The hottest Security Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

User Products under LGPL-3.0

burkhardstubert • 99 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Software Licensing Embedded Systems Consumer Products Security
  1. If your product uses LGPL-3.0 libraries like Qt and it’s for consumers, you need to let users modify and install new versions. This applies to things like smart ovens or phones.
  2. Manufacturers worry about safety when users can modify software. But if owners make changes, they might void warranties and be responsible for any problems.
  3. For business products, the rules are easier. Companies don't have to allow modifications, which helps them keep tighter control over how their products operate.

State-Backed Chinese Forensics Firm Claims It Cracked Apple's AirDrop to Police Speech

Metacurity • 78 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Security Privacy Cybersecurity
  1. A Chinese forensics firm cracked Apple's AirDrop to help police track down 'inappropriate speech.'
  2. The firm prevented the spread of unacceptable content on the Beijing subway using technical breakthroughs.
  3. Apple's AirDrop allows file-sharing without revealing a user's identity, which raised privacy concerns during protests.
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Identity 101: Authentication and Authorization

Identity, Authenticity, and Security • 2 HN points • 04 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Security Software Development Authentication Authorization
  1. Authentication is about proving who you are. It's like showing your ID before entering a building.
  2. Authorization is about what you are allowed to do. It's like having a VIP pass that lets you access certain areas.
  3. Both authentication and authorization are important for keeping applications secure. They help protect personal data and maintain trust with users.

Germany's Wrongdoing

Diane Francis • 659 implied HN points • 27 Feb 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Diplomacy Conflict Studies Security
  1. Germany has a history of making poor choices that negatively impact global affairs. This includes decisions from the previous century that still resonate today.
  2. The country has been criticized for not confronting or holding Russia accountable for its actions. Many believe this attitude shows a lack of strength.
  3. Germany's choice to depend heavily on Russian energy sources has raised concerns, especially during times of geopolitical tension. This dependency is seen as a risky move for the future.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: How to Detect and Mitigate Login Attempts Using Legacy Auth with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 119 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Security Authentication Management Monitoring Mitigation
  1. Legacy authentication poses a significant security risk as it makes it easier for attackers to compromise user accounts.
  2. Microsoft Entra ID recommends disabling legacy authentication to improve security.
  3. Microsoft Sentinel can help detect and mitigate login attempts using legacy authentication by analyzing sign-in logs, creating alerts, and taking appropriate actions.

Frankly Speaking - Cybersecurity maturity: 3 types of companies and what this means for the industry

Frankly Speaking • 355 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Companies Industry Trends Security
  1. There are three types of cybersecurity companies: mature security organizations, companies that ignore security, and compliance- and product-focused security teams.
  2. Small companies might struggle to assess and implement proper security measures, leading many to focus on compliance certifications rather than robust security practices.
  3. It's crucial for companies, regardless of size, to prioritize and implement effective security measures to protect themselves and their partners from potential cyber threats.

A Turning Point

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 28 Apr 22
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Security
  1. Russia's war on Ukraine is now seen as a conflict against Europe and NATO. Many countries are joining together to support Ukraine in this struggle.
  2. The United States has committed significant military support to Ukraine. This shows stronger ties and alliances forming in response to the conflict.
  3. European countries, especially Germany and France, are stepping up their support for Ukraine. This unity among European nations is important for their collective security.

November/December 2023 safety news: Weak-to-strong generalization, Superhuman concepts, Google-proof benchmark

AI safety takes • 78 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Security Research Benchmarks Generalization
  1. Superhuman AI can use concepts beyond human knowledge, and we need to understand these concepts to supervise AI effectively.
  2. Transformers can generalize tasks differently based on the complexity and structure of the task, showing varying capabilities in different scenarios.
  3. Implementing preprocessing defenses like random input perturbations can be effective against jailbreaking attacks on large language models.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: How to Detect and Mitigate Brute Force Attacks with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 119 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Security Detection Prevention Analysis Simulation
  1. Brute force attacks aim to exploit weak passwords by trying numerous combinations. Organizations must have robust security measures to detect and prevent these attacks effectively.
  2. To detect brute force attacks, organizations can use Microsoft Sentinel to collect and analyze security events. Creating analytic rules based on specific conditions helps in identifying potential attacks.
  3. Preventive measures like enforcing strong password policies, implementing account lockout policies, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring logs are crucial in mitigating the risk of brute force attacks.

Oracle Manipulation: What You Need to Know

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 10 Apr 22
🔮 Crypto Blockchain DeFi Security Finance Technology
  1. Oracles are important because they bring outside data into blockchains, helping many DeFi services work properly. Without them, these services would struggle to function.
  2. Due to their importance, oracles can be targeted by hackers and exploiters who want to manipulate the prices or information they provide. This creates risks for all users relying on that data.
  3. Understanding how oracle manipulation works is crucial for anyone involved in DeFi. It helps you protect your investments and make informed decisions.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: How to Detect and Mitigate Inactive Account Sign-ins with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security Detection Mitigation Identity Management Data Analysis
  1. Microsoft Sentinel helps in detecting and mitigating inactive account sign-ins by collecting and analyzing sign-in logs from Microsoft Entra ID using the Kusto Query Language.
  2. To mitigate inactive account sign-ins, actions include investigating the source, blocking or disabling the account, resetting credentials, and educating users on security best practices.
  3. Best practices for managing inactive accounts in Microsoft Entra ID include defining a policy for account lifecycle, implementing provisioning and deprovisioning processes, monitoring account activity, and educating users.

The United States should silently cheer over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a Chinese invasion of Taiwan

Bruce Fein's Pioneering Lyceum • 117 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics International relations Foreign Policy Colonialism Security
  1. Silently cheering over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could make the United States safer.
  2. History shows that colonial conquests often lead to economic burdens and revolts, making them not worth the effort.
  3. Powerful countries like the United States should be cautious about seeking colonial conquests, as they may not bring the intended benefits.

How to Deploy Microsoft Sentinel Effectively

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Security Cloud Computing Data Management AI Automation
  1. To get the most out of Microsoft Sentinel, organizations should carefully plan and prepare their deployment by assessing security needs and goals.
  2. Choosing the right subscription and pricing model is crucial for optimizing the benefits of Microsoft Sentinel, based on data requirements, user protection, and features needed.
  3. Effective management of Microsoft Sentinel involves monitoring data ingestion, leveraging AI and ML capabilities, automating workflows, and learning from security incidents and feedback.

Why ASML Matters

False Positive • 38 HN points • 21 Mar 24
💼 Business Tech Economy Politics Security Geopolitics
  1. ASML, a Dutch company, holds a monopoly on creating the world's most advanced microchips through their EUV lithography systems.
  2. The control of ASML by the Netherlands provides a unique chokepoint power in global microchip production, impacting international trade and security.
  3. Despite its power, ASML faces limitations in leveraging its monopoly, as it is enmeshed in Western-dominated supply chains and complexities that restrict its options for challenging export controls.

Introducing TapToAuth: Bringing the Familiarity of Contactless Payments to Open Banking

Building The Future of Payments by Mike Kelly • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Payments Security Retail Innovation
  1. TapToAuth combines contactless payments with the advantages of open banking, offering a new, secure, and cost-effective solution.
  2. This innovation minimizes fraud, reduces digital payment costs by enabling instant fund transfers, and enhances security with a cryptographically secured NFC protocol.
  3. TapToAuth not only provides a seamless customer experience but also integrates loyalty programs and digital receipts, transforming every transaction into an engagement opportunity for retailers.

Three Key Findings Every School Should Know from DOJ Report on Uvalde

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 59 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🚌 Education Safety Security Emergency Response Technology Community Engagement
  1. During a school shooting, hiding in locked classrooms may not be effective as bullets can easily penetrate walls. It is safer for students and staff to evacuate quickly and get far away from the danger.
  2. Having reliable wifi coverage on campus is crucial for emergency alerts to reach all staff and teachers during a crisis. Depending on personal phones and apps may not be dependable under stress.
  3. Collaboration with the community is vital for creating safe evacuation plans during emergencies. Neighbors, businesses, and community leaders should be involved to support rapid evacuations and ensure a safe environment for students.

Surveillance firm backed by Google and CIA allegedly defaulted on $370,000 per month rent

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 203 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Surveillance Tech Finance Government Security
  1. Orbital Insight, a surveillance firm backed by Google and CIA, allegedly defaulted on $370,000 per month rent
  2. Orbital Insight was sued by its landlord and subtenants for failing to pay rent for its Silicon Valley HQ
  3. The company had significant investments, including from Google Ventures and the U.S. Intelligence Community

TechLetters #159 Light sensor privacy leaks; Data leaks from LLM uses; Cybersecurity plans of a potential US 2025 White House

Lukasz Olejnik on Cyber, Privacy and Tech Policy Critique • 58 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Security Privacy Other
  1. Data leaks from AI/LLM systems, affecting devices like iPhones
  2. Cybersecurity plans for potential future US 2025 White House President include integrating cyber and electronic warfare capabilities
  3. Risk of privacy leaks from ambient light sensors validated by research, emphasizing the need for safe configurations

Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

Vasu’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Cloud Computing Networking Security Infrastructure Data Management
  1. A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) helps businesses create a separate and secure online environment to manage their resources. This means they can control who has access to what information.
  2. With a VPC, administrators can set rules to protect incoming and outgoing internet traffic. It's like having a security system for their online resources.
  3. VPCs come with useful features like VPN connections and load balancers, which help improve communication and manage traffic effectively. This can make online services run more smoothly.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: How to Detect and Mitigate a VIP Account that has Multiple Failed Logons within a Threshold with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 99 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Security Microsoft Cyberattacks Cloud Automation
  1. Microsoft Sentinel helps in detecting and mitigating brute-force attacks on VIP accounts, which are high-level privileged user accounts in organizations.
  2. Brute-force attacks involve trying multiple passwords to gain unauthorized access to accounts or systems, making VIP accounts attractive targets.
  3. Organizations can use Microsoft Sentinel to set thresholds for failed logon attempts, create custom detection rules, investigate alerts triggered by VIP accounts, and take necessary response actions.

How Cloudflare fails

Frankly Speaking • 254 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Security Engineering Networking
  1. Companies are focusing more on engineering-focused security functions to become efficient.
  2. Cloudflare is seen as an underrated security company with a strong engineering following.
  3. Cloudflare transformed from a CDN company to offering security services like WAF, SWG, and email security.

Microsoft Sentinel SOC 101: How to Detect and Mitigate Malware Attacks with Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 99 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Security Threat Detection Threat intelligence Incident Response Automation
  1. Malware attacks can result in data breaches, financial losses, and damage to an organization's reputation, underscoring the importance of robust security measures and tools like Microsoft Sentinel.
  2. Microsoft Sentinel offers customizable anomaly detection and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) anomalies to identify and respond to potential threats effectively without complex tuning.
  3. Threat intelligence integration, data connectors, and built-in analytics rule templates in Microsoft Sentinel help organizations import, centralize, and leverage threat indicators to proactively detect and respond to malware attacks.

Polish Railway Sabotage on the Cheap

Natto Thoughts • 99 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Security Sabotage Tensions Espionage Elections
  1. Recent disruptions in Poland's train system raise concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructures.
  2. There is suspicion of amateurish sabotage involving the activation of emergency brakes on trains in Poland, highlighting system vulnerabilities.
  3. The incidents on Polish railroads underscore the importance of digital system transitions to enhance security and prevent potential threats.

Marjorie Taylor Greene shakes confidence in Darwin's theory of evolution

Bruce Fein's Pioneering Lyceum • 98 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Politicians Events Legislation Security
  1. Marjorie Taylor Greene's controversial statements shake confidence in Darwin's theory of evolution
  2. Comparison between Marjorie Taylor Greene and historical figures like James Madison shows a decline in intellectual capacity
  3. Greene's outlandish claims, including denial of historical events, demonstrate a concerning trend in Congress and society

The War on Terror and the everyday infrastructure of oblivion

Wars Of Future Past • 98 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Terrorism Conflict Security Military Violence
  1. Cars, which are part of our daily lives, can also be turned into deadly weapons like car bombs.
  2. The book 'Buda's Wagon' delves into the history and evolution of car bombs, showing how they have been used as tools of asymmetrical warfare.
  3. The use of car bombs highlights the intersection of everyday technologies with violent intentions, shaping the tactics of conflicts and the consequences of warfare.