In cybersecurity, the term open port refers to a TCP or UDP port number that is configured to accept packets. In contrast, a port which rejects connections or ignores all packets, is a closed port. Ports are an integral part of the Internet's communication model. All communication over the Internet is exchanged via ports. Every IP address contains two kinds of ports, UDP and TCP ports, and there are up to 65,535 of each for any given IP address.
You have likely heard of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and you probably refer to this standard whenever the topic of privacy and data processing arises. But what about outside of the EU? The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (Commissariat à la protection de la vie privée du Canada) has a twitter account that shares information regarding privacy and an individual’s rights in Canada.
In recent years, various attacks have been performed to highlight security concerns about evolving smart cars. In particular, remote hacks took a lot of attention in 2015 when two security researchers hijacked the car’s infotainment system and demonstrated how to manipulate smart car functions. Such attacks elevate the risks associated with the smart car systems and indicate that there have to be diligent measures taken before rolling out these vehicles on the road.
A modern dynamic business needs to be proactive about their cyber security. A data breach can be costly, with latest estimates said to be (on average) £3.18 million, and reputational damage can be even harder to recover from. Hackers can strike at anytime from anywhere in the world, which means businesses have to be on guard 24/7. This is where the Security Operations Centre (SOC) comes in.
A selection of this week’s more interesting vulnerability disclosures and cyber security news. For a daily selection see our twitter feed at #ionCube24. Such a wonderful selection to pick from this week, but of course, my favourite are IoT fails. While most are quite ridiculous and generally limit the risk, a new product on the market has elevated the risk of serious damage by introducing the remote control of real fire!
Digital attackers are sending around love-themed malicious emails in an attempt to infect recipients with the Nemty ransomware. If you’ve been kicking around in the world of IT security for more years than you’d like to admit, then you’ll surely remember the ILOVEYOU virus (also known as the “Love Bug” or “Loveletter”).
