Network security
Enterprise cyberdefense strategies must include network security best practices. Get advice on essential network security topics such as remote access, VPNs, zero-trust security, NDR, endpoint management, IoT security, hybrid security, Secure Access Service Edge, mobile security and more.
Top Stories
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Video
22 Jul 2025
An explanation of firewall types and uses
Firewalls protect networks by stopping malware at the perimeter. The various types can be deployed with other security measures but can also be used unethically to prohibit access. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2025
What is cybersecurity mesh? Key applications and benefits
Is it time to consider a different approach to security architecture? Cybersecurity mesh might be an effective way to address complex, distributed environments. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jul 2025
What is the domain name system (DNS)?
The domain name system (DNS) is a naming database in which internet domain names are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2025
How to implement zero trust: 7 expert steps
Zero trust means a lot more than determining how users access resources. Successful implementation takes time, commitment and ongoing support. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2025
What is the future of cybersecurity?
As cyberthreats grow more sophisticated, enterprises face mounting challenges. What does the future of cybersecurity hold, and how can organizations stay ahead? Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jul 2025
What is a message authentication code (MAC)? How it works and best practices
A message authentication code (MAC) is a cryptographic checksum applied to a message to guarantee its integrity and authenticity. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jul 2025
What is SIEM (security information and event management)?
SIEM (security information and event management) is software that helps organizations detect, analyze, and respond to security threats by collecting and correlating security event data from across the IT environment in real time. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2025
How to build a cybersecurity strategy and plan in 4 steps
A cybersecurity strategy isn't meant to be perfect, but this high-level plan must be proactive, effective, actively supported and evolving. Here are four key steps to get there. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2025
What is the ISO 31000 Risk Management standard?
The ISO 31000 Risk Management framework is an international standard that provides organizations with guidelines and principles for risk management. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Jun 2025
Ransomware: Examples, prevention and mitigating the damage
Top cybersecurity experts gathered to discuss the latest threats from ransomware and how organizations, large and small, can prevent or, at least, mitigate an attack. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2025
Cybersecurity skills gap: Why it exists and how to address it
The cybersecurity skills shortage is putting enterprises at risk. Worse, it shows no sign of abating. Here is why it's happening and what employers can do to mitigate the problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jun 2025
10 remote work cybersecurity risks and how to prevent them
Larger attack surfaces, limited oversight of data use, AI-driven attacks and vulnerable enterprise technologies are among the security risks faced in remote work environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2025
Cybersecurity governance: A guide for businesses to follow
Cybersecurity governance is now critical, with NIST CSF 2.0 recently adding it as a dedicated function. Learn why governance is core to an effective cyber strategy. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jun 2025
What is a SYN flood DoS attack?
A SYN flood attack is a type of denial-of-service (DoS) attack on a computer server. This exploit is also known as a 'half-open attack.' Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2025
How to choose a cybersecurity vendor: 12 key criteria
Choosing a cybersecurity vendor entails a two-phase approach: shortlisting vendors using clear requirements, then conducting thorough evaluations based on key criteria. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2025
What is perfect forward secrecy (PFS)?
Perfect forward secrecy (PFS), also known as forward secrecy, is an encryption style known for producing temporary private key exchanges between clients and servers. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2025
What is an advanced persistent threat (APT)?
An advanced persistent threat (APT) is a prolonged and targeted cyberattack in which an intruder gains access to a network and remains undetected for an extended period. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Jun 2025
Zscaler delivers network, data security tools at Zenith Live
Zscaler has expanded beyond ZTNA with three strategic pillars and aims to challenge traditional security infrastructure. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2025
Cisco Isovalent Load Balancer takes aim at Broadcom's VMware
The new product promises to simplify disparate network traffic across cloud, hybrid and on-premises workloads. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Jun 2025
What is ransomware as a service (RaaS)?
Ransomware as a service (RaaS) is a subscription-based business model that enables threat actors, also called affiliates, to launch ransomware attacks by accessing and using predeveloped ransomware tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jun 2025
How to choose and set up a mobile VPN for an Android phone
A tailored approach to network security is crucial when managing smartphones in the enterprise. IT teams should consider Android VPN options for their organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2025
What is the WannaCry ransomware attack?
WannaCry ransomware is a cyberattack that spread by exploiting vulnerabilities in earlier and unpatched versions of the Windows operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2025
What is a next-generation firewall (NGFW)?
A next-generation firewall (NGFW) is a network security device that combines traditional firewall capabilities with advanced features to detect and block sophisticated cyberattacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2025
How to choose and set up a mobile VPN for an iPhone
Many users perform work tasks on their iPhones, relying on mobile VPNs to securely access corporate resources. Learn about VPN options for iPhones and how to set up these systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2025
What is double extortion ransomware? How to defend your organization
Double extortion ransomware is a type of cyberattack that encrypts a victim's data, like in a traditional ransomware attack, while also adding a second attack vector of stealing that data. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2025
How to create a remote access policy, with template
Remote work, while beneficial, presents numerous security risks. Help keep your organization's systems safe with a remote access policy. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 May 2025
What is a firewall and why do I need one?
A firewall is a network security device that prevents unauthorized access to a network by inspecting incoming and outgoing traffic using a set of predetermined security rules. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 May 2025
How can an enterprise mobile VPN fit into a mobility plan?
Organizations that need to secure mobile users and provide remote access to corporate resources should consider an on-premises or cloud-hosted mobile VPN. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 May 2025
Key network security takeaways from RSAC 2025
Themes on display at the conference reflected the cybersecurity industry's effort to streamline security operations, while adapting to emerging technologies and threats. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
07 May 2025
How to use arpwatch to monitor network changes
The arpwatch utility flags administrators in the event of any unexpected changes or unauthorized devices, which could signal ARP spoofing or credential-harvesting attacks. 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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Definition
21 Apr 2025
What is a mobile VPN?
A mobile virtual private network (mobile VPN) is a type of VPN specifically designed to maintain a stable and secure connection while a user moves across different networks. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2025
How to ensure OT secure remote access and prevent attacks
OT systems face threats from attackers targeting their remote access capabilities. Segmenting networks is one important step. Learn other ways to safeguard your OT systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2025
IPsec vs. SSL VPNs: What are the differences?
New technologies get all the headlines, but VPNs aren't going away anytime soon. Speed and security are among the factors to consider when determining what type of VPN to use. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Apr 2025
Palo Alto Networks pushes platformization, AI for security
At Ignite in New York, the vendor laid out plans to use AI and platformization to consolidate cybersecurity tools and data to combat increasingly sophisticated attacks. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Apr 2025
What is a uniform resource identifier (URI)?
A uniform resource identifier (URI) is a character sequence that identifies a logical (abstract) or physical resource -- usually, but not always, connected to the internet. 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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Definition
26 Mar 2025
What is a web application firewall (WAF)? WAF explained
A web application firewall (WAF) is a firewall that is meant to protect web applications against common web-based threats. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Mar 2025
What is network topology?
A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2025
How to avoid and prevent social engineering attacks
Organizations and employees must both do their part to prevent and avoid social engineering attacks. A combination of security controls, policies, procedures and training is necessary. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2025
Top 14 open source penetration testing tools
From Aircrack-ng to ZAP, these open source penetration testing tools are essential additions to any security pro's toolbox. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Mar 2025
What is promiscuous mode in networking?
In computer networking, promiscuous mode is a mode of operation in which a network device, such as a network interface card (NIC) or an adapter on a host system, can intercept and read in its entirety each network packet that arrives instead of just the packets addressed to the host. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2025
Types of DNS servers and how they work, plus security threats
DNS security is a critical component of system administration. Learn about five types of DNS servers, what each does and the security threats each server faces. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2025
What is FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security)?
FCAPS (fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security) is a network management framework and model created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 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 a DMZ in networking?
In computer networks, a DMZ, or demilitarized zone, is a physical or logical subnet that separates a local area network (LAN) from other untrusted networks -- usually, the public internet. DMZs are also known as perimeter networks or screened subnetworks. 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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Definition
27 Feb 2025
What is federated identity management (FIM)? How does it work?
Federated identity management (FIM) is an arrangement between multiple enterprises or domains that enables their users to use the same identification data (digital identity) to access all their networks. 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
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
21 Feb 2025
Palo Alto Networks vulnerabilities exploited in chained attack
The cybersecurity vendor urges customers to take immediate action to mitigate recently disclosed vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Feb 2025
What is TLS (Transport Layer Security)? Definition & Uses
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standard protocol that provides authentication, privacy and data integrity between two communicating computer applications. 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
19 Feb 2025
What is an attack vector?
An attack vector is a path or means by which an attacker or hacker can gain access to a computer or network server to deliver a payload or malicious outcome. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2025
Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS vulnerability exploited in the wild
Palo Alto Networks says threat actors used a publicly available PoC exploit in attack attempts against firewall customers with PAN-OS management interfaces exposed to the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Feb 2025
What is the Nessus vulnerability scanning platform?
Nessus is a platform developed by Tenable that scans for security vulnerabilities in devices, applications, operating systems, cloud services and other network resources. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2025
Salt Typhoon compromises telecom providers' Cisco devices
Salt Typhoon's latest campaign exploits older vulnerabilities in Cisco edge devices to gain access to the networks of several telecom companies, including two based in the U.S. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2025
What is a denial-of-service attack?
A denial-of-service (DoS) attack is a security threat that occurs when an attacker makes it impossible for legitimate users to access computer systems, networks, services or other IT resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Feb 2025
What is cyber hijacking?
Cyber hijacking, or computer hijacking, is a type of network security attack in which the threat actor takes control of computer systems, software programs and network communications. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Feb 2025
What is a honeypot? How it protects against cyberattacks
A honeypot is a network-attached system set up as a decoy to lure cyberattackers and to help organizations detect, deflect and study hacking attempts to gain unauthorized access to IT. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 Feb 2025
How to use pfSense: Use cases and initial configurations
Open source firewall and routing software pfSense offers a compelling mix of capabilities that can work for organizations large and small. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Feb 2025
What is the RSA algorithm?
The RSA algorithm (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) is a public key cryptosystem that uses a pair of keys for securing digital communication and transactions over insecure networks, such as the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Feb 2025
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001, formally known as ISO/IEC 27001:2022, is an information security standard jointly created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). 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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News
05 Feb 2025
Zyxel won't patch end-of-life routers against zero-day attacks
Networking hardware vendor Zyxel has no plans to patch multiple end-of-life routers against new zero-day flaws and advises customers to replace affected devices entirely. 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
WatchTowr warns abandoned S3 buckets pose supply chain risk
WatchTowr researchers found that they could reregister abandoned Amazon S3 buckets and detail alarming ways that threat actors could exploit the attack surface. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2025
NSFocus: DeepSeek AI hit with 'well planned' DDoS attacks
Cybersecurity vendor NSFocus said AI startup DeepSeek endured multiple waves of DDoS attacks from attackers since its reasoning model was released Jan. 20. 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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News
23 Jan 2025
Zero-day vulnerability in SonicWall SMA series under attack
SonicWall released a hotfix for a critical pre-authentication remote code execution vulnerability in Secure Mobile Access 1000 products amidst reports of zero-day exploitation. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2025
Eclypsium finds security issues in Palo Alto Networks NGFWs
Eclypsium researchers stressed how essential supply chain security is as threat actors increasingly target and exploit vulnerabilities in firewalls, VPNs and other edge devices. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2025
Threat actors abusing Microsoft Teams in ransomware attacks
Sophos researchers observed two separate threat campaigns in which attackers used Microsoft Teams to pose as IT support personnel and gain access to victims' systems. 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
16 Jan 2025
ESET details UEFI Secure Boot bypass vulnerability
ESET researchers last year discovered an unsigned binary in a third-party UEFI application that could have been abused to bypass the Secure Boot process. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2025
Attackers exploiting critical Fortinet zero-day vulnerability
Fortinet disclosed another zero-day vulnerability in its FortiOS and FortiProxy products days after Arctic Wolf detailed a threat campaign targeting the vendor's devices. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2025
Ivanti zero-day patching increases amid ongoing attacks
Recent scans conducted by the Shadowserver Foundation show many organizations have patched Ivanti instances vulnerable to CVE-2025-0282 over the last week. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2025
Experts optimistic on FCC's Cyber Trust Mark for IoT devices
The launch of the FCC's U.S. Cyber Trust Mark label for IoT devices will include internet-connected home security cameras, smart home appliances, baby monitors and more. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2025
Mandiant links Ivanti zero-day exploitation to Chinese hackers
Mandiant warned users to be prepared for widespread exploitation of CVE-2025-0282 as Ivanti products have become a popular target for attackers in recent years. 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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News
08 Jan 2025
Critical Ivanti Connect Secure zero-day flaw under attack
Although Ivanti has seen exploitation of CVE-2025-0282 in only Ivanti Connect Secure instances, Ivanti Policy Secure and ZTA gateways are also vulnerable to the flaw. 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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Opinion
26 Dec 2024
3 network security predictions for 2025
What does 2025 have in store for network security? Analyst John Grady from Informa TechTarget's Enterprise Strategy Group shares his predictions for the upcoming year. 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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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is a proxy firewall?
A proxy firewall is a network security system that protects network resources by filtering messages at the application layer. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Dec 2024
Identity and access management tools and features for 2025
The IAM tool marketplace is complex and ever-changing. Learn about key features and how to discern what your organization needs before approaching potential providers. 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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Tip
12 Dec 2024
9 identity and access management trends to watch in 2025
Identity threats continue to change and so, too, do the defenses developed to address those security challenges. Be ready for what's coming next in IAM. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2024
Citrix NetScaler devices targeted in brute force campaign
Citrix advised NetScaler customers to ensure that their devices are fully updated and properly configured to defend against the recent spike in brute force attacks. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2024
Ultralytics YOLO AI model compromised in supply chain attack
While Ultralytics has not released an official security advisory, the company pulled two recent versions of its YOLO11 AI model after reports said they contained a cryptominer. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2024
How to recover from a DDoS attack
Learn how to recover from a DDoS attack and get operations back online quickly, while minimizing impact on customers and brand reputation. Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2024
New York fines Geico, Travelers $11.3M over data breaches
The two insurance giants were fined millions by New York state regulators and are required to enhance security protocols around authentication and penetration testing. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Nov 2024
What is managed detection and response (MDR)?
Managed detection and response (MDR) services are a collection of network-, host- and endpoint-based cybersecurity technologies that a third-party provider manages for a client organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Nov 2024
What is Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)?
Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is a protocol for wireless networks that expands the authentication methods used by Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), a protocol often used when connecting a computer to the internet. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Nov 2024
What is IPsec (Internet Protocol Security)?
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a suite of protocols and algorithms for securing data transmitted over the internet or any public network. Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2024
Volexity details Russia's novel 'Nearest Neighbor Attack'
The security company warned that the new attack style highlights the importance of securing Wi-Fi networks, implementing MFA and patching known vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Nov 2024
How to test firewall rules with Nmap
Using Nmap to identify potential shortfalls in the rules used to govern firewall performance gives teams an easy and cost-effective way to plug holes in their security frameworks. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2024
4 types of access control
Access management is the gatekeeper, making sure a device or person can gain entry only to the systems or applications to which they have been granted permission. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2024
2 Palo Alto Networks zero-day vulnerabilities under attack
CVE-2024-9474 marks the second zero-day vulnerability in Palo Alto Networks' PAN-OS firewall management interface to come under attack in the last week. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2024
What CISOs need to know to build an OT cybersecurity program
More companies are tasking CISOs with operational technology security. But this oversight means a new strategy for those unfamiliar with building an effective OT security program. Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2024
Chinese APT exploited unpatched Fortinet zero-day flaw
Volexity reported that a Chinese APT actor exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Fortinet's Windows VPN FortiClient software that enables credentials to be stolen from a system. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Nov 2024
What is data egress? How it works and how to manage costs
Data egress is when data leaves a closed or private network and is transferred to an external location. Continue Reading