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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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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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
29 Dec 2022
credential theft
Credential theft is a type of cybercrime that involves stealing a victim's proof of identity. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Dec 2022
How to prevent and mitigate process injection
Process injection is a defense evasion technique that helps attackers hide from enterprise security systems. Learn how it works and how to mitigate it. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Dec 2022
Firefox
Firefox is a free, open source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation and Mozilla Corporation in 2004. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Dec 2022
surveillance capitalism
Surveillance capitalism is an economic theory proposed by Harvard Business School Professor Emerita Shoshana Zuboff in 2014 that describes the modern, mass monetization of individuals' raw personal data in order to predict and modify their behavior. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Dec 2022
What enumeration attacks are and how to prevent them
Web applications may be vulnerable to user enumeration attacks. Learn how these brute-forcing attacks work and how to prevent them. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Dec 2022
cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a type of bullying in which one or more individuals use digital technologies to intentionally and repeatedly cause harm to another person. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2022
11 cybersecurity predictions for 2023
Analysts and experts have looked into their crystal balls and made their cybersecurity predictions for 2023. Is your organization prepared if these predictions come true? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Dec 2022
Explore 5 secure data storage best practices
From access control to air gapping and beyond, IT administrators should employ several technologies and procedures to help ensure they have secure data storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Dec 2022
default
In computer technology, a default is a pre-designed value or setting that is used by a computer program when a value or setting is not specified by the program user. Continue Reading
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Podcast
08 Dec 2022
Risk & Repeat: Breaking down Rackspace ransomware attack
This Risk & Repeat podcast episode discusses the recent ransomware attack against cloud provider Rackspace, as well as the major service outage affecting its customers. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2022
Vice Society ransomware 'persistent threat' to education sector
New research from Palo Alto Networks supports recent government warnings that Vice Society poses an increased risk to K-12 schools and higher education. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2022
Rackspace confirms ransomware attack after Exchange outages
The cloud service provider said that because the investigation of the ransomware attack is in the early stages, it is unknown what, if any, customer data was stolen. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Dec 2022
Trojan horse
In computing, a Trojan horse is a program downloaded and installed on a computer that appears harmless, but is, in fact, malicious. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2022
Mozilla, Microsoft drop Trustcor as root certificate authority
Mozilla and Microsoft removed support for TrustCor certificates after a Washington Post report revealed the company's ties to government contractors specializing in spyware. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2022
LastPass warns some customer data accessed in new breach
LastPass disclosed a new breach, related to the previously disclosed attack in August, that resulted in a threat actor obtaining access to some customer data. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2022
Lockbit 3.0 has BlackMatter ransomware code, wormable traits
LockBit 3.0 or 'LockBit Black' includes anti-debugging capabilities, the ability to delete Volume Shadow Copy files and the potential ability to self-spread via legitimate tools. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2022
quantum key distribution (QKD)
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method for exchanging encryption keys only known between shared parties. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Nov 2022
Risk & Repeat: Twitter, Elon Musk and security concerns
This podcast episode discusses Twitter's security concerns following Elon Musk's acquisition last month, as well as a possible data breach from 2021 that came to light recently. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2022
Infosec researcher reports possible 'massive' Twitter breach
The alleged Twitter breach involves a data set from late 2021 and includes the phone numbers and personal information of millions of users in the U.S. and Europe. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Nov 2022
Bitly
Bitly is a URL shortener service that enables users to truncate webpage links. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Nov 2022
Track evolution in storage security standards, technologies
It's going to take a layered approach to handle all the security threats that storage administrators face. Strategies such as zero-trust architecture and encryption can help. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
17 Nov 2022
Do companies need cyber insurance?
As cyber insurance costs rise, companies must determine whether they truly need cyber insurance to tackle their increased risk of cyber attacks. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2022
Cohesity launches Data Security Alliance for customers
Cohesity has formed a Data Security Alliance of 12 companies and will launch its DataHawk security service in early 2023. Both are aimed at consolidating offerings for customers. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2022
Moreno Valley school system shores up ransomware defenses
Moreno Valley Unified School District officials discuss the steps they've taken to better protect sensitive data and critical applications against the growing threat of ransomware. Continue Reading
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News
10 Nov 2022
TrustCor under fire over certificate authority concerns
TrustCor Systems, a certificate authority registered in Panama, is in hot water after a Washington Post report raised questions about its apparent connections to a spyware vendor. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2022
Common lateral movement techniques and how to prevent them
Lateral movement techniques enable attackers to dig deeper into compromised environments. Discover what lateral movement attacks are and four attack techniques. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Nov 2022
5 ways to overcome multifactor authentication vulnerabilities
Improve the resiliency of multifactor authentication by giving users more information, making default settings more secure, hiding secrets and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Nov 2022
How to build a shadow IT policy to reduce risks, with template
With a shadow IT policy in place, organizations reduce security risks from unapproved applications and services that employees introduce independently. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2022
Yanluowang ransomware gang goes dark after leaks
The Yanluowang ransomware operation appears to have shut down for the time being after an anonymous individual published a series of internal code and chat leaks. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2022
Ransomware on the rise, hitting schools and healthcare
October ransomware disclosures and public reports tracked by TechTarget Editorial increased from previous months, with notable attacks on education and healthcare organizations. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2022
Consider ethical technology issues with data center growth
Authors Harry Lewis and Ken Ledeen discuss ethical issues organizations should consider when expanding data center, data collection and technological capabilities. Continue Reading
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Podcast
28 Oct 2022
Risk & Repeat: Microsoft, SOCRadar spar over data leak
This podcast episode discusses threat intelligence vendor SOCRadar's disclosure of a large Microsoft data leak and the contentious exchange between the two companies that followed. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Oct 2022
How Sheltered Harbor helps banks navigate cyber-recovery
Banks must be able to recover quickly from a cyber attack -- a difficult task, given the volume and sophistication of attacks. The not-for-profit Sheltered Harbor aims to help. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2022
Apple patches actively exploited zero-day iOS bug
The iOS zero-day was joined by a slew of other vulnerabilities in Apple's Oct. 24 security update. The iOS 16 update contained patches for 13 arbitrary code execution flaws. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2022
Balancing remote work privacy vs. productivity monitoring
Weighing employee productivity monitoring against remote workers' privacy is a serious issue that requires protecting personal and corporate data and setting the right policies. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2022
BlackByte ransomware using custom data exfiltration tool
Symantec researchers say BlackByte ransomware may be poised to move into the elite ransomware ranks, as the group has begun developing its own custom malware tools. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2022
Brazil arrests alleged Lapsus$ hacker
Federal police in Brazil arrested a person accused of being a key member of the Lapsus$ hacking group on charges related to the takedown of government websites. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2022
Microsoft confirms data leak caused by misconfiguration
Microsoft criticized SOCRadar's reporting of the data leak, saying the threat intelligence vendor "greatly exaggerated" its claim that 65,000-plus entities had data exposed. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Oct 2022
What is the zero-trust security model?
The zero-trust security model is a cybersecurity approach that denies access to an enterprise's digital resources by default and grants authenticated users and devices tailored, siloed access to only the applications, data, services and systems they need to do their jobs. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Oct 2022
How to manage and reduce secret sprawl
Secret sprawl plagues companies, making them vulnerable to data breaches. Discover what causes secret sprawl and how to better protect secrets. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2022
Top 10 pen testing interview questions with answers
Are you pursuing a career in pen testing? Prepare with this list of 10 pen testing interview questions and answers created by three security experts. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2022
Top IT security manager interview questions
Are you looking for a leadership role in cybersecurity? Three security experts offer their advice on how to answer the most common IT security manager interview questions. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
19 Oct 2022
3 cloud security posture questions CISOs should answer
As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, CISOs must help IT and cybersecurity teams keep pace with evolving cloud markets, especially when it comes to cloud security posture. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Oct 2022
pegged cryptocurrency
A pegged cryptocurrency is a cryptocurrency whose value is linked to a specific bank-issued currency, financial instrument or tradable commodity. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2022
full-disk encryption (FDE)
Full-disk encryption (FDE) is a security method for protecting sensitive data at the hardware level by encrypting all data on a disk drive. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2022
Diffie-Hellman key exchange (exponential key exchange)
Diffie-Hellman key exchange is a method of digital encryption that securely exchanges cryptographic keys between two parties over a public channel without their conversation being transmitted over the internet. Continue Reading
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Podcast
14 Oct 2022
Risk & Repeat: Breaking down the Joe Sullivan conviction
This podcast episode discusses conviction of former Uber CSO Joe Sullivan, who was found guilty last week of covering up the company's 2016 data breach. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
14 Oct 2022
The role of transparency in digital trust
To retain digital trust, organizations must be transparent in the aftermath of cybersecurity attacks and data breaches. Learn more about the roles of transparency in trust. Continue Reading
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News
13 Oct 2022
NPM API flaw exposes secret packages
A flaw in the API for NPM could potentially allow a threat actor to see the internal packages for corporate users -- a possible first step for a supply chain attack. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2022
Combat ransomware with continuous backup software, strategy
No IT organization is safe from a ransomware attack, making backup maintenance critical. Learn the pros and cons of continuous backups in terms of costs, storage and recovery time. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2022
The history and evolution of zero-trust security
Before zero-trust security, enterprise insiders were trusted and outsiders weren't. Learn about the history of zero trust and the public and private sector efforts to adopt it. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2022
7 steps for implementing zero trust, with real-life examples
More than a decade since the term's inception, zero-trust security is still much easier said than done. Here's how to get started. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2022
NPM malware attack goes unnoticed for a year
A cybercriminal crew known as "LofyGang" poisoned software supply chains with bad NPM packages for more than a year, according to Checkmarx researchers. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2022
LinkedIn scams, fake Instagram accounts hit businesses, execs
Even the most secure business and executive social media accounts that have strong passwords and multifactor authentication are vulnerable to cloning schemes. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2022
Cohesity founder, new CEO discuss data management strategy
The current and former Cohesity CEOs seek to bring the company to 'the next level.' Plans include melding backup and security as well as potentially going public. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Oct 2022
How to choose the best ZTNA vendor for your organization
In a sea of options, finding the best ZTNA vendor for your organization can pose a major challenge. Weed through the marketing hype with advice from the experts. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2022
Top 6 challenges of a zero-trust security model
Zero trust has a number of challenges, but because the model is highly beneficial, it's important for organizations to learn how to overcome them. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2022
Perimeter security vs. zero trust: It's time to make the move
Perimeter security requires a border to protect enterprise data. With more and more users working outside that border, zero trust promises a better security option for the future. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2022
Former Uber CSO Joe Sullivan found guilty in breach cover-up
Sullivan was convicted of obstruction of proceedings of the Federal Trade Commission and misprision of felony in connection with the cover-up of Uber's 2016 data breach. Continue Reading
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News
05 Oct 2022
Ransomware attacks ravage schools, municipal governments
Attacks disclosed in September revealed that K-12 schools, universities and local governments continued to suffer at the hands of gangs such as Vice Society and BlackCat/Alphv. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Oct 2022
Top zero-trust certifications and training courses
Most organizations are expected to implement zero trust in the next few years. Learn about zero-trust certifications and trainings that can help prepare your security team. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Oct 2022
Top zero-trust use cases in the enterprise
Still hesitating to adopt zero trust? Learn about the main zero-trust use cases, as well as its benefits, myths and trends that are beginning to emerge. Continue Reading
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News
03 Oct 2022
Intermittent encryption attacks: Who's at risk?
Threat analysts have observed some ransomware gangs using a new technique that only partially encrypts victims' files, which could evade some ransomware defenses. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Sep 2022
enterprise file sync and share (EFSS)
Enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) is a service that allows users to save files in cloud or on-premises storage and then access them on desktop and mobile devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2022
How to create a zero-party data strategy
Zero-party data can enable better personalization and customer retention without tracking users across sites, like third-party cookies. These steps can kickstart your strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Sep 2022
Compare zero trust vs. the principle of least privilege
Zero trust and the principle of least privilege may appear to solve the same issue, but they have their differences. Read up on the two methodologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2022
rainbow table
A rainbow table is a password hacking tool that uses a precomputed table of reversed password hashes to crack passwords in a database. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Sep 2022
MICR (magnetic ink character recognition)
MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) is a technology invented in the 1950s that's used to verify the legitimacy or originality of checks and other paper documents. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2022
10 PCI DSS best practices to weigh as new standard rolls out
PCI's Security Standards Council revamped the requirements governing how organizations store payment card information. Companies need to act fast to ensure they are in compliance. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Sep 2022
Does AI-powered malware exist in the wild? Not yet
AI sending out malware attacks may invoke images of movielike, futuristic technology, but it may not be too far from reality. Read up on the future of AI-powered malware. Continue Reading
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Podcast
23 Sep 2022
Risk & Repeat: Uber and Rockstar Games hacked
This podcast episode discusses recent hacks against Uber and Rockstar Games, the techniques of the attackers and the possible connection to the Lapsus$ cybercrime group. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Sep 2022
10 security-by-design principles to include in the SDLC
Security is rarely a priority in the SDLC, but it should be. Adhere to these security-by-design principles for secure software and learn the importance of threat modeling. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2022
Cybercriminals launching more MFA bypass attacks
New research from Okta shows that cybercrime groups have stepped up their attacks on multifactor authentication systems in an effort to thwart account security measures. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2022
Uber says Lapsus$ hackers behind network breach
Uber said a hacker from the Lapsus$ group used stolen credentials from a contractor to gain access to several important silos within its internal network. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2022
Rockstar Games confirms hack after 'Grand Theft Auto' leak
A threat actor this weekend published in-development footage from a forthcoming 'Grand Theft Auto' video game and claimed to have breached its publisher, Rockstar Games. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2022
DOJ drops report on cryptocurrency crime efforts
The U.S. Department of Justice issued a report to President Biden on its various enforcement efforts around cybercrime and digital currency, as well as looming challenges. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
16 Sep 2022
How SOCs can identify the threat actors behind the threats
Learn how SOC teams can track threat actors by understanding the factors that influence an attack, such as the type of infrastructure used or commonly targeted victims. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2022
Companies need data privacy plan before joining metaverse
Experts speaking during ITIF's AR/VR Policy Conference pointed out that businesses need to head into the metaverse with a strong data privacy plan. Continue Reading
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News
16 Sep 2022
Uber responds to possible breach following hacker taunts
Security researchers spotted suspicious activity on Uber's HackerOne page when the alleged hacker posted messages claiming they had compromised the ride-share company's network. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Transparency, disclosure key to fighting ransomware
Current and former CISA members say the best methods for curbing ransomware attacks are organizations reporting attacks and assisting in investigations. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2022
Webworm retools old RATs for new cyberespionage threat
Symantec's Threat Hunter Team uncovered a new cyberespionage campaign run by a threat group named Webworm, which uses customized versions of old remote access Trojans. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Consumer data needs better protection by government
Though legislation is before Congress that would address data privacy, it may not set clear enough guidelines or give individuals enough control. Continue Reading
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News
14 Sep 2022
Data privacy concerns grow as legislation lags
While healthcare and financial data are protected by federal legislation, individuals have little control over how consumer data is collected and used. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Sep 2022
data masking
Data masking is a method of creating a structurally similar but inauthentic version of an organization's data that can be used for purposes such as software testing and user training. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2022
CrowdStrike threat report: Intrusions up, breakout time down
According to a new report by CrowdStrike's threat hunting team, Falcon OverWatch, attempted intrusions against the healthcare sector doubled year over year. Continue Reading
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Opinion
12 Sep 2022
How data security posture management complements CSPM
Data security posture management can provide comprehensive defense-in-depth security for cloud data. Find out more about how DSPM policies move with the data. Continue Reading
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News
08 Sep 2022
LockBit gang leads the way for ransomware
New research from Malwarebytes shows LockBit is far and away the most prolific ransomware gang, with hundreds of confirmed attacks across the globe in recent months. Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2022
Google: Former Conti ransomware members attacking Ukraine
Google said former members of the Conti ransomware gang are operating as part of threat group UAC-0098, which is conducting attacks of both political and financial nature. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Sep 2022
privacy compliance
Privacy compliance is a company's accordance with established personal information protection guidelines, specifications or legislation. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2022
Healthcare and education remain common ransomware targets
August disclosures showed ransomware attacks against education and healthcare entities resulted in slow recovery times and the potential loss of highly sensitive information. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2022
Ransomware hits Los Angeles Unified School District
The second-largest public school system in the U.S. confirmed a ransomware attack caused districtwide disruption to various services over the holiday weekend. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2022
Researcher unveils smart lock hack for fingerprint theft
An academic researcher demonstrated how IoT smart locks could become tools for attackers to covertly steal fingerprints and potentially access more sensitive personal data. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
Cybersecurity budget breakdown and best practices
Once budget is secured, CISOs must figure out where it should be allocated -- as well as how to justify the costs. Get the lowdown on a cybersecurity budget breakdown here. Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2022
LastPass discloses data breach
LastPass CEO Karim Toubba said no customer data or password details were compromised, and the company does not recommend an immediate course of action to users. Continue Reading
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News
25 Aug 2022
Twitter whistleblower report holds security lessons
The whistleblower report from Twitter's former security lead should provide companies and boards with lessons on how not to handle internal security concerns. Continue Reading
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Podcast
24 Aug 2022
Risk & Repeat: Whistleblower spells trouble for Twitter
A new whistleblower report unveiled troubling accusations against Twitter from the social media company's former head of security, Peiter 'Mudge' Zatko. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Aug 2022
homomorphic encryption
Homomorphic encryption is the conversion of data into ciphertext that can be analyzed and worked with as if it were still in its original form. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2022
CEO of spyware vendor NSO Group steps down
Current NSO Group COO Yaron Shohat will replace outgoing CEO Shalev Hulio as part of a reorganization for the vendor, which has come under fire from the U.S. government. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2022
8 secure file transfer services for the enterprise
With a plethora of options, finding the best secure file transfer service for your business can pose a challenge. Learn how to make an informed decision. Continue Reading
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News
18 Aug 2022
Shunned researcher Hadnagy sues DEF CON over ban
Researcher Christopher Hadnagy is seeking damages from DEF CON and founder Jeff Moss over their decision to ban him citing multiple claims of conduct violations. Continue Reading