Windows Remote Desktop relies on the Remote Desktop Protocol via TCP port 3389 by default.

Is COVID-19 Driving a Surge in Unsafe Remote Connectivity?

Mathew J. Schwartz • March 31, 2020

As the coronavirus drives a massive upsurge in remote working, a review of remote desktop protocol usage suggests RDP adoption hasn't spiked. But as IT teams rely more heavily on remote access, experts warn that too many RDP systems remain internet-exposed.

Cybercrime

More Ransomware Gangs Join Data-Leaking Cult

Latest

Breach Notification

Another Marriott Breach Affects Millions

Scott Ferguson • March 31, 2020

Marriott acknowledged Tuesday that a recent data breach exposed the personal records of millions of hotel guests. It's the second major breach reported by the hotel giant in two years.

Cybercrime

FBI Warns of 'Kwampirs' Malware Supply Chain Attacks

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee • March 31, 2020

The FBI has issued an alert reminding the healthcare sector and other industries about the ongoing threat of Kwampir remote access Trojan attacks on the supply chain.

Cybercrime

FBI: Cybercrime Gang Mailing 'BadUSB' Devices to Targets

Mathew J. Schwartz • March 30, 2020

The FBI warns that the notorious FIN7 cybercrime gang has a new trick up its sleeve: Mailing victims a $50 gift card portrayed as good for redeeming items listed on an accompanying USB storage device, which in reality downloads Griffon backdoor software to give attackers remote access.

Business Continuity Management / Disaster Recovery

COVID-19 and the Human Side of Cybersecurity Leadership

Tom Field • March 30, 2020

When securing the remote workforce, it's important to be mindful of the human challenges - educating children, caring for elders and dealing with the barrage of COVID-19 news, says Microsoft's Diana Kelley, who shares insights on balancing cybersecurity and compassion.

Audit

Zoom Stops Transferring Data by Default to Facebook

Jeremy Kirk • March 30, 2020

Zoom has apologized for sharing large sets of user data by default with Facebook, blaming the social network's software development kit, which it has removed from its iOS app. With COVID-19 driving unprecedented levels of remote working, video conferencing software is under the privacy and security microscope.

Endpoint Security

Will 5G Networks Inherit Vulnerabilities in 4G Networks?

Akshaya Asokan • March 30, 2020

If vulnerabilities in 4G cellular networks that can expose them to denial-of-service and other attacks are not addressed, emerging 5G networks could inherit these same issues, the security firm Positive Technologies reports.

Electronic Healthcare Records

Coalition Formed to Address COVID-19 Crisis

Marianne Kolbasuk McGee • March 27, 2020

More than two dozen healthcare organizations and technology firms have formed a coalition to help address the COVID-19 crisis by using secure information sharing and data analysis. But observers warn the group must devote enough attention to privacy and security issues.

Business Continuity Management / Disaster Recovery

Analysis: Russia's COVID-19 Disinformation Campaign

Nick Holland • March 27, 2020

The latest edition of the ISMG Security Report analyzes how and why Russia is spreading disinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus: the latest CCPA regulation updates; a CISO's tips on securely managing a remote workforce.

Cybercrime

Chinese Cyber Espionage Continues Despite COVID-19

Akshaya Asokan • March 26, 2020

Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, which started in China, Chinese cyber espionage campaigns are continuing, with a new campaign from one APT group targeting at least 75 enterprises in 20 countries, according to the security firm FireEye.

Governance & Risk Management

Microsoft to Pause Non-Essential Software Updates

Mathew J. Schwartz • March 26, 2020

Microsoft has announced that it will pause all non-essential updates for Windows, while both Google and Microsoft have said their Chrome and Edge browsers will, for now, receive only stability and security updates. The moves come as IT teams are continuing to respond to the ongoing fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Active Defense & Deception

Reduce Dwell Time of Advanced Threats With Deception

Varun Haran • March 26, 2020

Using deception technologies can impose a cost on cybercriminals and help reduce dwell times and increase visibility, says Acalvio CEO Ram Varadarajan.

Endpoint Security

The Best of RSA Conference 2020

Information Security Media Group • March 25, 2020

At RSA Conference 2020 in San Francisco, Information Security Media Group's editorial team conducted more than 130 video interviews with industry thought leaders. Here are the highlights.