Blogs

Critical Start Cyber Research Unit (CRU) predicts the concealment of malicious traffic within cloud storage platforms, while not a new concept, is poised for further innovation. Critical Start anticipates that threat actors will escalate their use of popular cloud platforms to obscure their malevolent actions. This approach not only bolsters their data theft efficiency but also serves to undermine established security mechanisms and defenses.

CISO Perspectives

As we step into the future, the role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) is undergoing a transformative shift, propelled by the relentless evolution of cybersecurity threats. The landscape demands a proactive and strategic approach, and CISOs are emerging as crucial leaders in this battle for digital resilience. Let's explore the anticipated trends and priorities that will shape the cybersecurity realm in the next 12-24 months.

In response to the dynamic and evolving cybersecurity landscape, Critical Start invites you to watch our webinar recording to hear from our CTO Randy Watkins and Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst Sarah Jones as they explore key learnings from 2023's cybersecurity trends, and insights into future predictions for 2024 and beyond.

Cyber Risks Over Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, synonymous with remarkable deals and heightened shopping activity, now extend beyond traditional retail, evolving into a battleground for cyber threats. The rapid digitization of commerce transforms these events into both a shopping extravaganza and a zone of substantial risk for consumers and businesses. Amidst the excitement of discounts, cybersecurity concerns loom large, demanding attention and preparedness.

Background

Cybercriminals exploit weekends and holidays when organizations are understaffed, often targeting weakened human defenses with ransomware attacks. The evasive nature of such attacks allows perpetrators to maximize damage and data theft, taking advantage of rushed security responses. With staffing levels below 33% during holidays and weekends, cybercriminals find increased success and are encouraged to be more aggressive, fueling the expansion of criminal enterprises.

Background

During the holiday season, deceptive websites surge with nearly 78% of individuals encountering brand impersonation scams as threat actors impersonate legitimate ones to deceive users. These fraudulent sites mimic banks, eCommerce platforms, and trusted entities using tactics like cloning, mirroring, typosquatting, brandjacking, and scareware to ensnare users.

Background

The holiday season ushers in celebration, joy, and heightened demand for businesses worldwide. Yet, it also exposes organizations to software supply chain vulnerabilities that can disrupt their operations. Unlike conventional cyberattacks that directly target end-users, software supply chain attacks involve hackers exploiting weaknesses within existing software supply chains.

Background

The hospitality sector, integral to holiday experiences, faces distinct challenges during the festive season. Its growing reliance on technology and online services has increased its vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, which could lead to severe consequences. These risks encompass a wide range of security issues, including data breaches and ransomware attacks, capable of disrupting operations, compromising customer data, and tarnishing a brand's reputation.

Background

The digital age has transformed how we shop, communicate, and do business, making our world more interconnected. This increased interconnectivity, however, has also heightened our vulnerability to cyber threats. One such threat is Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which inundate target web services with an excessive volume of traffic, effectively rendering them inaccessible.

Background

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools have become indispensable for businesses and IT service providers, enabling the seamless management and oversight of IT systems, networks, and endpoints. However, with this convenience comes a set of risks that can have far-reaching consequences if not adequately managed. In this article, we will delve into the potential risks associated with RMM tools and the strategies to mitigate them.

How Critical Start Managed Detection and Response Services for Microsoft Defender for Servers Protect Dynamic Server Workloads 

The global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million—a 15% increase since 2020¹. With servers under constant attack, inadequate protection poses financial and reputational risks. However, securing servers can be challenging in today's dynamic environments. 

Background

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, Remote Access Trojans (RATs) stand out as a particularly insidious form of malware. RATs are a type of malware designed to infiltrate and compromise target systems while maintaining covert, remote control. RATs are typically delivered through social engineering tactics, email attachments, infected downloads, or exploiting software vulnerabilities.