tailored to the specific needs and nuances of an individual organization. In-house Security: An in-house team can design and implement security measures that are highly customized to the organization's unique requirements and risk profile. Ultimately, the choice between Managed Security and In-house Security depends on factors like the size of the organization, its budget, specific security requirements, and the level of control and customization desired. Some organizations may even opt for a hybrid approach, combining elements of both models to create a security program that best meets their needs. https://sharkstriker.com/guide/managed-security-vs-in-house-security-which-of-the-two-is-the-best/

CVE 2023-20198 – CISCO’s maximum severity zero-day vulnerabilities Cisco has issued an alert over its critical zero-day vulnerability detected in their IOS XE software range. The vulnerability is targeted toward systems that have HTTP/HTTP servers turned on. More than 40000 Cisco devices are now affected by this vulnerability, with 10,000 Cisco devices found with an implant for arbitrary code execution. The critical vulnerability CVE-2023-20198 is assigned a severity rating of 10. That is the highest rating given on a CVSS vulnerability severity scale. It is present in the Web UI component of IOS XE software. This vulnerability allows privilege escalation that enables an attacker to gain a full takeover of the system in that he has implanted the malware to. It means that cyber attackers can exploit this vulnerability to hijack a CISCO router and gain control of it. The countries that are impacted the most by this vulnerability include the US, the Philippines, Mexico, Chile, and India. Here are some of the facts about the said critical vulnerability: More than 6509 hosts were affected in the US alone There was a 40% jump in the number of hosts affected within 24 hours of detection Earlier CISCO had issued high-severity vulnerability CVE202344487 https://sharkstriker.com/blog/what-should-you-know-about-ciscos-high-severity-zero-day-vulnerabilities-cve-2023-20198/

"A 24/7/365 Security Operations Center (SOC) is crucial for several reasons: Continuous Threat Monitoring: Cyber threats can occur at any time, day or night. Having a SOC that operates around the clock ensures that potential threats are identified and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of a successful attack. Swift Incident Response: In the event of a security incident, time is of the essence. A 24/7 SOC allows for immediate response to breaches, minimizing damage and preventing further compromise. Global Reach and Coverage: Cyberattacks are not confined to specific time zones or regions. Having a SOC that operates continuously ensures that your organization is protected regardless of its geographical location. Real-Time Threat Intelligence: The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. A SOC that operates 24/7 can monitor emerging threats in real-time, enabling organizations to adapt their defenses accordingly. Compliance Requirements: Many industries and regulatory bodies require organizations to have continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities in place. A 24/7 SOC helps maintain compliance with these standards. Reduced Downtime and Business Impact: Cyberattacks can lead to significant downtime, which can be costly for businesses. A 24/7 SOC aims to minimize this downtime by quickly identifying and mitigating threats. Proactive Threat Hunting: A 24/7 SOC doesn't just respond to incidents; it actively hunts for potential threats, identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Customer and Stakeholder Trust: Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity through a 24/7 SOC can enhance trust and confidence among customers, partners, and stakeholders. Data Protection and Privacy: Organizations handle sensitive data that requires protection. A 24/7 SOC helps safeguard this data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and protecting the organization's reputation. Resilience to Persistent Threats: Some advanced threats persist over extended periods, attempting to evade detection. A continuously operating SOC is better equipped to identify and neutralize these persistent threats. In summary, a 24/7/365 SOC is a critical component of an organization's cybersecurity posture, providing continuous protection, rapid response, and proactive threat detection. It helps to safeguard sensitive data, maintain compliance, and ensure business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats. https://sharkstriker.com/services/soc/

"Incident Response (IR) is a structured approach used by organizations to address and manage the aftermath of a cybersecurity incident. A cybersecurity incident refers to any event that poses a threat to the security of an organization's information systems, networks, or data. These incidents can range from malware infections and data breaches to denial-of-service attacks and insider threats. Here are the key components of an Incident Response process: Preparation: This phase involves setting up the necessary policies, procedures, and resources for effective incident handling. It includes tasks such as creating an incident response plan, defining roles and responsibilities, and establishing communication channels. Identification: In this phase, organizations work to detect and identify potential incidents. This involves monitoring systems, network traffic, and logs for unusual or suspicious activities that may indicate a security breach. Containment: Once an incident is identified, the focus shifts to limiting the scope and impact of the incident. This might involve isolating affected systems, blocking malicious network traffic, or taking other steps to prevent further damage. Eradication: After containment, efforts are made to remove the root cause of the incident. This could involve removing malware, patching vulnerabilities, or implementing other measures to ensure the same incident doesn't occur again. Recovery: The goal of this phase is to restore normal operations as quickly and safely as possible. This might involve restoring data from backups, reconfiguring systems, and ensuring that all security measures are in place. Lessons Learned (Post-Incident Analysis): After an incident has been resolved, it's crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of the incident. This involves understanding how the incident occurred, what vulnerabilities were exploited, and what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. https://sharkstriker.com/guide/what-is-incident-response-a-comprehensive-guide/