Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

December 2023

In-Depth Review: How SecurityScorecard Stacks Up Against UpGuard in 2024

In the dynamic world of cybersecurity, choosing the right platform can be pivotal for an organization’s digital safety. As we delve into 2024, two major players, SecurityScorecard and UpGuard, continue to make waves. This in-depth review compares these two companies and highlights how SecurityScorecard’s offerings often outshine those of UpGuard.

Evaluating Cybersecurity Tools: SecurityScorecard vs UpGuard's Strengths and Weaknesses in 2024

In the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity, choosing the right tool can be a game-changer for businesses. As we move into 2024, two major players stand out: SecurityScorecard and UpGuard. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of their services, pricing, and notable features to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Building a Skilled Team for Effective Threat Intelligence Management

In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, assembling a team skilled in threat intelligence is crucial. This article outlines key steps to train and develop a proficient cybersecurity team, ensuring they are equipped to handle evolving cyber threats effectively.

Evaluating Threat Intelligence Platforms: A Guide for IT Leaders

In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, selecting the right threat intelligence platform is crucial for IT leaders. This comprehensive guide focuses on essential factors to consider when evaluating a threat intelligence platform, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your organization’s needs.

User Experience Face-Off: SecurityScorecard vs UpGuard - Which is More User-Friendly in 2024?

In 2024, cybersecurity remains a top priority for businesses across the globe. Two major players in this realm are SecurityScorecard and UpGuard, each offering robust cybersecurity solutions. However, the user experience they provide can be a deciding factor for many organizations. This post compares the user-friendliness of SecurityScorecard and UpGuard, examining their services, pricing, and other notable features.

2024 Cybersecurity Trends: SecurityScorecard and UpGuard's Approach to Emerging Threats

As we venture into 2024, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve with new and sophisticated cyber threats. In this dynamic environment, two prominent players, SecurityScorecard and UpGuard, have distinct approaches to tackling these challenges. Let’s delve into how these companies address emerging cyber threats, comparing their services, pricing, and notable features.

Collaborative Threat Intelligence: The Power of Sharing Information in Cybersecurity

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, the concept of collaborative threat intelligence has emerged as a crucial element in a comprehensive defense strategy. Cyber threats no longer exist in isolated pockets; they are a global phenomenon affecting organizations across all sectors and sizes. The need for collective vigilance and sharing of threat intelligence has never been more pressing.

Understanding the Financial Implications of Cyber Threat Intelligence

In an era where cyber threats loom large, investing in advanced threat intelligence solutions has become a critical decision for organizations. This post explores the cost-benefit analysis of such investments, unpacking the financial implications and the value derived from enhanced cyber threat intelligence.

Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Financial Industry

The importance of robust cybersecurity practices cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to critical infrastructure, such as the financial industry. Financial institutions, in particular, are entrusted with sensitive data and financial assets, making them prime targets for cyber threats. One crucial aspect of cybersecurity that often goes under the radar is third-party risk management (TPRM).

The Impact of Cloud Computing on Threat Intelligence

The advent of cloud computing has revolutionized various industries, with cybersecurity being no exception. In the realm of threat intelligence, cloud computing has emerged as a game-changing force, enhancing the way intelligence is gathered, analyzed, and applied. This post delves into the transformative impact of cloud-based solutions on threat intelligence.

Threat Intelligence and Data Privacy: Balancing Security with User Rights

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is an ever-present concern for businesses and individuals alike. The use of threat intelligence has become a cornerstone in the fight against cyber threats, offering invaluable insights for preventing attacks. However, this comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of maintaining data privacy standards. This guide explores the delicate balance between leveraging threat intelligence for security and upholding user data privacy rights.

An Analysis of Menorah Malware

SecurityScorecard is analyzing a phishing campaign that deployed the Menorah malware, which is taking aim at users in the Middle East. This sophisticated campaign is being mounted by the threat actor group tracked as APT34, which is linked to Iran. This group is known for its focus on collecting sensitive intelligence and taking on high-profile targets across the Middle East including critical infrastructure and telecommunications entities.

Navigating the 2024 Cybersecurity Conference Maze

As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the professionals who safeguard it. Cybersecurity conferences are invaluable when it comes to networking, learning, and staying ahead of the ever-evolving threats. Whether you’re a seasoned cybersecurity professional or a newcomer to the field, attending these conferences can be a transformative experience.

Blockchain Security

The blockchain has emerged as a revolutionary technology with the potential to redefine how data is managed, stored, and shared. While initially associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the blockchain’s applications extend far beyond finance, impacting industries ranging from healthcare to supply chain management. One of the blockchain’s key promises lies in ensuring data consistency, transparency, and privacy, critical elements in an interconnected and data-driven world.

The New Normal For Cybersecurity Practitioners

Former UBER CSO Joe Sullivan joined SecurityScorecard CEO Aleksandr Yampolskiy to discuss pressing topics on the mind of every CISO. Are we on the verge of entering the "Golden Era" of cybersecurity? SecurityScorecard is the global leader in cybersecurity ratings and the only service with over 12 million companies continuously rated. The company is headquartered in New York and operates in 64 countries around the globe.

Applying the Churchill Knowledge Audit to Cybersecurity

When FedEx founder Fred Smith attended Yale in the mid-1960s, he wrote an economics paper describing the concept of overnight delivery of packages by air. His professor infamously gave him a “C” grade because he viewed it as implausible. But Smith knew something his professor didn’t—and it was an idea that would change the way the business world worked forever. I bring this story up for two reasons. For one thing, I worked for FedEx and learned a lot from my time there.

When Hackers Get Hacked: A Cybersecurity Triumph

In a dramatic twist befitting a digital thriller, a malware analyst at SecurityScorecard turned the tables on cybercriminals, rescuing a company from a staggering $500,000 ransomware demand. This story isn’t just about a single incident; it’s a testament to the power of cybersecurity expertise in the ongoing battle against ransomware, a menace that recorded 493 million instances in 2022 alone.

The Rise of Automotive Hacking

The automotive industry stands at the crossroads of innovation and vulnerability. As cars become increasingly connected, with advanced systems and features that rely on intricate software, the rise of automotive hacking has become a pressing concern. The convergence of traditional mechanical engineering and cutting-edge software has given rise to a new breed of threats that extend beyond physical security, delving into the digital realm of vehicle control systems.

Global Cyber Threats: Insights and Strategies for Defense

In an era where digital connectivity spans across borders, understanding and countering global cyber threats has become a paramount concern for businesses, governments, and individuals alike. This blog post delves into the prevailing global cyber threat trends and outlines effective strategies to defend against these evolving challenges.

Strengthening the Shield

The role of governments has evolved to include the safeguarding of not just physical borders but also virtual territories. With an increasing reliance on technology, the need for robust cybersecurity measures within government entities has never been more critical. Here we’ll explore cybersecurity best practices that can fortify government systems, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and the preservation of national security.

Security Ratings as a Vehicle for Communication

There’s never going to be a silver bullet that makes a CISO’s job easy, but I believe that with the right people, tools, metrics, and KPIs, the job can become easier. My fellow security leaders—the CISO mafia, if you will—have expressed frustration in the past when it comes to Security Ratings. Their view has been that an external rating was not done with any cooperation or internal view of their security environment.

Threat Intelligence: A Game-Changer for Small and Medium-sized Businesses

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the growing complexity of cyber threats poses a unique challenge. This is where threat intelligence comes in as a game-changer, offering SMBs a way to enhance their cybersecurity measures effectively.

Predictions for AI and Cybersecurity in 2024

As the holiday season comes into full swing, it’s estimated that cyberattacks go up by as much as 30% during this period. To help increase cyber resilience—and stay vigilant well into the new year—SecurityScorecard is sharing some of our key AI predictions for 2024 based on the trends we’ve observed this past year.

Utilizing Threat Intelligence to Mitigate Cyber Risks

In an age where digital threats are constantly evolving, understanding and mitigating cyber risks is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Advanced threat intelligence plays a vital role in this process, providing the insights needed to identify, assess, and effectively respond to cyber risks. Let’s discuss how businesses can leverage threat intelligence to enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect against the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats.

Optimizing Incident Response with Advanced Threat Intelligence

In today’s cyber landscape, rapid and effective incident response is crucial for organizations to mitigate the impact of cyber attacks. Advanced Threat Intelligence (ATI) is emerging as a key player in enhancing incident response strategies. This blog post aims to elucidate how modern threat intelligence tools refine and improve these strategies, equipping organizations with the necessary insights and agility to respond to cyber threats efficiently.

Real-Time Threat Intelligence: Revolutionizing Cybersecurity Responses

Cyber threats emerge and evolve at an astonishing pace, and the ability to respond quickly and efficiently is more crucial than ever. Real-Time Threat Intelligence has become a vital tool in this ongoing battle, providing organizations with the agility and insight needed to counteract these threats effectively.

The Future of Cyber Threat Intelligence: 10 Trends and Predictions

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, staying ahead of threats is not just a matter of strategy but of survival. Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) has become an invaluable tool in this ongoing battle, helping organizations predict, prepare for, and respond to cyber threats more effectively. As we look to the future, several emerging trends and technological advancements are set to redefine the landscape of CTI.

The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Threat Hunting

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly prominent, particularly in the realm of cyber threat hunting. Cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and sophistication, posing significant challenges to traditional cybersecurity measures. As a result, organizations are turning to AI-driven solutions to enhance their threat detection and response capabilities.

Safeguarding Justice

In an era dominated by digital advancements, the legal landscape is not exempt from the pervasive threat of cyberattacks. Law firms, entrusted with sensitive and confidential client information, must prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard both their clients and their own reputation. The consequences of a security breach can be severe, ranging from financial losses to irreparable damage to the firm’s integrity.

Assessing Third-Party Vendors: A Cybersecurity Checklist

The reliance on third-party vendors for diverse services has become a norm in 2023. However, this dependence brings with it the need for a heightened focus on the cybersecurity posture of these external partners. It’s imperative for businesses to meticulously assess the cybersecurity risks and compliance levels of their vendors to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities that could impact their operations.

Third-Party Data Breach Response Playbook

The risk of data breaches has become an omnipresent concern for businesses and organizations. And as technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. One critical aspect of cybersecurity strategy involves preparing for and responding to third-party data breaches. A well-constructed response playbook is indispensable in mitigating the potential damages and ensuring a swift recovery.

90% of Energy Companies Experienced a Third-Party Breach

More than two years after the major U.S. pipeline ransomware incident, the SecurityScorecard Threat Research, Intelligence, Knowledge, and Engagement (STRIKE) Team has released a new report revealing that 90% of the largest global energy companies have experienced a third-party breach in the past 12 months. This research highlights the uphill battle faced by the energy industry in combating emerging threats across the supply chain.

Iran-Linked Attack on U.S. Water Treatment Station

On November 25, the U.S. municipal water authority in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania confirmed that one of its booster stations had suffered an attack by a threat actor group that supports Iranian geopolitical interests. The attack by a cyber group known as CyberAv3ngers compromised a programmable logic controller (PLC) for a water pressure monitoring and regulation system. Officials, however, have made it clear that the incident did not threaten local drinking water or water supplies.

Maximizing Third-Party Risk Management: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s interconnected business environment, third-party partnerships are essential for growth and operational efficiency. However, these collaborations bring inherent risks, especially in the realm of cybersecurity. Effective third-party risk management is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining business continuity.

Building a Resilient Third-Party Risk Management Program

In an era where businesses are increasingly reliant on third-party vendors for essential services, the significance of a resilient third-party risk management program cannot be overstated. Third-party partnerships can expose organizations to various risks, especially in the domain of cybersecurity. This guide aims to help businesses in building a robust third-party risk management program that is adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats and dynamic business needs.

From Reactive to Proactive: Transforming Your Approach with Threat Intelligence

The landscape of cybersecurity is ever-evolving, and staying one step ahead of cyber threats has become imperative for organizations. Traditionally, many businesses have adopted a reactive approach to cybersecurity, responding to threats and breaches as they occur. However, this approach is no longer sufficient in today’s digital world. Shifting to a proactive stance, powered by threat intelligence, is crucial for enhancing an organization’s security posture.

The Role of Threat Intelligence in Proactive Cybersecurity

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the approach to cybersecurity has shifted significantly. Proactive cybersecurity has become a necessity rather than a choice, with threat intelligence playing a pivotal role in this paradigm shift. This post explores how threat intelligence forms the cornerstone of a proactive cybersecurity strategy, focusing on its role in predicting and preventing cyber attacks, thereby enhancing an organization’s security posture.

Data Breach at the Idaho National Laboratory

On November 20, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) confirmed that it had suffered a data breach. The confirmation followed the SiegedSec threat actor group’s circulation of claims that it had “accessed hundreds of thousands of user, employee and citizen data” on social media and hacking forums.

Research Into IoCs Linked to Exploitation of CVE-2023-47246

The SecurityScorecard Threat Research, Intelligence, Knowledge, and Engagement (STRIKE) Team has conducted further research into the indicators of compromise (IoCs) that SysAid shared when disclosing a new vulnerability in its on-premise software last month.

Integrating Threat Intelligence into Your Cybersecurity Plan

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of a well-constructed cybersecurity plan cannot be overstated. However, the effectiveness of any cybersecurity strategy significantly depends on how well it integrates threat intelligence. Threat intelligence involves understanding, analyzing, and using knowledge about existing and potential cyber threats to make informed security decisions.

Cybersecurity for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Comprehensive Guide

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes, but small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face unique challenges. With limited resources and expertise, SMEs can be particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. However, safeguarding digital assets and information is crucial for maintaining business integrity and customer trust. This comprehensive guide aims to provide SMEs with valuable insights into developing a cybersecurity strategy tailored to their specific needs.