Latest

Data Breach

Why Hashed Passwords Aren't Implemented Correctly

Eric Chabrow  •  September 27, 2016

The latest ISMG Security Report leads off with a segment in which Managing Editor Jeremy Kirk explains that the massive Yahoo breach not only exposed the accounts of a half-billion customers, but also the weaknesses in the way enterprises employ hashed passwords.

Breach Preparedness

Cloud Security Paradigm: Time for Change?

Varun Haran  •  September 27, 2016

Cloud computing has already led to a fundamental shift in the enterprise computing paradigm, and security now needs to follow, says Gartner's Steve Riley, who shares recommendations.

Application Security

Why CISOs Must Make Application Security a Priority

Geetha Nandikotkur  •  September 26, 2016

As pressure to speed the development of applications intensifies, CISOs must be the "voice of reason," taking a leadership role in ensuring security issues are addressed early in app development process, says John Dickson, principal at Denim Group, a Texas-based security consultancy.

Breach Notification

Yahoo Breach: The Great 'Nation-State' Cop Out

Mathew J. Schwartz  •  September 26, 2016

Asked to explain the compromise of 500 million of its users' accounts, Yahoo appears to be trying to blame Russia. Of course, that would be an easy face-saving exercise for a publicly traded firm currently negotiating its $4.8 billion sale to Verizon.

Anti-Malware

The Malware Threat Grows: So Now What?

Tracy Kitten  •  September 23, 2016

Given the rapid spread of malware and difficulties with detection, what actions should organizations take? In this interview, Chris Novak of Verizon and Stephen Orfei of the PCI Security Standards Council offer insights.

CISO

Ideas for Filling the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Eric Chabrow  •  September 21, 2016

A group of cybersecurity policymakers recommends a series of steps the U.S. federal government and the private sector should take to ensure that the nation will have enough cybersecurity specialists in the coming decade.

Application Security

Tesla Patches Cars Against Wi-Fi 'Braking' Attack

Jeremy Kirk  •  September 21, 2016

Electric car manufacturer Tesla has updated its firmware after researchers in China remotely turned on a vehicle's windshield wipers, opened the trunk and applied the brakes in new Model S sedans.

Privacy

Hey, Webcam User: Cover Up!

Mathew J. Schwartz  •  September 21, 2016

FBI Director James Comey, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and security expert Mikko Hypponen all advocate covering up your webcam as a cheap and no-brainer defense against everything from unscrupulous competitors to sextortionists.

Network & Perimeter

After Equation Group Dump, Cisco Finds New Zero-Day Flaw

Jeremy Kirk  •  September 20, 2016

Cisco has patched another zero-day flaw stemming from the Shadow Brokers' leak of Equation Group tools and attack code. The technology giant warns that attackers have been exploiting the vulnerability.

Forensics

Could FBI Have Cracked Shooter's iPhone for Less Than $100?

Jeremy Kirk  •  September 20, 2016

Apple-FBI crypto debate update: A researcher successfully defeated an iPhone passcode using less than $100 in equipment. But the delicate procedure, if used on the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone, could have accidentally obliterated its data.

Breach Response

Helping Police Solve Cybercrimes

Tracy Kitten  •  September 19, 2016

Because many law enforcement agencies lack cybercrime expertise, it's important for companies that have been attacked to provide as much technical and forensic information as possible to authorities to help ensure that investigations lead to arrests and prosecutions, a panel of experts says.

Application Security

Dropbox 'Hacks' Macs, Developer Warns

Jeremy Kirk  •  September 19, 2016

A developer warns that Dropbox gains wide-ranging access to Apple's OS X operating system using a SQL trick that some equate to hacking users' systems. Here's why giving a desktop app unusual access to Apple's privacy settings poses a security risk.