Category: Heimdal Security Blog

EDR for Banking: 6 Ways EDR Can Help Financial Organizations

There are financial advantages to investing in cybersecurity, especially in Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions. Breaching one financial institution can bring threat actors access to a variety of companies’ assets. That is because banks store money and data for…

Best Practices for Endpoint Security in Healthcare Institutions

While achieving compliance with industry standards is the minimum, it’s not enough to prevent insider threats, supply chain attacks, DDoS, or sophisticated cyberattacks such as double-extortion ransomware, phishing, business email compromise (BEC), info-stealing malware or attacks that leverage the domain…

How DNS Layer Security Stops Ransomware and Other Cyberattacks

DNS-Layer Security protects users from threats that arise from inbound and outbound traffic. It refers to monitoring communications between endpoints and the internet at a DNS-layer level. Imagine the DNS layer security as a gatekeeper who makes sure that all…

Two New York Hospitals Breached by the LockBit Ransomware Group

The notorious LockBit ransomware group claims to have breached two major hospitals from upstate New York, the Carthage Area Hospital and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. The two hospitals serve hundreds of thousands of patients. Details on the Attack: The Hospitals Are…

What Effect Does Firm Size Have on Ransomware Threats?

In an increasingly digital world, the threat of ransomware looms large over organizations of all sizes. However, the impact of ransomware attacks can vary significantly depending on the size of the targeted firm.  This article delves into the effects of…

5 Examples of DNS IoCs That Are Red Flags for Cyberattacks

In the increasingly digitalized world that we live in, doing business without being connected 24/7 is almost unthinkable. Any medium to large organization needs to have an online way of displaying its products or services. It also needs a fast…

Companies Affected by Ransomware [Updated 2023]

The increasing frequency and size of ransomware attacks are becoming a huge concern for thousands of organizations globally. All over the world, threat actors take advantage of security vulnerabilities and encrypt data belonging to all sorts of organizations: from private…

Banking Cybersecurity: The Risks Faced by Financial Institutions

A data breach in the financial sector is one of the most impactful events in the cybersecurity landscape. That is because Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) institutions/ financial institutions safeguard and store not only our money but also very…

How to Use DNS IoCs to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

As malware and attack techniques continue to evolve in sophistication, DNS IoCs help threat hunting teams to prevent ransomware attacks. Prioritizing threat hunting to prevent and mitigate advanced threats is critical to safeguarding an organization`s data and assets. The red…

Ransomware Trends and Predictions for 2023 and Beyond

New ransomware trends are on the rise as ransomware has emerged as one of the most formidable cyber threats in recent years, causing significant disruptions to businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide.  As we step into 2023 and beyond, it’s crucial…

MGM Resorts Suspends IT Systems Following Cyber Incident

MGM Resorts International confirmed that a cyber incident has disrupted several of its critical systems, affecting its main website, online reservations, and in-casino services, including ATMs, slot machines, and credit card machines. The company revealed this via a statement on…

What Is Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR)?

Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) is yet another step toward the perfect security solution. Researchers designed MXDR with two major vectors in mind. First, it had to keep up with the latest internal and external threats. Second, to protect…

Patch Management Policy: A Practical Guide

Patching, a highly necessary, yet sometimes neglected practice of resolving security risks related to vulnerabilities, can prove difficult for organizations of all sizes. You probably already know that a regular and well-defined patch management routine proactively ensures your systems function…

Ragnar Locker Claims Israel Hospital Cyberattack

The Ragnar Locker ransomware gang claims responsibility for the cyberattack on Mayanei Hayeshua hospital from Israel. The incident occurred in August 2023, and cybercriminals allegedly managed to steal 1TB of data. Now, the criminal gang threatens to leak all that…

Navigating PAM Implementation Risks: A Comprehensive Guide for CISOs

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) bear the responsibility of safeguarding their organizations against an ever-evolving array of cyber threats. Among a myriad of other challenges, Privileged Access Management (PAM) emerges as a pivotal domain. However, implementing PAM solutions involves navigating…

What Is Token-Based Authentication?

Secured authentication to databases and systems is essential to enterprise cybersecurity management. According to the 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, 82% of all breaches stem from human error, often due to mishandled or compromised login details that allow malicious entities…

Cisco BroadWorks Is Affected by a Critical-Severity Vulnerability

The Cisco BroadWorks Application Delivery Platform and Cisco BroadWorks Xtended Services Platform are both affected by a serious vulnerability that might allow remote attackers to counterfeit credentials and bypass authentication. Cisco BroadWorks is a cloud communication services platform used by…

Warning: RocketMQ Vulnerability Actively Exploited by Threat Actors

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) adds a new critical-severity vulnerability to its KEV catalog. The issue is tracked as CVE-2023-33246 and it affects Apache’s RocketMQ distributed messaging and streaming platform. Exploiting the vulnerability is possible without authentication…

Minneapolis School District Reveals Full Extent of Data Breach

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) recently disclosed the full extent of a data breach from earlier this year, affecting more than 105,000 individuals. The breach, initially attributed to the Medusa ransomware group, compromised a wide range of personal information. The Breach…

University of Sydney Reports Data Breach

The University of Sydney (USYD) has reported a data breach involving a third-party service provider, leading to the exposure of personal information for a subset of international applicants. The breach did not affect local students, staff, alumni, or donors. Upon…

Freecycle Confirms Data Breach Affecting Over 7 Million Users

Freecycle, a global online platform promoting the exchange of used items, announced a significant data breach affecting over 7 million of its users. The nonprofit organization became aware of the intrusion on August 30th, though the stolen information had been…

5 Ways Heimdal® Protects You From DNS Attacks

As cyber-attacks continue to proliferate, it’s essential for organizations to stay ahead of the game when it comes to security. One area that requires particular attention is the Domain Name System (DNS). DNS attacks are more common than one might…

Heimdal Announces Expansion into the Indian Market

 Mumbai, 31st August 2023 — Heimdal, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is thrilled to announce its official entry into the Indian market.  This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in Heimdal’s mission to provide cutting-edge cybersecurity services to businesses…

Why Is MDR Better Than EDR: Enhancing Cybersecurity in the Modern World

Cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses and organizations in today’s interconnected world. The rise of sophisticated cyber threats and the increasing complexity of IT environments have made it crucial for companies to invest in robust security solutions.  Managed…

7 Key MXDR Benefits

Protecting businesses has gotten increasingly difficult today. The sophistication of cyberattacks, the growth of distributed workforces, and the increased reliance on third-party providers have greatly expanded the attack surface, making it more complex than ever. In order to minimize the…

Sourcegraph’s Website Breached by Threat Actors

Popular AI-powered coding platform Sourcegraph reveals that its website was breached this week due to a leaked site-admin access token. The token leaked online on July 14th, but it took until the 28th of August for an attacker to use…

Malicious Generative AI Tools. Buzz, Threat, and Solution

After almost a year of generative AI euphoria and praising the Open.Ai ChatGPT model, it`s time to take a step back. Let`s assess how this amazing piece of technology changed the cyber threat landscape. Like any innovation, generative AI tools…

Weaknesses in Cisco ASA SSL VPNs Exploited Through Brute-Force Attacks

In a recent surge of cyber threats, hackers have targeted Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) SSL VPNs using a combination of brute-force attacks and credential stuffing. These attacks have taken advantage of security vulnerabilities, particularly the absence of robust multi-factor…

47,000 London Metropolitan Police Personnel Impacted by Data Breach

London`s Metropolitan Police announced bolstering cybersecurity measures after one of its suppliers detected a data breach. A contractor responsible for printing warrant cards and staff passes was the target of a cyberattack. Data belonging to 47,000 officers and police staff…

Enhancing Cybersecurity: How XDR Software Empowers CISOs

As modern threats surpass traditional security measures, XDR software steps in as a revolutionary solution. A software that empowers CISOs to proactively navigate the evolving threat landscape. Understanding the Challenge CISOs face a daunting task. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated,…

DreamBus Malware Exploits Unpatched RocketMQ Servers

Threat actors exploit a known remote code vulnerability in RocketMQ servers to infect devices with DreamBus malware. CVE-2023-33246 was discovered in May 2023 and received a 9.8 score, which labels it as critical. It is a permission verification issue that…

Nordic Users Targeted by National Danish Police Phishing Attack

A new type of cyber-attack is currently spreading like wildfire in the Nordics, targeting email addresses indiscriminate of user profiles (i.e., small office/home user, home user, mobile user, power user, and large business user). Earmarked the National Danish Police phishing…

How to Manage XDR Alerts with Heimdal

Heimdal XDR offers you full visibility into network traffic, user behavior, and endpoint activity. It makes investigating threats much easier, showing you how threats happened and when they occurred. This means you can quickly figure out why each alert was…

How to Implement an XDR Software?

Traditional security solutions are no longer enough to protect your business from sophisticated attacks. As a cybersecurity professional, you have probably heard of XDR (Extended Detection and Response), a strategy that is gaining popularity due to the numerous benefits it…

French Unemployment Agency Announces a Data Breach

Pole emploi, the government’s unemployment registration and financial assistance office in France, announced a data breach. The incident affected 10 million French citizens whose data were exposed. Details About the Pole Emploi Data Breach The agency disclosed a security event…

The 12 Best Endpoint Security Software Solutions and Tools [2023]

Choosing the right endpoint security software can feel overwhelming, especially in a market valued at 13.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and expected to grow to 29 billion U.S. dollars by 2027 (Statista). Organizations worldwide turn to endpoint security solutions…

What Is a Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) and How It Works

HIDS stands for host-based intrusion detection system and is an application that monitors a computer or network for suspicious activities. The monitored activities can include external actors` intrusions and also internal misuse of resources or data. A host intrusion detection…

How Does XDR Software Help Security Teams

XDR software collects and processes data from various security layers, networks, and endpoints in an organization`s IT environment. It is a fast and accurate tool that helps security teams detect and respond faster to cyber threats wherever they might be…

XDR Security for MSSPs

Given the complexity of today’s digital environment, organizations, especially Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), are learning that maintaining a robust security posture is a top priority and are turning to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to help them secure their…

Thousands of Openfire Servers at Risk from Critical CVE

Over 3,000 Openfire servers have yet to be updated against a critical security vulnerability. Tracked as CVE-2023-32315, the flaw has been actively exploited for more than two months, putting unpatched servers at significant risk. Upon a Closer Look Openfire, a…

University of Minnesota Reports Massive Data Breach

The University of Minnesota is currently conducting an investigation into a substantial data breach that could potentially impact a large number of alumni and members of the university community. Millions Potentially Exposed The breach was brought to light last month…

Ransomware Vs. Malware: What’s The Difference?

Cyber-attacks can come in many forms. In the world of cybersecurity, the terms “ransomware” and “malware” are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion about their distinct characteristics and implications.  While both ransomware and malware fall under the broader category of…

Into the Heimdalverse

Hey there, fellow digital explorers! Welcome to a journey that promises to take your cybersecurity understanding to a whole new dimension. As the Stellar Strategist of Product Prowess (Head of Product Marketing) at Heimdal, I’m excited to guide you through…

Danish Cloud Hosting Companies Ravaged by Ransomware Attacks

CloudNordic and AzeroCloud, Danish hosting firms specializing in cloud services, have been hit hard by ransomware attacks, causing widespread data loss and operational disruptions. The companies are steadfast in their decision not to pay the ransom demanded by the hackers.…

New HiatusRAT Malware Campaign Targets U.S. Defense Department`s Server

Threat actors launched a reconnaissance attack against a server belonging to the U.S. Department of Defense, as part of HiatusRAT Malware Campaign. The adversaries also targeted Taiwan-based organizations, such as several companies and a municipal government institution. HiatusRAT was first…

An Essential Guide to XDR Software

In this comprehensive guide, we look into the topic of XDR (Extended Detection and Response) software, shedding light on its significance from various perspectives. Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your personal cybersecurity or your organization’s digital defenses, by the end…

Exploring the Top ManageEngine Competitors & Alternatives in 2023

ManageEngine has long been a prominent player in the IT management software landscape. However, several viable ManageEngine competitors and alternatives have emerged, each with unique features and capabilities that cater to different organizational needs. In this article, a roundup of the…

Vulnerabilities in TP-Link IoT Devices Can Get You Hacked

Four new vulnerabilities have been discovered in the TP-Link Tapo L530E smart bulb and TP-Link’s Tapo app. Researchers from Universita di Catania and the University of London say that hackers could exploit these flaws to steal WiFi passwords. TP-Link Tapo…

Ten Ways an XDR Service Can Empower IT Managers

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cyber threats have become more sophisticated and pervasive than ever before. As businesses increasingly rely on technology, the role of IT managers has expanded to encompass not only network maintenance and system optimization but…

WinRAR Vulnerability Allows Remote Code Execution

A vulnerability in WinRAR, the widely used file compression and archiving software for Windows, could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user’s computer by exploiting a flaw in the processing of recovery volumes. The vulnerability, identified as…

What Is Network Access Control (NAC)?

Network Access Control (NAC) is a cybersecurity technology that regulates access to network resources based on predefined policies and regulations. By identifying, verifying, and assessing the compliance of devices and users trying to connect to a network, NAC helps guarantee…

BlackCat Sphynx: The Ransomware Operation Evolves Once Again

Researchers at Microsoft discovered a new version of the BlackCat ransomware. Dubbed ‘Sphynx’, this version embeds the Impacket networking framework and the Remcom hacking tool, both enabling spreading laterally across a breached network. Back in April, the cybersecurity researcher VX-Underground…

What Is Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) and How Does It Work?

As the cybercrime landscape evolves, you may wonder if the old Antivirus solution that you have installed on your organization’s endpoints still does the job. Traditional antivirus software initially offered sufficient defense against the majority of viruses before they evolved…

Short Staffed in Cybersecurity? It’s Time for MXDR!

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a paramount concern for businesses and individuals alike. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks have left organizations struggling to keep up with the relentless threats. Enter the webinar titled “Short…

Cyber Alert: Global Campaign Targets LinkedIn Accounts

In a sweeping global campaign, LinkedIn users are falling victim to a surge of account hijacks, leaving many locked out or held at ransom by threat actors. Rampant Account Hijacking and Extortion LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, is facing a…

Raccoon Stealer 2.3.0 Malware – A Stealthier Comeback

In a notable comeback, the creators of the notorious Raccoon Stealer information-stealing malware have reemerged after a six-month hiatus. This resurgence brings forth an upgraded version tailored to cater to the evolving needs of cybercriminals. Brief Overview Raccoon Stealer has maintained…

Double Extortion Ransomware: The New Normal

With more and more businesses learning how to avoid paying huge amounts of money to ransomware actors by maintaining up-to-date backups and having disaster recovery plans in place, the number of victims forced to pay ransom started to decrease. Even…

Fake Tripadvisor Emails to Distribute Knight Ransomware

An ongoing spam campaign spreads Knight ransomware among users. The fake emails imitate Tripadvisor complaint messages. Knight ransomware is the revamp of the Cyclop Ransomware-as-a-Service, starting with July 2023. The Knight Ransomware Spam Campaign A researcher at Sophos detected this…

What Is Privileged Access Management (PAM)?

To understand what privileged access management is, we need to first understand what privileged access refers to. This article will cover many aspects of PAM, including definition, importance, functionality, statistics, best practices, and why our solution is the best for…

Understanding Risk-Based Authentication (RBA)

Risk-Based Authentication (also known as RBA, context-based authentication, or adaptive authentication) is a security mechanism that looks at the profile (IP address, device, behavior, time of access, history, and so on) of the agent asking for access to the system…

Top Exploit Databases to Use in Bolstering Cybersecurity Posture

Exploit databases are relevant intelligence sources for security specialists that need to keep an eye on the latest exploits and vulnerabilities. They also offer a long-time perspective over the past years’ threat landscape. An improper patch management policy still leads…

Ransomware Prevention Checklist: Safeguarding Your Digital Assets

In an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, the threat of ransomware has emerged as a formidable adversary, targeting organizations of all sizes and industries. Ransomware attacks can wreak havoc on businesses, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and operational disruptions.  As…

Rhysida Ransomware: The Rise of a New Threat for Healthcare Organizations

The ransomware operation known as Rhysida has rapidly gained notoriety, especially following a series of attacks on healthcare organizations. This surge has led to heightened vigilance from government agencies and cybersecurity firms, prompting them to closely monitor Rhysida’s activities. Growing…

Enhancing Cybersecurity with Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)

In an age where the internet is vital for business, cyberattacks, malware, and phishing attempts have evolved to exploit vulnerabilities within web browsers, making them a prime target for malicious actors. In response to this growing menace, cybersecurity experts have…

New Deep Learning Model Decodes Keyboard Sounds with 95% Accuracy

A team of researchers has introduced an innovative approach referred to as a “deep learning-based acoustic side-channel attack,” designed to accurately classify laptop keystrokes recorded using a nearby smartphone, achieving an impressive 95% accuracy rate. In a recent study published…

What Is a One-Time Password (OTP)?

With cyber threats evolving at an alarming pace, traditional passwords fall short when it comes to protecting our digital data. In the search for a more powerful defense against unauthorized access, an innovative approach has emerged: One-Time Passwords (OTPs), dynamic…

Microsoft Teams Users Targeted by Russian Threat Group

Microsoft believes that Microsoft Teams chats were used into coaxing users to share their credentials with threat actors. The available evidence leads to a Russian government-linked hacking group known as Midnight Blizzard being responsible, after taking aim at dozens of…

Locking Out Cybercriminals: Here’s How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and widespread, ransomware attacks have become one of the most common and costly threats facing companies today. In recent years, ransomware attacks have grown increasingly frequent, causing significant damage to businesses and organizations of all…