#cyber security advisory

[cybersecurityaustraila]

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[sssexpert]

How to Choose the Right Cyber Security Advisory Firm for Your Business Needs

Businesses of all sizes worry about cyber dangers in the digital era. Data breaches and ransom ware attacks may ruin reputations and finances. Working with a trusted and knowledgeable cyber security consultancy company is vital to reduce risks and secure your organization. How can you pick from so many options? This article discusses choosing a cyber security advisory company that meets your business requirements.

Steps to Choosing the Right Cyber Security Guidance Firm

To choose the right cyber security guidance company for your organization, follow these steps. Steps are:

1. Determine company requirements.

Choosing a cyber security consultancy business starts with this. To choose the ideal organization, you must know your needs.

2. Research your options. 

After determining your needs, explore cyber security advice providers. Check their services, pricing, and reputations to choose one that fits your company.

3. Get several quotations.

After narrowing your choices, call each business and obtain an estimate. This lets you compare prices and services across businesses.

Benefits of Working with a Cyber Security Guidance Firm

A Vulnerability assessment is one of the finest ways to protect your organization from cyber attacks. Working with a trusted cyber security consultancy company has several advantages:

1. They will identify risks and weaknesses.

A reputable cyber security consultancy business can assist you in discovering organizational risks and weaknesses. They may advise on risk mitigation.

2. They'll create a thorough security strategy.

After identifying risks and weaknesses, a qualified cyber security advice business will help you create a security strategy. This strategy outlines how to protect your company against cyber attacks.

3. They will provide ongoing support.

A good cyber security consultancy business will help you create a complete security strategy and assist in its implementation. They may also help you make plan revisions.

Conclusion

Choose a cyber security guidance company carefully. Choosing the right company for your organization with so many options is challenging. However, evaluate their competence and experience, devotion to customer service and data security, and pricing of services or goods. In that case, you will discover a business that fits all your needs and offers continuing assistance.

[acquisory]

Cyber Security Due Diligence in M&A Transactions – A Prerequisite

Overview:

What is a Cyber Security Due Diligence? The term has been defined as ‘the review of the governance, processes and controls that are used to secure information assets.’ It can be rightly said that when you buy a Company, you’re buying their data, and one could be buying their data-security problems. In other words, cyber risk should be considered right along with financial and legal due diligence considerations.

Cyber Security is one such aspect that has become extremely vital in today’s business atmosphere. Cyber due diligence is a relatively new area of due diligence which has largely emerged as a result of technological advancements and increasing data and privacy threats. Almost all formal sectors today are dependent on technology, connectivity and digital networks to varying degrees. While sectors such as media, information, telecom, software and technology services are enabled by technology, various other sectors such as marketing, banking, education, transport and medical have grown exponentially by incorporating technology as a driver to increase their performance and efficiency.

Thus with the rapidly expanding mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) environment, companies often overlook the finer aspects of due diligence in their fervor to complete the transaction. Thus, these overlooked aspects tend to be reasons behind deal failures. It is because companies underestimate the importance of thorough due diligence on the target and take several vital things for granted at the time of closing.

However, cyber due diligence remains an un-prioritized and often ignored area in most deals in India and other developing countries. This post seeks to shed light on the importance and scope of cyber due diligence in India by presenting the main risks and consequential impact on M&A deals in India. It also suggests certain strategies to mitigate cyber risks through a study of international best practices.

Risks Involved Due to a Lack of Cyber Security Due Diligence:

Regardless of the type of industry, when companies make an acquisition, they are essentially investing in the intellectual property and R&D of the proposed partner organization. Typically, there are few individuals at the buyer corporation who truly understand the network systems they’re about to purchase, which contain the valuable IP they’re acquiring. The integrity of this data must be assessed prior to the purchase — and the team assessing it must be able to provide a level of scrutiny that ensures all areas are fully evaluated, diagnosed, and proved secure.

Threats that arise out of cyber-attacks appear in several forms. Many such threats pose serious direct and indirect financial risks to companies, a pertinent example being how the emergence of ransomware has highlighted the ease with which cyber criminals can halt business operations for days or weeks at a time, resulting in unrecoverable loss of revenue. However, what are the initial threats that result in financial risks? These can broadly be divided into two major categories i.e. electronically stored information (ESI) data breaches and loss of deal value. ESI breach risks can be explained by further dividing them into intellectual property (IP) loss, reputation and brand impact, and remediation costs. Other hidden costs may include value of lost contracts, lost value of customer relationships and insurance premium increases.

Data Storage Breaches:

There are standard clauses in purchase agreements to protect the buyer, for good reason. Any litigation, workforce issues, violation of environmental regulations, and other negatives must be known and accounted for, in order for deals to make sense at the agreed-upon price. But cyber security risks are generally unaccounted for.

The lack of focus on cybersecurity due diligence in Indian M&A transactions can lead to serious impacts on ESI and data that is stored on online databases such as the cloud. ESI refers to any data that is created, altered, communicated and stored in digital form. Examples of ESI could range from emails exchanged on the company’s servers to confidential information about the company’s IP and trade secrets. The two major ramifications that arise from an ESI breach are both immediate, such as a loss of IP and long term, such as a loss in brand and customer reputation.

Key cyber security risks that buyers can run into:

Ongoing Breach: Probably the worst-case scenario — the target company is “owned” by an unknown attacker: any sensitive data or intellectual property might already be gone, and a public relations problem is looming. Not only is the value of the acquisition damaged, but also now the buyer must deal with the fallout, which can be a very expensive undertaking.

Unrevealed Previous Breach: The target company suffered a breach in the past that is revealed to the buyer after the purchase. This is similar to the ongoing breach in that valuable data may have been lost, and the intruder could still be in the network.

Persistent Intruder: The target company is host to an attacker that maintains their presence in the environment, watching and waiting. Now the purchasing company might be hosting them as well.

Disruption Attacks: Is the target…

Read More: https://www.acquisory.com/ArticleDetails/19/Cyber-Security-Due-Diligence-in-MandA-Transactions-%E2%80%93-A-Prerequisite

[nangiaandersen]

Understanding the Role of Cybersecurity Advisory Services

In an era dominated by digital landscapes and interconnected systems, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. As businesses and organizations increasingly rely on technology to drive their operations, the potential threats to sensitive data and critical infrastructure have grown exponentially. In this volatile environment, cybersecurity advisory services have emerged as indispensable guardians of digital realms, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding against cyber threats.

The Evolving Threat Landscape

The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, with malicious actors employing sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities. As the frequency and complexity of cyberattacks continue to rise, organizations find themselves facing an ever-expanding array of threats, ranging from ransomware and phishing attacks to advanced persistent threats (APTs). In this context, cybersecurity advisory services act as seasoned guides, helping organizations navigate the intricate maze of cybersecurity challenges.

Strategic Planning and Risk Mitigation

One of the primary roles of cybersecurity advisory services is to assist organizations in developing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. These strategies go beyond merely reacting to threats; they involve proactive planning and risk mitigation. Advisory services conduct thorough risk assessments, identifying potential vulnerabilities and developing strategies to address them before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.

Customized Solutions for Diverse Industries

Every industry has its unique set of challenges and compliance requirements. Cybersecurity advisory services recognize the need for tailored solutions and work closely with organizations to develop strategies that align with their specific industry standards and regulatory frameworks. Whether it's healthcare, finance, or manufacturing, advisory services provide insights and recommendations that are not only effective but also compliant with industry-specific regulations.

Incident Response and Recovery

In the unfortunate event of a cybersecurity incident, the role of advisory services becomes even more critical. Timely and effective response to a security breach can mean the difference between minimal damage and a catastrophic loss. Cybersecurity advisory services assist organizations in developing incident response plans, ensuring that they have a structured and efficient approach to contain, eradicate, and recover from security incidents.

Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, requiring organizations to stay vigilant and adapt their cybersecurity measures accordingly. Advisory services provide continuous monitoring, staying abreast of the latest threats and vulnerabilities. This proactive approach enables organizations to implement timely updates and adjustments to their cybersecurity strategies, reducing the risk of falling victim to emerging threats.

Education and Training

Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity incidents. Advisory services recognize the importance of educating employees at all levels of an organization about cybersecurity best practices. Training programs help create a security-aware culture within the organization, reducing the likelihood of falling prey to social engineering tactics and other human-related vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

In the complex and fast-paced world of cybersecurity, advisory services serve as trusted allies for organizations seeking to fortify their digital defenses. From strategic planning and risk mitigation to incident response and continuous monitoring, these services play a multifaceted role in safeguarding against an array of cyber threats. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between organizations and cybersecurity advisory services becomes increasingly crucial, ensuring a resilient and secure future in the face of persistent and ever-changing cyber risks.

[cybersky-au]

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[justinspoliticalcorner]

John Nichols at The Nation:

Donald Trump has made no secret of his determination to govern as a “dictator” if he regains the presidency, and that’s got his critics warning that his reelection would spell the end of democracy. But Trump and his allies are too smart to go full Kim Jong Un. Rather, the former president’s enthusiasm for the authoritarian regimes of Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Turkey’s Tayyip Erdoğan, and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán suggests the models he would build on: managing elections to benefit himself and his Republican allies; gutting public broadcasting and constraining press freedom; and undermining civil society. Trump, who famously demanded that the results of Georgia’s 2020 presidential voting be “recalculated” to give him a win, wants the trappings of democracy without the reality of electoral consequences. That’s what propaganda experts Edward Herman and Frank Brodhead once described as “demonstration elections,” in which, instead of actual contests, wins are assured for the authoritarians who control the machinery of democracy. The outline for such a scenario emerges from a thorough reading of Project 2025’s Mandate for Leadership, which specifically proposes a Trump-friendly recalculation of the systems that sustain American democracy. The strategy for establishing an American version of Orbán’s “illiberal democracy” is not spelled out in any particular chapter of Mandate. Rather, it is woven throughout the whole of the document, with key elements appearing in the chapters on reworking the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Federal Election Commission (FEC). In the section on the DHS, for instance, there’s a plan to eliminate the ability of the agency that monitors election security to prevent the spread of disinformation about voting and vote counting.

How serious a threat to democracy would that pose? Think back to November 2020, when Trump was developing his Big Lie about the election he’d just lost. Trump’s false assertion that the election had been characterized by “massive improprieties and fraud” was tripped up by Chris Krebs, who served as director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in the DHS. The Republican appointee and his team had established a 24/7 “war room” to work with officials across the country to monitor threats to the security and integrity of the election. The operation was so meticulous that Krebs could boldly announce after the voting was finished: “America, we have confidence in the security of your vote, you should, too.” At the same time, his coordinating team declared, “The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history.” This infuriated Trump, who immediately fired the nation’s top election security official.

In Mandate’s chapter on the DHS, Ken Cuccinelli writes, “Of the utmost urgency is immediately ending CISA’s counter-mis/disinformation efforts. The federal government cannot be the arbiter of truth.” Cuccinelli previously complained that CISA “is a DHS component that the Left has weaponized to censor speech and affect elections.” As for the team that worked so successfully with Krebs to secure the 2020 election, the Project 2025 document declares that “the entirety of the CISA Cybersecurity Advisory Committee should be dismissed on Day One.” The potential impact? “It’s a way of emasculating the agency—that is, it prevents it from doing its job,” says Herb Lin, a cyber-policy and security scholar at Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation.

This is just one way that Project 2025’s cabal of “experts” is scheming to thwart honest discourse about elections and democracy. A chapter on public broadcasting proposes to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as part of a larger plan to upend NPR, PBS, and “other public broadcasters that benefit from CPB funding, including the even-further-to-the Left Pacifica Radio and American Public Media.” More destabilizing than the total funding cut that Project 2025 entertains is a parallel plan to end the status of NPR and Pacifica radio stations as “noncommercial education stations.” That could deny them their current channel numbers at the low end of the radio spectrum (88 to 92 FM)—a move that would open prime territory on the dial for the sort of religious programming that already claims roughly 42 percent of the airwaves that the FCC reserves for noncommercial broadcasting. And don’t imagine that the FCC would be in a position to write new rules that guard against the surrender of those airwaves to the Trump-aligned religious right.

[...]

While project 2025 seeks to rewire the FCC to favor Trump’s allies, it also wants to lock in dysfunction at the Federal Election Commission, the agency that is supposed to govern campaign spending and fundraising. Established 50 years ago, the FEC has six members—three Republicans and three Democrats—who are charged with overseeing the integrity of federal election campaigns. In recent years, however, this even partisan divide has robbed the FEC of its ability to act because, as a group of former FEC employees working with the Campaign Legal Center explained, “three Commissioners of the same party, acting in concert, can leave the agency in a state of deadlock.” As the spending by outside groups on elections “has exponentially increased, foreign nationals and governments have willfully manipulated our elections, and coordination between super PACs and candidates has become commonplace,” the former employees noted. Yet “the FEC [has] deadlocked on enforcement matters more often than not, frequently refusing to even investigate alleged violations despite overwhelming publicly available information supporting them.”

John Nichols wrote in The Nation about how Project 2025’s radical right-wing wishlist of items contains plans to wreck and subvert what is left of America’s democracy.

See Also:

The Nation: June 2024 Issue

[wolfliving]

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF), and National Security Agency (NSA) assess that People’s Republic of China (PRC)-linked cyber actors have compromised thousands of Internet-connected devices, including small office/home office (SOHO) routers, firewalls, network-attached storage (NAS) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices with the goal of creating a network of compromised nodes (a “botnet”) positioned for malicious activity. The actors may then use the botnet as a proxy to conceal their identities while deploying distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks or compromising targeted U.S. networks.

Integrity Technology Group, a PRC-based company, has controlled and managed a botnet active since mid- 2021. The botnet has regularly maintained between tens to hundreds of thousands of compromised devices. As of June 2024, the botnet consisted of over 260,000 devices. Victim devices part of the botnet have been observed in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia.

While devices aged beyond their end-of-life dates are known to be more vulnerable to intrusion, many of the compromised devices in the Integrity Tech controlled botnet are likely still supported by their respective vendors.

FBI, CNMF, NSA, and allied partners are releasing this Joint Cyber Security Advisory to highlight the threat posed by these actors and their botnet activity and to encourage exposed device vendors, owners, and operators to update and secure their devices from being compromised and joining the botnet. Network defenders are advised to follow the guidance in the mitigations section to protect against the PRC-linked cyber actors’ botnet activity. Cyber security companies can also leverage the information in this advisory to assist with identifying malicious activity and reducing the number of devices present in botnets worldwide.

For additional information, see U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) press release....

[philcoulson-redtapeninja]

Wip Wednesday| Instructions on Mindful Focus X X

Each patient had to be given a code name to be used in place of name, pronoun, or any other identifying article in the written documents. 'Safety through obfuscation', the unofficial motto of the IMF, or at least it was for the Psych Division. All documentation produced before, during, or after a session had to be written by hand, never typed on computer or typewriter, and stored in self-immolating file cabinets. Press the right spot or don't enter the right code, and all of the files would be burnt to ash in seconds. It wasn't anything new to her. In Martha's last job, anonymity was a selling point to most clients. Martha preferred to wait 'til the end of the first session to give a pseudonym. It gave her a chance to get to know them and let the nickname cement itself in her mind. Right now her notes were filled with little blank spaces just waiting to be filled with the distillation of a person. Flicking her eyes over the man on her couch, she couldn't help but correlate the unnatural stillness of Agent Hunt and a sheep dog belly down in the grass after an order to Wait. Fidgeting with her pre-session notes, she tried to find a good way to start. Should she start with just the facts? No, that wouldn't work. It would sound to much like a debriefing and Hunt wouldn't open up to an agent after all he's gone through. Maybe she could use a sweet heart approach? Acting like a doe-eyed civilian would be about the opposite of an agent as she could get.

I have also been overthinking just how the IMF would be set up

Under the vague hand wavy control of the CIA

Branch > Division > Department > Sub-Departments

Three branches of the IMF: Operations, Support, and Field. There is a great deal of overlap and sharing of personnel/resources

Operations - Agents in the foreground of Missions and intel gathering

Divisions under the Operations Branch

Control: The guy in the chair, plans and supervises the mission - James Phelps, Daniel Briggs, and Ethan Hunt

Engineering: mechanical operator, in-field technical advisory, and general Macgyver - Barnard "Barney" Collier,  Benji Dunn, and Luther Stickel

Transportation: Pilots, getaway drivers, and other specialized transportation experts. Declan Gormley

Face: Agents that wear the Mask, and have direct and consistent contact with the Mark. Honeypot is a sub-department of Face - Rollin Hand, Cinnamon Carter, and The Great Paris

Security: The hitter and strong man - also works in the IMF buildings as base security - William "Willy" Armitage, and Zhen Lei

Infiltration: Specialists in getting in-and-out of secure buildings without being found, often an acrobat. Ethan Hunt

Specialist:Pinch-hitters from other branches and other agencies - Nyah Nordoff-Hall

Intelligence: Long field operatives, moles, help open doors for IMF teams. Not part of the Field branch for administrative reasons; pay and benefits the same as Operation branch agents.

Support - Analysts, Medical staff, Fabricators, and Legal teams that support and maintain the IMF from within Headquarters(Langley?DC?) and Satellites

Divisions under the Support Branch

Medical Departments: In-Patient, Out-Patient

In-Patient Sub-Departments: Acute care(ER/Surgery), Chronic care(...everything else)

Out-Patient Sub-Departments: Pharmacy, Wound care, Physical Therapy, Specialty, and Primary Care

Analysis Departments: Intelligence analysis by Region, Psychology, [physical evidence?], and Information Distribution(Control Handlers)

Personnel Departments: Recruitment, Records, Covers, Training, and [Family and Friend management]

Legal Departments: Domestic Law, Foreign law, and Admiralty

Sub-Departments for Criminal, Civil, and for the various Continents

Cyber Departments: Cyber-Security, Code making/breaking, Electronic Infiltration, and IT. Previously part of both Analysis and Fabrication before becoming its own department.

Fabrication Departments: Wardrobe, Masks, Hazardous Materials, Large Scale Construction, Small Scale Construction, Rigging, Smithing, and R&D

Logistics Departments: Field Logistics, Operations Logistics, and Support Logistics. Works closely with the Personnel Divisions, with Sub-Departments for each Division that handle Requisitions, Supply Chains, and Disposal.

Field - a mixture of Reservists, part-timers, and Outsiders that were read into IMF for one reason or another, all supporting teams in the field and couriering messages

Divisions under the Field Branch

On-Site Fabrication:

Dead Drop:

Courier:

Local Intelligence:

Location Maintenance:

[mariacallous]

Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, has long had a reputation as one of the world's most aggressive practitioners of sabotage, assassination, and cyber warfare, with hackers who take pride in working under the same banner as violent special forces operators. But one new group within that agency shows how the GRU may be intertwining physical and digital tactics more tightly than ever before: a hacking team, which has emerged from the same unit responsible for Russia's most notorious physical tactics, including poisonings, attempted coups, and bombings inside Western countries.

A broad group of Western government agencies from countries including the US, the UK, Ukraine, Australia, Canada, and five European countries on Thursday revealed that a hacker group known as Cadet Blizzard, Bleeding Bear, or Greyscale—one that has launched multiple hacking operations targeting Ukraine, the US, and other countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America—is in fact part of the GRU's Unit 29155, the division of the spy agency known for its brazen acts of physical sabotage and politically motivated murder. That unit has been tied in the past, for instance, to the attempted poisoning of GRU defector Sergei Skripal with the Novichok nerve agent in the UK, which led to the death of two bystanders, as well as another assassination plot in Bulgaria, the explosion of an arms depot in the Czech Republic, and a failed coup attempt in Montenegro.

Now that infamous section of the GRU appears to have developed its own active team of cyber warfare operators—distinct from those within other GRU units such as Unit 26165, broadly known as Fancy Bear or APT28, and Unit 74455, the cyberattack-focused team known as Sandworm. Since 2022, GRU Unit 29155's more recently recruited hackers have taken the lead on cyber operations, including with the data-destroying wiper malware known as Whispergate, which hit at least two dozen Ukrainian organizations on the eve of Russia's February 2022 invasion, as well as the defacement of Ukrainian government websites and the theft and leak of information from them under a fake “hacktivist” persona known as Free Civilian.

Cadet Blizzard's identification as a part of GRU Unit 29155 shows how the agency is further blurring the line between physical and cyber tactics in its approach to hybrid warfare, according to one of multiple Western intelligence agency officials whom WIRED interviewed on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak using their names. “Special forces don’t normally set up a cyber unit that mirrors their physical activities,” one official says. “This is a heavily physical operating unit, tasked with the more gruesome acts that the GRU is involved in. I find it very surprising that this unit that does very hands-on stuff is now doing cyber things from behind a keyboard.”

In addition to the joint public statement revealing Cadet Blizzard's link to the GRU's unit 29155, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency published an advisory detailing the group's hacking methods and ways to spot and mitigate them. The US Department of Justice indicted five members of the group by name, all in absentia, in addition to a sixth who had been previously charged earlier in the summer without any public mention of Unit 29155.

“The GRU’s WhisperGate campaign, including targeting Ukrainian critical infrastructure and government systems of no military value, is emblematic of Russia’s abhorrent disregard for innocent civilians as it wages its unjust invasion,” the US Justice Department's assistant attorney general Matthew G. Olsen wrote in a statement. “Today’s indictment underscores that the Justice Department will use every available tool to disrupt this kind of malicious cyber activity and hold perpetrators accountable for indiscriminate and destructive targeting of the United States and our allies.”

The US State Department also posted a $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or location of members of the group, along with their photos, to its Rewards for Justice website.

Beyonds its previously known operations against Ukraine, Western intelligence agency officials tell WIRED that the group has also targeted a wide variety of organizations in North America, Eastern and Central Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America, such as transportation and health care sectors, government agencies, and “critical infrastructure” including “energy” infrastructure, though the officials declined to offer more specific information. The officials told WIRED that in some cases, the 29155 hackers appeared to be preparing for more disruptive cyberattacks akin to Whispergate, but didn't have confirmation that any such attacks had actually taken place.

The US Department of State in June separately revealed that the same GRU hackers who carried out Whispergate also sought to find hackable vulnerabilities in US critical infrastructure targets, “particularly the energy, government, and aerospace sectors.” The DOJ's newly unsealed indictment against the 29155 hackers alleges they probed the network of a US government agency in Maryland 63 times—though without revealing whether any such probes were success—as well as searching for vulnerabilities in the networks of targets in no fewer than 26 NATO countries.

In many cases, the 29155 hackers' intention appeared to be military espionage, according to Western intelligence agency officials. In a Central European country, for instance, they say the group breached a railway agency to spy on train shipments of supplies to Ukraine. In Ukraine itself, they say, the hackers compromised consumer surveillance cameras, perhaps to gain visibility on movement of Ukrainian troops or weapons. Ukrainian officials have previously warned that Russia has used that tactic to target missile strikes, though the intelligence officials who spoke to WIRED didn't have evidence that 29155's operations specifically had been used for that missile targeting.

The Western intelligence agency sources say that GRU Unit 29155's hacking team was formed as early as 2020, though until recent years it primarily focused on espionage rather than more disruptive cyberattacks. The creation of yet another hacking group within the GRU might seem superfluous, given that the GRU's preexisting teams units such as Sandworm and Fancy Bear have long been some of the world's most active and aggressive players in cyber warfare and espionage. But Western intelligence agency officials say that Unit 29155 was likely driven to seek its own specialized hacking team due to internal competition within the GRU, as well as the group's growing clout following the perceived success of its operations—even the botched Skripal assassination attempt. “The Skripal poisoning gave them a lot of attention and a lot of mandate,” one official says. “We assess it’s very likely that’s resulted in them getting a lot of more funds and the resources to attract the capability to start a cyber unit. Success is measured differently in the Western world and Russia.”

According to the Western intelligence officials who spoke to WIRED, the 29155 hacking group is composed of just 10 or so individuals, all of whom are relatively young GRU officers. Several individuals participated in hacking “Capture the Flag” competitions—competitive hacking simulations that are common at hacker conferences—prior to joining the GRU, and may have been recruited from those events. But the small team has also partnered with Russian cybercriminal hackers in some cases, the officials say, expanding their resources and in some instances using commodity cybercriminal malware that has made its operations more difficult to attribute to the Russian state.

One example of those criminal partnerships appears to be with Amin Timovich Stigal, a Russian hacker indicted by the US in absentia in June for allegedly aiding in Cadet Blizzard's Whispergate attacks on the Ukrainian government. The US State Department has also issued a $10 million reward for information leading to Stigal's arrest.

In addition to reliance on criminal hackers, other signs of Cadet Blizzard's level of technical skill appear to fit with intelligence officials' description of a small and relatively young team, according to one security researcher who has closely tracked the group but asked not to be named because they weren't authorized by their employer to speak about their findings. To gain initial access to target networks, the hackers largely exploited a handful of known software vulnerabilities and didn't use any so-called zero-day vulnerabilities—previously unknown hackable flaws—according to the researcher. “There’s probably not a lot of hands-on experience there. They’re following a very common operating procedure,” says the researcher. “They just figured out the exploit du jour that would give them the most mileage in their chosen domains, and they stuck with it.” In another instance of the group's lack of polish, a map of Ukraine that had been included in their defacement images and posted to hacked Ukrainian websites included the Crimean peninsula, which Russia has claimed as its own territory since 2014.

Sophistication aside, the researcher also notes that the 29155 hackers in some cases compromised their targets by breaching IT providers that serve Ukrainian and other Eastern European firms, giving them access to victims' systems and data. “Instead of kicking the front door down, they’re trying to blend in with legitimate trusted channels, trusted pathways into a network,” the researcher says.

The security researcher also notes that unlike hackers in other GRU units, Cadet Blizzard appears to have been housed in its own building, separate from the rest of the GRU, perhaps to make the team harder to link to the Unit 29155 of which they're a part. Combined with the group's command structure and criminal partnerships, it all suggests a new model for the GRU's approach to cyber warfare.

“Everything about this operation was different,” the researcher says. “It’s really going to pave the way for the future of what we see from the Russian Federation.”

[hassibah]

Eleven days after Hamas attacked Israel in October, former prime minister Stephen Harper’s current business partner Yaron Ashkenazi wrote an op-ed about how their company would help the country “stop these evil terrorists in their tracks.” 

Their venture capital fund, Awz Ventures, was well-positioned. For years, the company has poured investments—totalling at least $350 million—into high-tech companies that support the Israeli security industry. 

Harper is a leading partner at the firm and president of its advisory committee. The former prime minister, who was a hard-line supporter of Israel while in office, has promoted the company in Israeli media outlets and has said that Awz Ventures is a chance to “continue what I did in government.”

In 2021, Awz launched a start-up accelerator in Tel Aviv that partners with the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s research and development wing and other Israeli agencies, including intelligence agency Mossad, security agency Shin Bet, and the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) elite cyber intelligence unit. 

That partnership has never before been reported in the Canadian media. The Breach can also reveal new details about three companies funded by Awz that are helping Israel’s post-Oct. 7 actions, as well as six more that have done business with Israeli governments in recent years. 

[techbloggers1]

A Deep Dive into the Services of IT Consulting in Washington DC

Introduction

In the bustling heart of technological innovation, Washington DC stands as a hub for businesses seeking to harness the power of Information Technology (IT). Amidst the dynamic landscape, IT consulting services emerge as a guiding force, offering a myriad of solutions to propel organizations towards efficiency, growth, and success.

The Essence of IT Consulting

1. Strategic Planning and Advisory:

At the core of IT consulting services lies strategic planning. Consultants in Washington DC work closely with businesses to align IT strategies with overarching organizational goals. This involves conducting thorough assessments, identifying opportunities for improvement, and providing advisory services that pave the way for a technology roadmap tailored to the unique needs of the capital's diverse industries.

2. Technology Integration and Implementation:

IT consultants play a pivotal role in integrating new technologies seamlessly into existing infrastructures. This includes the implementation of cutting-edge solutions, software, and systems to enhance operational efficiency. In Washington DC, where staying ahead in the tech race is crucial, consultants ensure that businesses adopt the latest innovations to maintain a competitive edge.

3. Cybersecurity Solutions:

In the era of digital transformation, safeguarding sensitive data is paramount. IT consulting Washington DC address cybersecurity challenges by implementing robust measures. This encompasses risk assessments, developing cybersecurity strategies, and deploying advanced tools to protect businesses from evolving cyber threats.

4. Cloud Computing Services:

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, and IT consultants are instrumental in guiding organizations through cloud adoption. From selecting the right cloud model to migrating data and applications, consultants in Washington DC ensure a smooth transition to the cloud, optimizing scalability, and fostering collaboration.

5. Data Management and Analytics:

The abundance of data in the digital age necessitates effective management and analysis. IT consulting services delve into data governance, helping businesses in Washington DC derive valuable insights. Consultants implement robust data management strategies, ensuring data integrity, security, and harnessing the power of analytics for informed decision-making.

6. IT Infrastructure Optimization:

Consultants evaluate and optimize IT infrastructures to enhance performance and reduce costs. Whether it's streamlining processes, upgrading hardware, or implementing virtualization, the goal is to create a resilient and efficient IT environment tailored to the unique needs of businesses in Washington DC.

7. Managed IT Services:

Many organizations opt for managed IT services, outsourcing day-to-day IT operations to consultants. This allows businesses in Washington DC to focus on their core activities while ensuring that their IT infrastructure is expertly managed, monitored, and maintained by professionals.

8. Training and Change Management:

Implementing new technologies often requires a cultural shift within organizations. IT consultants provide training programs and change management strategies to facilitate a smooth transition. This is crucial in Washington DC, where adapting to technological changes is key to staying relevant in a competitive market.

The Impact of IT Consulting in Washington DC

In a city where innovation and efficiency are paramount, the services of IT consulting make a profound impact on the business landscape. By leveraging these services, organizations in Washington DC position themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.

1. Increased Operational Efficiency:

Strategic planning and technology integration lead to increased operational efficiency. IT consultants in Washington DC streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and ensure that technology aligns seamlessly with business objectives.

2. Enhanced Cybersecurity Posture:

With the ever-present threat of cyber-attacks, IT consulting services bolster cybersecurity postures. Consultants implement robust measures to safeguard sensitive data, providing businesses in Washington DC with the confidence to navigate the digital landscape securely.

3. Informed Decision-Making:

Data-driven decision-making becomes a reality through effective data management and analytics. IT consultants empower businesses in Washington DC with the tools and insights needed to make informed strategic decisions.

4. Adaptability to Technological Changes:

The dynamic nature of technology requires organizations to be adaptable. IT consulting services not only ensure the smooth adoption of new technologies but also provide the necessary training and change management strategies for seamless transitions in Washington DC.

5. Cost Optimization:

Efficient IT infrastructures and strategic planning result in cost optimization. IT consultants in Washington DC help organizations make informed investments, ensuring that every dollar spent on technology contributes to business growth.

The Future of IT Consulting in Washington DC

As technology continues to evolve, the role of IT consulting services in Washington DC will become even more critical. The need for strategic guidance, innovative solutions, and adaptive IT environments will drive businesses to seek the expertise of consultants to navigate the ever-changing landscape.

In conclusion, the services of IT consulting in Washington DC encompass a wide array of strategic initiatives aimed at propelling businesses towards success in the digital age. From aligning IT strategies with organizational goals to implementing cutting-edge technologies, IT consultants play a vital role in shaping the future of businesses in the capital city. As Washington DC continues to be a hotspot for innovation, the services of IT consulting will remain a cornerstone for organizations aspiring to thrive in the dynamic and competitive tech-driven ecosystem.

[underthewingsofthblackeagle]

         This video was produced by the Foreign Press Association and published on the YouTube channel of the Don't Extradite Assange (DEA) campaign on February 19, 2022. With permission from the DEA campaign, we have published this video on our channel to raise awareness of this issue in Germany and worldwide. Visit the DEA campaign's YouTube channel here:  /deacampaign            ABOUT NILS MELZER. Prof. Nils Melzer is the Human Rights Chair of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. He is also Professor of International Law at the University of Glasgow.          On 1 November 2016, he took up the function of UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Prof. Melzer has served for 12 years with the International Committee of the Red Cross as a Legal Adviser, Delegate and Deputy Head of Delegation in various zones of conflict and violence. After leaving the ICRC in 2011, he held academic positions as Research Director of the Swiss Competence Centre on Human Rights (University of Zürich), as Swiss Chair for International Humanitarian Law (Geneva Academy) and as Senior Fellow for Emerging Security Challenges (Geneva Centre for Security Policy), and has represented civil society in the Steering Committee of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers. In the course of his career, Prof. Melzer has also served as Senior Security Policy Adviser to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has carried out advisory mandates for influential institutions such as the United Nations, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, and has regularly been invited to provide expert testimonies, including to the UN First Committee, the UN CCW, the UNSG Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, and various Parliamentary Commissions of the European Union, Germany and Switzerland. Prof. Melzer has authored award-winning and widely translated books, including: “Targeted Killing in International Law” (Oxford, 2008, Guggenheim Prize 2009), the ICRC’s “Interpretive Guidance on the Notion of Direct Participation in Hostilities” (2009) and the ICRC’s official handbook “International Humanitarian Law – a Comprehensive Introduction” (2016), as well as numerous other publications in the field of international law. In view of his expertise in new technologies, Prof. Melzer has been mandated by the EU Parliament to author a legal and policy study on “Human Rights Implications of the Usage of Drones and Robots in Warfare” (2013) and has also co-authored the NATO CCDCOE “Tallinn Manual on the International Law applicable to Cyber Warfare” (Cambridge, 2013), and the NATO MCDC “Policy Guidance Autonomy in Defence Systems”, (NATO ACT, 2014).          Throughout his career, Prof. Melzer has fought to preserve human dignity and the rule of law through the relentless promotion, reaffirmation and clarification of international legal standards offering protection to those exposed to armed conflicts and other situations of violence.

[sssexpert]

How to choose Cyber security advisory services?

Research shows that global cybercrime costs were $3 trillion in 2015 and are expected to grow by $10.5 trillion by the end of 2025. Thus, it is crucial to choose the right Cyber security advisory services that can help your organization to make an informed decision.

·         Assess your needs

It is important to access the specific cyber security needs of your organization. Whether you need help with risk management, compliance, incident response, and others, you need to prepare a priority list and ensure that your selected advisory services meet those needs.

Check for a     comprehensive approach

You must look for the Vulnerability assessment from trusted advisory services, so ensure to check for a comprehensive approach. It covers all cyber security aspects, including incident response planning, security assessment, risk assessment, employee training, and compliance management.

·         Look for expertise

You must choose a cyber-security advisory service that has expertise in the specific industry. Check for industry recognition, certification, and reviews from past clients to evaluate their personal experience with the service.

·         Evaluate communication skills

While choosing advisory services, you must ensure their effective communication. They must be able to elaborate technical concepts in a clean and concise manner and be able to respond to your concerns and questions.

·         Consider track record

Check the track record of the advisory services to determine whether they provide effective solutions to their clients, including responding to incidents, preventing cyber-attacks, and offering ongoing support.

By considering all the above-mentioned points, you can be able to select the right cyber security advisory services based on your organization's needs.

[cyber-sec]

Decoy Dog malware toolkit found after analyzing 70 billion DNS queries

Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/decoy-dog-malware-toolkit-found-after-analyzing-70-billion-dns-queries/

More info: https://blogs.infoblox.com/cyber-threat-intelligence/cyber-threat-advisory/dog-hunt-finding-decoy-dog-toolkit-via-anomalous-dns-traffic/

[timesofinnovation]

Recent warnings from U.S. officials highlight a pressing concern regarding cybersecurity and national security. According to Morgan Adamski, the executive director of U.S. Cyber Command, Chinese hackers are infiltrating critical infrastructure networks across the United States. This situation poses significant risks, as these hackers pave the way for potential disruptive attacks, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. Adamski's statements were made during his address at the Cyberwarcon security conference in Arlington, Virginia. He revealed that Chinese cyber operations are not merely focused on espionage but are strategically embedding themselves within vital infrastructure networks. The goal? To secure an advantageous position in the event of a future conflict with the U.S. By targeting critical services like energy, water, and air conditioning systems, these hackers can cripple foundational elements of American society at a moment's notice. Recent examples underscore the severity of this threat. For instance, the manipulation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in data centers can lead to catastrophic failures, compromising not only data integrity but also national information networks. Disrupting energy supplies or water controls could create chaos, affecting millions of citizens. Such scenarios have been discussed openly among government officials and cybersecurity experts, signaling that the stakes have never been higher. The U.S. government's response has been multifaceted. Adamski outlined globally coordinated efforts including both offensive and defensive strategies designed to counteract these cyber threats. This involves exposing Chinese cyber operations, imposing sanctions against perpetrators, and issuing cybersecurity advisories that aim to bolster defenses across the nation. Efforts are also underway to collaborate with allied nations, increasing the resources available to tackle this clear and present danger. Furthermore, U.S. Senator Mark Warner described a troubling cyberespionage campaign linked to China known as ‘Salt Typhoon.’ This initiative is highlighted as one of the worst telecommunications hacks in U.S. history, drawing serious concerns about the depth of China's cyber capabilities. It serves as a stark reminder of the strategic vulnerabilities that exist in critical infrastructure systems. China has continuously denied any involvement in these cyber attacks, yet evidence suggests a pattern of persistent and sophisticated interference in U.S. operations. The repeated claims from U.S. officials, including specific references to tactical exploits and system infiltrations, paint a picture of a coordinated and proactive threat landscape. The significance of these developments cannot be overstated. With an increasing reliance on digital solutions and interconnected systems, American infrastructure is more vulnerable than ever. Strategies for safeguarding these assets must evolve rapidly in response to emerging threats. Organizations and businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures, continuously updated protocols, and employee training to mitigate risks. Incorporating technologies like advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular penetration testing could prove crucial for entities that manage critical infrastructures. By adopting these measures, stakeholders can fortify their defenses and ensure public service continuity while preparing for future challenges. The current landscape necessitates robust discussions around cybersecurity policies, international cooperation, and investment in defensive capabilities. As governments and businesses collectively work towards heightened vigilance, the symbolic implications of fighting back against cyber incursions become increasingly important. In conclusion, as reported by senior U.S. officials, the specter of cyber warfare looms larger, underpinning the need for comprehensive strategic planning and collaboration.

The onus lies not only on governmental entities but also on private organizations to cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Emphasizing prevention is integral to securing the future of critical U.S infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated threats.

[cybersky-au]

The Cyber Security Agency has liberated a joint Cyber security Advisory (CSA) entitled “Enhanced Monitoring to Detect APT Activity Targeting Outlook Online.” This CSA provides helps to detect and mitigate malicious activities.

➡ http://cyber-sky.com.au ☎+ 61-412886034

Cybersecurity agencies in 𝑨𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒂 and the U.S. have published a joint 𝒄𝒚𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒚 warning against security flaws in web applications and issued a advisory warning about IDOR security flaws in web apps that can lead to data breaches.