Sep 23 2024

5 key tasks for a vCISO to accomplish in the first three months

Category: vCISOdisc7 @ 9:36 am

The blog post from Cynomi outlines five steps for MSPs to transition into vCISO services successfully within the first 100 days:

  1. Research: Understand client needs and critical assets.
  2. Understand: Conduct risk assessments and gap analyses.
  3. Prioritize: Address high-impact vulnerabilities.
  4. Execute and Monitor: Implement security measures and continuous monitoring.
  5. Report: Provide tailored reports for stakeholders.

This approach helps MSPs offer robust cybersecurity services and build long-term client relationships.

You can read the full post here.

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Tags: CISO, vCISO


Aug 29 2024

Why Choose vCISO Services?

Category: vCISOdisc7 @ 11:03 am

Welcome to DISC LLC – Your Trusted Computer Security Service Provider

At DISC LLC, we specialize in providing top-notch computer security services to businesses across the United States. Our team of expert consultants is here to help you build a robust security program that effectively detects and mitigates risks. For those looking for comprehensive security solutions, our vCISO services are perfectly tailored to meet today’s challenges.

Why Choose Our vCISO Services?

Our expert virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to your organization. We understand the crucial role of information security and offer strategic guidance to establish a solid security foundation. Our services are most appropriate when:

  • Your business requires an experienced security leader but cannot afford a full-time CISO.
  • You need to establish or improve your Information Security Management System (ISMS).
  • Your organization is undergoing a security risk assessment and needs expertise to navigate the process smoothly.

Our Core Services

At DISC LLC, we focus on the most critical aspects of information security.

  • ISO 27001 Compliance: Achieve and maintain compliance with this international standard for information security management.
  • Development and implementation of a robust ISMS: We help you build a comprehensive management system to safeguard your information assets.
  • Comprehensive security risk assessments: Identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks that could potentially impact your organization.

Contact Us

Ready to develop a security program that meets today’s challenges? Reach out to us today.

https://www.deurainfosec.com/

Email: info@deurainfosec.com

Phone: +1 707-998-5164

Sonoma County, CA 94954, USA

Operating Areas: United States, Canada

To Learn More about CISO responsibilities and accountabilities…

Previous posts about vCISO job titles

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Tags: vCISO, vCISO as a service, vCISO services


Aug 24 2024

Expertise in Virtual CISO (vCISO) Services

Category: Information Security,vCISOdisc7 @ 10:51 am

Deura Information Security Consulting

DISC InfoSec

Expertise in Virtual CISO (vCISO) Services

Deura Information Security Consulting offers comprehensive vCISO services designed to build robust security programs that effectively detect and mitigate risks. Our seasoned consultants will work with you to develop a security strategy tailored to meet today’s challenges.

Achieve Compliance with ISO 27001

Securing your information assets and achieving compliance is crucial. Our experts specialize in assisting businesses with ISO 27001 implementation. Benefit from our extensive experience in information security management systems (ISMS) to ensure your organization meets the stringent requirements of ISO 27001.

Services Offered

  • vCISO Services: Enhance your organization’s security posture with our virtual Chief Information Security Officer services.
  • ISO 27001 Implementation: Guidance on compliance and certification processes to achieve ISO 27001.
  • Security Risk Assessment:
  • Information Security Management Systems (ISMS):
  • Security Compliance Management:

Why Choose Us

At Deura Information Security Consulting, our focus is on creating and implementing security programs that address your specific needs. Contact us at info@deurainfosec.com or call +1 707-998-5164 to schedule a consultation.

Our extensive industry knowledge ensures that your security infrastructure is built to detect and mitigate risks effectively. Choose Deura Information Security Consulting for expert vCISO services and ISO 27001 compliance support.

In what situations would a vCISO or CISOaaS service be appropriate?

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Tags: vCISO, vCISO services, Virtual CISO


Jun 25 2024

In what situations would a vCISO or CISOaaS service be appropriate?

Category: CISO,vCISOdisc7 @ 11:48 am

A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service or (CISOaaS) may be appropriate for a variety of scenarios, including:

Your clients, collaborators (partners) and some regulatory requirements anticipate the presence of an individual fulfilling the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
  1. Companies without an in-house CISO: Small and medium-sized companies may not have the budget or need for a full-time CISO. A vCISO service can provide these companies with access to a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
  1. Companies experiencing rapid growth or change: Companies that are growing quickly or undergoing significant changes, such as mergers or acquisitions, may benefit from the expertise of a vCISO to help them navigate the cybersecurity implications of these changes.
  1. Companies with limited cybersecurity resources: Some companies may have an IT team but lack dedicated cybersecurity resources. A vCISO can help fill this gap by providing strategic guidance and oversight of the company’s cybersecurity program.
  1. Compliance requirements: Companies in regulated industries, such as healthcare or financial services, may require a CISO to meet regulatory requirements. A vCISO can help these companies meet compliance requirements with standards (ISO 27001) and regulations (PCI, HIPAA, NIST CSF, etc.) without having to hire a full-time CISO.
  1. Cybersecurity incident response: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, a vCISO can provide expertise and guidance to help the company respond effectively and minimize the impact of the incident.

Overall, a vCISO service can be a cost-effective way for companies to gain access to the expertise of a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.

Which organizations may need vCISO services:

  1. Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs):
    • These businesses may not have the resources to hire a full-time CISO but still require expert guidance to manage their cybersecurity needs.
    • Industries: Technology startups, healthcare practices, legal firms, financial services, retail businesses, etc.
  2. Large Enterprises:
    • Large companies with existing security teams may use vCISO services for additional expertise, specific projects, or temporary coverage to assist in house CISO.
    • Industries: Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, telecommunications, etc.
  3. Non-Profit Organizations:
    • These organizations often need to protect sensitive donor and beneficiary information but might lack the budget for a full-time CISO.
    • Examples: Charitable organizations, educational institutions, and research entities.
  4. Government Agencies:
    • Small to mid-sized government entities may utilize vCISO services to bolster their cybersecurity posture and comply with regulations.
    • Examples: Local municipalities, state agencies, and public health departments.
  5. Regulated Industries:
    • Companies in heavily regulated industries need to adhere to strict compliance standards and may require specialized cybersecurity expertise.
    • Industries: Healthcare (HIPAA), finance (GLBA, SOX), and retail (PCI-DSS).
  6. Organizations Undergoing Digital Transformation:
    • Businesses that are adopting new technologies, moving to the cloud, or modernizing their IT infrastructure may need vCISO services to manage the associated security risks.
    • Examples: Companies implementing IoT, AI, or big data solutions.
  7. Businesses Experiencing Rapid Growth:
    • Fast-growing companies may face evolving cybersecurity challenges and can benefit from the strategic oversight of a vCISO.
    • Examples: Tech startups, e-commerce platforms, and fintech companies.
  8. Companies Preparing for Mergers and Acquisitions:
    • Businesses involved in M&A activities need to ensure that cybersecurity due diligence is performed and that their security posture is strong to protect sensitive data.
    • Examples: Investment firms, private equity groups, and merging corporations.
  9. Organizations Recovering from a Security Incident:
    • Companies that have experienced a breach or other security incident may hire a vCISO to help with incident response, recovery, and the implementation of stronger security measures.
    • Examples: Any business recovering from ransomware attacks, data breaches, or significant cybersecurity incidents to mitigate risk to an acceptable level and improves security posture

DISC InfoSec can offer tailored cybersecurity solutions that align with the specific needs and constraints of different types of organizations.

DISC vCISO services pricing

CISOaaS

Organizations committed to prioritizing security encounter the difficulty of locating a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) possessing the appropriate skills and knowledge. It becomes necessary for someone to take charge of the security and compliance strategy, but this requirement often surpasses the expertise possessed by operational IT/CIO.

What is CISOaaS?
Chief Information Security Officer-as-a-Service (CISOaaS) provides information security leadership from an appropriate pool of expertise. CISOaaS provides security guidance to senior management and drives the organization’s information security program.

Cert-In issues new guidelines for government bodies, mandates appointment of CISO, Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dKcdHMtP

The benefits of our CISOaaS

  • Gain access to a diverse pool of highly experienced and specialized senior cyber security professionals.
  • Rapidly access valuable resources and eliminate the necessity of retaining talent.
  • Reduce your expenses by paying solely for the necessary support, effectively minimizing costs.
  • Based on CISOaaS being engaged for four days a month annually at current prices. 
  • Based on your requirements, you can hire a vCISO 5-10 hours a week or per month.
  • Mitigate your risk by strengthening your cyber and information strategy through the implementation of a clearly defined roadmap, thereby enhancing your overall security posture.
  • Acquire valuable experience in effectively educating and presenting to board members, and non-technical senior staff across functional diverse backgrounds.
  • Leverage our independent perspective and established credibility to secure comprehensive cross-business support and successfully accomplish your information security objectives.

Are you Ready? DISC InfoSec offers a free consultation to evaluate your security posture and GRC requirements, providing you with an actionable plan that starts here…

Deura InfoSec Partners with Ostendio to Streamline Compliance & Security Offerings

  • Strategic Partnership: Ostendio and Deura InfoSec have formed a partnership to enhance compliance and risk management services for Deura InfoSec clients using Ostendio’s GRC platform.
  • Efficiency Gains: Deura InfoSec will leverage Ostendio’s platform to streamline compliance processes, significantly reducing the time clients spend on information security management by up to 50%.
  • Client Benefits: The partnership allows Deura InfoSec to overcome the challenges of fragmented security and simplify the processes and costs of delivering complex cybersecurity programs.

DISC-vCISO-v3-0-1Download

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We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is here to help, and we’re always looking to improve our services. You can reach us by email at info@deurainfosec.com or through our website. contact form.

We offer discounted initial assessment based on various industry standards and regulations to demonstrate our value and identify possible areas for improvement. Potentially a roadmap for the to-be state.

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Tags: CISO, CISOaaS, FractionalCISO, GRC, Ostendio, vCISO


Sep 13 2023

vCISO services solve the CISO talent shortage

Category: vCISOdisc7 @ 9:35 pm

vCISO services solve the CISO talent shortage:

Instead of hiring full time CISO, many organizations are hiring vCISO on subscription basis or on a retainer to gain access to expert cyber security advice in form of a virtual CISO when required.  vCISO offer C level strategic assistance and tactical level guidance in devising and implementing strategy to build a security program, to assess security program, to reduce risk and to prevent or mitigate the impact of the attacks. 

What may be the primary concern for an organization to seek vCISO services: The primary concern for an organization seeking Information Security (InfoSec) services is the protection of their sensitive data and digital assets. They are deeply concerned about potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their information systems. These concerns often stem from the increasing frequency and sophistications of cyberattacks, as well as the potential legal and reputational consequences of data breaches.

Organizations may also worry about compliance and industry regulations and data protection laws, as failing to meet these requirements can result in severe penalties and damage to their reputation. Moreover, organizations frequently express worries regarding the expenses associated with Information Security services and their ability to seamlessly integrate these services into their current IT infrastructure without causing disruptions. The aim of an organization is to find a harmonious equilibrium between security and operational effectiveness while adhering to budget limitations. 

A Virtual CISO can effectively address primary concerns for organizations seeking information security services by providing expert guidance and support without the need for a full-time in-house CISO. They assist in identifying and mitigating security risks, ensuring cost-effectiveness, seamless integration into existing IT infrastructure and finding the right balance between security and operational efficiency, all while staying within budget constraints.

In what situations would a vCISO Service be appropriate?

DISC-vCISO-v3-0-1Download

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Tags: CISO talent shortage


Jul 18 2023

Stabilizing The Cybersecurity Landscape: The CISO Exodus And The Rise Of VCISOs

Category: CISO,vCISOdisc7 @ 10:50 pm
Getty

https://www-forbes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/07/14/stabilizing-the-cybersecurity-landscape-the-ciso-exodus-and-the-rise-of-vcisos/amp/

In today’s evolving digital landscape, the role of a chief information security officer (CISO) is critical. These professionals defend against the rising tide of daily cyberthreats. Yet we’re seeing a trend: Many CISOs are leaving or considering leaving their jobs, a phenomenon coined the “Great CISO Resignation.”

This trend seems to reflect the intense pressure CISOs endure. They face a constant stream of complex cyberthreats, manage compliance issues and struggle with a talent deficit in cybersecurity. Paired with high expectations, many reconsider their roles, which can lead to a leadership gap.

However, this situation opens a strategic opportunity for innovation. As the founder and president of a company that offers virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) services, I’ve seen this model gaining momentum.

Understanding The vCISO Model

A vCISO is an outsourced security practitioner or provider who offers their expertise to businesses on a part-time or contractual basis. These professionals provide many of the same services as a traditional CISO, such as developing and implementing security strategies, ensuring compliance with regulations, training staff and managing a company’s cybersecurity posture. The key difference is that vCISOs offer these services remotely and often to multiple companies at once.

This model brings flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to tailor cybersecurity leadership to their specific needs. It also provides access to a breadth of expertise that is often unaffordable in a full-time, in-house CISO.

Leveraging The vCISO Model Amid The CISO Exodus

With the current trend of CISOs leaving their positions, the vCISO model offers a practical solution to maintain cybersecurity leadership. Here are some ways businesses can take advantage of this model:

Plug Leadership Gaps Quickly

When a CISO departs, they leave a leadership void that’s hard to fill quickly, especially considering the shortage of cybersecurity talent. By leveraging a vCISO, businesses can plug this gap swiftly, ensuring continued oversight and direction in their cybersecurity efforts.

Access A Broader Skill Set

vCISOs, often being part of a larger team, can bring a wide range of experiences and skills. They are exposed to diverse security landscapes across industries, which can provide a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to your security challenges.

Cost Efficiency

Hiring a full-time CISO can be prohibitively expensive for some companies. vCISO services, on the other hand, can be scaled to fit budgetary constraints, giving businesses access to top-tier security leadership without as much of a hefty price tag.

Flexibility And Scalability

As your business grows and evolves, so too can your cybersecurity needs. A vCISO’s flexible engagement model means you can scale cybersecurity leadership to match your changing requirements.

Deciphering The vCISO Selection: A Strategic Perspective

Selecting the right virtual chief information security officer is pivotal to the success of your cybersecurity strategy, especially in the wake of the “Great CISO Resignation.” You’re essentially recruiting an outsourced leader who can help guide your organization’s information security infrastructure and strategy, so you need to ensure that they not only have the expertise but that they also align with your organization’s culture and values. Here are some strategic suggestions for identifying the perfect vCISO for your business:

Evaluate Their Background And Experience

Start by examining the vCISO’s professional background. This includes their level of experience in your specific industry, as well as their familiarity with the size and type of businesses like yours. Their past roles and achievements can provide valuable insight into their ability to handle the unique cybersecurity threats and risks your business may face. Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed track record of their experience and successes.

Assess Their Expertise

Probe into their knowledge of current cybersecurity trends, their ability to create a cybersecurity strategy, their understanding of regulatory requirements that are relevant to your industry and their experience in managing security incidents. You should also ask about their experience with various cybersecurity tools and technologies. A vCISO’s expertise should encompass not only tactical but also strategic thinking and planning.

Understand Their Approach

Get a sense of their management style, communication skills and approach to problem-solving. Cybersecurity is a team effort, so the vCISO needs to effectively work with and guide your in-house team. Are they able to communicate complex security concepts in a way that everyone in your organization can understand? Can they foster a security-first culture within the company?

Determine Alignment With Business Goals

The right vCISO should understand your business strategy and align security strategies to business objectives. They should be able to strike a balance between the necessary security measures and the operational needs of your company.

In what situations would a vCISO or CISOaaS Service be appropriate?

DISC-vCISO-v3-0-1Download

Previous posts on vCISO/CISO

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We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help and we’re always looking for ways to improve our services. You can reach us by email (info@deurainfosec.com), or through our website’s contact form.

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Tags: CISO, vCISO


Mar 02 2023

In what situations would a vCISO or CISOaaS Service be appropriate?

Category: CISO,vCISODISC @ 12:06 am
5 Reasons Why a Virtual CISO (vCISO) May Be Right for Your Business - Pratum

A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service or (CISOaaS) may be appropriate for a variety of scenarios, including:

Your clients, collaborators (partners) and some regulatory requirements anticipate the presence of an individual fulfilling the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
  1. Companies without an in-house CISO: Small and medium-sized companies may not have the budget or need for a full-time CISO. A vCISO service can provide these companies with access to a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.
  1. Companies experiencing rapid growth or change: Companies that are growing quickly or undergoing significant changes, such as mergers or acquisitions, may benefit from the expertise of a vCISO to help them navigate the cybersecurity implications of these changes.
  1. Companies with limited cybersecurity resources: Some companies may have an IT team but lack dedicated cybersecurity resources. A vCISO can help fill this gap by providing strategic guidance and oversight of the company’s cybersecurity program.
  1. Compliance requirements: Companies in regulated industries, such as healthcare or financial services, may require a CISO to meet regulatory requirements. A vCISO can help these companies meet compliance requirements with standards (ISO 27001) and regulations (PCI, HIPAA, NIST CSF, etc.) without having to hire a full-time CISO.
  1. Cybersecurity incident response: In the event of a cybersecurity incident, a vCISO can provide expertise and guidance to help the company respond effectively and minimize the impact of the incident.

Overall, a vCISO service can be a cost-effective way for companies to gain access to the expertise of a seasoned cybersecurity professional without having to hire a full-time employee.

CISOaaS

Organizations committed to prioritizing security encounter the difficulty of locating a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) possessing the appropriate skills and knowledge. It becomes necessary for someone to take charge of the security and compliance strategy, but this requirement often surpasses the expertise possessed by operational IT/CIO.

What is CISOaaS?
Chief Information Security Officer-as-a-Service (CISOaaS) provides information security leadership from an appropriate pool of expertise. CISOaaS provides security guidance to senior management and drives the organization’s information security program.

Cert-In issues new guidelines for government bodies, mandates appointment of CISO
https://lnkd.in/db6PsxYQ, Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dKcdHMtP

Process:

Scoping -> Assessment (business, legal and contractual reqs) -> Gap analysis (based on stds and regulations) -> provide a roadmap to-be state -> implementation of roadmap -> Evaluation and Continual improvement (of security program)

The benefits of our CISOaaS

  • Gain access to a diverse pool of highly experienced and specialized senior cyber security professionals.
  • Rapidly access valuable resources and eliminate the necessity of retaining talent.
  • Reduce your expenses by paying solely for the necessary support, effectively minimizing costs.
  • Based on CISOaaS being engaged for four days a month annually at current prices. ($37,000 per year)
  • Based on your requirements, you can hire a vCISO 5-10 hours a week or per month. ($125 per hour)
  • Mitigate your risk by strengthening your cyber and information strategy through the implementation of a clearly defined roadmap, thereby enhancing your overall security posture.
  • Acquire valuable experience in effectively educating and presenting to board members, and non-technical senior staff across functional diverse backgrounds.
  • Leverage our independent perspective and established credibility to secure comprehensive cross-business support and successfully accomplish your information security objectives.

Collaborate with government authorities

Previous posts on vCISO/CISO

CISO Conversations: The Role of the vCISO

Cybersecurity: The CISO’s View

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help and we’re always looking for ways to improve our services. You can reach us by email (info@deurainfosec.com), or through our website’s contact form.

InfoSec Threats | InfoSec books | InfoSec tools | InfoSec services

Tags: CISOaaS, FractionalCISO, vCISO


Jan 12 2023

vCISO Services – value added benefits of vCISO

Category: CISO,vCISODISC @ 3:37 pm

Most small-to medium-sized business (SMBs) hiring a CISO may be challenging business decision to find a suitable and affordablee candidate and the impacts of cyber breach to the SMBs can be devastating since many of those businesses are unable to sustain the costs of breach. A vCISO can provide the expertise needed to ensure your information security, privacy programs are succeeding and your company is prepared to assess and analyze an incident, all at cost-effective price.

DISC’s Virtual CISO (vCISO) service assists organizations to design, develop and implement information security programs based on various standards and regulations. We provide professional security services which includes but not limited to leadership team (strategic) but also a support team of security analysts (tactical) to solve distinct cybersecurity challenges to every organization.

Reasons to Consider a Virtual CISO (vCISO)

Expertise covering Industries:
vCISOs work with various clients across industries, opening them to events not attainable to CISOs experience in an isolated industry. The security knowledge gained by a vCISO from each client environment is different which ensures an improved expertise to assess the next organization, which positively impacts on the next client project.

Flexibility in Unique Business Environments:
vCISOs first gain a thorough understanding of each organization’s business model, company culture, risk tolerance, and objectives. From there, they gain an understanding of security risks faced by the organization. With a full view of the security landscape, the vCISO will communicate the findings to help clients make the appropriate security decisions for their environment.

Efficiency with Core Competencies:
A virtual CISO fills will prioritize security findings where organizations need it most. By focusing on cybersecurity strategy and implementation, vCISOs helps internal security team with control understanding and implementation responsibility. This enables both staff and cybersecurity leadership to remain dedicated to their respective core competencies.

Objective Independence:
vCISOs are an independent third party with an objective viewpoint and goals of helping clients make the best security decisions for their business.

Economical:
DISC’s vCISO programs generally cost a fraction of a full-time CISO and supporting security team. According to salary.com report, the average salary for a CISO is $260,000 per year in California. On average, DISC’s vCISO clients pay a fraction of what it would cost to hire an in-house CISO.

Most important skills of vCISO: is to translate between business and IT as a facilitator

vCISO risk remediation solution:

  1. What is risk to business
  2. Likelihood of occurrence and what will be the risk to business
  3. Impact of occurring and what will be the risk to business
  4. Cost of fixing, implementing or remediating and what will be the residual risk

Infosec books | InfoSec tools | InfoSec services

Tags: vCISO, Virtual CISOs


Nov 10 2021

vCISO as a service

Category: Information Security,vCISODISC @ 10:05 pm

Virtual CISO

Ransomware's Silver Bullet - The Virtual CISO Publication Series: Cybersecurity: Publication #1 Ransomware by [Virtual CISO]

Tags: vCISO as a service


Nov 18 2019

CISO or vCISO? The Benefits of a Contractor C-level Security Role

Category: CISODISC @ 12:40 pm

Read how a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) can help you uplift a struggling information security program.

Source: CISO or vCISO? The Benefits of a Contractor C-level Security Role

Webinar: vCISO vs CISO – Which is the right path for you?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIvuIIQob7o

CISO as a Service or Virtual CISO
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8XSe3ialNk

The Benefits of a vCISO
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQsG-65wxyU


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Tags: vCISO


Oct 05 2024

Pager attacks will trigger tighter security at airports, schools, and even hospitals

Category: Cyber Attack,Security Incidentdisc7 @ 10:54 pm

The Cybernews article discusses a groundbreaking cyberattack orchestrated by Israel’s Mossad using analog devices, such as pagers and walkie-talkies, to target Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria. The attacks occurred on September 17-18, 2024, resulting in over 4,000 injuries and nearly two dozen deaths. The devices were reportedly rigged with explosives and detonated remotely, marking the first time such devices were weaponized in a cyberattack. Hezbollah had previously switched to analog communication methods after Israel had infiltrated their mobile networks, but Mossad exploited this by using a supply chain strategy to distribute compromised devices through a fake company.

Mossad’s complex plan involved creating a shell company that supplied pagers and other devices to Hezbollah, which were secretly manufactured with explosives. The devices were later activated remotely, demonstrating the vulnerability of even low-tech solutions in modern warfare. This supply chain attack highlighted the risks of relying on unverified communication devices and prompted immediate security changes in Lebanon, such as a ban on pagers and walkie-talkies on flights. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also stopped using communication devices in response to the incident.

Security experts predict that this attack will have far-reaching implications for global security, particularly in the West. The use of handheld devices as weapons could lead to stricter scrutiny of all electronic devices with batteries and communication links, especially in industries like healthcare, where pagers are still in use. Manufacturers are expected to strengthen their supply chain security to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited again. There is also concern that security measures in airports, government buildings, and other sensitive locations will be tightened, possibly leading to longer lines and more stringent screening processes.

The implications for security are profound, as this incident demonstrates the potential for even basic technology to be weaponized. Security systems and detection technologies may need to be enhanced to catch these types of attacks in the future. The use of analog devices in high-security environments, such as hospitals and government facilities, may also come under review, with industries either moving away from these tools or enforcing stricter security protocols. This attack underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of securing both digital and physical supply chains to prevent similar incidents.

For more information, you can visit here

Image by Justin Sullivan | Shutterstock

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Tags: Pager attacks


Oct 04 2024

4 ways AI is transforming audit, risk and compliance

Category: AI,Risk Assessment,Security Compliancedisc7 @ 9:11 am

AI is revolutionizing audit, risk, and compliance by streamlining processes through automation. Tasks like data collection, control testing, and risk assessments, which were once time-consuming, are now being done faster and with more precision. This allows teams to focus on more critical strategic decisions.

In auditing, AI identifies anomalies and uncovers patterns in real-time, enhancing both the depth and accuracy of audits. AI’s ability to process large datasets also helps maintain compliance with evolving regulations like the EU’s AI Act, while mitigating human error.

Beyond audits, AI supports risk management by providing dynamic insights that adapt to changing threat landscapes. This enables continuous risk monitoring rather than periodic reviews, making organizations more responsive to emerging risks, including cybersecurity threats.

AI also plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between cybersecurity, compliance, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals. It integrates these areas into a single strategy, allowing businesses to track and manage risks while aligning with sustainability initiatives and regulatory requirements.

For more details, visit here

Credit: Adobe Stock Images

AI Security risk assessment quiz

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Tags: AI audit, AI compliance, AI risk assessment, AI Risk Management


Oct 03 2024

AI security bubble already springing leaks

Category: AIdisc7 @ 1:17 pm

AI security bubble already springing leaks

The article highlights how the AI boom, especially in cybersecurity, is already showing signs of strain. Many AI startups, despite initial hype, are facing financial challenges, as they lack the funds to develop large language models (LLMs) independently. Larger companies are taking advantage by acquiring or licensing the technologies from these smaller firms at a bargain.

AI is just one piece of the broader cybersecurity puzzle, but it isn’t a silver bullet. Issues like system updates and cloud vulnerabilities remain critical, and AI-only security solutions may struggle without more comprehensive approaches.

Some efforts to set benchmarks for LLMs, like NIST, are underway, helping to establish standards in areas such as automated exploits and offensive security. However, AI startups face increasing difficulty competing with big players who have the resources to scale.

For more information, you can visit here

Adversarial AI Attacks, Mitigations, and Defense Strategies: A cybersecurity professional’s guide to AI attacks, threat modeling, and securing AI with MLSecOps

Could APIs be the undoing of AI?

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Oct 02 2024

6 biggest challenges of API Security

Category: API securitydisc7 @ 9:35 am

API security presents several challenges for AppSec teams, including limited visibility of API endpoints, difficulty in automating and scaling tests, and maintaining consistent processes and compliance. As API estates grow with AI, keeping track of exposed endpoints becomes harder, emphasizing the need for automation tools.

Additionally, knowledge gaps in teams and limitations in current testing tools hinder effective API security. Addressing these gaps with automated testing, enhanced tools, and training can significantly improve outcomes.

Resource and time constraints make it challenging to thoroughly test APIs. Automating tests helps reduce this burden and free up resources for deeper security measures.

API security challenges are broken down into six core areas. These include the complexity of gaining visibility into API endpoints, the difficulty in automating and scaling security tests, and ensuring consistency in processes and compliance. Other concerns involve knowledge gaps among security teams and the inadequacy of current tools for effective API testing. Finally, limited resources and time constraints make comprehensive API security testing difficult, underscoring the importance of automation to alleviate these challenges and enhance protection.

For more information, you can visit the full blog from PortSwigger here

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Oct 01 2024

Could APIs be the undoing of AI?

Category: AI,API securitydisc7 @ 11:32 am

The article discusses security challenges associated with large language models (LLMs) and APIs, focusing on issues like prompt injection, data leakage, and model theft. It highlights vulnerabilities identified by OWASP, including insecure output handling and denial-of-service attacks. API flaws can expose sensitive data or allow unauthorized access. To mitigate these risks, it recommends implementing robust access controls, API rate limits, and runtime monitoring, while noting the need for better protections against AI-based attacks.

The post discusses defense strategies against attacks targeting large language models (LLMs). Providers are red-teaming systems to identify vulnerabilities, but this alone isn’t enough. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring API activity to prevent data exposure and defend against business logic abuse. Model theft (LLMjacking) is highlighted as a growing concern, where attackers exploit cloud-hosted LLMs for profit. Organizations must act swiftly to secure LLMs and avoid relying solely on third-party tools for protection.

For more details, visit Help Net Security.

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Tags: AI, AI Risk Management, API security risks, Hacking APIs


Sep 26 2024

The Rise of AI Bots: Understanding Their Impact on Internet Security

Category: AIdisc7 @ 2:40 pm

The post highlights the rapid evolution of AI bots and their growing impact on internet security. Initially, bots performed simple, repetitive tasks, but modern AI bots leverage machine learning and natural language processing to engage in more complex activities.

Types of Bots:

  • Good Bots: Help with tasks like web indexing and customer support.
  • Malicious Bots: Involved in harmful activities like data scraping, account takeovers, DDoS attacks, and fraud.

Security Impacts:

  • AI bots are increasingly sophisticated, making cyberattacks more complex and difficult to detect. This has led to significant data breaches, resource drains, and a loss of trust in online services.

Defense Strategies:

  • Organizations are employing advanced detection algorithms, multi-factor authentication (MFA), CAPTCHA systems, and collaborating with cybersecurity firms to combat these threats.
  • Case studies show that companies across sectors are successfully reducing bot-related incidents by implementing these measures.

Future Directions:

  • AI-powered security solutions and regulatory efforts will play key roles in mitigating the threats posed by evolving AI bots. Industry collaboration will also be essential to staying ahead of these malicious actors.

The rise of AI bots brings both benefits and challenges to the internet landscape. While they can provide useful services, malicious bots present serious security threats. For organizations to safeguard their assets and uphold user trust, it’s essential to understand the impact of AI bots on internet security and deploy advanced mitigation strategies. As AI technology progresses, staying informed and proactive will be critical in navigating the increasingly complex internet security environment.

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Rise of the Bots: How AI is Shaping Our Future

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Tags: AI Bots


Sep 25 2024

How to Address AI Security Risks With ISO 27001

Category: AI,ISO 27k,Risk Assessmentdisc7 @ 10:10 am

The blog post discusses how ISO 27001 can help address AI-related security risks. AI’s rapid development raises data security concerns. Bridget Kenyon, a CISO and key figure in ISO 27001:2022, highlights the human aspects of security vulnerabilities and the importance of user education and behavioral economics in addressing AI risks. The article suggests ISO 27001 offers a framework to mitigate these challenges effectively.

The impact of AI on security | How ISO 27001 can help address such risks and concerns.

For more information, you can visit the full blog here.

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Tags: AI Security Risks


Sep 24 2024

How to Conduct an ISO 27001 Internal Audit

Category: ISO 27kdisc7 @ 2:19 pm

The blog post provides a detailed guide on conducting an ISO 27001 audit, which is crucial for ensuring compliance with information security standards. It covers both internal and certification audits, explaining their purposes, the audit process, and steps such as setting the audit criteria, reviewing documentation, conducting a field review, and reporting findings. The article also emphasizes the importance of having an independent auditor and following up on corrective actions to ensure proper risk management.

In this blog

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Tags: isms, iso 27001, iso 27001 certification, ISO 27001 Internal Audit, iso 27002


Sep 24 2024

20 Best Linux Admin Tools In 2024

Category: Linux Security,Security Toolsdisc7 @ 8:42 am

Linux admin tools help administrators manage and optimize Linux systems efficiently. They handle system monitoring, configuration, security management, and task automation. These tools streamline administrative tasks, improve performance, and enhance system security. The list also features monitoring utilities like Htop, Monit, and network tools like Iftop, ensuring administrators maintain stable, high-performing Linux environments.

Popular tools include:

Here Are The Top Linux Admin Tools

  • Webmin – Web-based interface for system administration, managing users, services, and configurations.
  • Puppet – Configuration management tool automating server provisioning, configuration, and management.
  • Zabbix – Open-source monitoring tool for networks, servers, and applications with alerting and reporting features.
  • Nagios – A network monitoring tool that provides alerts on system, network, and infrastructure issues.
  • Ansible – IT automation tool for configuration management, application deployment, and task automation using YAML.
  • Lsof – A command-line utility that lists open files and the processes used to use them.
  • Htop – Interactive process viewer for Unix systems, offering a visual and user-friendly alternative to the top command.
  • Redmine – Web-based project management and issue tracking tool, supporting multiple projects and teams.
  • Nmap – A network scanning tool for discovering hosts and services on a network that provides security auditing.
  • Monit – Utility for managing and monitoring Unix systems, capable of automatic maintenance and repair.
  • Nmon – Performance monitoring tool providing insights into CPU, memory, disk, and network usage.
  • Paessler PRTG – Comprehensive network monitoring tool with a web-based interface supporting SNMP, WMI, and other protocols.
  • GNOME System Monitor – Graphical application for monitoring system processes, resources, and file systems.
  • OpenProject – Web-based project management software offering project planning, collaboration, and time-tracking features.
  • OpenNMS – Open-source network management platform for monitoring and managing network devices and services.
  • phpMyAdmin – Web-based tool for managing MySQL and MariaDB databases, supporting SQL execution and database administration.
  • Vmstat – A command-line utility that provides real-time system performance statistics, including CPU, memory, and I/O.
  • Monitorix – Lightweight system monitoring tool offering a web-based interface for tracking system and network performance.
  • Iftop – A network bandwidth monitoring tool that displays real-time network traffic.
  • OpManager – Network and server monitoring software providing comprehensive monitoring, alerting, and reporting capabilities.

For more details, visit here

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Sep 19 2024

Cloud Risk Management – Tips & Best Practices for 2024

Category: Cloud computingdisc7 @ 9:14 am

The SentinelOne post on cloud risk management covers key strategies to address risks in cloud environments. It outlines identifying and assessing risks, implementing security controls, and adopting best practices such as continuous monitoring and automation. The article emphasizes understanding the shared responsibility model between cloud providers and users and recommends prioritizing incident response planning. It also discusses compliance requirements, vendor risk management, and the importance of security frameworks like ISO 27k, NIST to ensure robust cloud security.

Cloud Risk Management Essentials

  • Neglecting it can lead to data breaches, fines, and reputational damage.
  • Understand the shared responsibility model between your obligations and your cloud providers.
  • Encrypt data, use strong access controls, and regularly patch vulnerabilities.
  • Keep up with the latest security trends and best practices.
  • Ensure sensitive data is handled securely throughout its lifecycle.

For more details, visit the original post.

Mastering Enterprise’s Digital Information Security, and Cloud Security: The Essential Guide to Cybersecurity Risk Management

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