Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

February 2024

Programmable Logic Controllers and Cybersecurity Risk

Considered the "brain" of industrial automation, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are an important factor in industrial control systems (ICS), especially for critical infrastructure in the public sector. PLCs are an industrial computer used to control automated devices in a variety of industries, including industrial manufacturing and critical infrastructure. This article offers suggestions for PLC security risks, as well as cybersecurity standards for risk mitigation.

Critical Authentication Bypass Vulnerability in ScreenConnect (CVE-2024-1709)

ConnectWise urges organizations using an on-premises installation of the ScreenConnect remote monitoring and management software (formerly known as ConnectWise Control) to update servers to version 23.9.8 immediately due to a critical remote code execution vulnerability. The ScreenConnect remote desktop product is at risk due to a pair of vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-1709 and CVE-2024-1708.

TPRM Strategies for India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act

India established a framework for protecting and processing personal data called the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. After passing both houses of Parliament, this bill evolved into the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) in 2023. This act creates a robust and comprehensive framework to protect sensitive information while supporting India's economic growth and digital transformation.

A Grim Outlook for Microsoft with MonikerLink and Exchange Vulnerabilities

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday updates in February 2024 include critical fixes for two zero-day vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-21413 impacting Microsoft Outlook (called MonikerLink) and CVE-2024-21410 impacting Microsoft Exchange Server. The former allows remote code execution to access and leak privileged information, while the latter permits privilege escalation (potentially using credentials leaked by the former). These security risks expose a victim's machine to potentially malicious arbitrary code execution.

VPN Security Concerns

Many organizations use virtual private networks (VPNs) to extend secure access to remote employees. A VPN creates a secure connection between two networks over the public internet, creating a level of online privacy for remote workers. A VPN internet connection will route your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel (even when using public wi-fi), protecting business sensitive data from interception. VPNs require authentication, which can help maintain your network security.

Using TPRM to Protect Intellectual Property in University Research

University-industry collaborations and other joint research ventures offer access to resources, expertise, funding, and other benefits for university researchers. However, through the use of unvetted software, password sharing, and other actions these external partnerships can expose the university and its intellectual assets to substantial cybersecurity threats, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber attacks.

In-House vs Outsourced Third-Party Risk Management

Today’s cybersecurity landscape is teeming with third-party threats: supply chain risks, regulatory compliance requirements, third-party security flaws, malicious insiders, and more. Whether your organization’s risk appetite craves conservative or aggressive third-party relationships, these risks make third-party risk management (TPRM) necessary.

TPRM & FINRA Compliance: Regulatory Notice 21-29

The United States Congress first authorized the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to protect American investors and oversee the broker-dealer industry in 2007. FINRA is an independent regulatory organization that upholds its obligation and ensures a fair market by establishing rules to regulate business activities and improve the security of member firms and other market participants. With few exceptions, most broker-dealer firms must register with FINRA.

Don't Git Attacked: How Git Protects Against Source Code Exposure

Git is a distributed version control system that empowers developers with version control features and local repositories. In most production settings, Git is paired with a hosted service for distributed access with minimal repository configuration requirements. However, using a hosted server for source control can introduce new attack vectors in source control management (SCM). This article provides suggestions for security concerns around Git use.

Protecting Student-Athlete Data: TPRM for Collegiate Athletics

American college athletics is a foundational pillar of higher education institutions and a profitable business model for universities. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which regulates college athletics, reported that in 2020, Division I schools earned $15.7 billion in athletics revenue. In 2023, NCAA Division I school Ohio State University reported a record-breaking revenue of over $275 million from its athletic department alone.