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From The Aether
Drata and SafeBase Merge: Trust Management Gets a $250 Million Turbo Boost
Drata is acquiring SafeBase in a $250 million deal to create a comprehensive trust management platform. By combining Drata’s compliance automation with SafeBase’s trust center, they’re aiming to redefine trust management, streamline audits, and enhance transparency. It’s like the Avengers of compliance software, but without capes or awkward spandex.
Critical Vulnerabilities Alert: Ivanti and Fortinet Rush to Patch RCE Flaws!
Ivanti and Fortinet have released patches for critical vulnerabilities that could lead to remote code execution. Ivanti’s updates fix 11 defects across multiple products, while Fortinet addresses severe flaws in products like FortiOS and FortiPortal. Users are advised to update their systems quickly, or risk their appliances becoming sentient and demanding a raise.
Coast Guard’s Cybersecurity S.O.S: GAO Finds Gaps in Maritime Defense Strategy!
The Government Accountability Office found gaps in the US Coast Guard’s cybersecurity efforts for the Maritime Transportation System. Among the five recommendations are improving cybersecurity incident data accuracy and aligning cyber plans with national strategy. The Coast Guard’s current methods are like using a rubber ducky to secure a cargo ship—adorable but ineffective.
Data Dilemma: Why 86% of Security Leaders Are Missing the Mark on Business Goals
Only 14% of security and risk management leaders can secure data while achieving business goals, says Gartner. Many focus solely on protection or usage. This gap leaves organizations vulnerable to threats and fines. Gartner suggests five strategies to bridge the divide.
Apple Plugs iOS Security Hole: Update Now or Risk a “Sophisticated” USB Attack!
Apple has urgently patched a major USB Restricted Mode flaw in iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1. The vulnerability, exploited in targeted attacks, allows unauthorized access. Update your devices now to avoid uninvited guests sneaking through your Lightning port like it’s a free buffet.
Cybercrime Cozy-Up: Are State-Sponsored Hackers the New BFFs?
Google urges world leaders to prioritize cybersecurity, highlighting growing ties between state-sponsored hackers and cybercriminals. With threats from the Big Four—Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—Google calls for national security prioritization and better incentives for cybersecurity practices, noting that cybercrime has become a critical national security threat globally.
Drata’s Bold $250M Move: Trust Management Just Got a Whole Lot Safer!
Drata is acquiring SafeBase to create a powerhouse in Trust Management. With a deal worth “a quarter of a billion dollars,” Drata aims to streamline security reviews and strengthen vendor risk management. SafeBase’s Trust Center can cut down security questionnaire time by 98%, making this a match made in compliance heaven.
Emerald Sleet’s New Trick: Turning PowerShell into a North Korean Magic Wand!
Microsoft Threat Intelligence uncovers North Korea-linked APT Emerald Sleet’s new tactic: tricking targets into running PowerShell as an administrator. By impersonating officials and enticing victims with fake PDFs, they gain remote access to devices. Microsoft advises caution and awareness to fend off these crafty cyberespionage maneuvers.
Cisco’s Data Drama: Old Cyberattack Resurfaces with a New Ransomware Twist!
Cisco says the credentials posted by the Kraken ransomware group are remnants of a 2022 cyberattack that’s already been addressed. So no need to panic; it’s not a new crisis, just a rerun!
Chipmakers’ Security Snafu: Intel, AMD, and Nvidia’s Vulnerability Parade
Intel, AMD, and Nvidia have dropped a tech horror-comedy with their latest security advisories. Intel steals the show with 34 new vulnerabilities, including a critical one that could make your server board’s BMC act like it’s got a mind of its own. Meanwhile, AMD and Nvidia join the vulnerability party with less flair.
Outdated Security Tech: Why Detection-Based Solutions Are Failing in 2025! 🚨
Nearly 74% of IT security directors believe detection-based security technologies are as outdated as dial-up internet. With cyber-attacks becoming the norm, Everfox’s CYBER360 report highlights a shift towards prevention-based security. It’s time to stop playing defense and start intercepting, because prevention is the new cool kid in cybersecurity.
Holiday Hack Attack: Surviving the Cyber Onslaught of Seasonal Shopping
The holiday season brings a perfect storm of vulnerabilities for retailers, with cybercriminals targeting APIs during the online shopping surge. Each click to check product availability or customize options triggers an API call, creating numerous opportunities for malicious actors to exploit weaknesses and infiltrate systems. Stay vigilant this season!
North Korean Hack Tactics: PowerShell Ploys and Arizona Laptop Farms Exposed!
North Korea-linked Kimsuky group is tricking targets into running PowerShell as admin, pasting malicious code. By pretending to be South Korean officials, they build trust before sending spear-phishing emails. Following the instructions can lead to a browser-based remote desktop tool installation, allowing data exfiltration. Beware of official-sounding strangers bearing URLs!
Unlocking the Internet: Why Personal VPNs Are Your Secret Weapon Against Online Snoops!
A personal VPN acts like a digital invisibility cloak, encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. It’s perfect for dodging nosy hackers, advertisers, and even your ISP. Whether you’re after online privacy, access to restricted content, or just want to feel like a secret agent, a personal VPN’s got you covered.
Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday: 63 Security Flaws Fixed, Including Two Actively Exploited!
Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday fixes 63 security flaws, including two actively exploited vulnerabilities. Among them, CVE-2025-21391 lets attackers delete files, and CVE-2025-21418 grants SYSTEM privileges. Microsoft’s update also addresses a critical remote code execution vulnerability in the HPC Pack. As always, keep your software updated, or risk living on the edge—Chromium-based or otherwise!
Patch Tuesday Panic: Siemens & Schneider Unveil Vulnerability Avalanche
Siemens has unveiled 14 new advisories addressing roughly 100 vulnerabilities in February 2025 ICS security advisories. Highlighting the patch party are critical flaws in Opcenter Intelligence that could allow remote code execution. Meanwhile, Schneider Electric joins the fun with nine vulnerabilities, including privilege escalation issues in their EcoStruxure lineup.
Microsoft’s February Patch Tuesday: Fixing Zero-Day Mayhem or Just Another Day in Cyber Paradise?
Microsoft issues updates to fix four zero-day vulnerabilities, including CVE-2025-21391 and CVE-2025-21418 under active exploitation. These bugs threaten system integrity and grant attackers elevated privileges. In a nutshell, these aren’t just minor glitches; they’re the digital equivalent of finding your front door wide open with a welcome mat for hackers.
Ransomware Rumble: UK, US, and Australia Tag-Team Against Russian Cybercrime Network
The UK, US, and Australia have teamed up to sanction Zservers, a bulletproof hoster aiding LockBit. This cybercrime supplier, allegedly based in Siberia, now faces international heat. Apparently, even cybercriminals need reliable web hosting—just like us, but for ransomware.
CISA’s New Year’s Resolution: Add More Flaws to the Exploited Vulnerabilities List!
CISA adds Microsoft Windows and Zyxel device flaws to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The vulnerabilities could allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands or gain SYSTEM privileges. It’s like giving hackers the keys to the cyber kingdom, but hey, at least they won’t be able to take the office coffee machine!
Password Blunders: Why Your “123456” is a Cybersecurity Nightmare
As we celebrate Safer Internet Day 2025, it’s time to stop treating passwords like the “123456” punchline of security jokes. With over a billion credentials stolen in a year, lazy passwords are costing businesses—and possibly you!—big time. Remember, a strong password is your digital shield, not a suggestion.