Defense Unicorns’ Post

One update paralyzed business worldwide Find out how open source can protect you from a similar scenario Today's global Windows systems outage, caused by a faulty update of CrowdStrike's Falcon Sensor antivirus, prompts reflection on the security and reliability of IT systems. This situation highlights a key advantage of open source systems: Code transparency: The community can verify and test changes before implementation. Rapid response: Many experts can immediately identify and fix bugs. Decentralization: Lack of a single point of failure reduces the risk of global downtime. Flexibility: Users can customize systems to their needs and respond to issues more quickly. Independence: Less reliance on a single vendor increases IT infrastructure resilience. While open source systems are not without flaws, their development model and community oversight significantly reduce the risk of such widespread failures. In a world where business continuity is crucial, it's worth considering the benefits of open source solutions as part of an IT strategy to enhance organizational resilience and security. #OpenSource #Cybersecurity #ITInfrastructure #TechResilience #Microsoft #CrowdStrike

😶🌫️Secret of System32: Essential for Windows, but a double-edged sword in the hands of cyber adversaries. 📌The Windows operating system, a cornerstone of personal and professional computing, is underpinned by a myriad of critical files that ensure its seamless operation. Central to this intricate web of files is the System32 directory, a vital component that houses essential system files and libraries. While many users might never interact directly with this directory, for cybersecurity experts and system administrators, understanding the nuances of System32 files is paramount. These files, often overlooked, can be the gateways to vulnerabilities if not properly secured or understood. Sysmon, or System Monitor, is an advanced monitoring tool for Windows that provides real-time surveillance of system activity. As a Windows system service and device driver, Sysmon offers a continuous monitoring mechanism, logging detailed information about process creations, network connections, and file modifications. This granularity of data is a treasure trove for those looking to ensure the security and integrity of their systems. However, the sheer depth and complexity of System32 files, combined with the vast amount of data Sysmon can produce, necessitate a structured and detailed analysis. By delving deep into these components, one can uncover hidden vulnerabilities, understand potential attack vectors, and devise strategies to mitigate threats. In this comprehensive analysis, we aim to demystify the intricacies of the System32 directory, shedding light on its most secretive and crucial files. Concurrently, we will explore the power of Sysmon rules, illustrating how they can be tailored to detect and thwart malicious activities, ensuring a fortified and resilient computing environment. Hadess | حادث #windows #redteam #system32 #privilegeescalation

Engineer Saves the Day Folks do you know that a engineer at Microsoft saves all of the companies... On Good Friday, Andres Freund, a vigilant Microsoft engineer, uncovered malicious code in XZ Utils, a crucial open-source software for Linux systems. This discovery potentially saved global networks from a devastating cyber-attack. While using SSH, Freund noticed unusual sluggishness and, upon investigation, found that recent updates to XZ Utils had been compromised. This supply-chain attack could have broken SSH authentication, providing backdoor access to countless systems worldwide. Freund's quick action and alert to the Open Source Security list highlighted the critical vulnerability and led to swift mitigation efforts. His dedication underscores two vital lessons: 1. Our reliance on inherently insecure technology demands constant vigilance. 2. The essential open-source software we depend on is often maintained by dedicated volunteers, emphasizing the need for better support and resources. This incident is a wake-up call for industries and governments to bolster support for the open-source community and ensure the security of the tools that power our digital world. A heartfelt thank you to Andres Freund for his curiosity and dedication. The world owes him a great deal. Let's raise a glass to him and advocate for stronger cybersecurity measures. #CyberSecurity #OpenSource #TechCommunity #SupplyChainAttack #Vigilance #CyberAwareness

"The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) establishes essential cybersecurity requirements that all businesses and open source communities operating in the EU will have to implement. As the first EU-wide cybersecurity regulation that explicitly defines the separate roles of manufacturers and open source software stewards, it changes the playing field for the collaborative development of open source software and reshapes the relationship between open source foundations and their member companies. Key topics covered by this presentation include who is responsible for being CRA compliant, what the essential requirements and obligations are, and what support the Linux Foundation will provide in the redefined open source software steward role." https://lnkd.in/eqBBFzkm

A couple of weeks ago just as everyone was winding down for Easter… the engineering community was abuzz as Engineer Andres Freund uncovered a malicious code embedded in a package called XZ Utils identified by chance as he looked to find out why his SSH login was running so slowly. XZ Utils is a utility for compressing (and decompressing) data running on the Linux operating system, which for the uninitiated is used across the vast majority of publicly accessible internet servers across the world. Which means that every such machine is running(or could be running)XZ Utils…. Well if you’re really out to do some damage then distributing malicious code via the supply chain is an ideal approach. But this begs a more fundamental question about Open Source Software and the voluntary contributors who are literally keeping entire industries up and running. The malicious code appears to have been generated by an open source contributor, who took over after the previous main contributor decided after many years to take a step back. The business community is complacent about this understanding very little of the complexity of software, the risks of cybersecurity or even just outlining a bit of risk profiling for some catastrophic business scenarios. Insurers may offer you a policy but will they pay a claim? How will you recover your business? What is the risk you can or are prepared to wear? How we support Open Source Software and consider the implications for security cannot be just down to individual contributors and organisations. For CTO’s out there, if you’re not twitching like Herbert Lom in the Pink Panther then you’re not worried enough about cybersecurity. For business leaders who probably think “it’s an IT problem” OMG wake up and pay attention. Solarwinds cyber attack was a lesson in catastrophic damage. Let’s not repeat that again. #cybersecurity #cto #opensourcesoftware https://lnkd.in/e_aH7MsF

**Reminder for Wisconsin: Cybersecurity Grant Application Deadline!** Attention all eligible Wisconsin stakeholders! The deadline for the Cybersecurity Grant Program applications is fast approaching. Suppose you are a local government, tribal nation, school district, or public utility in Wisconsin. In that case, this is your opportunity to secure vital funding to enhance your cybersecurity infrastructure. Visit the official Wisconsin Department of Enterprise Technology website, Cybersecurity Grants, for eligibility details, application guidelines, and to apply. Don’t miss this chance to bolster your defenses and protect your community. Secure your future—apply now! #Cybersecurity #Wisconsin #Grants #LocalGovernment #TribalNations #PublicUtilities #SchoolDistricts #DeadlineReminder

Would you happen to know a System Administrator? Their core functions in a business always occur behind the scenes. System Administrators are the unsung heroes of cybersecurity. With their silent, unwavering expertise, they keep us safe daily. Today is #SysAdminDay. ➡ So be sure to thank your SysAdmin personally If you don't have a SysAdmin, comment in the Oculon Post thread where other SysAdmins will see you appreciate them! #SysadminDay #Cybersecurity #Safetyonline #OnlineSecurity #Businesssecurity #Cyber #Online #Business #Appreciation

"Heroes are not always in capes. Sometimes, they’re behind a computer screen." Ever Thought About Who Keeps Your Systems Running Smoothly? It's Time to Thank Them! 👉 Today is #SysAdminDay 👈 In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, system administrators are the unsung heroes who keep the gears turning smoothly. They ensure our systems are secure, reliable, and efficient. Today, on #SysAdminDay, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to the backbone of Oculon. Your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication are what enable us to provide top-notch cybersecurity services. From managing complex networks to troubleshooting issues at the drop of a hat, your expertise is indispensable. And we want to encourage you to also take a moment today to; ✅ Personally thank your system administrator. ✅ Acknowledge the importance of their role in maintaining operational stability. ✅ Ensure they have the resources and support needed to continue their essential work. It's true that we often overlook the constant vigilance and expertise required to keep our systems secure and efficient. So today, we celebrate you, our amazing SysAdmin. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. P.s: Tag Your SysAdmin in the comments below and join us in thanking them for their unwavering dedication.

In a world where cyber threats loom large, I, Sir. Purple Knight, your Cyber 007, venture boldly into the shadows. I'm on a mission to thwart cyberattackers worldwide before they can infiltrate your hybrid AD environment. Scanning for Indicators of Exposure and Indicators of Compromise, my vulnerability assessment helps you secure your #ActiveDirectory, #AzureAD, and #Okta. Defy cyber espionage https://lnkd.in/e8eqhuz9 #TheRealPurpleKnight

In a world where cyber threats loom large, I, Sir Purple Knight, your Cyber 007, venture boldly into the shadows. I'm on a mission to thwart cyberattackers worldwide before they can infiltrate your hybrid AD environment. Scanning for Indicators of Exposure and Indicators of Compromise, my vulnerability assessment helps you secure your #ActiveDirectory, #AzureAD, and #Okta. Defy cyber espionage https://lnkd.in/gK5tvxw3 #TheRealPurpleKnight