The hottest Cybersecurity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Are You Considering a Career Pivot into the Security of AI?

Rod’s Blog • 357 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Career development Ethics Innovation
  1. Considering a career pivot into the security of AI can be a valuable choice to make a positive impact on society.
  2. Having an interest in technology's implications, experience in various tech projects, and awareness of technology's consequences are good reasons to pursue AI security.
  3. Opportunities in AI security offer potential for career growth, impact, and contribution to shaping a safer, ethical, and beneficial AI future.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: How to Detect and Mitigate Denial of Service Attacks with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 734 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Threat intelligence Incident Management
  1. Denial of service (DoS) attacks aim to overwhelm a system with traffic, rendering it inaccessible. Robust security operations center capabilities are crucial for detecting and mitigating these attacks effectively.
  2. Microsoft Sentinel offers tools like analytics rules, incident management, and threat intelligence integration for detecting and responding to DoS attacks in real-time.
  3. To mitigate DoS attacks, organizations can leverage network traffic monitoring, DDoS protection integration, and incident response playbooks offered by Microsoft Sentinel.

The Future of XDR in 2024: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Rod’s Blog • 317 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Privacy
  1. XDR trends include the growing use of ML/AI-powered XDR services to enhance detection and response capabilities, rising deployment of MXDR solutions for SMEs, and adoption of XDR in SecOps for improved security operations.
  2. Key challenges of XDR are lack of standardization and clarity in definition and implementation, integration and interoperability issues with existing security solutions, and privacy and compliance concerns with data collection and sharing.
  3. Opportunities with XDR include enhanced security posture and performance, innovation and differentiation for providers and users, and growth and expansion into new markets and segments for scalability and flexibility.

Look out! Hackers are coming for your travel account

Elliott Confidential • 137 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Travel Online Services Data Privacy Authentication
  1. Use two-factor authentication and authenticator apps to protect your online travel accounts from hackers.
  2. Enable login notifications and maximize security settings on platforms to monitor any unauthorized access to your accounts.
  3. Avoid using simple or repeated passwords, practice safe Wi-Fi usage, and be cautious of urgent emails or suspicious links to prevent hacking incidents.
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Block AI tools from scraping your site in 3 minutes

Deploy Securely • 216 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Web scraping Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Compliance
  1. Block major generative AI tools from scraping your website by adding specific directives to your robots.txt file.
  2. Consider modifying your site's terms and conditions to prevent undesired activities like scraping by AI tools.
  3. Blocking AI tools may impact your search and social media rankings, so find a balance between cybersecurity and potential repercussions.

ChinAI #252: The Top 10 Events of Internet Governance in China from 2023

ChinAI Newsletter • 157 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Internet Governance Cybersecurity Data Management
  1. National Data Administration in China started coordinating data infrastructure construction in 2023.
  2. China took significant actions in internet governance, such as fines on financial platforms and AI-generated content regulations.
  3. Important events included new regulations on cyberviolence management and the first AI text-to-image infringement case in China.

The Essential Cybersecurity Skillsets for 2024

Rod’s Blog • 257 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Skills Certifications Professional development Books
  1. Cybersecurity professionals should have curiosity and critical thinking skills to question and understand cyber events.
  2. A strong technical foundation in IT, cybersecurity, and cybercrime is crucial for protecting digital assets.
  3. Cybersecurity professionals need impactful problem-solving abilities to make a difference in people's lives by safeguarding their data and privacy.

The Offense-Defense Balance Rarely Changes

Maximum Progress • 294 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity AI Impact
  1. The offense-defense balance in technology, like cybersecurity, has remained stable despite technological advancements.
  2. Historical evidence shows that major technological revolutions have not significantly shifted the offense-defense balance.
  3. The distinction between attackers and defenders is not always clear in practice, impacting the balance of power in offense and defense.

Software Maker 3CX Was Compromised in First-of-its-Kind Threaded Supply-Chain Hack

Zero Day • 1139 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Supply Chain Malware
  1. Hackers compromised a software maker by embedding malware in another company's program, leading to a chain of infections.
  2. This breach shows the potential for threaded supply-chain hacks to infect multiple software suppliers and customers.
  3. Financially motivated North Korean hackers were behind the attack on 3CX and it's recommended that compromised software be deleted immediately.

Insomniac breach

SuperJoost Playlist • 216 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Data Breach Cybersecurity Tech industry Software Development
  1. The business of hacking video game publishers is growing, with recent incidents showing flaws in hackers' business fundamentals.
  2. Hacking video game companies does not always result in financial gain for the hackers, as evidenced by unsuccessful attempts to sell stolen data.
  3. Leaking information about upcoming video games may actually generate more excitement and interest in the games rather than spoil the experience for players.

When “Volt Typhoon” Blows Over: Cases of China’s Offensive Cyber Operation

Natto Thoughts • 99 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Espionage Ransomware
  1. China's state-backed cyber threat group Volt Typhoon is targeting critical infrastructure in the US, showing a shift from espionage to preparing for destructive cyberattacks.
  2. Chinese cyber campaigns have evolved to focus on offensive operations like disrupting or destroying target organizations, in addition to traditional cyber espionage.
  3. China's interest in offensive cyber operations has been growing since at least 2000, involving the integration of military, government, and private sector resources to build offensive cyber capabilities.

SEC Targets SolarWinds' CISO for Rare Legal Action Over Russian Hack

Zero Day • 839 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
💼 Business Legal action Cybersecurity Corporate Governance
  1. The SEC has sent notices to SolarWinds' employees over potential legal action related to the Russian hack.
  2. Receiving Wells notices is rare, especially for a CISO, and can lead to penalties and restrictions on future roles.
  3. SEC is expanding its focus on cybersecurity breaches and companies may face consequences for misleading disclosures or failing to address vulnerabilities.

The Psychology of Phishing

Rod’s Blog • 79 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Social Engineering
  1. Phishing attacks work by exploiting human psychology, using tactics like fear, urgency, and authority to manipulate targets into taking actions that compromise their security.
  2. Attackers make phishing emails appear legitimate by mimicking trusted brands and official language, leveraging social cues to deceive individuals into trusting them.
  3. To protect against phishing, individuals should cultivate skepticism, verify requests for sensitive information, and educate themselves and others about recognizing phishing attempts.

How Volexity Discovered the SolarWinds Hacking Campaign

Zero Day • 899 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Volexity discovered a sophisticated hacking group named Dark Halo inside a U.S. think tank's network during incident-response.
  2. The hackers used a backdoor in the organization's Microsoft Exchange server and bypassed the Duo multi-factor authentication system.
  3. Volexity suspected the hackers gained access to the network through a backdoor in the SolarWinds software, which was later confirmed by security firm Mandiant.

These 7 Software Engineering Skills Give You an Unfair Advantage

Brain Bytes • 119 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Cybersecurity Automation Version Control Cloud Computing
  1. Thinking like a hacker helps in identifying and fixing security flaws before they are exploited, crucial in today's cybersecurity landscape.
  2. Understanding different devices through cross-platform critical thinking gives a competitive edge and promotes reusability of business logic.
  3. Scripting and automation for repetitive tasks enhances productivity by ensuring consistency, accuracy, and freeing up time for more complex work.

The Best Skillsets to Learn in 2024 to Use Microsoft Security Copilot Effectively

Rod’s Blog • 178 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity Microsoft Learning Resources Community
  1. To effectively use Microsoft Security Copilot in 2024, you should focus on developing skills in natural language processing, cybersecurity fundamentals, and familiarity with Microsoft security products.
  2. Learning through resources like Microsoft Learn, blogs, podcasts, online communities, tools, and events can enhance your understanding and usage of Microsoft Security Copilot.
  3. Microsoft Security Copilot leverages generative AI to aid security professionals in incident response, threat hunting, intelligence gathering, and posture management, requiring a blend of technical and non-technical skills.

Self-Awareness: One Key to Cybersecurity and Asset Protection

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Self-awareness Skills Development
  1. Self-awareness is vital for cybersecurity and asset protection as it helps recognize and avoid cyber threats, follow best practices, report incidents, and communicate effectively.
  2. Developing self-awareness is a skill that can be improved over time with practice and intention through assessments, feedback, reflection, goal-setting, mindfulness, and seeking new challenges.
  3. Enhancing self-awareness not only strengthens protection against cyber risks but also fosters personal and professional growth, benefiting oneself and others.

How to avoid falling for deepfake scams

TechTalks • 78 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Don't panic about recent deepfake scams without more details on the case.
  2. The threat of deepfake scams is rising, so you should know how to safeguard yourself.
  3. Reining in instincts, using alternative communication channels, and verifying AI-generated material can protect you from deepfake scams.

Software Liability for Armchair Quaterbacks

Cybersect • 78 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Engineering Regulation
  1. Armchair experts in both football and software development have strong opinions without real expertise.
  2. Software bugs are complex and not solely due to moral weakness, but rather the inherent difficulty of preventing them.
  3. Proposed software regulations may not improve cybersecurity but instead burden smaller companies and benefit larger corporations.

StackAware and Mithril Security: making private AI a reality

Deploy Securely • 117 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity Privacy Data Management Artificial Intelligence
  1. Mithril Security offers tools for securing sensitive AI deployments.
  2. StackAware assists companies in managing risks related to cybersecurity, compliance, and privacy in AI deployments.
  3. Partnership between StackAware and Mithril Security combines expertise in AI threats and confidential AI for secure deployments.

AI in the Wrong Hands

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity Ethics
  1. The misuse of AI technology for malicious purposes is a concerning issue due to its potential to cause harm through deepfake videos, social media manipulation, cyberattacks, and surveillance.
  2. AI, though beneficial in various industries, can pose significant risks when in the wrong hands, leading to the creation of deceptive content, spread of hate speech, incitement of violence, and cyber breaches.
  3. Subscribing to Rod's Blog provides access to more insights on the dangers of AI falling into the wrong hands and empowers readers to stay informed on this critical topic.

Danny Hillis On ZPR

News Items • 314 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Internet Security Cybersecurity Data Protection Innovation
  1. Danny Hillis designed the Connection Machine supercomputer based on the structure of the human brain, with a unique architecture that allowed for fast data processing.
  2. Hillis has shifted his focus to internet security, leading a team to develop ZPR (Zero-trust Packet Routing) to make data more secure by requiring packets to carry digital passports for verification.
  3. If widely adopted, ZPR could improve cybersecurity, protect sensitive data, and make the world's economy more secure by reducing the impact of cyberattacks.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: Detecting and Mitigating Spear Phishing with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Cloud Computing Data Analysis Automation Best Practices
  1. Spear phishing is a serious cyber-attack that targets specific individuals or organizations. Microsoft Sentinel's tools can help detect and prevent these types of threats.
  2. Microsoft Sentinel allows for the creation of custom analytics rules based on KQL queries to identify potential spear phishing activities. This helps in early detection of threats.
  3. Automation and playbooks in Microsoft Sentinel enable immediate responses like blocking URLs or initiating password resets upon detecting a spear phishing attempt.

ITDR vs XDR

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Comparison Benefits
  1. ITDR focuses on integrating security tools within the IT environment, while XDR extends to sources beyond IT like cloud and mobile.
  2. ITDR can help reduce complexity and cost by providing a unified platform, while XDR may require more resources and expertise to implement and maintain.
  3. ITDR can improve threat detection and response efficiency, while XDR enables more proactive security measures and a comprehensive view of the threat landscape.

AI's Impact on Cybersecurity

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Cybersecurity
  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, both increasing threats and enhancing defenses against cyberattacks.
  2. AI-powered hacking tools automate attacks at a large scale, evolving to outsmart traditional security measures, requiring organizations to constantly improve their defenses.
  3. One common AI-powered cyber threat is the use of machine learning algorithms for spear-phishing attacks, creating personalized and convincing phishing emails that are challenging to distinguish from legitimate communications.