Emerging Threats & Vulnerabilities to Prepare for in 2025
Article Link: https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/emerging-threats-vulnerabilities-prepare-2025
- Ten emerging threats for 2025 include zero-day exploits, supply chain attacks, and vulnerabilities in expanding 5G networks.
- Growing reliance on outsourcing and the increasing sophistication of attackers, including nation-states, are driving these risks. The complexity of 5G infrastructure further complicates defense efforts compounds security challenges.
- These threats can lead to result in unauthorized access, data theft, and widespread disruptions, rippling through interconnected systems and technologies.
- Organizations should monitor for zero-day exploits, secure supply chain processes, and focus on protective measures tailored to 5G networks while updating strategies to address these evolving risks.
These Were the Badly Handled Data Breaches of 2024
Article Link: https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/26/badly-handled-data-breaches-2024/
- According to TechCrunch, in 2024, several organizations that experienced data breaches, including Change Healthcare’s ransomware attack affected over 100 million Americans and Fidelity Investments’ breach exposed 77,000 customer records.
- These incidents were aggravated by poor security measures, such as the absence of multi-factor authentication and delays in responding to attacks, giving criminals access to sensitive information.
- Mishandling these breaches led to financial fallout, eroded public trust, and exposed millions to risks of identity theft and fraud, demonstrating the need for better data security practices.
- Companies must strengthen security measures, perform frequent audits, and establish and test rapid response plans to reduce risks and address breaches swiftly.
Biden Administration Confirms China Cyber Breach
Article Link: https://www.newsweek.com/us-department-treasury-hack-china-biden-breach-live-updates-2007884
- In December 2024, Chinese state-sponsored hackers breached the U.S. Department of the Treasury, accessing unclassified documents and workstations.
- Attackers exploited vulnerabilities in BeyondTrust’s remote support software, a third-party service provider, to gain access.
- This incident deemed a “major cybersecurity incident,” raises concerns about the security of government networks and the effectiveness of current protective measures.
- To mitigate such risks, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of third-party services, apply necessary patches promptly, and use network monitoring tools to detect unusual activities.
Proposed Updates to HIPAA Security Rule Mandate to Restore the Loss of Certain Relevant Electronic Information Systems and Data Within 72 Hours
Article Link: https://securityaffairs.com/172518/breaking-news/hhs-updates-hipaa-security-rule.html
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule, requiring healthcare organizations to recover lost electronic systems and data within 72 hours.
- These updates aim to strengthen the ability of healthcare organizations to respond to cyber threats and maintain critical operations after data loss incidents.
- The 72-hour recovery mandate highlights the vital need for rapid data restoration to protect patient care and sensitive health information in the face of increasing cyber risks.
- Healthcare entities should evaluate and improve their data backup and disaster recovery strategies to meet the proposed HIPAA requirements and achieve compliance.
16 Chrome Extensions Hacked, Exposing Over 600,000 Users to Data Theft
Article Link: https://thehackernews.com/2024/12/16-chrome-extensions-hacked-exposing.html
- In December 2024, hackers compromised at least 35 Chrome browser extensions, exposing over 2.6 million users to data theft and credential hijacking.
- Attackers executed a phishing campaign targeting extension publishers, gaining access to inject malicious code that stole cookies and user access tokens.
- This breach reveals the security risks associated with browser extensions, emphasizing the importance of protecting user data from such attacks.
- Users should review installed extensions, remove any suspicious ones, and update others to their latest versions. Adding multi-factor authentication provides an extra layer of defense.
7 Biggest Cybersecurity Stories of 2024
Article Link: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3629818/7-biggest-cybersecurity-stories-of-2024.html
- In 2024, major incidents shaped the digital threat landscape, including a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, breaches involving Snowflake customers, and Microsoft’s compromise by Russian hackers.
- Attackers exploited gaps in third-party services and used advanced phishing tactics, showcasing the persistent challenges of defending against sophisticated nation-state actors.
- These events blast the pressing need for organizations to improve defenses, as breaches lead to sever data loss, financial harm, and damaged public trust.
- Organizations should perform frequent security reviews, use strong authentication methods, and maintain effective response plans to address the risks posed by these threats.
2025 NDAA Provides $3 Billion Funding for FCC’s Rip-and-Replace Program
Article Link: https://www.securityweek.com/2025-ndaa-provides-3-billion-funding-for-fccs-rip-and-replace-program/
- The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) allocates an additional $3 billion to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) “Rip-and-Replace” program, designed to remove Chinese-made equipment from U.S. telecommunications networks.
- This funding aims to address security concerns tied to devices from companies like Huawei and ZTE, which are considered risks to national security. The program supports small telecom firms in replacing these components.
- The FCC had previously estimated $5 billion was required for this effort but only had $1.9 billion available. The additional $3 billion fills the funding gap, enabling 126 carriers to proceed with replacing equipment to secure U.S. Telecom infrastructure.
- Telecom companies should prioritize replacing insecure equipment, using the allocated funds to upgrade their networks and protect against potential threats tied to compromised hardware.
Microsoft Warns of Windows 11 24H2 Issue that Blocks Windows Security Updates
Article Link: https://gbhackers.com/microsoft-warns-of-windows-11-24h2-issue/
- Microsoft has identified an issue in Windows 11 version 24H2 installations, where devices set up using installation media containing October or November 2024 security updates may not receive future updates.
- This is applicable when installation media such as USB drives or CDs, include outdated patches, causing systems to reject further updates and increasing their vulnerability.
- Devices installed with flawed media risk missing critical updates, leaving them exposed to potential threats and compromising overall system protection.
- Users and IT administrators should recreate installation media using the December 2024 security update or newer and reinstall Windows 11 version 24H2 to enable future updates.
Air Fryer Espionage Raises Data Security Concerns
Article Link: https://www.cybersecurity-insiders.com/air-fryer-espionage-raises-data-security-concerns/
- Recent reports reveal that certain smart air fryers, including models from Xiaomi and Aigostar, collect extensive user data through their companion apps, raising privacy concerns.
- These devices request permissions to access conversations, precise location, and personal details, which are then shared with third parties, including entities in China, for marketing purposes.
- These data collection practices expose a growing issue of privacy invasion by household gadgets, raising questions about transparency and the need for stricter regulations.
- Consumers should review app permissions, limit data sharing, and carefully assess the privacy policies of smart devices to protect their personal information.
