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Top 5 AI Cyber-Attacks & Threats

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has enabled impressive progress in many fields, but as our reliance on it grows, so does its abuse. As remarkable advancements like ChatGPT, Dall-E, Vall-E, and other AI models reshape our digital landscape, there’s a pressing concern—AI cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity, as we know it, is being challenged, and we need to respond effectively.

AI Cyber-Attacks: A New Battlefield

AI’s potential to revolutionize cyber threats is immense. With AI, hackers can craft human-like text, generate phishing emails, and automate the creation of malicious content. For example, an AI model trained on known vulnerabilities can generate new malware, making it a potent weapon in the hands of cybercriminals.

The threat is not hypothetical; AI’s impact on cybersecurity is here. Hackers can quickly create sophisticated, hard-to-detect attacks. Take, for instance, a phishing email; an AI model can generate convincing emails that can easily dupe the untrained eye. The old telltale signs of a phishing email – poor grammar, awkward language, and misuse of overly formal language – no longer apply. And Vall-E’s ability to imitate someone’s voice adds another layer of deception to phone-based social engineering attacks.

The Rise of AI Ransomware

Recent reports underscore AI’s increasing use in conceptualizing and executing cyberattacks. According to the report, here are the different ways hackers are leveraging AI today:

  • Dataset creation and validation: Assembling and refining data that the AI model learns from, ensuring it’s relevant and high quality.
  • Potency assessment of malware: Evaluating the effectiveness and potential impact of malware, optimizing it for maximum harm.
  • Exploit mapping and malware modification: Using AI to identify system vulnerabilities and tailor malware to target these points.
  • Sandbox evasion testing: Using AI to enhance malware’s ability to evade detection within isolated, controlled environments (sandboxes).
  • Release of AI-modified malware: Unleashing optimized, AI-modified malware to its intended targets, leading to potentially more adaptive and damaging threats.

One notable instance was a variant of Lockbit 3.0 ransomware that was modified using AI. Evidently, hackers are leveraging AI to devise and deploy more sophisticated malware.

The rise of AI cyber-attacks is still nascent, but experts anticipate a surge. Bad actors can deploy AI to identify potential targets, create new malware variants, identify security gaps, schedule automated attacks, and even manage the operation of bot farms.

Top 5 AI Cyber-Attacks & Threats

While hackers can leverage AI for a wide range of cyber-attacks, these are the areas they’re laser-focused on today:

  1. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): These long-term attacks use AI to avoid detection and target specific entities.
  2. Deepfake Attacks: AI-generated synthetic media is used to impersonate individuals for fraud or disinformation.
  3. AI-Powered Malware: Self-evolving malware using AI to avoid detection and adapt to changing environments.
  4. Phishing: Using natural language processing and machine learning, attackers craft convincing phishing emails to trick individuals.
  5. DDoS Attacks: Employing AI to identify and exploit network vulnerabilities, magnifying the scale and impact of attacks.

Responding to AI Cyber-Attacks

ChatGPT and other generative AI tools may have simplified cybercrime, but we can counter this rise. It’s crucial to:

  • Understand that malware can now be more sophisticated and harder to detect, thanks to AI.
  • Be vigilant about personalized phishing emails that lack the usual scam signs.
  • Recognize the potential of deep fakes in fraudulent activities.
  • Acknowledge that CAPTCHAs and passwords are no longer impenetrable shields.
  • Be aware of the potential sabotage in ML-based cyber threat detection.

AI cyber-attacks are a stark reality in our digital age. As AI shapes the future of cyber threats, we must adapt and fortify our defenses. Our digital world’s safety hinges on a proactive and informed approach to cybersecurity. It’s a battle, but one we cannot afford to lose.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

How to Prevent IoT from Ruining Your Life

One of the worst things you can go through as a company is a data breach. It costs a small fortune (average of $4.35 million as of 2022), destroys your reputation, often leads to bankruptcy, and takes a massive toll on your employee’s well-being. Thus, preventing a data breach should be top of your to-do list. Today, that means taking a hard look at your connected endpoints – starting with IoT – and making sure you have the necessary tools to keep them from putting you at risk. 

Safety Third for IoT 

IoT (Internet of Things) is loosely defined as devices other than computers and networking equipment that connect to the internet, and these days that is just about everything. There are currently over 13 billion IoT things connected around the globe, with that number projected to grow two-fold to 25.4 billion by 2030.  

The unfortunate reality of these billions of devices is that they are not designed with security at the top of the list…if it’s even on the list. Default administrator passwords, security patches that are slow to be released if at all, and impossible to update firmware are some of the many ways IoT devices make your network vulnerable.  

Behold, IoT Fingerprinting! 

One of the trickiest things about IoT devices is just figuring out that they’re there. IoT devices prioritize ease of setup and use (most of them just connect to the internet and away you go) over best security practices, which makes them an attractive target for hackers. They don’t respond to SNMP, WMI, or other common monitoring protocols, and they typically run locked-down operating systems that don’t allow for additional software like agents. It’s easy for them to hide in plain sight, just waiting to be exploited.

This is where IoT fingerprinting comes in – a good option here is a NAC solution that has the ability to pull information from IoT devices to give you critical information like operating system, manufacturer, and firmware version. There are several ways to get this information with various levels of accuracy – Nmap scanning, DHCP, NetFlow, MAC address look up, etc. Many of these options require additional configurations or features in your network, so it’s important to pick one that will work with what you already have without creating any network latency. 

Staying in Your IoT Lane 

In 2017, a casino was hacked using a fish tank as an entry point. Two buildings in Finland had their heat turned off in November through a DDoS attack on the internet-connected thermostats (and with the average temperature just a bit above freezing, that put some lives at risk.). When security startup Verkada was breached, hackers got access to not only the live camera feeds, but archived security camera footage from Tesla, Equinox, Cloudflare, and others. 

One of the most important ways to protect your networks is making sure they are segmented – the practice of separating your network into different VLANs with limited access to specific resources. This is particularly important for your IoT devices because if they are breached, you don’t want the hackers to be able to move through your network and cause further damage. Ideally you would create a special IoT VLAN that had internet access only, and then use a security tool like a NAC to automatically move all of your IoT devices to that specific VLAN.   

After all, your fish tank probably does not need access to your customer database.  

Spoof Proof IoT 

When it walks like a duck, but barks like a dog…. 

One challenge in adding IoT devices onto your network is the fact they don’t support 802.1x authentication. That means they need to bypass your usual safeguards and get on some other way.  

MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) is a way for a device to authenticate based on its MAC address, rather than any kind of certificate or identity provider. Essentially, a device connects to a switch or wireless access point and then does not respond to requests for 802.1x authentication (because it can’t). The device then sends a packet containing its MAC address to the switch, which forwards it onto the RADIUS server and determines if it gets access or not.

MAB

Obviously, the issue here is that there is no real authentication happening, so you need something to ensure you’re not just letting every device onto your network. The most common way to do this is to set up a MAC address filter, which your RADIUS server will then use to validate that the device asking for access is allowed, but that’s still not a great solution because MAC addresses can be spoofed. 

Spoofing is, in fact, laughably easy – a quick Google search yields over 6 million how-to results! To prevent a potential bad actor from gaining access, you want to make sure you have a solution that can do some kind of comparison between a device’s past behavior and present behavior so that if a security camera suddenly starts behaving like a laptop, you can remove it from the network. 

If all this seems a bit overwhelming, well, securing IoT can definitely be a big undertaking.  

IoT Device Trust 

Thankfully, there are tools in the zero trust security space that have recognized how important it is to keep these devices secure and can do most of the heavy lifting for you. Portnox combines all of these features – fingerprinting, access control, and secure MAB, into a collection called IoT Device Trust.  These features are key to keeping your network secure no matter how many things live on your internet.  

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Why AI is Key to Ensuring IoT Security in the Digital Age

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become an integral part of our daily lives, from smart homes to connected cars and beyond. However, with the increasing number of connected devices, the risk of security breaches has also grown.

That’s where Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes in, providing a powerful tool for enhancing IoT security. By allowing networks and devices to learn from past decisions, predict future activity, and continuously improve performance and decision-making capabilities, AI unlocks the true potential of IoT. With this in mind, let’s explore the crucial role of AI in securing the IoT landscape and how this convergence of technologies is shaping the future of our connected world.

The Cybersecurity Skills Shortage

According to a 2022 workforce study, the global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals has more than doubled since 2019, leaving a gap of 3.4 million professionals. It’s a dire situation and one that’s impacting IoT security significantly.

The shortfall in qualified cybersecurity personnel means that many organizations are struggling to keep pace with the evolving cyber threat landscape and implement adequate security measures to protect their IoT devices. The consequences of this skills gap are profound, with potential security breaches and data theft leaving organizations and individuals exposed to significant risks.

But by converging AI and IoT security, we can reduce the impact of this skills gap. AI can help automate security processes and reduce the burden on human experts, while IoT devices can generate valuable data to train AI models. Over time, these models will become skilled at detecting threats and anomalies and shutting down cyber attacks swiftly.

How Attackers Target IoT Devices

Attackers use various methods to target IoT devices, and understanding these methods is crucial for developing effective cybersecurity strategies. Some common methods include:

  • Initial reconnaissance: Attackers scan the network to identify vulnerable devices they can target.
  • Physical attacks: Attackers can use a variety of physical attacks to disrupt the functionality of IoT devices, like outage attacks which involve shutting off the network that the devices are connected to. Attackers can also damage devices or their components to prevent proper functionality.
  • Man-in-the-middle attacks: Attackers intercept and manipulate data as it is transmitted between devices on a network, giving them access to sensitive information and the ability to control the devices themselves.
  • False data injection attacks: Attackers send malicious data to IoT devices, which can cause them to behave in unexpected ways or compromise their security.
  • Botnets: Attackers can take control of many IoT devices, turning them into powerful tools for launching attacks such as distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.

Why IoT Needs AI: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning In Cloud Computing

The sheer scale and complexity of the IoT landscape make it challenging to secure, manage, and analyze. Enter AI. AI and the Internet of Things (AIoT) represent a powerful combination that can unlock new levels of performance and efficiency while also addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing IoT.

Cloud computing, as the backbone of IoT, also faces significant challenges in ensuring security. Here are some ways AI/ML can combat emerging cyber threats in cloud computing:

  • Anomaly detection: We can train AI/ML to recognize unusual or unexpected behavior in IoT devices and cloud networks. This helps to detect cyber attacks and breaches before they cause significant damage. For instance, AI/ML can detect unusual network traffic patterns or attempts to access data from unauthorized sources.
  • Malware detection: AI/ML can be trained to identify and classify malware using features such as file size, code structure, and behavior. This can help organizations swiftly detect and remove malware from their cloud computing systems.
  • User behavior analysis: AI/ML can analyze user behavior and detect anomalous activities such as excessive data access, unusual login times, and unusual data transfers. This capability can help organizations identify potential insider threats and prevent data exfiltration.
  • Network segmentation: We can use AI/ML to identify and segment IoT devices based on their level of risk. This approach can help organizations isolate vulnerable devices and limit the spread of malware or cyber-attacks.
  • Automated threat hunting: AI/ML can automatically scan cloud computing systems and identify potential threats, such as new vulnerabilities or suspicious activities. This approach can help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats and prevent them from causing significant damage.
  • Predictive analysis: AI/ML can analyze data from various sources to identify trends and patterns that could indicate a potential attack. Predictive analysis can also help organizations to anticipate threats and develop proactive strategies to prevent them. For example, AI/ML can analyze log files to detect changes in system behavior that may indicate a potential attack.
  • Real-time monitoring: AI/ML can also monitor cloud computing systems in real-time and provide alerts when suspicious activities are detected. This capability allows organizations to respond to cyber threats quickly. For example, AI/ML can monitor login attempts to detect brute-force attacks or attempts to bypass authentication.
  • Automated response: AI/ML can automate the response to cyber threats, such as isolating affected systems or blocking malicious traffic. Automated response enables organizations to respond quickly to cyber threats and limit the damage caused by them. For example, AI/ML can automatically block IP addresses associated with malicious activity.
  • Adaptive security: AI/ML can be used to adapt cloud computing security policies and configurations based on real-time threat intelligence data. This approach can help organizations respond quickly to emerging threats and prevent them from causing significant damage.

The AI/ML Problem

While rapid advancements in AI/ML have led to a new era of highly efficient AIoT devices and bolstered IoT security, they’ve ushered in a new problem. Cybercriminals are also capitalizing on this technology, using it to develop more sophisticated cyberattacks. And this is especially worrying for IoT security, where millions of devices are interconnected, and vulnerabilities in one can compromise the entire system.

Final Thoughts on AI and IoT

AI is an invaluable tool in enhancing cybersecurity in an increasingly hostile IoT cyber threat landscape. By leveraging AI and IoT together, we can identify threats, detect anomalies, and respond to attacks in real-time. This allows us to stay one step ahead of the cybercriminals.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Breaking Down Ransomware’s Preferred Pathways: Top Attack Vectors

In the rising tide of cyber threats, one word persistently echoes across corporate networks and personal devices: ransomware. This breed of malicious software employs an array of cyber attack vectors to infiltrate systems, encrypt data, and demand a ransom to restore access—a tactic proving both lucrative and devastating for those in its crosshairs.

Critically, ransomware attacks are far from random occurrences; they are strategic, exploiting weaknesses within a target’s cyber defenses with precision. And they’re evolving. The year 2022, for example, saw a significant shift in the patterns of successful ransomware attacks, as depicted in Kaspersky’s report, “The Nature of Cyber Incidents.” The primary vector in these attacks was the exploitation of public-facing applications, which constituted a staggering 43% of all breaches. Not far behind, compromised accounts accounted for 24% (up from 18% in 2021), while malicious email took the third spot at 12% .

An attack vector is a path or method used by hackers to infiltrate a network, often to deliver malicious software or exploit system vulnerabilities. And by identifying common attack vectors, we can strengthen these areas, proactively respond to threats, and bolster our overall digital defenses. Simply put, understanding attack vectors is our first line of defense against cyber attacks. With this in mind, let’s dive into the top attack vectors for ransomware attacks.

I. Malware

Malware, encapsulating a myriad of malicious software types, often serves as the delivery vehicle for ransomware attacks. Ransomware is a type of malware that infiltrates systems, often via spear-phishing emails containing infected attachments or links to compromised sites. These attacks cleverly disguise malware as a legitimate file, tricking victims into enabling the encryption of their own files.

Once executed, this malware encrypts user data, rendering it inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom, typically in cryptocurrency, to decrypt the data. Unfortunately, even payment doesn’t guarantee data restoration. Therefore, robust security measures, such as updating and patching software, using secure backup solutions, and user education on phishing tactics, are crucial for defense against this pernicious attack vector.

II. Email Attachments

Email attachments are alarmingly potent weapons in a cyber criminal’s arsenal. With a veil of trust, attackers execute sophisticated phishing strategies, puppeteering the identities of people or institutions you know. The deceptive payload? A seemingly innocent attachment or a covert link. One click and the ransomware is unleashed, infecting your system and holding your data hostage.

III. Web Pages

Web pages serve as an insidious cyber attack vector, often overlooked in the landscape of ransomware threats. Imagine this scenario: you’re navigating a trusted website when, silently, a compromised element or embedded malicious script springs into action. Exploiting browser vulnerabilities, these concealed threats facilitate ransomware installation onto your system. Suddenly, your data is encrypted and held hostage until you pay the ransom. More disturbingly, these hazardous scripts can exploit even legitimate websites, transforming them into launch pads for ransomware attacks.

IV. Pop-ups

We’ve all seen them, the intrusive boxes appearing when we’re surfing the web or downloading software. Sites teeming with ads, free software platforms, or even compromised legitimate websites can harbor malicious pop-ups. Seemingly benign actions—like confirming a download or software update—can release ransomware.

V. Instant Messages

Instant messaging platforms, from WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger to Slack and Teams in the corporate world, have become potent conduits for ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals insert malicious links or compromised files into an otherwise casual chat. One misplaced click and ransomware deploys, swiftly encrypting files. The perceived safety within these platforms makes this attack vector particularly successful. The takeaway: treat every message, even from known contacts, with skepticism. Ransomware, hidden in plain sight, can strike anywhere.

VI. Text Messages

Your mobile phone isn’t immune from ransomware threats. Cybercriminals have turned text messages into a cyber-attack vector. Posing as banks, service providers, or even government bodies, they send deceptive messages with malicious links or infected downloads. Unfortunately, our propensity to respond quickly to texts makes this strategy dangerously effective.

VII. Social Engineering

The most alarming ransomware attack vector isn’t technical—it’s psychological. Through social engineering, hackers exploit human vulnerabilities. For example, they might impersonate a coworker by email, a tech support agent on the phone, or even a trusted institution via an official-looking letter. Their goal is to trick you into granting them access, bypassing security systems. Then, ransomware strikes, locking you out of your own system.

Other Common Ransomware Attack Vectors

We’ve covered the primary attack vectors, but others exist too:

  1. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): RDP is a popular method for administrators to access and manage systems remotely. If improperly secured, RDP can serve as an attack vector. Cybercriminals, exploiting weak passwords or known vulnerabilities, can gain access and deploy ransomware.
  2. Software Vulnerabilities: Outdated or unpatched software often has known security flaws that ransomware can exploit. These vulnerabilities serve as an entry point for attacks. Regular software updates and patches are crucial to mitigate this risk.
  3. Malvertising: This method involves injecting malicious code into legitimate online advertising networks. When users click on these ads, the ransomware is downloaded onto their system.
  4. Drive-by Downloads: Here, ransomware is automatically downloaded when a user visits a compromised website, even without any interaction. This attack vector often exploits browser and plugin vulnerabilities.
  5. Physical Access or Insider Threats: If a malicious actor gains physical access to a device or system, they can directly install ransomware. For example, they can do this through tampered USB drives or by an insider with legitimate access but malicious intent.
  6. Supply Chain Attacks: In these attacks, the target isn’t the end-user but a software provider. By infiltrating the software development or update process, attackers can simultaneously deliver ransomware to multiple users when they install the compromised software or update.

Final Thoughts

Understanding ransomware attack vectors is crucial in today’s digital landscape. With ransomware evolving into a sophisticated cyber weapon, no platform or communication method is immune. From pop-ups and instant messages to exploiting software vulnerabilities, cybercriminals have a diverse arsenal to deliver their crippling payloads. The ransomware threat underscores the urgent need for constant vigilance, robust security protocols, and ongoing education. As we embrace the digital era, our awareness and readiness to combat such threats will define the safety of our data and the integrity of our digital identities.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Your Company’s Cyber Insurance Coverage is Making It a Target

The sharp spike in ransomware attacks has increasingly turned cybersecurity insurance coverage from an optional add-on into an essential safeguard for businesses. Yet, a dark trend is emerging: the safety net of insurance may paradoxically mark you out as prey for cybercriminals.

Cyber attacks are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and severe. According to one report, 70% of businesses fell victim to ransomware attacks in 2022. Moreover, phishing attacks rose by 48% in the first half of the same year, with reports of 11,395 incidents costing businesses $12.3 million.

And in an increasingly dangerous cyber threat landscape, it’s easy to see why cyber insurance is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect for businesses worldwide. But Is cybersecurity insurance really securing your business, or is it setting you up to become the next target in the fast-paced, relentless world of cyber warfare? Let’s get into it.

Cyber Insurance Adoption is Surging

The global market for cybersecurity insurance is surging. It stood at $7.60 billion in 2021 but is expected to grow to a whopping $20.43 billion by 2027.

As businesses become increasingly digital, they inevitably grow more vulnerable to cyber threats. This escalating risk has led to a boom in the demand for cyber insurance. A key reason for this surge is the financial protection it offers. When a cyber-attack strikes, a company faces a multitude of costs ranging from ransom payments to data recovery, crisis management, and even lawsuits from customers or partners.

The benefits of cyber insurance extend far beyond a simple payout. Companies benefit from the insurers’ wealth of knowledge about cyber risk management, which helps craft robust cyber risk mitigation strategies. Furthermore, in the aftermath of a breach, insurance providers often offer expert resources to mitigate the fallout. This includes PR consultants to manage potential reputational damage, forensic teams to identify security loopholes and legal counsel for possible regulatory penalties. For many companies, the ability to access these resources swiftly and efficiently is invaluable, making cyber insurance coverage an increasingly attractive investment

Companies with Cyber Insurance Become Targets

According to a survey by Barracuda Networks, 77% of organizations with cyber insurance were hit at least once, compared to 65% of organizations without insurance. And more worryingly, of the companies that had cyber insurance, 39% paid the ransom.

The report also highlighted other worrying trends – like the fact that insured companies were 70% more likely to be hit with ransomware attacks multiple times.

Why Do Cybercriminals Target Companies with Cyber Insurance Coverage?

  • Increased visibility: Companies with cyber insurance often advertise it as a selling point or include it in their public disclosures. This increased visibility can attract cybercriminals who specifically target companies with cyber insurance, knowing that they might have valuable assets.
  • Perceived financial resources: Cybercriminals may assume that companies with cyber insurance have sufficient financial resources to pay for potential losses or to cover ransom demands. This perception can make them more likely to target these companies in the hopes of securing a larger payout.
  • Inadequate security measures: Some companies may view cyber insurance as a substitute for implementing robust cybersecurity measures. They might become complacent, assuming that their insurance coverage will mitigate any potential damages. This attitude can lead to insufficient investments in security measures, making these companies easier targets for cybercriminals.
  • Potential for higher payouts: Cyber insurance policies typically cover financial losses resulting from cyberattacks. Cybercriminals are aware of this and may specifically target companies with insurance coverage, hoping to inflict significant damages that will result in larger insurance claims and potentially higher payouts.
  • Delayed detection and response: Some companies with cyber insurance may prioritize filing an insurance claim over immediate detection and response to a cyber incident. Cybercriminals can exploit this window of opportunity, knowing that it might take longer for the targeted company to identify the breach and take appropriate action, giving them more time to carry out their malicious activities undetected.

Is There More to the Story?

Barracuda’s report paints a worrying picture, and understandably, companies considering cyber insurance may now feel more reluctant to go ahead. However, the situation is more complex.

For example, cyber insurance coverage has proven to offer several benefits to companies, not just in terms of recovering financial losses and repairing reputations but also in bolstering security. For example, many cyber insurers now require that their clients meet minimum security requirements. These include enabling MFA, having antivirus and malware detection software, a robust firewall, and an endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool. Insurers also often mandate that clients have secure and resilient backups.

These security measures encouraged (or demanded) by cyber insurers help reduce the likelihood of an attack and reduce the probability of victims paying the ransom. For example, if you have regular secure, resilient backups, you can recover the data yourself.

What Can Companies Do?

Beyond choosing to get cyber insurance or not, there are several things companies can do to safeguard their networks from ransomware attacks.

  • Prioritize cybersecurity investments: Companies should allocate sufficient resources to implement robust cybersecurity measures, including regular security assessments, network monitoring, threat intelligence, and employee training.
  • Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy: Companies should create a well-defined cybersecurity strategy that addresses potential vulnerabilities, establishes incident response protocols, and emphasizes continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving threats.
  • Implement multi-layered defense: Deploy a combination of preventive, detective, and responsive security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, endpoint protection, and strong access controls, to create multiple layers of defense against cyber threats.
  • Conduct regular security assessments: Perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify and address weaknesses in the company’s infrastructure, applications, and security controls.
  • Implement strict access controls: Limit user privileges and implement robust authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data.
  • Establish incident response plans: Develop and regularly test incident response plans to ensure that the company can effectively detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents, minimizing potential damages.

Final Thoughts

While possessing cyber insurance coverage can inadvertently attract cybercriminal attention, companies can mitigate this risk by adopting a proactive cybersecurity approach. By investing in robust security measures, promoting employee awareness, and maintaining a solid cyber defense strategy, companies can safeguard their digital assets and reduce the likelihood of becoming targets for cyberattacks, regardless of their insurance coverage.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Defend Your Business Against Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing severe threats to individuals and businesses. Safeguard your organization from these malicious attacks with the TLP:CLEAR guide, a comprehensive resource that offers practical information on how to prepare for, prevent, and mitigate the impact of ransomware.

The TLP:CLEAR guide presents a concise yet thorough approach to combatting ransomware attacks. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures such as implementing Protective Domain Name System (DNS) services and sandboxed browsers to mitigate risks associated with web browsing and malicious internet activity. By leveraging these solutions, organizations can effectively protect themselves against the dangers of browsing the internet.

As cybersecurity experts, we wholeheartedly endorse the recommendations outlined in the TLP:CLEAR guide. Notably, the guide highlights the significance of web filtering as a crucial component of a company’s cybersecurity posture.

Web filtering is a fundamental element of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, providing organizations with a proactive defense mechanism against a wide range of threats. By implementing robust web filtering solutions, companies can exercise control over the content their employees can access, effectively blocking potentially malicious or harmful websites.

In our discussions on cybersecurity, we consistently emphasize the importance of web filtering. It is reassuring to see that the experts behind the TLP:CLEAR guide also recognize the value of this essential security measure. Their endorsement of web filtering further validates our stance and reinforces the critical role it plays in safeguarding organizations against cyber threats.

The TLP:CLEAR guide equips organizations with actionable steps to enhance their cybersecurity posture and mitigate the risks associated with ransomware attacks. We strongly recommend following the comprehensive checklist provided in the guide, which covers the implementation of Protective DNS, adherence to cybersecurity best practices, and continuous employee training. Proactively implementing these measures significantly reduces susceptibility to ransomware attacks and effectively safeguards digital assets.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About SafeDNS
SafeDNS breathes to make the internet safer for people all over the world with solutions ranging from AI & ML-powered web filtering, cybersecurity to threat intelligence. Moreover, we strive to create the next generation of safer and more affordable web filtering products. Endlessly working to improve our users’ online protection, SafeDNS has also launched an innovative system powered by continuous machine learning and user behavior analytics to detect botnets and malicious websites.

Savour ITSM’s perfect burger: People, processes and technology

“In this bleak world where technology has become a vital necessity, IT Service Management (ITSM) has become a key tool for many businesses.” It sounds like the introduction to a dystopian novel, doesn’t it? Easy, it’s not like that, today I didn’t get up very like Aldous Huxley.

We will rather answer the question: What is ITSM exactly? 

Don’t you worry, I will not get too involved with the technicalities, you already know what we’re like, I will explain it to you in an easy way and worth prizes such as the Nobel Prize for scientific dissemination.

Advantages of ITSM: Improve IT service management

What exactly is ITSM?

*Warning: Allegory for children.

Imagine that ITSM is the detective of a company. It’s the tough guy who helps the organization understand how technology works in the business and how it can become more efficient. But to be a good detective, ITSM needs three elements: people, processes, and technology.

People are important in ITSM because they are the ones who use the company’s IT services. End users, employees, customers, and external vendors are all people who need the company’s IT services to do their jobs. 

The implementation of ITSM helps define the roles and responsibilities of each user group, and ensures that everyone understands how they can contribute to improving the management of IT services.

Processes are also important in ITSM. And we’ll go crazy inserting an analogy into another analogy. Inception! 

If ITSM were a hamburger, the processes would be like hamburger mince. 

Processes are the different stages that the company’s IT services go through, such as incident management, IT asset management, and change management. A good ITSM implementation will help the company define these processes and ensure that they are followed correctly.

If we continue with the hamburger simile, technology is like ITSM’s hamburger cheese. It is the ingredient that holds everything together with its caloric value. 

Technology allows the company to automate its processes and improve access to service providers and end users. Automation reduces errors, brings consistency and service metrics based on critical success factors.

Although if you got lost in the middle of my great allegory of detectives and hamburgers I leave you here a more academic and cheeseless definition:

ITSM is the acronym for Information Technology Service Management, which refers to a set of practices, policies, procedures and tools used to plan, design, deliver, operate and control the information technology (IT) services that a company offers to its internal or external customers. 

ITSM is based on the service management approach and focuses on customer satisfaction, continuous improvement of services and efficient management of IT costs and resources. 

ITSM includes processes and areas such as incident management, problem management, change management, asset and configuration management, service level management, and capacity management. 

Implementing ITSM enables companies to improve the quality of their IT services, increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their processes, and reduce the risks and costs associated with information technology management.

Now that we know what ITSM is, what are the keys to its implementation?

Well, there are some key requirements that need to be met.

  • First, the roles and responsibilities of end-users must be defined.
  • Secondly, the processes to be followed must be defined, such as incident management, IT asset management and change management.
  • And finally, the right technology must be implemented to automate these processes and improve access to IT services.

When implementing new ITSM processes, the key is to adapt to the specific needs of your business. 

If your IT support team is always working on the same problems, finding the root cause and solving it is undoubtedly the best option. 

For example, if storage space is a recurring problem, deleting files every time the hard drive reaches its maximum capacity is not a long-term solution. 

Instead, installing a hard drive with greater capacity would be a more effective solution over time.

In ITSM, the incident management process becomes problem management. 

In this example, the lack of storage space is the incidence, while the storage capacity of the hard drive is the underlying problem.

But the implementation of ITSM processes depends not only on the tool used, but also on a culture change. 

It’s important for end users to see the IT team as a service provider, rather than just another department of the company.

Key points to consider when implementing ITSM processes are team maturity and size, identifying specific issues, and selecting the right framework. 

Each framework has its own structure and processes, so the choice will depend largely on the problems to be solved.

Once ITSM has been implemented, what are the advantages and why is it important?

There are many benefits to implementing ITSM. 

ITSM processes are key for companies looking to optimize the management of their IT services and improve customer satisfaction. 

Clearly defining service delivery goals, publishing an IT Service Catalog, and creating well-trained and enthusiastic support teams are just a few of the ways ITSM can benefit a company.

In addition, a good ITSM implementation can ensure quick troubleshooting, saving end users time and reducing help desk workload. 

This, in turn, can reduce IT service provision costs and increase service availability and trust.

Last but not least, ITSM ensures compatibility with different regulations or legal regulations, which is crucial for companies looking to comply with security and privacy standards. 

In short, implementing ITSM processes can provide a number of benefits to businesses, from better management of IT services to greater customer satisfaction and greater compliance with legal regulations.

But what about ITIL?

ITIL is a very popular ITSM framework, but it’s not the only option. 

There are other frameworks and standards, such as COBIT, ISO 20000, MOF and USMBOK, that can also be used to manage IT services. 

The main difference between ITIL and other frameworks is that ITIL is very prescriptive and specific about how IT services should be managed, while other frameworks are more flexible and allow companies to customize their processes according to their specific needs.

Despite the differences between ITSM and ITIL, both are important for IT service management. 

ITIL is a good choice for companies looking for a more detailed and structured solution, while other frameworks may be better suited for companies that need a more flexible and customized solution.

Conclusions

What else can we say, the implementation of ITSM is fundamental for the efficient management of IT services in companies. 

Like a seasoned detective, ITSM helps the organization understand how technology works in the business and how it can be more efficient. 

With the right definition of roles and responsibilities, well-defined processes, and implementation of the right technology, ITSM can improve the quality of IT services and increase end-user satisfaction. 

Whether using ITIL or any other framework, ITSM is a key tool for any company that wants to stay competitive in the increasingly technological world in which we live.

And remember, if you ever have problems with your company’s IT services, don’t worry, because ITSM is here to help you solve the mystery and make everything run smoothly!

As the famous detective Sherlock Holmes once said, “when the impossible has been removed, what remains, however improbable it may seem, is the truth”. And the truth is that ITSM is a powerful tool to improve the management of IT services in your company.

Dimas P.L., de la lejana y exótica Vega Baja, CasiMurcia, periodista, redactor, taumaturgo del contenido y campeón de espantar palomas en los parques. Actualmente resido en Madrid donde trabajo como paladín de la comunicación en Pandora FMS y periodista freelance cultural en cualquier medio que se ofrezca. También me vuelvo loco escribiendo y recitando por los círculos poéticos más profundos y oscuros de la ciudad.

Dimas P.L., from the distant and exotic Vega Baja, CasiMurcia, journalist, editor, thaumaturgist of content and champion of scaring pigeons in parks. I currently live in Madrid where I work as a communication champion in Pandora FMS and as a freelance cultural journalist in any media offered. I also go crazy writing and reciting in the deepest and darkest poetic circles of the city.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.

No more mistakes! Learn how to create strong, flawless software deployments with the help of automation

Friends, welcome to the world of software development! There have been more changes here in recent years than in Lady Gaga’s wardrobe during her Super Bowl halftime performance! You know, Agile, DevOps, the Cloud… These innovations have enabled organizations to develop and deploy software faster and more efficiently than ever before. One of the key DevOps practices is automated deployments.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of creating and monitoring strong automated implementations.

Automated deployments: achieve error-free software

Why do you need strong automated deployments?

Traditionally, software deployment was a manual process that implied manifold steps and was prone to human error. 

Automated implantations, on the other hand, allow organizations to implement software automatically without human intervention, reducing the chances of errors.

Automated implementations also offer the following advantages:

  1. Faster deployment: Manual implementation is a slow process that implies manifold steps. Automated implementation reduces the implementation time and allows companies to implement software more frequently.
  2. Coherence: Automated deployments guarantee that the deployment process is documented and can be repeated, which reduces the chances of errors caused by human errors.
  3. Downgrade: Automated deployments allow organizations to return to the previous software version quickly and simply if some problem arises.
  4. Profitability: Automated implementations reduce the need for manual intervention, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
  5. Improved tests: Automated deployments can be tested in a test or pre-production environment before going into production, reducing the likelihood of problems arising.

Steps to create strong automated implementations

Creating strong automated deployments involves the following steps:

  • Defining the deployment process: Define the steps needed to deploy the software, including dependencies, configuration settings, and environment requirements.
  • Automating the deployment process: It uses tools like Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, and YAML to write the deployment process as code, store it in source control, and test it.
  • Add doors and approvals: It adds doors and approvals to require external approvals, perform quality validations, and collect status signals from external services before the implementation can be completed.
  • Develop a rollback strategy: Develop a rollback strategy that includes feature indicators and bluish-green deployments to roll back to the previous version of the software easier should any issues arise.
  • Implement automated monitoring: Implement automated monitoring of system metrics such as memory usage, disk usage, logged errors, database performance, average database response time, long-duration queries, simultaneous database connections, and SQL query performance.
  • Test and refine: Test and refine the automated deployment process, making the necessary adjustments.

Monitoring of strong automated deployments

Automated implementations must be accompanied by automated monitoring.

Organizations must monitor system metrics such as memory usage, disk usage, logged errors, database performance, average database response time, long-duration queries, simultaneous database connections, and SQL query performance.

Mature monitoring systems make obtaining a baseline prior to implementation easier as well as spotting deviations after the implementation.

Holistic hybrid cloud monitoring tools that alert organizations to errors or abnormal patterns are an important part of feature flags and bluish-green deployments.

They are the indicators that allow organizations to find out whether they need to deactivate a feature or return to the previous production environment.

Tools and processes

Although implementation and monitoring tools alone do not guarantee the success of the implementation, they certainly help.

It is also important to create a DevOps culture of good communication, design reviews throughout development, and thorough testing.

Automated deployments are just part of the DevOps lifecycle, and organizations can decide at what point in the cycle automation it adds value and create it in small chunks over time.

Automated deployments reduce the risk and effort required. Their high return on investment often makes them a great place to start automating considering DevOps best practices.

Conclusion

Automated deployments are an essential part of the DevOps culture. They reduce the likelihood of human error, allowing faster deployment.

Closing the circle with a reference to Lady Gaga:

Automated deployments are like having Lady Gaga’s costume assistant as your personal assistant – there’s no room for error!

Dimas P.L., de la lejana y exótica Vega Baja, CasiMurcia, periodista, redactor, taumaturgo del contenido y campeón de espantar palomas en los parques. Actualmente resido en Madrid donde trabajo como paladín de la comunicación en Pandora FMS y periodista freelance cultural en cualquier medio que se ofrezca. También me vuelvo loco escribiendo y recitando por los círculos poéticos más profundos y oscuros de la ciudad.

Dimas P.L., from the distant and exotic Vega Baja, CasiMurcia, journalist, editor, thaumaturgist of content and champion of scaring pigeons in parks. I currently live in Madrid where I work as a communication champion in Pandora FMS and as a freelance cultural journalist in any media offered. I also go crazy writing and reciting in the deepest and darkest poetic circles of the city.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.

Binary memory protection measures on Windows OS

Binary memory protection is a core part of cybersecurity, but there are many different options for implementing it. In this article, we explore common mechanisms and protection measures for Windows OS.

Why is binary memory protection important?

You may remember when the Blaster worm struck the internet, or more recently when WannaCry caused global havoc using a leaked EternalBlue Windows OS exploit. Both are examples of malware that used buffer overflow memory corruption vulnerabilities, causing remote code execution and infecting millions of machines worldwide.

Most operating systems, written in C or C++, have limited memory protection, allowing these attacks to occur. Malware like Blaster and WannaCry manipulate the environment, instructions, and memory layout of a program or operating system to gain control over it.

Security professionals have implemented mechanisms to prevent software exploitation and minimize damage caused by memory corruption bugs. A “silver bullet” solution would be a mechanism that makes it challenging and unreliable for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities, allowing developers to leave buggy code in place while they work on fixing or rewriting it in memory-safe languages.

Common mechanisms and protection measures

Let’s review some of the most common mechanisms and protection measures provided inside Windows OS from Windows XP to Windows 11.

ASLR

Address space layout randomization (ASLR) is a computer security technique that prevents an attacker from reliably jumping to, for example, a particular exploited function in a program’s memory. ASLR randomly arranges the address space positions of a process’s key data areas, including the base of the executable and the positions of the stack, heap, and libraries. The effectiveness of ASLR depends on the entropy of the process’s address space (simply put, the probability of finding a random local variable).

Because of this protection, exploit payloads must be uniquely tailored to a specific process address space.

Vista and Windows Server 2008 were the first operating systems in the Windows family to provide ASLR natively, though this system was first developed back in 2001. Prior to these releases, there were several third-party solutions like WehnTrust available that provided ASLR functionality to varying degrees.

When Symantec conducted research on ASLR in Windows Vista, they found that ASLR had a significant effect when implemented in Windows 8 (or Windows 8.1). It provided higher entropy for address space layouts. The larger address space for 64-bit processes also increased the entropy of the ASLR for any given process.

  Exploit mitigation improvements in Windows 8

Windows 8 added randomization for all BottomUp and TopDown memory allocations, increasing the effectiveness of ASLR, which was not available in Windows 7.

Exploit mitigation improvements in Windows 8   Exploit mitigation improvements in Windows 8

In Windows 8, Microsoft introduced operating system support to force EXEs/DLLs to be rebased at runtime if they did not opt-in to ASLR. This mitigation can be enabled system-wide or on a per-process basis. You can modify the settings of mandatory ASLR through the Windows Security app.

ASLR, like any other security technique, has its weaknesses and attack vectors (heap spray, offset2libc, Jump Over ASLR, and others). Even one memory disclosure can completely defeat ASLR and provide an attacker with a significant opportunity. In addition to this, ASLR is only efficient when all executables and shared libraries loaded in the address space of a process are randomized. For example, research by Trend Micro researchers showed that Microsoft Edge browser exploit mitigations, including ASLR, could be bypassed. You can watch a video from the BlackHat conference to learn more.

DEP

Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a protection mechanism that blocks the execution of code in memory pages marked non-executable. The NX (No-Execute) bit is a protection feature on CPUs used by DEP to prevent attackers from executing shellcode (instructions injected and executed by attackers) on the stack, heap, or in data sections. If DEP is enabled and a program attempts to execute code on a non-executable page, an access violation exception will be triggered.

Starting with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (2004) and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (2005), the DEP was implemented for the first time on x86 architecture.

An application can be compiled with the /NXCOMPAT flag to enable DEP for that application. You can also use editbin.exe /NXCOMPAT over a .exe file to enable it on a previously compiled file.

On 64-bit versions of Windows, DEP is always turned on for 64-bit processes and cannot be disabled. Windows also implemented software DEP (without the use of the NX bit) through Microsoft’s “Safe Structured Exception Handling” (SafeSEH), which I will talk about a bit later.

Despite being a useful protection measure, the NX bit can be bypassed. This leaves us unable to execute instructions placed on the stack, but still able to control the execution flow of the application. This is where the ROP (Return Oriented Programming) technique becomes relevant.

GS (Stack Canaries)

Stack canaries are a security feature that helps protect against binary exploits. They are random values that are generated every time a program is run. When placed in certain locations, they can be used to detect stack corruption. The /GS compiler option, when specified, causes the compiler to store a random value on the stack between the local variables and the return address of a function. According to Microsoft, these application elements will be protected:

  • Any array (regardless of length or element size)

  • Structs (regardless of their contents)

In a typical buffer overflow attack, the attacker’s data is used to try to overwrite the saved EIP (Extended Instruction Pointer) on the stack. However, before this can happen, the cookie is also overwritten, rendering the exploit ineffective (though it may still cause a denial of service). If the function epilogue detects the altered cookie and the application terminates.

Example of memory layout during the buffer overflow
 
Example of memory layout during the buffer overflow

The second important protection mechanism of /GS is variable reordering. To prevent attackers from overwriting local variables or arguments used by the function, the compiler will rearrange the layout of the stack frame and will put string buffers at a higher address than all other variables. So when a string buffer overflow occurs, it cannot overwrite any other local variables.

It was introduced with the release of Visual Studio 2003. Two years later, they enabled it by default with the release of Visual Studio 2005.

However, this protection measure is also not bullet-proof, since the attacker can either try to read the canary value from the memory or brute force the value. By using these two techniques, attackers can acquire the canary value, place it into the payload, and successfully redirect program flow or corrupt important program data.

CFG/XFG

Control Flow Guard (CFG) is a highly-optimized platform security feature that was created to combat memory corruption vulnerabilities. Placing tight restrictions on where an application can execute code makes it much harder for exploits to execute arbitrary code through vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows.

CFG creates a per-process bitmap, where a set bit indicates that the address is a valid destination. Before performing each indirect function call, the application checks if the destination address is in the bitmap. If the destination address is not in the bitmap, the program terminates.

How Windows CFG works
 
How Windows CFG works

Microsoft has enabled a new mechanism by default in Windows 10 and in Windows 8.1 Update 3. Developers can now add CFG to their programs by adding the /guard:cf linker flag before program linking in Visual Studio 2015 or newer. As of the Windows 10 Creators Update (Windows 10 version 1703), the Windows kernel is compiled with CFG.

To enhance CFG (Control Flow Guard), Microsoft introduced Xtended Control Flow Guard (XFG). By design, CFG only checks if functions are included in the CFG bitmap, which means that technically if a function pointer is overwritten with another function that exists in the bitmap, it would be considered a valid target.

XFG addresses this issue by creating a ~55-bit hash of the function prototype (consisting of the return value and function arguments) and placing it 8 bytes above the function itself when the dispatch function is called. This hash is used as an additional verification before transferring the control flow.

Getting back to the CFG, there are multiple techniques to bypass it. For example, you can set the destination to code located in a non-CFG module loaded in the same process, or find an indirect call that was not protected by CFG. A brief write-up about the CFG bypass by Zhang Yunhai can be found here.

SafeSEH

SafeSEH is an exception handler. An exception handler is a programming construct used to provide a structured way of handling both system and application-level error conditions. Commonly they will look something like the code sample below:

1
try {
2
}
3
catch (Exception e)
4
{
5
// Exception handling goes here
6
}










Windows supplies a default exception handler when an application has no exception handlers applicable to the associated error condition. When the Windows exception handler is called, the application will be terminated.


Exception handlers are stored in the format of a linked list with the final element being the Windows default exception handler. This is represented by a pointer with the value 0xFFFFFFFF. Elements in the SEH chain before the Windows default exception handler are the exception handlers defined by the application.





Exception handler layout on stack



 



Exception handler layout on stack




If an attacker can overwrite a pointer to a handler and then cause an exception, they might be able to get control of the program.


SafeSEH is a security mechanism introduced with Visual Studio 2003. It works by adding a static list of good exception handlers in the PE file at the timing of compiling. Before executing an exception handler, it is checked against the table. Execution is passed to the handler only if it matches an entry in the table. SafeSEH only exists in 32-bit applications because 64-bit exception handlers are not stored on the stack. By default, they build a list of valid exception handlers and store it in the file’s PE header.


Preventing SEH exploits in most applications can be achieved by specifying the /SAFESEH compiler switch. When /SAFESEH is specified, the linker will also produce a table of the image’s safe exception handlers. This table specifies for the operating system which exception handlers are valid for the image, removing the ability to overwrite them with arbitrary values. If you want to see how this mitigation technique can be bypassed in real-life, this blog post offers more useful information.



Conclusion


Memory corruption vulnerabilities have plagued software for decades. As mentioned in the beginning, there are multiple mitigation techniques to prevent software exploitation and minimize damage caused by memory corruption bugs. However, those protections are definitely not a “silver bullet” solution for all memory corruption vulnerabilities.


For the developer, this means that no one should not blindly rely on the OS-provided protections. Instead, try to propagate secure coding practices and integrate security toolings like fuzzers and static code analyzers.


Lastly, move to memory-safe languages like Rust, if possible. For the attackers, even if the target application has all available mitigation measures, there may still be ways to bypass those protections.







								

				

							
		

						

						

					

			

						

									
About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
								

					

		

					

		

				

		
		

						

						

					

			

						

									
About Nord Security
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.
								

					

		

					

		

				

		
		

						

						

					

			

						

									
About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.
								

					

		

					

		

				

		

						

					

		

					

		

				

		
   
Optimizing your business IT processes
		

						

						

					

			

						

									
In today’s fast-paced business environment, information technology shapes the way companies operate, compete, and grow. The pace of technological advancements adoption can play a deciding role in a company’s success or failure. However, how this can be achieved within an organization may not always be clear.
For this reason, we’ve invited co-founder and CPO at Kubernetes automation, optimization, security, and cost management platform CAST AI, Laurent Gil. Additionally, our Head of Platform Engineering at NordLayer, Carlos Salas, for his take on improving the current organization’s IT infrastructure.
Let’s take a deep dive into your current IT infrastructure assessment, automation areas identification, the right automation tools selection, its implementation, and the best practices.
Assessing your current IT infrastructure
Laurent Gil shared his valuable insights on how businesses can optimize their IT infrastructure to drive efficiency and productivity. According to him, one crucial step in this process is conducting a comprehensive assessment of your current infrastructure.
“A successful IT optimization strategy always starts with a gaining clarity around the current state of the infrastructure. A thorough assessment helps to identify issues and bottlenecks that are good candidates for automation – and where automation will make the biggest impact. Quick wins are just as important as long-term strategy and keeping your eye on the bigger picture, considering your company’s specific needs and direction.”
Click to tweet
Here’s how your current IT infrastructure could be evaluated in 8 steps:
  1. Define assessment objectives. Assessment objectives can be diverse, and they should focus on particular areas that could use improvements. For some businesses, it may be ironing out security vulnerabilities, while for others, it may be performance improvements. 
  2. Gather information. Regardless of assessment objectives, the next step will always be data collection. This will form a solid foundation for the evaluation process providing useful insights in later steps.
  3. Evaluate your used hardware and software. All used servers, storage devices, routers, switches, as well as operating systems, databases, applications, and security software should be reviewed. Check for potential bottlenecks and clunky setups that are slowing down your operations. 
  4. Perform network checks. Analyze your network topology, bandwidth, and latency. Evaluate your network security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and prevention systems.
  5. Look into data backups and disaster recovery. Verify that your data backup and recovery plans are up-to-date, reliable, and effective. Test your disaster recovery procedures to ensure that they meet your recovery time objectives.
  6. Analyze your security setup. Assess your security policies and procedures, including access controls, authentication, and authorization. Test your security controls to identify weaknesses or gaps.
  7. Consider the IT budget. Evaluate your IT budget and spending to identify areas for improvement or cost savings. Identify potential areas where technology investments can drive business value and growth.
  8. Document your findings. Document your findings and recommendations in a detailed report. This will serve as a reference document providing actionable recommendations for improving your IT infrastructure.
Identifying areas for automation
Findings from the IT infrastructure assessment should help you identify areas that could benefit the most from automation. As different companies have different IT struggles, going through this process should be a highly individualized approach. That said, here are some common areas that could be easily automated.
Data entry and data processing. Routine maintenance tasks like data entry, migration, and validation can be easily automated using macros, scripts, and other robotic processes.
Network and system administration. Tasks like server monitoring, backup, and patch management can be time-consuming and repetitive. Automations enable the creation of templates to perform the tasks identically, leaving less room for human error. In addition, this frees the staff from manual processes allowing them to focus on strategic activities.
Software deployment. Every software deployment instance involves a lot of repetitive tasks to ensure that it’s deployed correctly and without errors. Automating them can help reduce the time and effort required for deployment and improve the reliability of the process.
Customer support. Simple customer support tasks like answering frequently asked questions, providing account information, and processing routine requests can be solved without human involvement. Leveraging chatbots and virtual assistants can combine convenience and efficiency for businesses and their customers.
Choosing automation tools
When it comes to selecting automation tools, Laurent Gil highlights the significance of putting business needs at the forefront.
“I’ve seen the benefits automation can bring to organizations of all sizes firsthand. However, not all automation tools are created equal, and choosing the right one for your business can be a daunting task.
What you need to consider are first and foremost your specific business requirements. Understanding business needs and matching them to the right automation offering ensures that what you invest in represents the best fit for your company.”
Click to tweet
Here’s a brief overview of the approach that businesses can take when selecting automation tools:
Research what’s available on the market 
Clear business objectives and defined areas for improvement will allow you to fill in the gaps with automation tools. This can involve various routes like reviewing industry publications or consulting with vendors directly.
Evaluate select tool features 
Once a list of potential features has been compiled, it’s important to evaluate its features. Depending on needed functionalities, this can involve scalability, customizability or other ease of use adjustments.
Consider integrations
Industry expert and Head of Platform Engineering Carlos Salas highlighted the importance of considering the bigger picture when selecting automation tools, highlighting their interoperability.
“Whatever automation tools you select won’t exist in a vacuum, so thinking about potential integrations with existing systems and processes isn’t a bad idea.”
“Data security is paramount. Before implementing any automation tool, it’s imperative to thoroughly evaluate its capabilities in protecting sensitive information and adhering to established security protocols.”
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This paves the way for seamless automation implementation without hiccups and ensures optimal performance down the line.
Test and trial 
Before making a final decision, businesses should take chosen automation tools for a test drive. Various methods like setting up a proof of concept or pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of the tool in real-world scenarios will help to realistically evaluate its usefulness.
Implementing automation
Implementing business IT automation can be a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some general steps that you can follow to implement business IT automation.
  1. Design the automation process. Start by creating a plan for automation, including a timeline and a list of tasks to be automated. It also helps to break the process into smaller tasks and identify the rules and conditions that must be followed.
  2. Deploy the automation. The exact route of automation deployment will depend on whether it’s an in-house built tool or a third-party provider was chosen. Still, it’s best to test in a production environment initially and, after testing, move on to full-scale implementation.
  3. Train employees. Expect that your workforce will only know how to use it after a while. Expect that there will be a transitionary period during which various training will help staff to familiarize themselves with the tool better.
  4. Evaluate the results. After the automation has been implemented and employees get used to it, it’s worth checking its impact on productivity, efficiency, and accuracy. This information can be highly useful when identifying shortcomings in your current setup as well as planning and identifying new areas for automation.
Best practices for automating IT
To maximize your chances that your automation process goes smoothly, it can be good advice to follow the best industry practices. These include:
Focusing on standardization 
Standardization is critical when it comes to automating IT processes. It also makes it easier to automate routine tasks, reduces the chances of errors, and helps ensure consistency across your IT infrastructure.
Make use of automation platforms
Laurent Gil quote 
According to Laurent Gil, automation platforms have the power to enhance business efficiency and streamline operations.
“Automation platforms enable businesses to accelerate and streamline their workflows and processes. Gone are the days of tedious manual tasks and complex coding requirements. With intuitive dashboards and user-friendly interfaces, these platforms empower users to design, create, and implement automation workflows without the need for in-depth technical expertise. And that’s a very good thing.”
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Gil’s words highlight the significant shift brought about by automation platforms in the business landscape. With these powerful tools at their disposal, organizations of all sizes can leverage automation to optimize their workflows, freeing up valuable time and resources for more strategic endeavors.
Adopt a DevOps approach 
Adopting a DevOps approach to automation can help streamline the IT development and deployment processes. Integrating development and operations teams allows the entire software development lifecycle to be automated. This can help you deliver software faster and with fewer errors.
Involving stakeholders 
Stakeholders are the personnel that the automation process will directly impact. Therefore, their input can help to identify potential pain points in advance. This can lead to more effective automation that addresses real problems and is designed to meet the organization’s specific needs.
Bottom line
Optimizing your business IT requires a systematic approach based on evaluating your current setup. The thorough analysis of the current businesses’ IT environment allows them to identify potential automation areas.
The process is finalized by choosing appropriate automation tools and going through the implementation process. It’s important to consider specific needs, evaluate tool features, integration, and test and try the solutions before fully committing. Automation adoption has the potential to make businesses even better adjusted to the current digital landscape.
								

				

							
		

						

						

					

			

						

									
About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
								

					

		

					

		

				

		
		

						

						

					

			

						

									
About Nord Security
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.
								

					

		

					

		

				

		
		

						

						

					

			

						

									
About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.