The hottest Information Security Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
lcamtuf’s thing 8774 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. Many companies don't prioritize hiring security teams until after a major security incident happens. This means their first security personnel often lack experience to build strong security programs.
  2. Over time, security teams can become rigid and focused on their own tasks rather than aligning with broader business goals. This may lead to them missing urgent risks.
  3. When a major breach occurs, it can finally highlight the weaknesses in security strategies. This often leads to a change in team structure and a chance to improve communication within the company.
Frankly Speaking 152 implied HN points 14 Jan 25
  1. Focusing on better detection engineering is key in security operations. It helps identify threats more effectively rather than just automating processes.
  2. Many traditional security operations centers (SOCs) may not be necessary for most companies. Smaller, more efficient models or managed detection services can be better alternatives.
  3. The future of SOCs is likely to involve fewer human analysts and more automation, emphasizing custom detections that fit the specific needs of a business.
One Useful Thing 1227 implied HN points 06 Jan 24
  1. AI development is happening faster than expected, with estimates of AI beating humans at all tasks shifting to 2047 from 2060 in just one year.
  2. AI is already impacting work by boosting performance, particularly for lower performers, and excelling in some tasks while struggling in others.
  3. AI is altering the truth through deepfakes, convincing AI-generated images, and advancements in completing CAPTCHAs and sending convincing emails.
Security Is 59 implied HN points 29 May 24
  1. Many security controls are useless, wasting resources and time. It's crucial to understand why you're implementing a control to avoid just following the crowd.
  2. If you can't explain why a security control is needed in a simple way, it's likely not very useful. Good controls should have clear reasons behind them.
  3. Wasting time on unnecessary controls can harm everyone in the industry. Focus on meaningful security measures to make better use of limited resources.
Security Is 39 implied HN points 19 Jun 24
  1. Most breaches are due to simple mistakes, like employees accidentally sending confidential info to the wrong place. Security teams need to focus on basic issues before tackling more complex problems.
  2. A large portion of breaches starts with phishing or stolen credentials. Companies should invest more in security measures like multi-factor authentication and employee training to lessen these risks.
  3. Generative AI hasn't impacted security breaches significantly yet. Most attackers are still using traditional methods, and no one seems to be targeting AI systems directly.
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Resilient Cyber 259 implied HN points 27 Sep 23
  1. Software supply chain attacks are increasing, making it essential for organizations to protect their software development processes. Companies are looking for ways to secure their software from these attacks.
  2. NIST has issued guidance to help organizations improve software supply chain security, especially in DevSecOps and CI/CD environments. Following NIST's recommendations can help mitigate risks and ensure safer software delivery.
  3. The complexity of modern software environments makes security challenging. It's important for organizations to implement strict security measures throughout the development lifecycle to prevent attacks and ensure the integrity of their software.
Security Is 39 implied HN points 15 May 24
  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.
Resilient Cyber 299 implied HN points 29 Jun 23
  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.
Resilient Cyber 99 implied HN points 07 Mar 23
  1. Using SAST tools helps find security problems in an app's code. It's important to have tools that are easy to use and can be customized based on your needs.
  2. Threat modeling is about figuring out what security risks exist and how likely they are to happen. It helps you focus on the most important threats to your applications.
  3. Combining SAST and threat modeling makes both methods stronger. By knowing your threats, you can use SAST better to fix specific vulnerabilities in your software.
Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique 39 implied HN points 03 Apr 23
  1. The new Russian doctrine emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence and information security.
  2. Russia views cyber/information operations as tools that can provoke coups or wars.
  3. Russia aims to protect its society from external influence and is prepared to retaliate against threats using various means.
Rod’s Blog 39 implied HN points 08 Jun 23
  1. The Defender for Cloud Learn Doc now has its own RSS feed, granting users the ability to get notified about updates easily.
  2. Despite this improvement, not all pages on learn.microsoft.com have RSS feeds yet, so users still have to monitor some sections manually.
  3. Other Microsoft pages also have their own RSS feeds, showing an effort to provide users with up-to-date information through various channels.
Pea Bee 3 HN points 28 May 23
  1. Data theft incidents in India involved large-scale theft of data from major companies like Facebook, Amazon, Big Basket, and others.
  2. Social media marketing experts in India were found selling personal user data of millions of Indians through Google Drive links.
  3. There is a widespread network of individuals reselling databases in India, with concerns about the security and confidentiality of personal information.
Boring AppSec 2 HN points 30 May 23
  1. Degrading user experience to enhance security can harm both aspects.
  2. Considering unintended consequences of design choices is crucial for all engineering disciplines, including security.
  3. Tradeoffs between usability and security can lead to negative impacts on password strength, user behavior, and session management.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 19 implied HN points 17 Jul 07
  1. Authentication is the first step in the security realm, involving proving if you are who you claim to be through factors like something you have, something you are, something you know, or something you trust.
  2. Using multi-factor authentication, especially two or three factors, enhances security by requiring multiple types of proof for identity verification.
  3. Security measures in authentication should balance safety and convenience, as perfect security doesn't exist. Implementing n-factor authentication beyond three can become too inconvenient.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 09 Oct 12
  1. The author attended ekoparty 2012 to present the CRIME attack. This presentation was a success and received positive feedback.
  2. The conference had various activities including a CTF team area, a retro computer exhibit, and even a lock-picking demonstration.
  3. The author reflected on the presentation, noting the need for better preparation in the future to ensure a successful live demo.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 17 Jul 07
  1. Cyber criminals in Vietnam are easy to catch and difficult to handle due to their use of basic tools and techniques.
  2. Law enforcement agencies can recover deleted data from hard drives, even after common operations like formatting or partitioning.
  3. Many Vietnamese hackers are young and inexperienced, often underestimating the consequences of their actions.
The Digital Anthropologist 0 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. Stone and paper may endure longer than digital storage. Our digital memories are fragile and could be lost in the future.
  2. Our current Digital Age might leave a gap in history for future historians and archaeologists to wonder about.
  3. Technological advancements may lead to storing information in DNA, potentially changing how future generations understand humanity.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 10 Jul 20
  1. Workshops on internet safety can face unexpected challenges like power outages or security concerns.
  2. Basic internet safety includes understanding common hacking reasons, dispelling misconceptions, and following risk-reducing behaviors.
  3. Engaging with experts in Q&A sessions can provide valuable insights on protecting devices and accounts from cyber threats.
CyberSecurityMew 0 implied HN points 18 Apr 23
  1. Antira Technology raised a A+ round of funding from Everest.VC and Glory Ventures, indicating confidence in the company and its growth potential.
  2. The company, founded in 2011 in Beijing, focuses on providing professional security services with offensive and defensive capabilities in the evolving information security landscape.
  3. Antira Technology's innovative approach to security, beyond 'attack surface management,' includes a new concept of being 'a risk manager in the digital world' based on measuring changes in defense targets.
CyberSecurityMew 0 implied HN points 11 Sep 23
  1. Hangzhou PQCTech completed a Series A financing round worth tens of millions of yuan, led by Haiyue Asset Management and with participation from other investors like Yuhang Guotou and Gingko Capital.
  2. The company focuses on post-quantum cryptography and high-performance national cryptographic libraries, aiming to advance new cryptographic products.
  3. Hangzhou PQCTech develops quantum-resistant cryptographic services for various sectors like national defense, government, finance, and energy, ensuring cybersecurity in the quantum era.
Fight to Repair 0 implied HN points 09 Mar 21
  1. The interview on The Hacker Mind podcast discussed the importance of the right to repair movement and its potential impact on the future of the Internet of Things.
  2. The conversation highlighted the goals and objectives of the right to repair movement, as well as the role of organizations like SecuRepairs.org in advocating for right to repair legislation.
  3. The podcast episode featured insights from a knowledgeable journalist and author, Robert Vamosi, who has expertise in privacy implications of technology and the risks associated with the Internet of Things.
Resilient Cyber 0 implied HN points 22 Nov 22
  1. Software supply chain security is becoming more important due to recent cybersecurity incidents. Developers, suppliers, and customers all play key roles in keeping software secure.
  2. Using secure development practices, like threat modeling and regular security testing, helps prevent vulnerabilities from being introduced. It's crucial to have proper processes and training for developers.
  3. Organizations should verify third-party components and ensure a secure build environment to avoid compromising software. Having clear policies and tools in place can significantly reduce the risk of software supply chain attacks.
Apple Wire 0 implied HN points 03 Jul 24
  1. CocoaPods, a tool used by many Apple apps, has serious security flaws that could let hackers inject harmful code into millions of apps. This is a big issue because it affects about 3 million applications.
  2. The vulnerabilities allow attackers to access sensitive information on users' devices, like private messages and medical info. This shows how valuable open-source code can be when it's not properly secured.
  3. It's important for developers to be cautious about third-party code and regularly check their dependencies. They should make sure they're using well-maintained libraries and avoid unclaimed or orphaned code to keep their apps safe.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 01 May 18
  1. A data breach of VNG exposed around 160 million accounts, including sensitive information like passwords and personally identifiable information (PII) like names, birthdates, emails, phone numbers, and more.
  2. The breached data was poorly protected, with passwords stored in an easily crackable format, allowing for over 124 million accounts to be decrypted in just two days using basic software on a standard laptop.
  3. The impact of such breaches can be severe, as many individuals use the same password across multiple accounts, making them vulnerable to further security risks if exposed in one breach.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 02 Aug 16
  1. Invest in building a team of highly skilled cybersecurity experts as the key to ensuring national cybersecurity.
  2. Enhance cybersecurity education in schools and public awareness through media to promote safe internet usage and protect against cyber threats.
  3. Establish a Trusted Computing Base to increase the integrity of components and develop solutions for secure communication channels.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 0 implied HN points 21 May 15
  1. Vietnam needs more and better engineers for information security, making certifications like Coursera and Udacity valuable.
  2. Buying turn-key security solutions and focusing on certifications like ISO 27001 may not ensure better security; training and recruiting engineers is crucial.
  3. Security engineers are key for system defense, small businesses can leverage cloud services, and end-to-end encryption is vital for sensitive data protection.