Netizen Blog and News
The Netizen team sharing expertise, insights and useful information in cybersecurity, compliance, and software assurance.
Category: Government IT
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Technology’s integral role in business makes cybersecurity essential. A Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) offers strategic cybersecurity guidance remotely, helping organizations enhance security, ensure compliance, and manage risks without the expense of a full-time hire. Demand for vCISOs has grown due to escalating cyber threats and operational flexibility.
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Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is crucial for contemporary organizations, offering continuous verification and identity-centric access control to enhance security amid evolving cyber threats. Unlike traditional models, ZTNA minimizes lateral movement, reduces attack surfaces, and simplifies remote access. Integrating with SASE, ZTNA ensures only authorized users can access applications, fostering a secure environment.
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SafeBreach researchers revealed a new attack method, “Win-DDoS,” that exploits Windows Domain Controllers for large-scale DDoS attacks without malware. Concurrently, cybercriminals increasingly target smart contracts, capturing over $14 billion since 2020 through vulnerabilities. To counteract these threats, expert recommendations include auditing contracts and maintaining comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
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Federal agencies are shifting to Zero Trust cybersecurity due to the inadequacy of traditional perimeter defenses in decentralized environments. Executive Order 14028 mandates this transition by 2024, emphasizing identity management, adaptive access, and integration across security pillars. Agencies must avoid siloed implementations to ensure effective protection and compliance in dynamic work environments.
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The RomCom threat group exploits a WinRAR zero-day vulnerability for targeted cyberespionage against organizations in Europe and Canada. Over 29,000 unpatched Microsoft Exchange servers are also at risk from a severe hybrid cloud exploit. ESET and CISA emphasize prompt updates and heightened security measures to mitigate these threats effectively.
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Recent security alerts highlight a Linux backdoor called Plague that stealthily compromises systems by abusing the PAM framework, allowing unauthorized access and credential theft. Additionally, Akira ransomware targets SonicWall VPNs, exploiting likely zero-day vulnerabilities. Organizations are urged to enhance security monitoring and limit access to prevent such threats.
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Iranian hackers have maintained prolonged access to Middle East critical infrastructure through VPN exploits and malware, leveraging vulnerabilities in popular VPNs. Recent vulnerabilities in Citrix and SAP GUI have exposed sensitive data, prompting calls for immediate updates and mitigation strategies. Organizations must adopt robust cybersecurity measures for protection against these threats.
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The FBI, CISA, and NCSC-UK issued a warning on the Scattered Spider cyber threat group, known for targeting IT help desks via social engineering and ransomware. They use common IT tools for stealthy attacks, including data exfiltration methods. Organizations are urged to implement stronger defenses and monitor for unusual activities.
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Scattered Spider is executing targeted ransomware attacks on VMware ESXi hypervisors in the U.S. across critical sectors, utilizing social engineering and system impersonation. To counter these threats, organizations must adopt multi-layered security strategies. Additionally, ChatGPT’s Agent Mode offers automation benefits but requires strict security protocols to prevent misuse and data leaks. Netizen provides expert cybersecurity…
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A critical zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint, CVE-2025-53770, is being exploited in large-scale attacks affecting over 85 servers globally. Concurrently, Dell confirmed a breach by the World Leaks group, affecting its demo lab but not compromising sensitive data. Organizations are urged to apply security updates and enhance monitoring.