The Internet of Things (IoT) has ushered in an era where devices are interconnected across the internet, enabling them to communicate and share data with ease. This innovation has dramatically transformed everyday life, introducing conveniences that were once the stuff of science fiction. Now, we can monitor our homes through cameras connected to our networks, control appliances from our smartphones, and receive real-time updates from our cars and health-monitoring smartwatches.

In the intricate web of digital security threats, one particularly disruptive technique stands out: the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. This form of cyber assault involves numerous compromised systems, often referred to as bots or zombies, which are used to overwhelm a target website with an avalanche of requests. The result? Legitimate users find themselves unable to access the site, leading to significant operational disruptions.

The world of cybersecurity is vast and teeming with a wide array of hackers who possess distinct motivations, objectives, and methods. Unfortunately, public awareness of these differences is nearly non-existent. Some individuals employ their skills for noble purposes, while others are driven by malicious intent. Let’s delve into several subcultures within the realm of hackers, exploring their unique characteristics and their roles in shaping the cybersecurity landscape.

Tomorrow, February 6, 2024, the House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing on securing US water systems from cyberattacks. Following last year’s widely publicized attack on the municipal water system in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Congress, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and industry leaders have rightly increased their focus on the unique risks facing water systems across the country.

Many people around the world right now are confused as to whether their organization is ready for Google and Yahoo’s new requirements for bulk senders. So don’t worry, you’re not alone. Back in October the announcement was made that there would be consequences for organizations sending more than 5,000 emails a day who didn’t have their email security in order. But what are the consequences? And who really needs to worry?

As part of a multi-part series with NightDragon, Nasdaq, and J.P. Morgan, SecurityScorecard founder and CEO Dr. Aleksandr Yampolskiy sat down with NightDragon CEO Dave DeWalt and unveiled his deep-rooted passion for cybersecurity. Tracing back to an early encounter with a computer virus as a child, Yampolskiy discusses how this pivotal moment sparked an enduring curiosity, driving him toward a distinguished academic path.

Last week, SecurityScorecard was invited back to participate in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. It was a tremendous honor and, once again, we were the only security ratings company present (and one of the few cybersecurity companies). Our team spent the week with a dynamic mix of tech innovators, thought leaders, and heads of state, discussing some of the world’s most pressing political, societal, and economic challenges.

What keeps CISOs up at night? The extended, often unsecured, ever-changing attack surface of critical supply chain vendors providing an unmonitored pathway into their enterprise. Emerging zero-day vulnerabilities, like MOVEit and SolarWinds, are time-sensitive issues that require immediate attention by security teams that are often over-burdened with securing the local enterprise.

This week at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, SecurityScorecard published the first Cyber Resilience Scorecard, offering leaders and decision-makers a comprehensive and global view of global cyber risk. SecurityScorecard identified a strong correlation between a country’s cyber risk exposure and GDP, which underscores that a nation’s economic prosperity is deeply intertwined with its ability to navigate the complex landscape of cyber threats.

As part of our effort to make the world safer, SecurityScorecard has been tracking threat actor groups conducting cyberattacks on behalf of nation states.