Author: Contributor
Exclusive Interview with Dr. Mary Aiken, Cybersecurity Expert Dr. Mary Aiken stands out as a leading figure in cybersecurity, particularly recognized for her innovative contributions to cyber psychology and technology’s human factors. As an award-winning academic and an advisor to global organizations, she inspired the CBS series “CSI: Cyber,” gaining acclaim for enhancing the understanding of technology’s influence on human behavior. In this exclusive discussion, Dr. Aiken delves into the psychological aspects driving cybercrime, emphasizing the necessity of integrating human behavior into cybersecurity measures. She also discusses the importance of building a future in AI and digital resilience by understanding…
Dec 27, 2024Ravie LakshmananCyber Attack / Data Theft Introduction of VBCloud Malware The cyber threat group known as Cloud Atlas has recently been traced using a new type of malware referred to as VBCloud, targeting numerous users throughout 2024. Attack Vector and Victims According to Kaspersky researcher Oleg Kupreev, victims are compromised through phishing emails containing harmful documents that exploit a known vulnerability in the formula editor (CVE-2018-0802), which downloads and executes the malware. Notably, over 80% of the affected individuals are located in Russia, with additional cases reported in Belarus, Canada, Moldova, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Vietnam. Background on…
Policymakers and educational leaders are vital in addressing the challenges and risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) in education. They can accomplish this by creating strong policy frameworks. The use of AI-driven digital tools has the potential to exacerbate educational disparities while also introducing various risks, including threats to academic integrity through issues like plagiarism and cheating, as well as the erosion of essential skills. There are also significant concerns concerning inaccuracy, bias, discrimination, and data privacy. Teachers will remain indispensable in the educational landscape, even with the introduction of AI-driven tutoring systems. AI lacks the depth of understanding and…
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, AI tools have become indispensable for education, work, and everyday problem-solving. Whether for students composing assignments or professionals managing projects, AI streamlines processes, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Understanding the variety of available tools and their unique features is crucial for informed use. Numerous companies provide free versions of their AI tools, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all. These tools support a multitude of tasks, including writing, coding, and research. Familiarity with the distinct features and pricing of each option allows users to select the most suitable tool for their specific requirements. Thus, exploring free…
The changing digital environment is redefining the roles and priorities of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) across various sectors. As cyber threats become more intricate and persistent, organizations are increasingly relying on Threat Intelligence Platforms (TIPs) for a proactive, data-centric approach to security. Modern TIPs now go beyond merely collecting threat feeds; they offer enhanced analytics, automation, and integration features that enable CISOs to predict, identify, and respond to threats more swiftly and accurately. AI-Driven Threat Intelligence: From Data Overload to Actionable Insights The rapid pace of digital transformation has led to an overwhelming amount of data pertinent to security…
Overview of Hellcat Ransomware Hellcat is a rapidly evolving ransomware variant that has gained notoriety for its innovative and effective tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). Since its emergence in mid-2024, this strain has increasingly targeted critical sectors such as government, education, and energy with remarkable precision and sophistication. Ransomware-as-a-Service Model Operating under a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) framework, Hellcat merges business scalability with technical innovation. This model empowers affiliates to carry out extensive, impactful attacks that further elevate the ransomware landscape. Unique Attack Strategies What differentiates Hellcat from other ransomware families is its aggressive use of psychological tactics, double extortion strategies, and…
“Because IT implements some security measures, it has led to the misconception that IT handles all aspects of cyber security. Many people think, ‘My IT person takes care of that,’ but that’s simply not the case,” stated Irwin. He compared this misunderstanding to how tax accountants and lawyers specialize in different areas, noting that just as tax accountants don’t focus on estate planning, not all IT professionals are adept in cyber security. Specialization is crucial in these sectors. According to Irwin, while Managed Service Providers (MSPs) excel in foundational cyber security tasks such as antivirus software, patching, firewalls, and network…
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transformative forces in the realm of cybersecurity. AI-driven tools enable teams to identify threats more rapidly, integrate data across various systems, and even automate response actions during incidents. Platforms such as XDR (Extended Detection and Response) gather insights from endpoints, cloud services, email, and identity systems, all enhanced through machine learning. However, this surge in efficiency presents a subtle risk: over-reliance. While AI and automation are crucial, excessive dependence on them can introduce new vulnerabilities, diminish human preparedness, and create blind spots in defenses. The Allure of Complete Automation It’s understandable why teams increasingly…
AI Adoption Amid Economic Challenges In the face of economic instability or potential recession, there appears to be a push for greater integration of AI technologies as a means to cut costs. However, a significant concern for business leaders is the misguided assumption that laying off employees in favor of AI systems is a simple solution; this strategy could ultimately be detrimental. Readiness for AI Implementation Phil Fersht, CEO of HFS Research, expressed in a recent CXO Talk interview that most organizations are not yet prepared to adopt AI comprehensively. He highlighted that many companies lack the necessary experience, skills,…
Transparent cybersecurity is increasingly recognized as a critical priority due to the expanding attack surfaces, AI-driven threats, and complex technology environments. During this week’s RSAC Conference, it was emphasized that mere hype is insufficient; security strategies must prioritize transparency, disciplined processes, and actionable insights. As enterprise security frameworks become more distributed and intricate, precise mapping of the transparent cybersecurity journey across the entire stack is essential, as noted by Mike Nichols, vice president of product management at Elasticsearch B.V. “With extensive experience in software across various sectors, I always advise investing in your processes first,” said Nichols. “While it may…