Tales from the Cloud Trenches

Source In a recent threat hunt, Datadog Security Labs uncovered sophisticated attacker activity stemming from a leaked, long-term AWS access key (AKIA*). Within a mere 150-minute window, five distinct IP addresses were observed attempting to leverage this compromised key, executing various malicious techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTPs). This incident brought to light several previously unreported Read More …

CAA – Certification Authority Authorization

A CAA record is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) record that helps improve the security of a domain by specifying which certificate authorities (CAs) are allowed to issue SSL/TLS certificates for that domain. To understand this better, let’s break it down: What is DNS? DNS is like the phonebook of the internet. It Read More …

ENIAD – Endpoint, Network, Identity, Application, Data

Overview of ENIAD The ENIAD framework provides a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity by focusing on five critical areas that organizations must protect to ensure a robust security posture. Each component addresses specific aspects of security, enabling organizations to detect, respond to, and mitigate threats effectively. 1. Endpoint Endpoints refer to devices that connect to the Read More …

SID – Security Identifier

A Security Identifier (SID) is a unique, variable-length alphanumeric string assigned by an operating system (OS), like Windows, to every security principal. A security principal can be a user, group, computer, or process that can be authenticated by the OS. SIDs are fundamental to how these systems manage access to resources. Here’s a more detailed Read More …

The Open-Source Arsenal of Ivanti CSA Attackers

Recent forensic investigations by Synacktiv’s CSIRT have shed light on the common open-source tools leveraged by threat actors in incidents stemming from compromised Ivanti Cloud Services Appliance (CSA) devices. While initial access often exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in Ivanti CSA (CVE-2024-8963, CVE-2024-8190, CVE-2024-9380, CVE-2024-9379), subsequent attack stages frequently utilized publicly available, and sometimes “noisy,” tools for Read More …

Conference Video – Fundamentals – Distressingly Overlooked – David Elfering

In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), the fundamentals of cybersecurity remain critically important for IT professionals. As organizations integrate AI technologies into their operations, the attack surface expands, creating new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cyber criminals. Understanding core cybersecurity principles—such as risk management, threat detection, and incident response—enables IT teams Read More …

Notes :: Parallel Processing & Parallel Databases

At its core, parallel processing is about breaking down a large, complex task into smaller, manageable sub-tasks that can be executed simultaneously across multiple processing units or nodes. Think of it like a team project where different members tackle different parts of the assignment at the same time, leading to much quicker completion than if Read More …

DLP – Data Loss Prevention

In today’s digital world, protecting sensitive information is more critical than ever. One of the key strategies organizations use to safeguard their data is through Data Loss Prevention (DLP). This article will explain what DLP is, how it works, and why it is essential for anyone interested in information security. What is DLP? Data Loss Read More …

Tools – BlackCat: Azure Security Validation

For those stepping into the dynamic field of information security, staying abreast of new tools and methodologies is crucial. One such tool gaining traction, particularly for professionals working within Microsoft Azure environments, is “BlackCat.” Developed by ‘azurekid,’ BlackCat is a PowerShell module designed to help validate and enhance the security posture of Azure deployments. What Read More …

ACE – Access Control Entries

The Building Blocks of Permissions In the realm of Identity and Access Management, controlling who can access what is paramount. While Access Control Lists (ACLs) provide the structure for managing permissions, the individual permissions themselves are defined within Access Control Entries (ACEs). Understanding ACEs is crucial for IT students to grasp the fine-grained control that Read More …