Securing Cyber Talent: Strategies for Recruitment and Retention

Introduction

As cyber threats become increasingly complex and dangerous, there is an escalating demand for professionals in the field of cyber security. Organizations are not only tasked with attracting these experts but also retaining them and ensuring diversity within their ranks.

Finding The Right Talent

The crucial challenge lies in finding the right talent for the job. According to the latest state of cyber security report by ISACA, an astounding 71 percent of organizations have unfilled cyber security positions. The vacancies are especially widespread in non-entry level positions. Hence, there is a pressing need to not only secure professionals who can fill these roles but also ensure they have the appropriate qualifications and experience.

Curating Recruitment Strategies

In response to this predicament, organizations should prioritize internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring programs. It is also beneficial to encourage individuals to earn entry-level certifications, which can help new recruits demonstrate their expertise and experience.

Moreover, traditional recruitment strategies need to be adapted to foster more diversity within the cybersecurity industry. By casting a wider net, organizations can inject fresh perspectives and ideas, bringing in individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences.

Emphasizing Competence over Headcount

While expanding the talent pool is crucial, it is paramount that organizations place a strong emphasis on attracting and retaining individuals proficient in cybersecurity. Implementing rigorous screening processes and emphasizing soft skills alongside technical skills can significantly enhance the overall quality of the workforce.


Related links:

https://www.cshub.com/security-strategy/articles/building-a-robust-cyber-security-workforce?utm_medium=RSS

to prioritize collaboration between CEOs and CISOs to effectively address cybersecurity challenges.

Importance of CEO and CISO Collaboration in Cybersecurity

It’s a common adage that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. When it comes to protecting a company’s critical digital assets, this is especially true. The beefiest firewalls and advanced intrusion detection systems may fail if the company’s top leaders don’t understand their importance. Specifically, CEOs must collaborate with their Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in ensuring a robust cybersecurity strategy.

CEOs today increasingly understand the necessity for a strong cybersecurity infrastructure. Amid the constant rise in cyber threats, a capable security leader is indispensable not only to protect a company’s invaluable data but to secure its reputation as well. However, a recent report by PwC indicated that only 30% of CISOs felt they received adequate support from their CEOs.

CEO and CISO Relationship: Bridging the Gap

Securing organizations against digital malefactors has been complicated by two factors: budget limitations and a continual shortage of cybersecurity talent. Recent legal consequences for companies like SolarWinds and Uber have put CISOs in a precarious situation. The potential for facing criminal charges and regulatory repercussions has greatly increased—as underscored by the prediction by Gartner that nearly half the world’s cybersecurity leaders will change jobs by 2025 due to work-related stress.

It is in the best interest of every organization


Related links:

https://www.darkreading.com/cybersecurity-operations/what-cybersecurity-chiefs-need-from-their-ceos

Enhancing Threat Detection with AI: Revolutionizing Security Operations Centers

How will AI Change the Security Operations Center?

The cybersecurity landscape is continually evolving. Security Operations Center (SOC) teams are struggling to keep up, inundated with an overwhelming number of alerts and faced with the arduous task of distinguishing genuine threats from system noise. Making matters worse, attackers themselves are beginning to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their malicious pursuits.

But there’s a silver lining. AI looks set to revolutionize SOCs, offering unprecedented levels of automation and proactive threat detection, ultimately providing much-needed relief for overstretched security teams.

Experts, including those at the GCHQ spy agency in Britain, warn about increasing cyberattacks with AI lowering barriers to entry. Meanwhile, the sheer volume of attacks is growing. Shailesh Rao, president of Cortex at Palo Alto Networks, reveals that the company’s daily events rose from a billion to a staggering 36 billion within two years.

These figures are not surprising. Foundry’s Security Priorities Study 2023 found that 88% of security leaders believe they are falling short in addressing cyber risk. Many are turning towards increased spending, innovative technology, and AI adoption to manage the situation.

Palo Alto Networks recognizes this trend and has been investing substantially in AI to achieve enhanced

threat detection capabilities. By using AI and machine learning algorithms, SOCs can automate routine tasks such as log analysis and anomaly detection, allowing human analysts to focus on more complex issues. AI can also help identify patterns and correlations in vast amounts of data, improving the speed and accuracy of threat detection.

Moreover, AI can enable SOCs to predict and prevent cyberattacks before they occur. By analyzing historical data and current trends, AI algorithms can identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the system, allowing security teams to proactively address them. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks and minimize the impact of security breaches.

Overall, AI is poised to revolutionize the way SOCs operate. By harnessing the power of automation, machine learning, and predictive analytics, AI can enhance the capabilities of security teams, improve threat detection and response times, and ultimately strengthen the overall cybersecurity posture of organizations. Embracing AI technology is essential for staying ahead of cyber threats in an increasingly complex and evolving digital landscape.

Summary:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform Security Operations Centers (SOCs) by providing automation and proactive threat detection capabilities. With attackers increasingly using AI in their malicious activities, security teams are facing a growing number of cyber threats. To address these challenges, many organizations are turning to AI to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. By automating routine tasks, analyzing vast amounts of data, and predicting potential threats, AI can help SOCs improve their efficiency and effectiveness in detecting and mitigating cyber threats. Embracing AI technology is crucial for organizations to stay ahead of cyber threats and strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

The non-stop evolution of threats and the changing attack landscape enhances the complexity of the security environment, further complicating the task of security teams. This makes it imperative for organizations to track MTTR closely, as it serves as a key indicator of how efficiently vulnerabilities are being addressed, ultimately impacting the overall security posture of the organization.

Introduction

With the exponential increase in the number of vulnerabilities, thanks to the diffusion of code and cloud assets, the risk management landscape has become increasingly complex for security teams. In this context, the mean time to remediate (MTTR) emerges as one of the most critical performance metrics, providing a clear picture of how effectively vulnerabilities are managed and risk is reduced.

The Rising Risk and the Need for Tracking MTTR

Today, although security teams have evolved to become more sophisticated, risk management remains fraught with challenges. Parallel to technological evolution, vulnerabilities have bloomed from hundreds to millions making the security task daunting. Moreover, the time required to remediate these vulnerabilities is also on an upward trajectory, increasing the overall risk.

Amidst this scenario, MTTR plays a crucial role by correlating directly with risk. By eliminating the noise in MTTR calculations and hastening the remediation process, organizations can begin to witness a tangible impact on risk reduction.

Emerging Challenges in Application Security

The accelerated pace of innovation coupled with the incessant demand from customers necessitates businesses to constantly create and deploy new services and products. However, this incessant growth in business conduces to code and cloud infrastructures being pushed into deployment without optimal security measures. This subsequent explosion of unsecured assets leads to increased vulnerabilities that need to be rectified.

Conclusion

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, organizations must prioritize the measurement and improvement of their mean time to remediate in order to effectively reduce risk. By proactively addressing vulnerabilities and streamlining the remediation process, organizations can better protect their assets and data from potential threats.

Strengthening Cybersecurity with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0: Recover, Improve, and Secure

NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0: A Step Forward for Cybersecurity

The first upgrade in a decade, the NIST has formally announced the release of its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. Originally conceived for use within large-scale, critical infrastructure organizations, the CSF has since seen broad adoption across a variety of sectors, proving its value regardless of business size or the level of cybersecurity maturity. The improved version of the Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 has incorporated critical feedback to amplify its core tenets and developed additional tools to aid organizations in fully harnessing the potential of the CSF. The CSF 2.0 serves to facilitate the implementation of the all-encompassing National Cybersecurity Strategy. It encompasses six main focus areas – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond



Summary:

Recover, and Improve. Each focus area outlines specific practices and recommendations to help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture. The CSF 2.0 aims to provide a standardized approach to managing cybersecurity risks and enhancing resilience, ultimately fostering a more secure cyber ecosystem.

The adoption of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 is crucial for organizations striving to fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats. By leveraging the framework’s guidelines and best practices, businesses can effectively mitigate risks, detect and respond to incidents promptly, and recover with minimal disruption. Embracing the CSF 2.0 signifies a proactive stance towards cybersecurity, emphasizing the significance of a comprehensive and dynamic security strategy.

Links: Framework 2.0

Strengthening Security Measures for Kubernetes Clusters: Best Practices and Strategies to Combat Targeted Attacks

Securing Your Kubernetes Cluster

Due to the surge in the adoption of Kubernetes in enterprise software development, a corresponding rise in attacks specifically targeted at these installations has been observed. 

These bespoke exploitations are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Therefore, enforcing Kubernetes security best practices becomes a non-negotiable necessity. 

But this requires expertise, unique tools, and tactics that significantly diverge from generic cloud and virtual machine security measures. 

Security companies, such as Palo Alto Networks, Wiz, and Aqua Security, have detected an uptick in these Kubernetes-targeted attacks. Typically, within a few hours of its creation, a new cluster becomes a target for these threat actors, who scan well-known TCP/IP ports employed by containers for communication. 

To better shield Kubernetes installations, understanding the threat landscape, appreciating the common exploits being utilized, and adopting new protective measures are incredibly vital. 

 Kubernetes: An Interconnected Module

Cloud-native technologies like Kubernetes come with their complexities – an intricate weave of data flows, dependencies, and processes that each require unique protective techniques. Kubernetes was designed to be highly flexible and open, allowing users to explore freedom facilitated by its open architecture. 

Therefore, it’s essential to invest in automated, systematic processes that scaffold security during Kubernetes builds and deployment.

Revisiting Security Basics

Often with Kubernetes, network security basics, such as concealment of encryption keys, periods, and administrative passwords, deploying different segmentation plans, and least privileged access, are overlooked. 

It’s also crucial to control access rights correctly because in Kubernetes, implementing role-based control can be complex.

Cybercriminals have not been wasting time, though. They’ve uncovered, exploited, and weaponized these security oversights for gains. 

In an instance from 2023, Aqua Security Analysts discovered cryptomining malware code installed successfully within about 60 different clusters due to a backdoor attack on role-based controls.

Observe Better Security Habits

To bypass most forms of Kubernetes exploitations, some best practices would do better if observed. A useful place to start is revisiting the OWASP Kubernetes “Cheat Sheet,” which lists specifics for better Kubernetes control. 

As pointed out by Palo Alto’s Quist, developers need to segregate accounts for different operational groups properly and exploit key and secret management services adequately.

Better secret management and regular audits of clusters can help identify and quickly patch up any identified security faults. Also, employee and developer training on potential risks, correct configurations, and best practices need to be improved.

To underline it all, Kubernetes security is not a static task; it’s a dynamic process – constantly learning, adjusting, and enhancing as both the technology and threat architecture morph. 

 The swift response to such attacks and coordinated effort towards maintaining a strong and safe Kubernetes network can, to a large extent, safeguard enterprises and their data against these sophisticated attacks.

Summary:

The increasing popularity of Kubernetes has led to a rise in targeted attacks on Kubernetes clusters. Security companies like Palo Alto Networks, Wiz, and Aqua Security have observed a surge in attacks on Kubernetes installations. Attackers typically target new clusters within hours of their creation, scanning container communication ports for vulnerabilities. Protecting Kubernetes clusters requires a deep understanding of the threat landscape, common exploits, and adoption of new security measures. Kubernetes, with its complex interconnected modules, requires unique security measures, including automatic processes during build and deployment. Basic security practices like encryption, access control, and least privileged access are often overlooked in Kubernetes. Cybercriminals have exploited these oversights for gains, as seen in instances of successful cryptomining malware installations due to backdoor attacks. To enhance Kubernetes security, developers should follow the OWASP Kubernetes “Cheat Sheet,” properly manage keys and secrets, segregate accounts, and conduct regular audits. Continuous employee training on security risks, configurations, and best practices is essential. Kubernetes security is a dynamic process that requires constant learning and adjustment. A strong and coordinated effort towards maintaining secure Kubernetes networks can help safeguard enterprises and their data against sophisticated attacks.

Troubleshooting Microsoft’s February 2024 Windows 11 Updates: Addressing Installation Glitches and Solutions

It seems the tech world has gone into a frenzy, dealing with some unexpected hiccups regarding Microsoft’s February 2024 updates for Windows 11. 

According to the tech giant, these updates are failing to install on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 systems. To make things worse, the downloads are coming to an abrupt halt at 96%, triggering 0x800F0922 error codes. 

 There’s no need to outrun your panic though. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and assures customers that their dedicated team of tech wizards is working on a resolution. While they embark on a search for the solution to permanently fix this persisting issue, a temporary remedy is also up for grabs; deleting the ‘C:\$WinREAgent’ hidden folder. 

Remember to give your system a good old restart after deleting the folder, allowing the February 2024 security updates to install smoothly. 

 But what could be behind these installation glitches? The tech masterminds over at Microsoft did not directly comment on the possible causative factors of this issue. However, the temporary solution provided hints at the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) being a potential culprit. 

Interestingly, WinRE had earlier created a similar setback with the January 2024 Windows 10 update.

Although an error such as 0x800F0922 can put users on edge, it’s essential to understand that it could also be indicative of an insufficient free space in the System Reserved partition. 

Consequently, users might consider utilizing third-party software to extend the size of this partition, which could help resolve the problem. 

On the flip side, this particular error might imply that your PC is facing troubles connecting to the Windows Update servers. It’s advised to disconnect from your work network and switch off the VPN software before trying to upgrade again. 

 So take heart, Windows 11 users! As frustrating as these glitches are, solutions are on the horizon. Until then, we all wait eagerly for Microsoft’s next move. 

Summary:

 The tech world is abuzz with the unexpected hiccups surrounding Microsoft’s February 2024 updates for Windows 11, which are failing to install on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 systems. The downloads are abruptly stopping at 96%, accompanied by 0x800F0922 error codes. 

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and has assured customers that they are working on a solution. 

In the meantime, a temporary remedy involves deleting the ‘C:\$WinREAgent’ hidden folder and restarting the system for the updates to install smoothly. 

The cause of these installation glitches remains uncertain, but speculation points to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) as a potential culprit. 

However, users can potentially resolve the issue by ensuring sufficient free space in the System Reserved partition or addressing connectivity issues with Windows Update servers. 

Despite the frustration caused by these errors, solutions are in the works, offering hope to Windows 11 users experiencing difficulties with the latest updates.

“Five Key Strategies to Defend Against Corporate Espionage and Safeguard Sensitive Assets”

The threat of corporate espionage is no longer a subject of spy films and mystery novels, it’s now a rising concern globally. From small enterprises to mega corporations, it’s critical that both take pragmatic steps to mitigate and prevent corporate espionage. It’s not only an invasion of corporate privacy but it could also result in the loss of valuable assets and detrimental damage. Here are five key strategies that companies should implement in order to have a fighting chance against this form of cybercrime.

Starting off the list, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This paperwork is essential in the protection of sensitive information. Whenever you plan to share access to proprietary business technology, data, or documents, firmly insist on an NDA. Failure to do so could expose your company to risks including unauthorized disclosure and misuse of confidential information. It’s worth noting that NDAs offer clear legal recourse in case of a breach, promising potential punitive damages and a preferred forum for any arising disputes.

Secondly, understand and control your trade secrets. It sounds simple enough, but technology is ever-evolving, making it a daunting task to keep up and identify trade secrets. However, understanding and controlling trade secrets is crucial not just to secure access but also to prevent misappropriation. It’s never a waste of resources and efforts to identify and document what trade secrets your company holds. This process helps in defending oneself in court as claims from companies unable to identify their own trade secrets are often dismissed.

The third strategy involves due diligence. Whether you’re dealing with potential investors, business partners, contractors, or employees, it’s imperative to conduct comprehensive background checks. Due diligence could be a painstaking process, but it’s undeniably crucial in preventing corporate espionage. If any red flags are identified during the process, delay further proceedings until you garner sufficient assurances or necessary safeguards.

Strategy number four focuses on the human aspect: the training of employees and independent contractors. These individuals often serve as gatekeepers for your company’s sensitive data. By providing training on recognizing suspicious activities, the importance of confidentiality and effective response approaches, you equip them to be first-line defenders against corporate espionage.

The fifth and final strategy is prompt action against suspected illicit activities. If any unauthorized access or misuse of proprietary information is detected, fast action is needed. Engage a capable team of vendors and attorneys to quickly investigate the matter as delays might exponentially increase the inflicted damage. Evidence preservation and privacy protocols must be enforced during this process.

In conclusion, preventing corporate espionage requires a multifaceted approach, including legal safeguards, due diligence, security training, prompt responses to suspected activities, and secure communication practices. These approaches are vital to guard a company’s most sensitive assets and ensure its prosperity in an increasingly cyber-threat-dominated world. If these steps are systematically implemented and regularly updated, your company can significantly increase its defenses against corporate espionage.

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https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/5-steps-preventing-mitigating-corporate-espionage

Adapting to the Changing Face of Cybersecurity: The Role of Soft Skills and Learning Adaptability

In modern business, the digital landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating companies and organizations to stay abreast of changes, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. This change is not only challenging for businesses, but it also places a demand on individuals working in the cybersecurity field to adapt their skills to the contemporary needs of the industry. Consequently, hiring patterns diversify, moving away from the old approach of looking for a fixed set of skills towards placing value on soft skills and learning adaptability.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are the major players driving the change in cybersecurity. The emergence and implementation of AI and automation tools, as highlighted by the head of IT and cybersecurity Sameera Bandara, have made a significant impact on the requirements for cybersecurity professionals. With tools able to undertake some of the tasks that formerly required a substantial human input, tasks associated with coding and scripting have become more manageable. This means that employees in cybersecurity take on tasks that are more complex, alleviating the time spent on manual efforts.

In the response to the injection of AI and automation, analyst roles are taking a more ‘proactive’ approach, as described by Datacom’s senior cybersecurity analyst David Vaughn. With access to advanced tools and systems, professionals like Vaughn are moving from reactive tasks to proactive threat hunting. This means a shift from waiting for threats to happen to actively looking for potential threats to the organization, thereby enhancing organizational security.

However, AI is a double-edged sword. While it can help streamline processes and enhance incident-response capabilities, it can also be used to create new attack vectors and further digital threats. As such, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) specialists must stay aware of AI-based risks, which were not a consideration in the past.

Today, the role of GRC specialists is progressively shifting towards a consultative one. Much like a general physician who identifies the problem and directs the patient to the right specialist, GRC professionals now coordinate between various specialties in cybersecurity to ensure the best protection for businesses.

Besides technical skills, professionals in the cybersecurity industry are required to have solid communication skills. Especially for incident responders, the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with clients has become an important skillset, a point raised by CyberCX senior manager David Ulcigrai.

When hiring new individuals for cybersecurity roles, the CISOs are not just looking for technical expertise. An increasing emphasis is put on soft skills and communication abilities. Corien Vermaak, Cisco Australia and New Zealand Director of Cybersecurity, agrees with this viewpoint, stating that having the ability to explain technical matters to non-tech personnel is highly appealing.

In the end, hiring in the cybersecurity field is not just about ticking the boxes for certain skills. It all boils down to how open the potential hires are in acquiring new skills, especially given that the cybersecurity domain is always in a state of flux with constantly emerging technologies and threats. Therefore, candidates who have a strong craving for problem-solving and learning are the ones attracting the recruiters’ eyes.

So, if cybersecurity is your field of interest, remember that becoming a desirable candidate no longer solely depends on your technical expertise. Your soft skills, adaptability, and willingness to keep learning and growing are your ticket to making a mark in the industry.

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Introducing Kali Linux 2023.4: Enhanced Tools and Advanced Desktop Environment for Ethical Hackers and Cybersecurity Professionals

In the bustling world of cybersecurity and ethical hacking, Kali Linux 2023.4 has emerged as an exciting new tool. As the fourth and final version for the year, this iteration of the popular Linux distribution, designed specifically for ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals, brings with it an arsenal of fifteen new tools and the GNOME 45 desktop environment.

Kali Linux is utilized extensively in conducting penetration testing, security audits, and network research. The final release of 2023 may not comprise a significant amount of novel features within the core operating system, but an expansive line-up of new tools and the incorporation of the GNOME 45 desktop environment pack a powerful punch.

Let’s take a closer look at what this new release offers. Among the fifteen new features, some highlights include cabby, a TAXII client implementation; enum4linux-ng, a next-generation variation of enum4linux with added perks; Portspoof, which opens all 65535 TCP ports and emulates services; and Havoc, a modern post-exploitation command and control framework. Other notable inclusions can help in scouring passwords, API keys, and secrets from the shell command history, and scanning and converting Sigma rules into query languages.

Backed with an upgraded Kernel version to 6.3.7, Kali Linux 2023.4 aims to bolster your cybersecurity operations. If you’ve always been a GNOME fan over KDE, you’re in for a treat as Kali Linux now comes with GNOME 45. Code-named “Rīga,” GNOME 45 rolled out in September 2023, featuring refinements to the interface and a boost in performance. Notable enhancements include full-height sidebars in many updated apps, an improved settings app (gnome-control-center), and updated color schemes for the gnome-text-editor, among others.

Deployment options too have been diversified in the latest release. Both Kali Linux AMD64 and ARM64 are now available over Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure marketplaces. However, bear in mind that while ARM64 is widely supported by the operating system, not all packages are supported under this architecture rendering some packages unavailable. Moreover, support has been added for deploying Kali Linux on Hyper-V using Vagrant and for the Raspberry Pi 5, either through a dedicated image or by building it yourself.

Last but not least, you have the option to upgrade your existing installations to get your hands on Kali Linux 2023.4. You can also download ISO images for new installations and live distributions.

As technologies evolve, so do the requirements of cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers. Loaded with refined features and new tools, Kali Linux 2023.4 aims to keep these audiences ahead in the game. As always, remember that expertise comes with responsibility. So while you explore the potentials of Kali Linux 2023.4, ensure ethical usage and contribute positively to the world of cybersecurity.

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https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/kali-linux-20234-released-with-gnome-45-and-15-new-tools/