Many of the breaches of the past ten years have taken advantage of weak or nonexistent security settings. Conversely, for example, companies that configured their Docker application to the CIS recommended security settings for container users and privileges were not as vulnerable to container escape exploits. Arguably, a configuration change prevented many breaches. Security configuration management can make a huge difference in reducing an organization’s vulnerability.

A huge reward is being offered for information leading to the identification or location of any of the leaders of the LockBit ransomware gang. The bounty offer comes from the US State Department, following this week's disruption of the criminal organisation's activities. LockBit, which has been operating since 2020, has targeted thousands of victims around the globe, causing the loss of billions of dollars in both ransom payments and recovery.

Last year, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rules on cybersecurity risk management that focused on transparency. Much of the adopted rules were focused on investors, but the rules also underscored the importance of the impact to customers when cybersecurity incidents occur. The data security landscape has recently shifted to prioritize the user or the customer, and that was just one of the steps in furthering the approach.

As we are well into 2024 now, we at Fortra want to continue our commitment to empowering you all with the knowledge and tools needed to protect you, your organization, and even your family. This year, we will be looking more and more at the human element, and provide you with methods to practice repeatable, real-world techniques to ingrain positive habits and security behaviors to keep you as safe as possible.

Today, almost every organization is engaged with a third-party vendor at some level when offering products or services. Take, for instance, an e-commerce business that may not be able to function properly unless multiple third-party integrations are involved, such as CRMs, payment gateways, live chat APIs, or a shipping gateway, to name a few.

Over the years, PayPal has earned a reputation for being a secure and easy way to send and receive money. However, no payment system is entirely immune to scams, and cybercriminals often exploit these platforms due to their widespread popularity and trust among users. PayPal is the most widely used online payment system in the US, making it a compelling target for scammers looking to capitalize on its extensive user base.

A recent report from Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy has shed light on a concerning issue - data brokers are selling vast amounts of highly sensitive information about American military service members. This includes private data about active-duty personnel, veterans, and their families, encompassing sensitive health and financial details. Shockingly, these brokers even offer bulk data for individuals within geofenced military facilities like Fort Bragg and Quantico.

The digital landscape is ever-changing, causing cybersecurity to often feel like a moving target. Thankfully, the NSA 2023 Cybersecurity Report arrives to provide critical information and context to help organizations keep their peace of mind. This comprehensive report, drawing insights from a wide range of industries, delves into the pressing technological trends, emerging challenges, and the growing importance of sustainability in the tech sector.

Good news for organisations who have fallen victim to the notorious Rhysida ransomware. A group of South Korean security researchers have uncovered a vulnerability in the infamous ransomware. This vulnerability provides a way for encrypted files to be unscrambled. Researchers from Kookmin University describe how they exploited an implementation flaw in Rhysida’s code to regenerate its encryption key in a technical paper about their findings.

Today’s BEC attacks are more nuanced, more accessible, less technically demanding, and consequently, more dangerous than ever before. In our report, 2023 BEC Trends, Targets, and Changes in Techniques, we take a hard look at the anatomy of Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks today and the lures that are drawing users to the bait in record numbers.