The hottest Cybersecurity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

i-SOON Leak: Unanswered Questions and What Now?

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Chinese hacker groups have historically displayed poor operations security, making mistakes and leaving evidence, despite successfully targeting critical infrastructure.
  2. The leaked i-SOON documents reveal the extensive involvement of private cyber security companies in China, indicating the government's reliance on external expertise.
  3. The effectiveness of the 'name-and-shame' strategy in compelling or deterring behavior of exposed Chinese threat actors appears limited, as seen with cases like Chengdu 404 and Goldsun.

i-SOON: Another Company in the APT41 Network

Natto Thoughts • 219 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. A lawsuit revealed potential business ties between Chengdu 404 linked to APT41 and Sichuan i-SOON, shedding light on the ecosystem of IT companies in which these hackers operate.
  2. Sichuan i-SOON has strong connections with universities, offers training programs, and possesses qualifications to work for state security, raising questions about its potential involvement in APT activities.
  3. The similarities between Sichuan i-SOON and Chengdu 404, along with i-SOON's capabilities in surveillance-related technologies, suggest a possible link to APT41 activities and other Chinese APT groups like RedHotel/Earth Lusca.

CISA and NCSC's Take on Secure AI Development

Resilient Cyber • 179 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. CISA and NCSC released guidelines for secure AI development that focus on unique security risks and the responsibilities of both AI providers and users. It's important for organizations to understand who is responsible for protecting AI systems.
  2. The guidelines emphasize practices like threat modeling and raising awareness of AI risks during the design phase. This helps organizations build secure systems by understanding potential threats upfront.
  3. Security doesn't stop at deployment; ongoing monitoring and incident response are crucial for maintaining safe AI operations. Companies need to keep an eye on how their AI systems behave and be ready to respond to any security incidents.

SBOM Management

Resilient Cyber • 159 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. SBOMs, or Software Bill of Materials, list components of software products. They help organizations know what parts make up their software, which is important for security.
  2. The NSA offers guidelines for managing SBOMs, emphasizing the need for both software suppliers and consumers to take security seriously. Suppliers should be transparent and accountable, while consumers should ensure their suppliers follow good security practices.
  3. Organizations need effective SBOM tools that can manage and analyze software components, detect vulnerabilities, and facilitate easy reporting. These tools should also be user-friendly to help teams work efficiently.
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Round-Up of Embedded World 2024

burkhardstubert • 59 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Software updates are important for devices, and using smaller application updates instead of large full updates can save time and bandwidth. It's a smart way to keep devices running smoothly.
  2. Manufacturers need to focus on creating simple, secure solutions for managing software updates and cryptographic keys to comply with new regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
  3. New companies like QBee and Crypto Quantique are developing innovative tools for secure OTA updates, which help manufacturers manage their devices more effectively and meet security standards.

AI and child safety

Tech + Regulation • 59 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. The internet was not originally designed to be safe for kids, but improvements have been made over the years. Now, with new technology like generative AI, there's a chance to build better protections for children right from the start.
  2. Generative AI poses new risks for kids, especially with issues like deepfake pornography. These risks can lead to harmful impacts on their mental health and safety, as they might encounter misleading or abusive content online.
  3. Organizations like NCMEC play a crucial role in reporting and managing child exploitation content online, but they are underfunded. New laws need to ensure that these organizations receive the necessary resources to effectively combat these growing threats.

AI safety is not a model property

AI Snake Oil • 796 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. AI safety is not a property of AI models, but depends heavily on the context and environment in which the AI system is deployed.
  2. Efforts to fix AI safety solely at the model level are limited, as misuses can still occur since models lack necessary context for decision-making.
  3. Defenses against AI model misuse should focus primarily outside models, on attack surfaces like email scanners and URL blacklists, and red teaming should shift towards early warning of adversary capabilities.

CISA - Secure Software Development Attestation Final Form

Resilient Cyber • 79 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. CISA has released a final form for secure software development that vendors need to follow to sell software to the Federal government. This means companies must prove their software is developed with important security practices.
  2. The attestation form applies to software developed or significantly changed after September 14, 2022, making it crucial for many vendors. This rule covers popular Software as a Service (SaaS) products as well.
  3. Not all software is included; for example, software created directly by Federal agencies and open-source software is exempt. This leaves some gaps in security measures that need attention, especially for software that might still pose risks.

i-SOON Operations: A View from Kazakhstan

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Cybersecurity
  1. The leaked materials from Chinese information security company i-SOON exposed cyber-vulnerabilities in Kazakhstan and highlighted the country's strategic importance to China in terms of economy and politics.
  2. Kazakh non-governmental cybersecurity experts criticize the government's cybersecurity efforts, pointing out weaknesses in infrastructure and the need for a separate, independent agency responsible for cybersecurity.
  3. Official responses from Kazakhstan avoid directly naming China in connection to the cyber-attacks, opting for diplomatic language and acknowledging foreign hacker activity without outright accusing a specific country.

Security by design is hard

Frankly Speaking • 355 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Security by design is a good idea but hard to implement. Most companies prioritize speed over security, treating security as an afterthought.
  2. Many existing cybersecurity solutions focus on adding security measures after a product is built instead of integrating it from the start.
  3. Tools like Pangea help address security issues early in product development, making it easier for developers to implement security as they build.

These 7 Software Engineering Skills Give You an Unfair Advantage

Brain Bytes • 119 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  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.

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

Natto Thoughts • 99 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  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.

DevEx: Better than an ExDev (And your Ex)

Permit.io’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Developer experience (DevEx) is really important because it helps developers focus on building great apps while also handling security tasks more smoothly.
  2. It's crucial to make security features easy to use so that everyone involved, from developers to non-technical users, can manage permissions and access without problems.
  3. A successful approach to DevEx considers the whole development process, ensuring security practices are integrated naturally into workflows from start to finish.

Short Takes #1

Am I Stronger Yet? • 125 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. AI is changing cybersecurity, but it’s hard to predict how it will affect us. Experts are discussing the right questions to understand its impact.
  2. Meta AI is possibly having a bigger influence than we think, especially in emerging economies. Many people are using it regularly in their daily apps.
  3. AI models are evolving, and their new skills might bring both benefits and risks. There’s a growing concern that they could share harmful information as they get smarter.

Unleashing LLMs in Cybersecurity: A Playbook for All Industries

Gradient Flow • 259 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) are gaining interest in various industries, especially in cybersecurity, and can be used as a playbook for implementation in other domains.
  2. Custom LLMs can be created for cybersecurity applications, leading to potential advancements like specialized chatbots and content generation for enhanced security measures.
  3. LLMs are transforming automation processes in cybersecurity, offering improved accuracy and convenience, and displaying potential for impact across multiple industries through domain-specific adaptations.

OWASP LLM AI Cybersecurity & Governance Checklist

Resilient Cyber • 79 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Organizations need to understand the unique risks of using Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI, and they should create clear strategies for managing these risks.
  2. Having an AI asset inventory is crucial so that companies know what AI tools they are using and who is responsible for them.
  3. Safety training for employees on AI tools can help prevent misuse and create a culture of transparency within the organization.

Security is Not an SBOM Problem

Security Is • 39 implied HN points • 15 May 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. A Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) lists all the components in software, which can help in understanding security risks but isn't a magic fix for vulnerabilities.
  2. The real issue with fixing vulnerabilities isn't about having information; it's about how hard and complicated it is to apply patches to software.
  3. While SBOMs are getting a lot of hype, they mostly offer a new format for existing information and may not change how organizations manage security vulnerabilities.

Defending CI/CD Environments - The NSA/CISA Way

Resilient Cyber • 299 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. CI/CD environments are crucial for the development and delivery of software, but they can also be targeted by hackers. It's important to secure these systems to prevent attacks.
  2. The NSA and CISA have released guidelines that offer best practices for protecting CI/CD pipelines. Using existing frameworks and tools can help improve security effectively.
  3. Transitioning to a Zero Trust model is recommended to enhance security in software development. This approach minimizes risks by ensuring that all access is restricted and monitored.

ByteDance gets Suxtnet'd, Taiwan Healthcare and Internet Democracy

ChinaTalk • 355 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. An intern at ByteDance caused major damage by sabotaging AI training, affecting thousands of GPUs and potentially costing millions. This highlights possible gaps in the company's security.
  2. Taiwan has a highly praised healthcare system, often ranked as the best in the world. It's seen as a model that could inspire others.
  3. The internet acts as a powerful platform for democracy in China. Victims often turn to it when traditional systems fail to provide justice.

Resilient Cyber Newsletter #3

Resilient Cyber • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. There is no clear standard for 'reasonable' cybersecurity in the U.S., making it hard to hold organizations accountable for data breaches. This means it's important to define what basic security should look like.
  2. The role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) is evolving and there's discussion about possibly splitting their responsibilities. However, many believe that a strong CISO needs both technical skills and business understanding to be effective.
  3. Supply chain attacks are growing and affecting numerous organizations and open-source projects. This highlights the need for better security practices since many important projects are maintained by volunteers and are often under-resourced.

Are We Ever Going to War with China?

OK Doomer • 94 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cybersecurity
  1. The U.S.-China relationship is very uncertain, with American leaders often changing their views on cooperation and conflict. One minute they discuss partnership, the next they're talking about military actions.
  2. China is actively trying to weaken the U.S. by restricting access to important materials that America relies on for manufacturing. This shift in strategy shows how both countries are playing a complicated game with their economies.
  3. Despite the threat of war, many leaders seem more focused on profits and tech developments rather than addressing global issues like climate change.

Top 10 Cybersecurity Misconfigurations

Resilient Cyber • 179 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Many data breaches happen because of misconfigurations. This means that fixing these issues is often more important than just finding software vulnerabilities.
  2. Organizations need to regularly update their software and manage user privileges better. This can help prevent attackers from taking advantage of weak points in the system.
  3. Monitoring network activity is crucial. Without it, businesses may not realize they are being attacked and might suffer more damage.

If You Want Good, Prepare for Evil

Earthly Fortunes • 176 implied HN points • 08 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Threat modeling is essential in cyber-security to build defense against evil.
  2. Avoid extreme mindsets and focus on practical, realistic approaches in threat modeling.
  3. Hyperboles, speculations, and strong emotions detract from effective threat modeling in cyber-security.

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

Zero Day • 1161 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  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.

The Psychology of Phishing

Rod’s Blog • 79 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  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.

A look at the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) 3.0

Resilient Cyber • 219 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. EPSS 3.0 helps security teams focus on the vulnerabilities that are most likely to be exploited soon. This makes managing vulnerabilities easier and more efficient.
  2. Many organizations struggle to fix all their vulnerabilities and often end up wasting time on those that are rarely exploited. EPSS aims to change that by identifying threats more accurately.
  3. The new version of EPSS shows a big improvement in predicting which vulnerabilities are at risk. This means companies can spend less time on unimportant issues and focus on what really matters.

Counter Points for January 10, 2024

Bad News • 98 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. The SEC's twitter account hack caused chaos in the crypto markets due to lack of two-factor authorization.
  2. Always enable two-factor authorization on your accounts for better security.
  3. Consider subscribing to Ryan Grim's Counter Points for more insights and updates.

There are different types of security organizations, and that's ok

Frankly Speaking • 203 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. There are many kinds of security organizations, and it's important to recognize that they each manage risks differently. This means not all tools will work for every organization.
  2. The cybersecurity industry has too many tools, which can create confusion and ineffective security management. Instead of just buying tools, companies should focus on building talent and critical thinking skills.
  3. Different businesses face different security risks, so their security needs should vary too. Tools should be tailored to meet these specific needs rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.

Beware: The Christmas Voicemail

Who is Robert Malone • 19 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. AI voice cloning technology is now easy to access and can create fake voice calls quickly. This makes it simpler for scammers to trick people using voices they recognize.
  2. Scammers are using these advanced techniques to impersonate loved ones or trusted figures, often in urgent situations, to steal money. It's important to check if a call is real before sending money.
  3. To protect yourself, use a code word with family, keep your voice private online, and be skeptical about urgent money requests. Education about these risks is crucial, especially for older people.

One AI-generated human race, part II

Conspirador Norteño • 16 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. A coordinated TikTok spam network of at least 76 accounts posts highly repetitive AI-generated videos of nonexistent people, and many clips show obvious AI glitches.
  2. The network’s content has broadened from friendly messages to recurring themes like romantic couple scenes, dating prompts, and staged emergency workers, all using similar fake people and backgrounds.
  3. Many accounts later pivot to commercial spam—mainly dietary supplements in English and Spanish with Paid Partnership labels—suggesting the AI videos were used to farm engagement before trying to monetize.

Transaction Bumping

Bram’s Thoughts • 137 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Transaction bumping is a form of attack in the Bitcoin network involving fee manipulation.
  2. In Chia network, conventional mempool behavior is already defending well against transaction bumping attacks.
  3. There are practical difficulties and complexities involved in executing transaction bumping attacks in practice.

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.

What vulnerabilities were malicious actors focused on in 2022?

Resilient Cyber • 199 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. Malicious actors focused heavily on Microsoft vulnerabilities in 2022, highlighting the importance for organizations to stay updated with security patches.
  2. Vendors and developers should identify often exploited vulnerabilities and hold business leaders responsible for security practices.
  3. End-user organizations need to enforce strong security measures, like multi-factor authentication, and continuously monitor their systems to protect against possible threats.

Software Liability for Armchair Quaterbacks

Cybersect • 78 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  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.

AI Roundup 144: Agentic espionage

Artificial Ignorance • 25 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity
  1. AI is being used in new ways, like for cyberattacks, which shows how powerful it has become. This also raises concerns about its safety and the need for better defenses.
  2. Major tech companies are taking different paths in the AI race. Some focus on quick profits while others invest heavily for long-term growth.
  3. The AI industry is facing challenges, including rising skepticism from investors and regulatory changes. This could affect how companies operate and develop their technologies.