Data security and privacy
Secure data storage, data loss prevention and encryption are must-have components of any enterprise security strategy, especially as data threats and breaches become increasingly common. Get advice on these topics, along with the latest data security strategies, data backup and recovery info, and more.
Top Stories
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Tip
10 Jun 2025
Enumeration attacks: What they are and how to prevent them
User and network enumeration attacks help adversaries plan strong attack campaigns. Prevent them with MFA, rate limiting, CAPTCHA, secure code and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jun 2025
Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption: Understand key differences
Explore the differences between symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption, including how they work and common algorithms, as well as their pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jun 2025
Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption: Understand key differences
Explore the differences between symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption, including how they work and common algorithms, as well as their pros and cons. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2025
The DOGE effect on cybersecurity: Efficiency vs. risk
The DOGE effect on security is a complex issue. Pursuit of efficiency might be a legitimate goal, but experts caution it can conflict with cybersecurity defenses. Continue Reading
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Video
02 Jun 2025
The DOGE effect on cyber: What's happened and what's next?
In this webinar, part of 'CISO Insights' series, cybersecurity experts debate the pros and cons of the Department of Government Efficiency's actions and the impact on their field. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 May 2025
What is security?
Security for information technology (IT) refers to the methods, tools and personnel used to defend an organization's digital assets. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 May 2025
What is triple extortion ransomware?
Triple extortion ransomware is a type of ransomware attack in which a cybercriminal extorts their victim multiple times -- namely by encrypting data, exposing exfiltrated data and then threatening an additional third attack vector. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2025
News brief: Week's top breaches stem from third-party attacks
Check out the latest security news from the Informa TechTarget team. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2025
Thwart nation-state threat actors with these CISO tips
Foreign adversaries now infiltrate rival nation resources by using cyberattackers to pose as remote workers. Learn how to protect your organization with tips from this CISO. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2025
What is FileZilla?
FileZilla is a free, open source file transfer protocol (FTP) application that enables users to transfer files between local devices and remote servers. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 May 2025
What is data risk management? Key risks and best practices
Data risk management identifies, assesses and mitigates threats to organizational data, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 May 2025
What is data security posture management (DSPM)?
Data security posture management, or DSPM, is an approach that combines technologies and processes to provide a holistic view of a company's sensitive data, including where the data is, who has access to it, how it has been used and its security posture. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
16 May 2025
RSAC Conference 2025
Follow SearchSecurity's RSAC 2025 guide for insightful pre-conference insights and reports on notable presentations and breaking news at the world's biggest infosec event. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 May 2025
What is penetration testing?
A penetration test, also called a 'pen test,' is a simulated cyberattack on a computer system, network or application to identify and highlight vulnerabilities in an organization's security posture. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 May 2025
DLP in the GenAI Era: Shadow data and DLP product churn
Recent Enterprise Strategy Group research found data loss prevention product churn combined with undiscovered data and shadow IT are changing the DLP landscape. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 May 2025
What is a security operations center (SOC)?
A security operations center (SOC) is a command center facility in which a team of information technology (IT) professionals with expertise in information security (infosec) monitors, analyzes and protects an organization from cyberattacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2025
RSAC 2025: The time for crypto-agility adoption is now
An RSAC 2025 speaker explained why companies should begin their quantum-safe journey now and how crypto-agility adoption helps prepare for post-quantum cryptography. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2025
Why is document version control important?
Although best practices have changed, many organizations lack a suitable versioning strategy. Proper document version control can improve collaboration and fact-checking. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2025
How payment tokenization works and why it's important
Payment tokenization benefits merchants and customers alike. It not only helps protect financial transaction data, but also improves UX. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2025
DLP vs. DSPM: What's the difference?
Data loss prevention and data security posture management tools give organizations powerful features to protect data in the cloud and on-premises. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2025
What is ransomware? Definition and complete guide
Ransomware is malware that locks and encrypts a victim's data, files, devices or systems, rendering them inaccessible and unusable until the attacker receives a ransom payment. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Apr 2025
3 EUC security topics I'll be looking for at RSAC 2025
There will be a ton of security topics that RSA Conference-goers can check out, but IT admins should be aware of three common themes surrounding email and endpoints. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2025
What is crypto ransomware? How cryptocurrency aids attackers
Crypto ransomware is a form of ransomware that uses cryptography to encrypt computer files so that the victim cannot access them. In exchange for the demanded ransom, the attacker claims it will tell the victimized business how to regain access to the stolen data. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2025
9 quantum computing challenges IT leaders should know
While the theory of quantum mechanics is complex, the technology might offer practical uses for organizations. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of quantum computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2025
How to create a CBOM for quantum readiness
Quantum is on the horizon -- is your organization ready to migrate to post-quantum cryptographic algorithms? Make a CBOM to understand where risky encryption algorithms are used. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Apr 2025
What is Pretty Good Privacy and how does it work?
Pretty Good Privacy, or PGP, was a popular program used to encrypt and decrypt email over the internet, as well as authenticate messages with digital signatures and encrypted stored files. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2025
Google Gemini 2.5 Pro extends on-prem GenAI support
Google Gemini is the first proprietary frontier model that can be run on-premises via Google Distributed Cloud for privacy- and cost-conscious enterprises. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2025
How to create a data breach response plan, with free template
A data breach response plan outlines how a business reacts to a breach. Follow these six steps, and use our free template to develop your organization's plan. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Apr 2025
Data security and identity security themes at RSAC 2025
Check out what Enterprise Strategy Group analyst Todd Thiemann has on his agenda for RSA Conference 2025. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2025
Quantum-resistant algorithms: Why they matter
Quantum-resistant algorithms play a crucial role in post-quantum cryptography, which protects against threats on digital signatures and current encryption methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2025
Ransomware payments: Considerations before paying
To pay or not to pay -- that's the question after a ransomware attack. Law enforcement recommends against it, but that doesn't stop some companies from paying up. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Apr 2025
How to report ransomware attacks: Steps to take
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and FBI recommend reporting ransomware attacks to the authorities as soon as possible. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Apr 2025
4 ransomware detection techniques to catch an attack
While prevention is key, it's not enough to protect a company's systems from ransomware. Learn how early detection with these four methods helps reduce damage from attacks. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Apr 2025
What is an initialization vector?
An initialization vector (IV) is an arbitrary number that can be used with a secret key for data encryption to foil cyber attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2025
How quantum cybersecurity changes the way you protect data
Here's a full guide to the threats quantum computers pose to today's encryption algorithms -- and how to prepare now to become "crypto-agile" enough to stay ahead of bad actors. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Mar 2025
How to prevent a data breach: 11 best practices and tactics
When it comes to data breach prevention, the stakes are high. While it's impossible to eliminate the risk, organizations can minimize it by following these best practices. Continue Reading
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Video
27 Mar 2025
An explanation of personally identifiable information
Everyone has personally identifiable information -- some of it sensitive and some of it not. Keeping PII safe is important, since bad actors can use it for malicious ends. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Mar 2025
What is elliptical curve cryptography (ECC)?
Elliptical curve cryptography (ECC) is a public key encryption technique based on elliptic curve theory that can be used to create faster, smaller and more efficient cryptographic keys. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2025
10 biggest data breaches in history, and how to prevent them
Did you know the biggest data breach in history exposed a whopping 3 billion user records? Don't make the same mistakes these companies did in the largest data breaches in history. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Mar 2025
Cyber Trust Mark explained: Everything you need to know
The Cyber Trust Mark has been put in place to encourage manufacturers to improve IoT security and provide consumers with more information on the security of their devices. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Mar 2025
How to create a data security policy, with template
When it comes to data security, the devil is in the details. One critical detail organizations shouldn't overlook is a succinct yet detailed data security policy. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Mar 2025
What is the Twofish encryption algorithm?
Twofish is a symmetric-key block cipher with a block size of 128 bits and variable-length key of size 128, 192 or 256 bits. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Mar 2025
Using shred and dd commands in Linux to securely wipe data
When it's time to get rid of old systems or when moving one system from one location to another, it's a good idea to use Linux utilities to securely delete existing data. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Mar 2025
What is BitLocker?
BitLocker Drive Encryption, or BitLocker, is a Microsoft Windows security and encryption feature included with certain Windows versions. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2025
What is the NSA and how does it work?
The National Security Agency (NSA) is a federal government surveillance and intelligence agency that's part of the U.S. Department of Defense and is managed under the authority of the director of national intelligence (DNI). Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2025
What is multifactor authentication?
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an IT security technology that requires multiple sources of unique information from independent categories of credentials to verify a user's identity for a login or other transaction. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2025
FBI: Lazarus Group behind $1.5 billion Bybit heist
Researchers say the heist, in which North Korean state-sponsored hackers stole funds from a cold wallet, is the biggest theft in the history of the cryptocurrency industry. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2025
What is quantum in physics and computing?
A quantum, the singular form of quanta, is the smallest discrete unit of any physical entity. For example, a quantum of light is a photon, and a quantum of electricity is an electron. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2025
CrowdStrike: China hacking has reached 'inflection point'
In its 2025 Global Threat Report, CrowdStrike observed an increase in China's cyber capabilities, with a focus on espionage and 'pre-positioning' itself in critical environments. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2025
NCC Group tracks alarming ransomware surge in January
NCC Group found ransomware activity in January surpassed previous monthly highs with 590 attacks, as one notorious gang experienced a notable resurgence. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2025
Black Basta ransomware leak sheds light on targets, tactics
VulnCheck found the ransomware gang targeted CVEs in popular enterprise products from Microsoft, Citrix, Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Confluence Atlassian and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Feb 2025
How to check and verify file integrity
Organizations planning content migrations should verify file integrity to make sure files weren't corrupted during the move. File validation can keep critical data secure. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2025
Dragos: Ransomware attacks against industrial orgs up 87%
Ransomware attacks continue to be a major pain point for industrial organizations, as the sector has historically struggled with vulnerability management. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2025
Apple pulls Advanced Data Protection in UK, sparking concerns
Privacy and security concerns mount, as Apple pulls the end-to-end encryption feature for users located in the U.K. following pressures from the government. Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2025
CISA, FBI warn of Ghost/Cring ransomware attacks
Ghost is a China-based financially motivated ransomware group that has launched attacks against organizations in more than 70 countries -- including its own. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2025
Penetration testing vs. vulnerability scanning: What's the difference?
Confused by the distinctions between penetration testing and vulnerability scanning? You're not alone. Learn the key differences between the two and when to use each. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Feb 2025
What is a checksum?
A checksum is a value that represents the number of bits in a transmission message. IT professionals use it to detect high-level errors within data transmissions. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Feb 2025
What is email spoofing?
Email spoofing is a form of cyber attack in which a hacker sends an email that has been manipulated to seem as if it originated from a trusted source. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Feb 2025
What is defense in depth?
Defense in depth is a cybersecurity strategy that uses multiple security measures to protect an organization's networks, systems and data. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2025
Chinese companies on DoD CMC list: Tech giants on the list
Several Chinese tech giants including Huawei, Tencent and CATL are now on the U.S. Chinese Military Companies list due to security concerns. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Feb 2025
Entrust sells certificate business: Implications and actions
Entrust selling its certificate business to Sectigo isn't the only change that enterprises will face when it comes to the future of digital certificates. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Feb 2025
7 Drupal security best practices
Drupal offers advanced security features, but admins must know how to implement and configure them. Best practices include using the latest version and backing up sites. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Feb 2025
What is information security management system (ISMS)?
An information security management system (ISMS) is a set of policies and procedures for systematically managing an organization's sensitive data. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2025
How to build an API security strategy
Lax API protections make it easier for threat actors to steal data, inject malware and perform account takeovers. An API security strategy helps combat this. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2025
Ransomware hits healthcare, critical services in January
Ransomware attacks against healthcare organizations in January reflect an increasing need for threat actors to adapt and get aggressive as defenders improve. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2025
What is cyber insurance, and why is it important?
Cyber insurance, also called cyber liability insurance or cybersecurity insurance, is a contract a business or other organization can purchase to reduce the financial risks associated with doing business online. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2025
Chainalysis records 35% decrease in ransom payments in 2024
While the first half of 2024 was on pace to surpass 2023's record-setting numbers, Chainalysis found that the volume of ransom payments dropped in the second half of the year. Continue Reading
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News
04 Feb 2025
AMD, Google disclose Zen processor microcode vulnerability
AMD said CVE-2024-56161, which first leaked last month, requires an attacker to have local administrator privileges as well as developed and executed malicious microcode. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is cryptology?
Cryptology is the mathematics, such as number theory and the application of formulas and algorithms, that underpin cryptography and cryptanalysis. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2025
What is biometrics?
Biometrics is the measurement and statistical analysis of people's unique physical and behavioral characteristics. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Jan 2025
Risk & Repeat: DeepSeek security issues emerge
The introduction of DeepSeek's new generative AI models has been met with fervor, but security issues have created apparent challenges for the Chinese startup. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2025
What is blockchain? Definition, examples and how it works
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology (DLT) that's shared across a network of computers to keep a digital record of transactions. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2025
Wiz reveals DeepSeek database exposed API keys, chat history
Wiz expressed concern about security shortcomings with AI tools and services amid the rapid adoption and rising popularity of offerings like DeepSeek-R1. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2025
German police disrupt Cracked, Nulled cybercrime forums
Cracked and Nulled had a combined community of approximately 10 million users who used the sites to discuss cybercrime and sell malware and hacking tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jan 2025
What is a hardware security module?
A hardware security module (HSM) is a physical device that provides extra security for sensitive data. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2025
DOJ indicts 5 individuals in North Korea IT worker scam
An unsealed indictment revealed threat actors working for North Korea tricked at least 64 U.S. businesses into hiring fake IT workers for financial and propriety data gains. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2025
Data sovereignty compliance challenges and best practices
Organizations that use the cloud face stiff challenges in complying with data sovereignty laws and regulations. The first step: Understand which laws apply. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2025
What is SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)?
Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an open standard for sharing security information about identity, authentication and authorization across different systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2025
What is a private key?
A private key, also known as a secret key, is a variable in cryptography used with an algorithm to encrypt or decrypt data. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2025
Treasury Department sanctions company tied to Salt Typhoon
The sanctions were in response to significant cyberattacks by Chinese nation-state threat groups against the U.S. government and critical infrastructure in recent months. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2025
Threat actor publishes data of 15K hacked FortiGate firewalls
Although the threat actor published the alleged stolen Fortinet FortiGate firewall data this week, the data is apparently tied to older zero-day exploitation from 2022. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jan 2025
FBI removes Chinese PlugX malware from 4,258 U.S. computers
The FBI did not inform individuals that it deleted PlugX malware from users' computers beforehand, citing the possibility of Chinese state-sponsored hackers making adjustments. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2025
Symmetric key encryption algorithms and security: A guide
Scrambling plaintext into ciphertext is essential to ensure data cannot be read or used by the wrong people. Learn the basics of symmetric key encryption algorithms here. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2025
December ransomware attacks slam healthcare, public services
In December, one victim organization paid a $1.5 million ransom to restore services, while another continued to experience disruptions for more than one month following an attack. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2025
Top 7 data loss prevention tools for 2025
Data loss prevention software is a necessity for most companies. Our guide gives you a quick overview of seven top DLP providers and tells you what works -- and what doesn't. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Jan 2025
Data security spending in 2025: Up and to the right
Cybersecurity investments are set to increase in 2025, according to Enterprise Strategy Group's annual spending survey, and data loss prevention is leading the priority pack. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2025
CISA: BeyondTrust breach affected Treasury Department only
The government cybersecurity agency says fallout from a breach against BeyondTrust last month has not affected other federal agencies, although the investigation is ongoing. Continue Reading
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News
02 Jan 2025
Dozens of Chrome extensions hacked in threat campaign
Although data security vendor Cyberhaven disclosed that its Chrome extension was compromised on Dec. 24, additional research suggests the broader campaign could be months older. Continue Reading
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News
31 Dec 2024
Treasury Department breached through BeyondTrust service
The Treasury Department said Chinese government hackers gained access to a key for BeyondTrust's Remote Support service and used it to breach the federal agency. Continue Reading
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News
30 Dec 2024
10 of the biggest ransomware attacks in 2024
Ransomware attacks against U.S. organizations in 2024 disrupted healthcare systems, supply chains and government services and led to tens of millions of dollars in ransom payments. Continue Reading
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Podcast
23 Dec 2024
Risk & Repeat: The state of ransomware in 2024
Ransomware made major headlines in 2024, from the massive Change Healthcare attack to the creative takedown of the notorious LockBit ransomware-as-a-service gang. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is a public key and how does it work?
In cryptography, a public key is a large numerical value that is used to encrypt data. Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2024
10 of the biggest cybersecurity stories of 2024
Some of the biggest stories of the year include a massive IT outage, a record-setting ransom payment and devastating breaches at several U.S. telecommunications companies. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2024
10 cybersecurity predictions for 2025
AI will still be a hot topic in 2025, but don't miss out on other trends, including initial access broker growth, the rise of vCISOs, tech rationalization and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Dec 2024
How bad is generative AI data leakage and how can you stop it?
Mismanaged training data, weak models, prompt injection attacks can all lead to data leakage in GenAI, with serious costs for companies. The good news? Risks can be mitigated. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2024
CISA issues mobile security guidance following China hacks
Following the Salt Typhoon attacks, CISA offers advice to 'highly targeted' individuals, such as using end-to-end encryption and moving away from purely SMS-based MFA. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2024
The pros and cons of biometric authentication
Biometric authentication can be a solid supplement to passwords when securing data and systems. But understanding potential drawbacks, and planning to minimize them, is essential. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2024
Cryptocurrency scams: Common types and prevention
Cryptocurrency scams are rising, and thieves are using new and old techniques to steal money. Some of the latest scams involve rug pull scams, Ponzi schemes and phishing scams. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2024
Cleo zero-day vulnerability gets CVE as attacks continue
The new Cleo zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-55956, is separate from CVE-2024-50623 despite both vulnerabilities being used by threat actors to target the same endpoints. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2024
ESET: RansomHub most active ransomware group in H2 2024
The antimalware vendor says law enforcement operations against the LockBit ransomware gang were successful, but a new prolific group has emerged in its place. Continue Reading
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Podcast
13 Dec 2024
Risk & Repeat: Attacks ramp up on Cleo MFT software
Earlier this week, threat actors began exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in Cleo's managed file transfer products, but the details of the flaw remain unclear. Continue Reading