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The Cybersecurity Center at Purdue Global has compiled a list of cyber defense articles. Read on to learn more about current trends and challenges in the cybersecurity industry.
Fake Amazon Representatives Involved in England’s Phone Scam
January 27, 2020
Scammers recently cheated more than 200 people in England by posing as Amazon representatives over the phone and offering them a variety of free services. Victims were convinced to download harmful software onto their computers and post their bank account information.
What Is Smishing, and How Do You Protect Yourself?
January 24, 2020
Beware of scam text messages the same way you would for phishing emails. “Smishing” messages hope to trick you into clicking on a link and sharing sensitive information or downloading potentially harmful software.
Fake Smart Factory Honeypot Highlights New Attack Threats
January 24, 2020
A fake website designed to lure cybercriminals (also known as a honeypot) observed several threats to industrial control systems over its several months of operation. The fake website included all the online workings of a factory, complete with website, and made intentional security mistakes to mimic a business with limited IT staff.
Privacy Takes a Hit, as Storage Bucket Leaks Cannabis Dispensary POS Data
January 23, 2020
Point-of-sale information from several cannabis dispensaries was discovered to have leaked from an exposed Amazon Web Services storage bucket. Scanned government and employee photo IDs and dispensary visitor and patient signatures were among the exposed content.
The Merging of IT and OT and Utilizing Digital Twin Technology
January 22, 2020
In an interview, consultant Ryan Morris posits that conversations about the Internet of Things must also incorporate operational technology (OT), such as how building infrastructure and machinery can be integrated with information technology (IT) to explore new market opportunities.
South Carolina Water Supplier Targeted in “International Cyberattack”
January 22, 2020
Greenville Water, a water supplier to about a half-million residents in South Carolina, suffered what it called “an international cyberattack” in early 2020. The attack knocked out online and pay-by-phone systems, but did not affect water delivery.
Phishing Campaign Leads to UPS Store Data Breach
January 22, 2020
The UPS Store disclosed in early 2020 that several store locations’ email accounts were accessed by an unauthorized party using a phishing scheme. No evidence of misuse of information has been found yet, and the UPS Store claimed that only a “small percentage” of stores were affected.
From AI to Workforce: 10 Initiatives We're Excited About in 2020
January 7, 2020
CompTIA has a lot coming down the pipe in the business of technology for 2020, including new advisory councils discussing goals and emerging technologies, a broad workforce community, and international expansion.
More Cybersecurity Articles
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2019 Cybersecurity Articles
What Small Business Owners Should Know About Cybersecurity
December 19, 2019
Small businesses aren’t too small to avoid cyberthreats, but they often have fewer resources available to protect them. Fortunately, owners can take measures to reduce their vulnerabilities and prepare for the day when they might get hacked.
California’s New Data Protection Law: 3 Reasons You Need to Pay Attention
December 5, 2019
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) went into effect at the start of 2020, with enforcement beginning later in the year. Managed services providers and other businesses handling personal consumer information can face serious consequences without a plan for data protection.
Ransomware, Phishing, and Botnets
November 12, 2019
Cyberattacks have increased 17% over the past year, and Webroot has released a list of the nastiest malware, drawing attention to many threats—ransomware, phishing, botnets, and cryptomining—that organizations must take action to reduce.
4 New Degree Programs in Cutting-Edge Tech
November 11, 2019
More universities are launching degree programs for new, innovative technologies that seemed unreal not that long ago. Augmented reality and digital mapping are just a few of the new tech-oriented options becoming available at a variety of universities.
Is Blockchain the Right Fit? Decision-Based Infographic Provides Guidance, Insight
November 5, 2019
A handy decision tree infographic can help unlock the answers to businesses and service providers’ questions about whether and how they should implement blockchain technology.
Overheard in October: Cybersecurity Specialists, Curating a Living Resume, the Value of Membership, & More
November 1, 2019
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, CompTIA recorded podcasts on a variety of topics still relevant months later, including a discussion of managed service providers, truths, and myths of the tech skills gap, and the possibilities of cyber range for modern tech applications.
MSPs Are Under Attack From Cybercriminals; Here’s How They’re Protecting Themselves
October 24, 2019
State and local governments, health care providers, and businesses have increasingly become targets for ransomware attacks, particularly through vulnerable managed service providers. Effective solutions need time and investment to properly protect customer data.
Many Companies Are Failing to Secure Their Data in the Cloud
October 8, 2019
A new report from Thales and the Ponemon Institute claims that only 31% of organizations believe they need to keep data stored in the cloud safe, despite the fact that cloud use among businesses continues to increase.
The Future of Cyber Security Is AI
October 4, 2019
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are the future of computer, network, and data security. In the future, smart tools could handle event monitoring and incident response and recognize patterns to identify and block potential threats.
Majority of Businesses Have Suffered a Data Breach
October 1, 2019
According to a global report from Bitdefender, 60% of businesses have experienced a data breach since 2016 and 58% of infosec professionals fear their employers aren’t prepared to deal with a global cyberattack.
On Chinese "Spy Trains"
September 26, 2019
Modern trains have built in computers, making purchasing subways cars from China a potential national security risk. But in practice, it wouldn’t make much sense for China to outfit its subways cars with enough surveillance apparatus to be a threat.
Will Robots Be Allowed to Kill?
September 23, 2019
As humans create autonomous robots for military and defense use, discussion turns to whether they should be allowed to kill. A particular concern is whether robot intelligence can safely tell friend from foe, particularly in regard to not targeting civilians.
A Feminist Take on Information Privacy
September 20, 2019
Much like an unhealthy relationship, smartphones can isolate users, betray them by leaking data and secrets, and make it nearly impossible to end the attachment.
Security Awareness Training: Why You Need a Corporate Acceptable Use Policy
September 20, 2019
A corporate acceptable use policy dictates which devices can or cannot access the company’s network. Having one can protect your data against malware attacks from innocuous-seeming sources.
Attackers Use Single Sign-On in Phishing Pages Used to Steal Credentials
September 20, 2019
Fake Single-Sign On (SSO) sites, which duplicate popular sign-in pages, have become a new tool for hackers to harvest passwords. Because SSO uses one set of credentials to log into multiple applications, it enables hackers to easily access a variety of accounts.
IoT Devices Send User Data to Third-Parties Including Netflix, Microsoft, and Google
September 20, 2019
A recent study found that a majority of Internet of Things (IoT) devices expose data to third parties such as Netflix, Spotify, and Google. This data includes location data and IP addresses that can be exposed by online eavesdroppers.
Human Participation Lies Behind 99% of Cyber Attacks
September 17, 2019
An investigation shows that an overwhelming majority of cyber-crime relies on the targeted victim to open a file or click on a link. Phishing attacks remain a cornerstone of hacking because they are effective and growing even more sophisticated.
Security Awareness Training: What Does a Phishing Email Look Like?
September 6, 2019
Cybersecurity awareness training doesn’t just mean good password practices. In addition to defending against phishing attacks, we must also learn how to resist social engineering.
Cybersecurity Training and Jobs
September 6, 2019
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand to fight data breaches and ransomware attacks, and information technology knowledge and a knack for problem solving can be your key to joining this in-demand field.
Treat Cybersecurity for What It Is—Part of Business, Not IT
September 5, 2019
Information security is becoming more recognized as a matter of business, not just IT, though new challenges arise as not all companies give it the same priority.
Gamification Can Transform Company Cybersecurity Culture
September 2, 2019
Gamifying your company’s cybersecurity practices can apply your employees’ desire for learning and recognition toward more actively protecting their data, as well as increasing IT’s awareness of weaknesses and training needs.
Twitter CEO’s Account Hacked in SIM-Swapping Scheme
September 2, 2019
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s account was recently hacked through SIM-swapping, which impersonated his credentials and subverted two-factor identification.
Data Breaches Expected to Cost $5 Trillion by 2024
August 29, 2019
A recently published report says that by 2024, the annual cost of worldwide data breaches will exceed $5 trillion, reflecting higher fines for data breaches and greater damages for increasingly internet-reliant companies.
Defense Takeaways From Three Adversary Playbooks
August 28, 2019
In addition to keeping out hackers, cybersecurity can increasingly involve preventing bad actors from achieving their goals. Hacking groups can execute a variety of functions with phishing attacks creating problems from inside the system.
Emerging Technology Adoption Is Here: Are You Ready for It?
August 27, 2019
As new technologies create new business possibilities, more companies are working to integrate them into their operations. The keys are finding the right system for the right solution, figuring out how to correctly integrate it, and ascertaining the return on investment.
Home Working Can Often Be a Security Threat
August 20, 2019
Most small business owners allow their employees to work remotely, but a survey shows that one-fifth of owners have not offered cybersecurity training. This can create an enormous security risk as employees log in to unsecured public networks.
The Global Cyber Skills and Training Shortage
August 19, 2019
As cybercrime ramps up, more than 50% of businesses have reported a shortage of necessary cyber-skills, and the next decade is expected to see a shortage of workers with necessary cybersecurity skills.
Cybersecurity Firm Imperva Discloses Breach
August 19, 2019
In August 2019, internet firewall service company Imperva alerted its customers to a data breach that had exposed some of its customers’ email addresses, API keys, passwords, and SSI certificates.
How Government Entities Can Combat Cyber Threats
August 6, 2019
Since 2018, there have been 99 government and military data breaches in the U.S. alone. These breaches can shut down city services, online payment processing, and more. How should government agencies defend themselves from cyberattacks and ransomware?
Cybersecurity Leaders Face Challenges With Cyber Transformation
August 6, 2019
Deloitte’s The Future of Cyber 2019 report found that cybersecurity teams are faced with finite budgets and resources, hindering their ability to provide the necessary level of cyber security measures and management to protect an organization’s infrastructure.
End-User Training: Passwords Are a Pain—But They Are Critical to IT Security
August 5, 2019
Password protection is an absolutely necessary security component for everyone—even reticent executives. Everybody needs to use strong passwords so that all employees are creating minimal risk.
Organizations at Risk for Data Breaches: System Vulnerabilities Increase by 92 Percent
August 1, 2019
According to the State of The Crowdsourced Security in 2019 study, a 92% increase in total vulnerabilities was reported over the prior year. The average payout per vulnerability increased by 83%, with payouts for critical vulnerabilities increasing 27% over the previous year.
Why Cybersecurity Is a Great Field for Women
July 1, 2019
In addition to technical skills, soft skills such as adaptability, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and more are critical to stopping hackers and securing networks—and many of those are skills that women can bring to the table.
This Malware Created by a 14-Yr-Old Is Bricking Thousands Of Devices
June 26, 2019
Silex, a malware developed by a 14-year-old known as Light Leafon, is poised to brick thousands of IoT devices. Silex was inspired by the infamous BrickerBot malware, which bricked millions of IoT devices in 2017.
Cyber Criminals Have Created an Invisible Internet
June 25, 2019
Research suggests that online criminals are creating an invisible internet by turning to gated forums and encrypted apps to conduct cyber-crime deals on the dark net.
DDoS Attacks Up by 84% in Q1
June 20, 2019
According to Kaspersky Lab, DDoS attacks are on the rise after falling throughout 2018, suggesting that cyber-criminals are shifting attack methods after a prolonged period of focusing on other sources of income, such as cryptomining.
How Companies Are Tackling a Lack of Cybersecurity Experts
June 14, 2019
As cybercrime grows more sophisticated, organized, and effective, many experts believe it could trigger significant losses in the very near future. Some organizations are proactively working to raise awareness and provide specialized training to attract people to the profession.
Computers and Video Surveillance
June 14, 2019
Unlike the days when video storage was expensive and video feeds difficult to monitor, today’s video surveillance is more affordable and enhanced with features such as AI, analytics, and face recognition.
Five Reasons to Learn Cyber Security
June 13, 2019
From influencing major elections to attacking business of all sizes—including Adobe, Sony, and Facebook—the steadily increasing threat of cyber-attacks should not be underestimated.
Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity
June 10, 2019
The fast development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices throughout homes have made cybersecurity a household term, and governments are starting to create robust cybersecurity strategies to combat threats.
12 Million Quest Diagnostic Patients Exposed in Third Party Breach
June 7, 2019
American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA), a third-party vendor for Quest Diagnostics, reported that unauthorized users breached its internal systems, potentially affecting around 11.9 million Quest patients.
Why Should I Get a Cybersecurity Certification?
May 28, 2019
As an IT professional, cybersecurity is always part of the job, influencing how IT implements and maintains applications and systems to make everything more secure. Certifications can also help IT experts grow professionally and reach their career goals.
How to Spot a Scam: 14 Red Flags to Watch for
May 23, 2019
Many scammers use an emotional pull, or stressor event, to convince victims to deposit phony checks whose funds are ultimately reclaimed by the bank. To help employees identify and avoid these scams, companies should implement security awareness training.
Key Takeaways From the 2019 Verizon DBIR
May 22, 2019
The annual Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report is an extensive research report built from the analysis of 41,686 security incidents and 2,013 confirmed data breaches. The events are drawn from 73 public and private entity data sources spanning 86 countries worldwide.
Ransomware Cyberattacks Knock Baltimore's City Services Offline
May 21, 2019
After anonymous hackers breached the city of Baltimore's servers, the city’s digital resources were locked away, including access to government email, payments to city departments, and the ability to process real estate transactions.
IoT Connected Devices Need Better Cybersecurity
May 20, 2019
A compression technique known as quantization is making deep learning models smaller, reducing computation and energy costs, and smoothing the way for internet-connected devices to run more AI software to speed up image- and speech-processing tasks. But compressed AI models are vulnerable to attack; a new study may offer a solution.
The Role of Governments in Ensuring Global Security in the Cyber Age: Cyber-crimes, Cyberterrorism and Cryptocurrencies
May 19, 2019
While The Cyber Age has led to numerous advantages including increased access to information and instant communication, these benefits are heavily offset by the growth of the criminal and terrorist organizations that took full advantage of it.
Cybersecurity and IoT Suffering From the Skills Shortage
May 17, 2019
According to new research from Experis, the cybersecurity skills shortage is affecting Internet of Things (IoT) development. As IoT emerges as an asset that needs to secured, employers are thinking differently about their business and workforce strategies.
300+ Terrifying Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Statistics & Trends [2019 EDITION]
May 13, 2019
This article contains the latest cybersecurity stats from trusted sources, highlighting the extent and implications of online criminal activity.
AI and the Future of Warfare
May 8, 2019
The U.S. War College recently discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) could change military command structures and what happens if AI creates a war strategy that’s beyond the human mind’s comprehension.
The Insane Demand for Cybersecurity Workers
April 30, 2019
Demand for qualified cybersecurity workers is high. In fact, there will be approximately 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs across the globe by 2021.
Best IT Certifications for 2019
April 29, 2019
Whether you work for a large corporation, a small business, the government, or a health care organization, validating your skills and knowledge through IT certifications is the best way to advance your IT career.
The Spycraft Revolution: Espionage Technology
April 27, 2019
As espionage faces technological, political, legal, and social change, those who break the old rules and create new ones will come out on top. Paradoxically, the trade will also need to shed much of the secrecy that has cloaked espionage since its inception.
The Admissibility of Blockchain as Digital Evidence
April 23, 2019
Organizations are using blockchain technology to create a diverse range of applications, including secure decentralized databases for digital transactions, supply chain management, cybersecurity, and more. Given the emerging uses of blockchain technology, how it is treated in litigation and other business disputes is increasing in importance.
Ethical Hacker Guilty of Malware Attacks
April 23, 2019
Cybersecurity researcher Marcus Hutchins was instrumental in stopping ransomware from encrypting the databases of government agencies and networks in over 150 countries. But while still a minor, Hutchins developed and distributed malware that played a role in attacks on U.S. banking systems.
America Remains Vulnerable to Cyber Attack
April 16, 2019
To protect U.S. critical infrastructure, former CIA director Leon Panetta and former Republican Senator James Talent recommend separating business IT systems from systems that control infrastructure and allowing private-sector or academic cybersecurity experts to work for federal agencies.
Deep Learning & Cybersecurity
April 25, 2019
As current network security measures fail to keep up with new cybersecurity threats, IT is turning to deep learning and other types of artificial intelligence (AI). As dep learning becomes more accessible to organizations, it supports innovation and the execution of complex business processes.
Newly Discovered RobinHood Ransomware Variant Drops Four Ransom Notes at Once After Encryption
April 15, 2019
The RobinHood ransomware targets computers within an entire network, encrypting files until the victim pays the ransom amount. Once the ransom is paid, the attackers delete the encryption keys and IP addresses to protect the victim’s privacy.
New Phishing Scam “The Nasty List” Targets Instagram Users’ Login Credentials
April 15, 2019
A phishing scam called “The Nasty List” targets Instagram users to gain access to their accounts. Once accounts are compromised, the scammers will send messages to followers of the hacked accounts to further promote the scam.
Big Companies Thought Insurance Covered a Cyberattack. They May Be Wrong.
April 15, 2019
Companies can face hundreds of millions of dollars in damages from a cyberattack blamed on a foreign government, but a common clause in insurance contracts, the “war exclusion,” protects insurers from having to reimburse costs related to damage from cyber war.
National Teams Engage in NATO’s Annual Cyber Challenge
April 15, 2019
NATO’s annual cyber challenge Locked Shields enables participants to enhance their skills and train as national cyber rapid reaction teams in a realistic large-scale cyber incident. More than 1,200 international cyber security experts took part in the 2019 challenge.
Your Next Move: Data Scientist
April 15, 2019
Part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move, this article outlines the role of the data scientist, the steps to become one, and the career outlook for the profession.
What’s the State of Blockchain in Cyber Security? 7 Experts Share Their Insights.
April 12, 2019
While blockchain-powered anti-virus software doesn’t exist yet, commercially viable blockchain systems are in development. However, blockchain adoption in cybersecurity isn’t happening quickly due to scalability, energy consumption, and investment in existing systems.
IoT, GDPR and More Cybersecurity Trends in 2019
April 12, 2019
TÜV Rheinland released its Cybersecurity Trends 2019, a report that contains eight important developments in cybersecurity.
Is Assange’s Arrest a Threat to the Free Press?
April 11, 2019
Many people, including those who did not support Julian Assange’s actions, were alarmed by the idea that Assange could be punished for his role in exposing American government secrets. Those concerned with civil liberties believe elements of his indictment could set a dangerous precedent.
Critical Infrastructure Is Under Worldwide Attack
April 10, 2019
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure have increased significantly recently, and these attacks negatively impact crucial networks around the globe. Learn about seven key findings and recommendations for improving network security.
Linux and Cybersecurity: Your Linux Skills Can Help Protect the World’s Data
April 10, 2019
Learn about some of the new and emerging groundbreaking opportunities for using Linux in IT and cybersecurity.
How Cybersecurity Analysts Can Stand Out to Potential Employers
April 8, 2019
Despite the demand for qualified cybersecurity applicants, it’s difficult for hiring managers to fill cybersecurity analyst roles. IT professionals need to know what hiring managers look for in security analysts and how best to highlight their skills when searching for cybersecurity positions.
Cyber Security Pros Are Feeling the Pressure
March 6, 2019
A survey shows the impact that stress has on cybersecurity personnel, with many saying they work more than 40 hours a week or feel unable to disconnect from their work.
Four Ways That Fake-News Sites Trick People
March 5, 2019
Fake-news websites have been appearing with increasing frequency and produce a constant stream of falsehoods that quickly spread across social media. They use several methods to trick readers into believing and spreading stories that can seem real.
AI Driven Cybersecurity Gives Companies a Fighting-Chance
February 28, 2019
Artificial intelligence has the potential to become a strong line of defense against cyber threats, provided it has been constructed with sharp risk assessment and incident response in mind.
Personal Cyber Insurance Market Could Be Worth $3B by 2025
February 26, 2019
The global market for personal cyber insurance is expected to grow rapidly over the next several years. These policies are specifically designed to cover any loss or liability in the event of a cyber attack.
Lack Of Tech Expertise at Board Level Puts Strategy at Risk
February 25, 2019
A recent poll suggests that boards lack the expertise to fully understand the challenges and opportunities that data and technology present to their organizations. Technology is now emerging more quickly than ever, and governance professionals can find themselves quickly falling behind.
The US Pentagon Is Speeding-Up Its Cloud Strategy
February 22, 2019
The Defense Department has released its military cloud strategy, which plans to emphasize defense against cyber attacks and the safety of its soldiers.
Will Blockchain Change the World?
February 22, 2019
Blockchain, an electronic distributed database of recorded transactions, has enormous potential in a variety of industries and has attracted a lot of positive attention, though any revolution is still in its infancy.
Meeting the Cyber Talent Challenge Head-On
February 14, 2019
As data breaches and cyber criminal threats become more common, human resources professionals must help organizations acquire the best talent by identifying the right roles and demonstrating corporate dedication to cybersecurity.
White Hat Female Hacker Lead the Way
February 13, 2019
Sherri Davidoff, CEO of LMG Security, leads an all-female management team of “white hat” hackers who use hacking to test companies for cybersecurity flaws.
The Top 5 Malware Attack Types
February 12, 2019
Malware can infect a computer system in a variety of ways, and as the number of cyber attacks increases, so also does the number of different malware types of which to beware.
Is Cybersecurity More Important Than Cost, Schedule or Performance?
February 1, 2019
As government defense systems face an increased need for cybersecurity, acquisition policy also has room to improve. While price, schedule, and performance are normally the “three pillars of acquisition,” security incidents can necessitate prioritizing the best solutions.
The State of the SOC: the Digital Divide
January 30, 2019
Global security operations center professionals are part of the first line of defense against cyber threats but can be estranged from chief information security officers by stress and business needs. Bridging the gap between security and IT operations is critical to protect against cyber threats.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+): Validating Cybersecurity Skills for Government and Corporate Teams
January 28, 2019
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) certification used by cybersecurity personnel for the U.S. Navy can also provide advanced utility in the corporate sector. CASP+ can benefit both job seekers looking to demonstrate their cybersecurity skills and corporations searching for the right hire.
Nations Will Spar Over AI
January 25, 2018
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing and expected to reach $15.7 trillion by 2030, and its fast growth means not only individual companies, but also countries, are working on strategies to claim the biggest possible piece.
The US Pentagon Has Numerous Security Gaps
January 23, 2019
A recent U.S. Defense Department report indicates that the Pentagon must address a large number of cybersecurity vulnerabilities, many of them related to proper governance.