Data Security for a Zero-Trust Environment

Based on the pillars discussed in the earlier series posts, nothing changes when approaching data security – we start with knowing what is – at a minimum, organizations need to identify and categorize sensitive, regulated, operationally critical data, etc. Data Labeling and the Categorization of Critical Data Types This process will involve mapping all the…

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Zero-Trust Network Security

The Basics There are some straightforward, yet specific, tool-related recommendations organizations can implement at near zero additional cost to maximize investments already made in their environment. Initially, when folks think about network security for organizations, network appliances like firewalls (FW) come up in conversation. Less commonly discussed is how permissive the FW rules are. Too…

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New Linux Cryptominining Malware Developed with Shc in the Wild

On January 4, 2023, Ahn Lab Security Response Center (ASEC) researchers reported the technical details of a new Linux malware written using Shc delivering a cryptocurrency miner. ASEC researchers assess that the campaign is primarily targeting unspecified systems in South Korea. According to ASEC researchers, the malware authenticates through a dictionary attack on Linux SSH…

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RH-ISAC Adopts TLP 2.0 Standards

The Retail and Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) today announced its adoption of the FIRST Standard Definitions and Usage Guidance — Traffic Light Protocol (TLP) Version 2.0 for sharing information within the organization. As of January 4, 2023, all RH-ISAC intelligence reports, community calls, workshops, and briefings will follow TLP 2.0 standards. The intelligence team will discuss…

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Zero-Trust Access Controls: Trust but Verify

From the onset, access control is the most dynamic pillar in the ZTA implementation process. New accounts need to be created for legitimate business use, accounts likely need varying degrees of access, and account revocation for individual accounts and a mass list is always a concern. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Basics The quest towards…

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Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA): How to Get Started

Now that we have it defined, how do we practically approach the path to zero-trust architecture (ZTA) and why does it matter? Suppose we start the ZTA discussion by agreeing on a standard definition in its simplest form, i.e., limiting the impact of any unauthorized events by design. Many current industry definitions summarize the key…

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APT37 Leverages Internet Explorer Zero-Day to Target South Korean Users

Context APT37 is a known, sophisticated North Korean state-backed actor that has historically leveraged Internet Explorer zero-days to target North Korean defectors, government officials, journalists, and activists in South Korea. Technical Details CVE-2022-41128 was patched by Microsoft on November 8, 2022. According to Microsoft, “this vulnerability requires that a user with an affected version of…

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Zero Trust – A Verb, Not a Noun

I see so many people reference zero trust as a product, something that you achieve simply by plugging it into a network or installing it on a computer, but it is, in fact, quite the contrary. Zero trust is an action, a process in which you deny everything by default and only give access to…

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Sophisticated Campaign Targeting Cryptocurrency Firms

On December 6, 2022, Microsoft researchers reported technical details of a campaign targeting cryptocurrency organizations globally using what they describe as complex tactics. Community Impact Many retail, travel, and hospitality organizations maintain financial relationships with cryptocurrency firms for business reasons or accept cryptocurrency as payment and maintain relationships with organizing firms for financial reasons. As…

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Defining Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) for the Retail and Hospitality Community

Over the last few years, zero trust has become the latest buzzword in the security industry, right up there with digital transformation and shift left. For many, zero trust is seen as a marketing ploy, designed to sell yet another product. For others, zero trust is an abstract ideal with no clear implementation path. In…

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