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Password Security: How to Really “Own IT” for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

WaterISAC Cybersecurity Risk Analyst Jennifer Walker has written an article for Homeland Security Today in which she reinforces how the theme for this year’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month – “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT” – focuses on personal accountability and proactive behavior. She delves into the importance of creating and managing secure passwords, noting the poor record, generally speaking, when it comes to password hygiene.

Schneider Electric ProClima (ICSA-19-295-01) - Product Used in the Energy Sector

CISA has published an advisory on code injection, improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, and uncontrolled search path element vulnerabilities in Schneider Electric ProClima. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system. All versions prior to 8.0.0 are affected. Schneider Electric has released Version 8.0.0 of ProClima and recommends users upgrade to this version or newer. Additionally, CISA recommends a list of actions to mitigate this vulnerability.

Horner Automation Cscape (ICSA-19-290-02)

CISA has published an advisory on improper input validation and out-of-bounds write vulnerability in Horner Automation Cscape. Cscape 9.90 and prior are affected. Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could crash the device being accessed, which may allow the attacker to access information and execute arbitrary code. Horner Automation recommends affected users update to Cscape Version 9.90 SP1 or later. Additionally, CISA recommends a list of actions to mitigate this vulnerability.

Germany’s Cybersecurity Agency Recommends Firefox as the Most Secure Browser

Firefox is the only browser that received top marks in a recent audit carried out by Germany's cyber-security agency – the German Federal Office for Information Security (or the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik – BSI). The BSI tested Mozilla Firefox 68 (ESR), Google Chrome 76, Microsoft Internet Explorer 11, and Microsoft Edge 44. The tests did not include other browsers like Safari, Brave, Opera, or Vivaldi. The audit was carried out using rules detailed in a guideline for "modern secure browsers" that the BSI published last month, in September 2019.

Microsoft Ending Support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

The DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency have released an alert noting that Microsoft will end extended support for their Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems on January 14, 2020. After this date, these products will no longer receive free technical support, or software and security updates. CISA offers a list of steps organizations can take to mitigate the effects of end-of-support. Read the alert at CISA.

NSA and NCSC Release Joint Advisory on Turla Group Activity

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the United Kingdom National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have released a joint advisory (available below) on advanced persistent threat (APT) group Turla – widely reported to be Russian. The advisory provides an update to NCSC’s January 2018 report on Turla’s use of the malicious Neuron, Nautilus, and Snake tools to steal sensitive data.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Continues – Cybersecurity Involves Every Person

What do people have to do with cybersecurity? In a word, everything. Reports consistently cite over 90% of cyber attack exploits target humans over system vulnerabilities. As stated by one of the world’s most notorious hackers, Kevin Mitnick (now Chief Hacking Officer at KnowBe4), it is easier to get someone to “reveal” something than it is to “hack” into their system.

Multiple Vulnerabilities in Pulse Secure VPN

The CERT Coordination Center (CERT/CC) has released information on multiple vulnerabilities affecting Pulse Secure Virtual Private Network (VPN). An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system. These vulnerabilities have been targeted by advanced persistent threat (APT) actors. The DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages users and administrators to review the resources for more information and to apply the necessary updates.

Oracle Releases October 2019 Security Bulletin

Oracle has released its Critical Patch Update for October 2019 to address 219 vulnerabilities across multiple products. A remote attacker could exploit some of these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system. The DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages users and administrators to review the Oracle October 2019 Critical Patch Update and apply the necessary updates.

Still Struggling with Passwords – SecureIT. with Stronger Passwords

It is no secret that passwords alone are not the best method to safeguard our digital assets, especially weak passwords. Password hygiene is a leading topic any time of year, but as NCSAM continues it is a good time for another reminder for organizations to do better to protect data they are entrusted. Password security firm LastPass recently published its’ 3rd Annual Global Password Security Report which highlights how employees’ continued poor password habits weaken the overall organizational security posture.

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