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☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Cisco ISE 3.4 begins June with a bang

By: Ramit Kanda — June 12th 2024 at 12:00
Learn more about Cisco ISE 3.4 announcement and Common Policy.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

Medical-Targeted Ransomware Is Breaking Records After Change Healthcare’s $22M Payout

By: Andy Greenberg — June 12th 2024 at 10:30
Cybersecurity firm Recorded Future counted 44 health-care-related incidents in the month after Change Healthcare’s payment came to light—the most it’s ever seen in a single month.
☐ ☆ ✇ Krebs on Security

Patch Tuesday, June 2024 “Recall” Edition

By: BrianKrebs — June 11th 2024 at 22:57

Microsoft today released updates to fix more than 50 security vulnerabilities in Windows and related software, a relatively light Patch Tuesday this month for Windows users. The software giant also responded to a torrent of negative feedback on a new feature of Redmond’s flagship operating system that constantly takes screenshots of whatever users are doing on their computers, saying the feature would no longer be enabled by default.

Last month, Microsoft debuted Copilot+ PCs, an AI-enabled version of Windows. Copilot+ ships with a feature nobody asked for that Redmond has aptly dubbed Recall, which constantly takes screenshots of what the user is doing on their PC. Security experts roundly trashed Recall as a fancy keylogger, noting that it would be a gold mine of information for attackers if the user’s PC was compromised with malware.

Microsoft countered that Recall snapshots never leave the user’s system, and that even if attackers managed to hack a Copilot+ PC they would not be able to exfiltrate on-device Recall data. But that claim rang hollow after former Microsoft threat analyst Kevin Beaumont detailed on his blog how any user on the system (even a non-administrator) can export Recall data, which is just stored in an SQLite database locally.

“I’m not being hyperbolic when I say this is the dumbest cybersecurity move in a decade,” Beaumont said on Mastodon.

In a recent Risky Business podcast, host Patrick Gray noted that the screenshots created and indexed by Recall would be a boon to any attacker who suddenly finds himself in an unfamiliar environment.

“The first thing you want to do when you get on a machine if you’re up to no good is to figure out how someone did their job,” Gray said. “We saw that in the case of the SWIFT attacks against central banks years ago. Attackers had to do screen recordings to figure out how transfers work. And this could speed up that sort of discovery process.”

Responding to the withering criticism of Recall, Microsoft said last week that it will no longer be enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs.

Only one of the patches released today — CVE-2024-30080 — earned Microsoft’s most urgent “critical” rating, meaning malware or malcontents could exploit the vulnerability to remotely seize control over a user’s system, without any user interaction.

CVE-2024-30080 is a flaw in the Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) service that can allow attackers to execute code of their choosing. Microsoft says exploitation of this weakness is likely, enough to encourage users to disable the vulnerable component if updating isn’t possible in the short run. CVE-2024-30080 has been assigned a CVSS vulnerability score of 9.8 (10 is the worst).

Kevin Breen, senior director of threat research at Immersive Labs, said a saving grace is that MSMQ is not a default service on Windows.

“A Shodan search for MSMQ reveals there are a few thousand potentially internet-facing MSSQ servers that could be vulnerable to zero-day attacks if not patched quickly,” Breen said.

CVE-2024-30078 is a remote code execution weakness in the Windows WiFi Driver, which also has a CVSS score of 9.8. According to Microsoft, an unauthenticated attacker could exploit this bug by sending a malicious data packet to anyone else on the same network — meaning this flaw assumes the attacker has access to the local network.

Microsoft also fixed a number of serious security issues with its Office applications, including at least two remote-code execution flaws, said Adam Barnett, lead software engineer at Rapid7.

CVE-2024-30101 is a vulnerability in Outlook; although the Preview Pane is a vector, the user must subsequently perform unspecified specific actions to trigger the vulnerability and the attacker must win a race condition,” Barnett said. “CVE-2024-30104 does not have the Preview Pane as a vector, but nevertheless ends up with a slightly higher CVSS base score of 7.8, since exploitation relies solely on the user opening a malicious file.”

Separately, Adobe released security updates for Acrobat, ColdFusion, and Photoshop, among others.

As usual, the SANS Internet Storm Center has the skinny on the individual patches released today, indexed by severity, exploitability and urgency. Windows admins should also keep an eye on AskWoody.com, which often publishes early reports of any Windows patches gone awry.

☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Forrester Names Cisco a Leader in OT Security

By: Vikas Butaney — June 11th 2024 at 08:00
Securing industrial networks is top of mind. Cisco’s comprehensive OT security solution and unified IT/OT security platform is a Leader according to Forrester. Learn what makes Cisco stand apart in this market.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

US Leaders Dodge Questions About Israel’s Influence Campaign

By: Dell Cameron — June 11th 2024 at 16:13
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has joined US intelligence officials in ignoring repeated inquiries about Israel’s “malign” efforts to covertly influence US voters.
☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Cisco Simplifies Cloud Security with AWS Cloud WAN Service Insertion

By: Murali Rathinasamy — June 11th 2024 at 16:00
Learn how Cisco cloud security integrates with AWS Cloud WAN
☐ ☆ ✇ McAfee Blogs

Family-Friendly Online Safety Tips for Summer Vacations

By: Amy Bunn — June 10th 2024 at 15:08

Summer vacations are a time for families to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories together. Whether you’re heading to the beach, embarking on a road trip, or exploring new destinations, it’s important to prioritize the online safety of your loved ones. However, our Safer Summer Holidays Travel Report found that almost half (48%) of travelers admitted to being less security conscious when on holiday, such as by choosing to connect to Wi-Fi networks even though they look a bit suspicious (22%).

With the increasing prevalence of online threats and the growing reliance on technology, taking proactive steps to protect your family’s digital well-being is more crucial than ever. Here are some actionable tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable online experience during your summer adventures.

  1. Educate Your Children

Teach your children about the importance of practicing safe online behavior and what safer online habits are. Explain the risks of sharing personal information online, interacting with strangers, and clicking suspicious links or attachments. Talk about the concept of “phishing” and how to recognize suspicious links or messages. Encourage open communication and make sure your children feel comfortable coming to you if they encounter any concerning or questionable content online.

  1. Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks

When connecting to the internet while on vacation, be cautious about the Wi-Fi networks you use. Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in hotels, airports, and cafes, may not be secure and could expose your family to cyber threats like hacking and identity theft. That’s because they are often a missing layer of protection called encryption. Encryption acts like a secret code, scrambling the data as it travels from your device to the Wi-Fi router, so nobody else can understand it. Without this protection, hackers can easily sneak in and read the information you’re sending over the Wi-Fi network, putting your privacy and security at risk. If you do need to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect sensitive data from prying eyes.

  1. Beware of Certain Payment Methods

When traveling, it is essential to be cautious of certain payment methods, especially when dealing with vacation rentals, tours, or travel packages. Scammers often insist on wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency as the only acceptable forms of payment for accommodations. These payment methods are untraceable and nearly impossible to recover once sent. Exercise skepticism and avoid any requests for payment through these channels, as they are typically red flags indicating fraudulent activity. Instead, opt for secure and traceable payment methods, such as credit cards or reputable online payment platforms.

  1. Secure Your Devices

Take precautions to secure your devices against theft or loss while traveling. Use strong passwords or biometric authentication methods to lock your devices and prevent unauthorized access. Consider installing tracking apps or software that allow you to remotely locate, lock, or erase your devices in case they are lost or stolen. Additionally, avoid leaving your devices unattended in public places and always be vigilant of your surroundings.

  1. Monitor Your Accounts

While traveling, keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit card statements, and other financial accounts. Check for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity and immediately report any discrepancies to your financial institution. Consider enabling alerts or notifications on your accounts to receive real-time updates on account activity and detect any signs of fraud or unauthorized access.

  1. Update Your Devices and Software

Before you leave for vacation, ensure all devices within the family have the latest software updates. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to devices and steal sensitive information. Updates not only improve performance but also fix any security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit to gain unauthorized access to your devices and potentially compromise your sensitive information.

  1. Set Up Parental Controls

Before you embark on your vacation, take the time to set up parental controls on all your devices. Vacations might involve more downtime or long journeys, leading to increased screen time for children. Parental control features can allow you to restrict access to certain websites, apps, and content, allowing you to more effectively ensure that kids stay safe and engage with only appropriate content. Use these tools to create a safe online environment for your children and prevent them from stumbling upon inappropriate or harmful content. Our Social Privacy Manager can also help protect your child’s social media visibility and data.

With McAfee+ Family plans, you can safeguard up to 6 family members under one subscription with each member receiving individualized identity and privacy protection, secure VPN, and personalized notifications offering guidance on enhancing their online security. Rest assured, each family member can connect with confidence, knowing their personal information, online privacy, and devices are all securely protected.

Following these family-friendly cybersecurity tips, you can enjoy a safe and secure online experience during your summer vacations. Taking proactive steps to protect against cyber threats can help ensure peace of mind, knowing that your family’s online safety is safeguarded wherever your summer adventures may take you.

The post Family-Friendly Online Safety Tips for Summer Vacations appeared first on McAfee Blog.

☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

Ransomware Is ‘More Brutal’ Than Ever in 2024

By: Jordan Pearson — June 10th 2024 at 14:01
As the fight against ransomware slogs on, security experts warn of a potential escalation to “real-world violence.” But recent police crackdowns are successfully disrupting the cybercriminal ecosystem.
☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Cisco Builds on the CNAPP Movement to Secure and Protect the Cloud Native Application Estate

By: Kate MacLean — June 10th 2024 at 12:00
Enterprise Strategy Group Report Identifies Crucial Requirements for Scalable Security, Multicloud Visibility, and True “Shift Left” DevSecOps
☐ ☆ ✇ KitPloit - PenTest Tools!

Sttr - Cross-Platform, Cli App To Perform Various Operations On String

By: Zion3R — June 8th 2024 at 12:30


sttr is command line software that allows you to quickly run various transformation operations on the string.


// With input prompt
sttr

// Direct input
sttr md5 "Hello World"

// File input
sttr md5 file.text
sttr base64-encode image.jpg

// Reading from different processor like cat, curl, printf etc..
echo "Hello World" | sttr md5
cat file.txt | sttr md5

// Writing output to a file
sttr yaml-json file.yaml > file-output.json

:movie_camera: Demo

:battery: Installation

Quick install

You can run the below curl to install it somewhere in your PATH for easy use. Ideally it will be installed at ./bin folder

curl -sfL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/abhimanyu003/sttr/main/install.sh | sh

Webi

MacOS / Linux

curl -sS https://webi.sh/sttr | sh

Windows

curl.exe https://webi.ms/sttr | powershell

See here

Homebrew

If you are on macOS and using Homebrew, you can install sttr with the following:

brew tap abhimanyu003/sttr
brew install sttr

Snap

sudo snap install sttr

Arch Linux

yay -S sttr-bin

Scoop

scoop bucket add sttr https://github.com/abhimanyu003/scoop-bucket.git
scoop install sttr

Go

go install github.com/abhimanyu003/sttr@latest

Manually

Download the pre-compiled binaries from the Release! page and copy them to the desired location.

:books: Guide

  • After installation simply run sttr command.
// For interactive menu
sttr
// Provide your input
// Press two enter to open operation menu
// Press `/` to filter various operations.
// Can also press UP-Down arrows select various operations.
  • Working with help.
sttr -h

// Example
sttr zeropad -h
sttr md5 -h
  • Working with files input.
sttr {command-name} {filename}

sttr base64-encode image.jpg
sttr md5 file.txt
sttr md-html Readme.md
  • Writing output to file.
sttr yaml-json file.yaml > file-output.json
  • Taking input from other command.
curl https: //jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/users | sttr json-yaml
  • Chaining the different processor.
sttr md5 hello | sttr base64-encode

echo "Hello World" | sttr base64-encode | sttr md5

:boom: Supported Operations

Encode/Decode

  • [x] ascii85-encode - Encode your text to ascii85
  • [x] ascii85-decode - Decode your ascii85 text
  • [x] base32-decode - Decode your base32 text
  • [x] base32-encode - Encode your text to base32
  • [x] base64-decode - Decode your base64 text
  • [x] base64-encode - Encode your text to base64
  • [x] base85-encode - Encode your text to base85
  • [x] base85-decode - Decode your base85 text
  • [x] base64url-decode - Decode your base64 url
  • [x] base64url-encode - Encode your text to url
  • [x] html-decode - Unescape your HTML
  • [x] html-encode - Escape your HTML
  • [x] rot13-encode - Encode your text to ROT13
  • [x] url-decode - Decode URL entities
  • [x] url-encode - Encode URL entities

Hash

  • [x] bcrypt - Get the Bcrypt hash of your text
  • [x] md5 - Get the MD5 checksum of your text
  • [x] sha1 - Get the SHA1 checksum of your text
  • [x] sha256 - Get the SHA256 checksum of your text
  • [x] sha512 - Get the SHA512 checksum of your text

String

  • [x] camel - Transform your text to CamelCase
  • [x] kebab - Transform your text to kebab-case
  • [x] lower - Transform your text to lower case
  • [x] reverse - Reverse Text ( txeT esreveR )
  • [x] slug - Transform your text to slug-case
  • [x] snake - Transform your text to snake_case
  • [x] title - Transform your text to Title Case
  • [x] upper - Transform your text to UPPER CASE

Lines

  • [x] count-lines - Count the number of lines in your text
  • [x] reverse-lines - Reverse lines
  • [x] shuffle-lines - Shuffle lines randomly
  • [x] sort-lines - Sort lines alphabetically
  • [x] unique-lines - Get unique lines from list

Spaces

  • [x] remove-spaces - Remove all spaces + new lines
  • [x] remove-newlines - Remove all new lines

Count

  • [x] count-chars - Find the length of your text (including spaces)
  • [x] count-lines - Count the number of lines in your text
  • [x] count-words - Count the number of words in your text

RGB/Hex

  • [x] hex-rgb - Convert a #hex-color code to RGB
  • [x] hex-encode - Encode your text Hex
  • [x] hex-decode - Convert Hexadecimal to String

JSON

  • [x] json - Format your text as JSON
  • [x] json-escape - JSON Escape
  • [x] json-unescape - JSON Unescape
  • [x] json-yaml - Convert JSON to YAML text
  • [x] json-msgpack - Convert JSON to MSGPACK
  • [x] msgpack-json - Convert MSGPACK to JSON

YAML

  • [x] yaml-json - Convert YAML to JSON text

Markdown

  • [x] markdown-html - Convert Markdown to HTML

Extract

  • [x] extract-emails - Extract emails from given text
  • [x] extract-ip - Extract IPv4 and IPv6 from your text
  • [x] extract-urls - Extract URls your text ( we don't do ping check )

Other

  • [x] escape-quotes - escape single and double quotes from your text
  • [x] completion - generate the autocompletion script for the specified shell
  • [x] interactive - Use sttr in interactive mode
  • [x] version - Print the version of sttr
  • [x] zeropad - Pad a number with zeros
  • [x] and adding more....

Featured On

These are the few locations where sttr was highlighted, many thanks to all of you. Please feel free to add any blogs/videos you may have made that discuss sttr to the list.



☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

Apple Is Coming for Your Password Manager

By: Andrew Couts — June 8th 2024 at 10:30
Plus: A media executive is charged in an alleged money-laundering scheme, a ransomware attack disrupts care at London hospitals, and Google’s former CEO has a secretive drone project up his sleeve.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

Microsoft Will Switch Off Recall by Default After Security Backlash

By: Andy Greenberg — June 7th 2024 at 16:11
After weeks of withering criticism and exposed security flaws, Microsoft has vastly scaled back its ambitions for Recall, its AI-enabled silent recording feature, and added new privacy features.
☐ ☆ ✇ KitPloit - PenTest Tools!

PIP-INTEL - OSINT and Cyber Intelligence Tool

By: Zion3R — June 7th 2024 at 12:30

 


Pip-Intel is a powerful tool designed for OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) and cyber intelligence gathering activities. It consolidates various open-source tools into a single user-friendly interface simplifying the data collection and analysis processes for researchers and cybersecurity professionals.

Pip-Intel utilizes Python-written pip packages to gather information from various data points. This tool is equipped with the capability to collect detailed information through email addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, and social media accounts. It offers a wide range of functionalities including email-based OSINT operations, phone number-based inquiries, geolocating IP addresses, social media and user analyses, and even dark web searches.




☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Security, the cloud, and AI: building powerful outcomes while simplifying your experience

By: Rick Miles — June 7th 2024 at 12:00
Read how Cisco Security Cloud Control prioritizes consolidation of tools and simplification of security policy without compromising your defense.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

Microsoft’s Recall Feature Is Even More Hackable Than You Thought

By: Andy Greenberg — June 7th 2024 at 00:42
A new discovery that the AI-enabled feature’s historical data can be accessed even by hackers without administrator privileges only contributes to the growing sense that the feature is a “dumpster fire.”
☐ ☆ ✇ McAfee Blogs

How To Protect Your Family’s Smartphones While on Vacation

By: Amy Bunn — June 6th 2024 at 13:50

Summer is synonymous with vacations, a time when families pack their bags, grab their sunscreen, and embark on exciting adventures. In the digital age, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, serving as cameras, maps, entertainment hubs, and communication tools. While these devices enhance our travel experiences, they also become prime targets for theft or damage while we’re away from home. From keeping us connected with family and friends, assisting in navigation, capturing moments, to even helping us with language translation – it is a device of many conveniences. However, when you bring your smartphone while vacationing, like any other valuable item, it becomes a target for theft and damage. Not to mention the potential for high roaming charges.

Don’t let the fear of losing or damaging your valuable devices dampen your vacation spirit! By taking some simple precautions and implementing effective strategies, you can ensure that your family’s smartphones remain safe and secure throughout your travels. In this blog post, we’ll share essential tips and tricks for safeguarding your devices, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories without any tech-related worries. This article will provide you with tips on how to protect your family’s smartphones while on vacation. We will cover strategies like enabling security settings, backing up data, checking for travel insurance policies, and utilizing helpful apps. Ensuring the safety of your devices will make your vacation more enjoyable and worry-free.

Smartphone Safety During Vacation

Traveling without smartphones seems almost impossible. However, having them on vacation puts them at risk. In tourist hotspots, where distractions are many, it is easy to lose or have your device stolen. Moreover, using public Wi-Fi networks can expose your smartphone to cyber attacks.

Dig Deeper: The Risks of Public Wi-Fi and How to Close the Security Gap

Therefore, it is vital to be proactive in securing both your smartphones and the data they contain. Not only will it save you from the high costs of replacing a lost or damaged phone, but it also prevents potential misuse of personal and financial information. Implementing even just a few of these safety measures can help ensure your family’s smartphones are well-protected during your vacation. So let’s dive into the practical steps you can take.

Step 1: How To Protect Your Smartphone

  1. Invest in Protective Gear: Equipping each device with a sturdy case and screen protector can significantly reduce the risk of damage due to accidental drops or impacts.
  2. Protect Your Devices: Whether you protect yours through a mobile security app or as part of the multi-device coverage that comes with your comprehensive security software, mobile protection can alert you of threats and unsecured networks while also adding in the protection of a VPN. 
  3. Regularly Backup Data: Back up photos, contacts, and other essential data to cloud storage or a computer. This ensures that precious memories and information are not lost in case of theft or damage.
  4. Enable Tracking Features: Activate “Find My Phone” or similar features on each device. These tools can help locate a lost or stolen device and even remotely erase its data if necessary.
  5. Exercise Caution with Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to hackers. Avoid using them for sensitive activities like online banking. If necessary, utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
  6. Establish Phone Usage Guidelines: Discuss responsible phone use with children, setting clear expectations and limitations. Encourage them to unplug and fully engage in the vacation experience.
  7. Designate a Secure Storage Location: Establish a designated area in your hotel room or vacation rental for storing phones when not in use. This prevents misplacement and reduces the risk of theft.
  8. Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid openly displaying expensive devices, particularly in crowded areas or unfamiliar surroundings. Discreetness can deter potential thieves.
  9. Consider Insurance Coverage: Depending on your existing insurance policies, you may have coverage for mobile devices. Alternatively, explore dedicated device insurance for added protection.
  10. Prioritize Family Time: Remember, the primary purpose of vacation is to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories. Encourage everyone to put down their phones and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Step 2: Protecting Your Smartphone Physically

The first layer of protection for your phone should be a physical one. It starts with investing in a good quality, durable phone case. A waterproof case is always a good idea, especially if you’re planning on vacationing near the beach or a pool. A screen protector can also keep your screen from shattering or getting scratched. Remember, you’re more likely to drop your phone while on vacation as you juggle through maps, travel apps, and numerous photo opportunities.

Another aspect of physical protection is to be mindful of where you store your phone. Avoid leaving it in plain sight or unattended, which could invite potential thieves. Instead, carry it in a secure, zipped pocket or bag. If you’re staying at a hotel, consider using the safe to store your phone when not in use. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings and keep your phone safely tucked away in crowded places.

McAfee Pro Tip: Activating the correct features can determine whether your personal data is lost permanently or if your device can swiftly recover. Install McAfee Mobile Security and learn more tips on what to do if your phone gets stolen on this blog.

Step 3: Data Protection and Privacy

Safeguarding your phone is not just about protecting the physical device—your personal and sensitive data deserves protection too. Before you leave for your vacation, make sure that your phone is password-protected. Optimally, use a complex password, fingerprint, or face recognition feature instead of a simple four-digit PIN. This singular step can deter any prying eyes from accessing your information if your phone is lost or stolen.

Ensure your phone’s software is up to date. Regular updates not only enhance the device’s performance but also incorporate vital security patches, fortifying its defenses against potential threats like malware. By staying vigilant and keeping your phone’s software current, you contribute to a more secure environment, minimizing the risk of unauthorized eyes accessing your valuable information in the event of a loss or theft.

Dig Deeper: Why Software Updates Are So Important

Step 4: Backup Your Data

Backing up your smartphone’s data before leaving for vacation can save you from a lot of stress. In case of loss, theft, or damage, having a backup ensures that you won’t lose your cherished photos, contacts, and other essential data. Most smartphones allow you to back up your data to the cloud. Make sure to do this over a safe, secure network and not on public Wi-Fi.

For Android users, Google provides an automatic backup service for things like app data, call history, and settings. You can check if this feature is enabled on your phone by going to the Google Drive App and checking in the Backups section. For iPhone users, iCloud Backup can help save most of your data and settings. To enable it, go to Settings, tap on your name, then tap iCloud and scroll down to tap iCloud Backup.

Step 5: Understand and Manage Roaming Charges

Without proper management, staying connected while abroad can result in expensive roaming charges. Before you leave, check with your mobile provider to understand the costs associated with using your phone abroad. Some providers offer international plans that you can temporarily switch to for your vacation. If your provider’s charges are too high, consider purchasing a local SIM card once you arrive at your destination or use an international data package.

Another way to avoid roaming charges is by using Wi-Fi. Most hotels, cafes, and many public spaces have free Wi-Fi available. However, again, public Wi-Fi is not always safe. So, avoid accessing sensitive information such as bank accounts, and before traveling, download maps and essential content before traveling to reduce the need for constant data usage. This is especially helpful for navigation apps. To protect your data in such situations, it’s advisable to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Dig Deeper: How to Keep Your Data & Devices Safe While Traveling

Step 6: Utilize Helpful Apps

Several apps can help protect your phone and its data during your vacation. Most smartphone operating systems offer a “Find My Phone” feature that can locate, lock, or erase your device if it is lost or stolen. Make sure this feature is enabled before you leave.

Again, antivirus apps can provide an extra layer of protection against virus and malware threats. Password manager apps can help you create and store complex, unique passwords for your accounts to enhance security.

VPN apps can protect your data from being intercepted when using public Wi-Fi networks. There are also apps that monitor your data usage and can alert you if you’re near your limit to avoid unexpected charges. Research and install these apps prior to your vacation for added security and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Your family’s smartphones are essential travel companions that deserve as much protection as any other valuable item during your vacation. By physically safeguarding the device, securing your data, backing up regularly, understanding roaming charges, and utilizing productive apps, you can enjoy a worry-free vacation. Remember, in the event of a mishap, having travel insurance can provide an extra layer of financial protection. So, before setting off, review your policy and check if it covers lost or stolen devices. In the end, preparation is key, so take the time to implement these safety measures and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Above and beyond security settings and software, there’s you. Get in the habit of talking with your child for a sense of what they’re doing online. As a mom, I like to ask them about their favorite games, share some funny TikTok clips or cute photos with them, and generally make it a point to be a part of their digital lives. It’s great, because it gives you peace of mind knowing what types of things they are doing or interactions they are having online. 

For those of you hitting the road in the coming weeks, enjoy your travels, wherever they take you! 

The post How To Protect Your Family’s Smartphones While on Vacation appeared first on McAfee Blog.

☐ ☆ ✇ McAfee Blogs

How Free VPNs Come With a Price

By: Jasdev Dhaliwal — June 6th 2024 at 13:10

The number of people who use VPNs (virtual private networks) continues to mushroom. Recent research shows that 46% of American adults now use a VPN — 23% of which use it for strictly personal purposes.[i] Within that mix, 43% said they use a free VPN service. Yet “free” VPNs often come with a price. Typically at the expense of your privacy.

A personal VPN establishes a secure tunnel over the internet, offering you both privacy and freedom from IP-based tracking. It protects your identity and financial info by encrypting, or scrambling, the data that flows through the tunnel. Moreover, it can mask your true location, making it appear as though you are connecting from somewhere else.

Sometimes a VPN is included in more robust security software, as it is in our McAfee+ plans. It’s also, but often it is a standalone tool, that is offered for a monthly subscription rate or for free. While it might be tempting to go for a free option, there are some serious considerations that you should take to heart.

Free VPNs – risky business

Because free VPNs don’t charge a subscription, many make revenue indirectly through advertising. This means that users get bombarded with ads. And they get exposed to tracking by the provider. In fact, one study of 283 free VPN providers found that 72% included trackers.[ii] The irony is worth pointing out. Many people use VPNs to shroud their browsing from advertisers and other data collectors. Meanwhile, free VPNs often lead to that exact kind of exposure.

But beyond the frustration of ads, slowness, and upgrade prompts is the fact that some free VPN tools include malware that can put your sensitive info at risk. The same study found that 38% of the free VPN applications in the Google Play Store were found to have malware, such as keyloggers, and some even stole data from devices.

Also concerning is how these free providers handle your data. In one worrying case, security researchers uncovered seven VPN providers that gathered user logs despite pledges not to.[iii]

Clearly, many so-called “free” VPNs aren’t free at all.

Privacy worth paying for – paid VPN benefits

VPNs are critical tools for enhancing our privacy and shouldn’t be an avenue opening the door to new risks. That’s why your best bet is to look for a paid VPN with the following features:

Unlimited bandwidth — You want your network connection to stay secure no matter how much time you spend online.

Speedy performance — We all know how frustrating a sluggish internet connection can be when you are trying to get things done. Whether connecting for productivity, education, or entertainment, we’re all dependent on bandwidth. That’s why it’s important to choose a high-speed VPN that enhances your privacy, without sacrificing the quality of your connection.

Multiple device protection — These days many of us toggle between mobile devices, laptops, and computers, so they should all be able to connect securely.

Less battery drain — Some free mobile VPNs zap your battery life, making users less likely to stay protected. You shouldn’t have to choose between your battery life and safeguarding your privacy.

Ease of use — For technology to really work, it has to be convenient. After all, these technologies should power your connected life, not serve as a hindrance.

Fortunately, we don’t have to sacrifice convenience, or pay high prices, for a VPN that can offer a high level of privacy and protection. A comprehensive security suite like McAfee+ includes our standalone VPN with auto-renewal and takes the worry out of connecting, so you can focus on what’s important to you and your family, and enjoy quality time together.

[i] https://www.security.org/resources/vpn-consumer-report-annual/

[ii] https://www.icir.org/vern/papers/vpn-apps-imc16.pdf

[iii] https://www.pcmag.com/news/7-vpn-services-found-recording-user-logs-despite-no-log-pledge

 

The post How Free VPNs Come With a Price appeared first on McAfee Blog.

☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

The Snowflake Attack May Be Turning Into One of the Largest Data Breaches Ever

By: Matt Burgess — June 6th 2024 at 19:41
The number of alleged hacks targeting the customers of cloud storage firm Snowflake appears to be snowballing into one of the biggest data breaches of all time.
☐ ☆ ✇ KitPloit - PenTest Tools!

Thief Raccoon - Login Phishing Tool

By: Zion3R — June 6th 2024 at 12:30


Thief Raccoon is a tool designed for educational purposes to demonstrate how phishing attacks can be conducted on various operating systems. This tool is intended to raise awareness about cybersecurity threats and help users understand the importance of security measures like 2FA and password management.


Features

  • Phishing simulation for Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows XP, Windows Server, Ubuntu, Ubuntu Server, and macOS.
  • Capture user credentials for educational demonstrations.
  • Customizable login screens that mimic real operating systems.
  • Full-screen mode to enhance the phishing simulation.

Installation

Prerequisites

  • Python 3.x
  • pip (Python package installer)
  • ngrok (for exposing the local server to the internet)

Download and Install

  1. Clone the repository:

```bash git clone https://github.com/davenisc/thief_raccoon.git cd thief_raccoon

  1. Install python venv

```bash apt install python3.11-venv

  1. Create venv:

```bash python -m venv raccoon_venv source raccoon_venv/bin/activate

  1. Install the required libraries:

```bash pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

  1. Run the main script:

```bash python app.py

  1. Select the operating system for the phishing simulation:

After running the script, you will be presented with a menu to select the operating system. Enter the number corresponding to the OS you want to simulate.

  1. Access the phishing page:

If you are on the same local network (LAN), open your web browser and navigate to http://127.0.0.1:5000.

If you want to make the phishing page accessible over the internet, use ngrok.

Using ngrok

  1. Download and install ngrok

Download ngrok from ngrok.com and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

  1. Expose your local server to the internet:

  2. Get the public URL:

After running the above command, ngrok will provide you with a public URL. Share this URL with your test subjects to access the phishing page over the internet.

How to install Ngrok on Linux?

  1. Install ngrok via Apt with the following command:

```bash curl -s https://ngrok-agent.s3.amazonaws.com/ngrok.asc \ | sudo tee /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/ngrok.asc >/dev/null \ && echo "deb https://ngrok-agent.s3.amazonaws.com buster main" \ | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ngrok.list \ && sudo apt update \ && sudo apt install ngrok

  1. Run the following command to add your authtoken to the default ngrok.yml

```bash ngrok config add-authtoken xxxxxxxxx--your-token-xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Deploy your app online

  1. Put your app online at ephemeral domain Forwarding to your upstream service. For example, if it is listening on port http://localhost:8080, run:

    ```bash ngrok http http://localhost:5000

Example

  1. Run the main script:

```bash python app.py

  1. Select Windows 11 from the menu:

```bash Select the operating system for phishing: 1. Windows 10 2. Windows 11 3. Windows XP 4. Windows Server 5. Ubuntu 6. Ubuntu Server 7. macOS Enter the number of your choice: 2

  1. Access the phishing page:

Open your browser and go to http://127.0.0.1:5000 or the ngrok public URL.

Disclaimer

This tool is intended for educational purposes only. The author is not responsible for any misuse of this tool. Always obtain explicit permission from the owner of the system before conducting any phishing tests.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

ScreenShots

Credits

Developer: @davenisc Web: https://davenisc.com



☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Securing Meraki Networks with Cisco XDR

By: Rajat Gulati — June 6th 2024 at 12:00
Discover how the Cisco XDR and Meraki MX integration provides advanced threat detection and network insights. Join us at Cisco Live 2024 for a demo.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

The Lords of Silicon Valley Are Thrilled to Present a ‘Handheld Iron Dome’

By: Matthew Gault — June 6th 2024 at 10:30
ZeroMark wants to build a system that will let soldiers easily shoot a drone out of the sky with the weapons they’re already carrying—and venture capital firm a16z is betting the startup can pull it off.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

How to Lead an Army of Digital Sleuths in the Age of AI

By: Samanth Subramanian — June 6th 2024 at 07:00
Eliot Higgins and his 28,000 forensic foot soldiers at Bellingcat have kept a miraculous nose for truth—and a sharp sense of its limits—in Gaza, Ukraine, and everywhere else atrocities hide online.
☐ ☆ ✇ McAfee Blogs

How To Prevent Your Emails From Being Hacked

By: Alex Merton-McCann — June 5th 2024 at 11:41

My mother recently turned 80, so of course a large celebration was in order. With 100 plus guests, entertainment, and catering to organise, the best way for me to keep everyone updated (and share tasks) was to use Google Docs. Gee, it worked well. My updates could immediately be seen by everyone, the family could access it from all the devices, and it was free to use! No wonder Google has a monopoly on drive and document sharing.

But here’s the thing – hackers know just how much both individuals and businesses have embraced Google products. So, it makes complete sense that they use reputable companies such as Google to devise phishing emails that are designed to extract our personal information. In fact, the Google Docs phishing scam was widely regarded as one of the most successful personal data extraction scams to date. They know that billions of people worldwide use Google so an invitation to click a link and view a document does not seem like an unreasonable email to receive. But it caused so much grief for so many people.

It’s All About Phishing

Emails designed to trick you into sharing your personal information are a scammer’s bread and butter. This is essentially what phishing is. It is by far the most successful tool they use to get their hands on your personal data and access your email.

‘But why do they want my email logins?’ – I hear you ask. Well, email accounts are what every scammer dreams of – they are a treasure trove of personally identifiable material that they can either steal or exploit. They could also use your email to launch a wide range of malicious activities from spamming and spoofing to spear phishing. Complicated terms, I know but in essence these are different types of phishing strategies. So, you can see why they are keen!!

But successful phishing emails usually share a few criteria which is important to know. Firstly, the email looks like it has been sent from a legitimate company e.g. Microsoft, Amex, or Google. Secondly, the email has a strong ‘call to action’ e.g. ‘your password has been changed, if this is not the case, please click here’. And thirdly, the email does not seem too out of place or random from the potential victim’s perspective.

What To Do To Prevent Your Email Being Hacked?

Despite the fact that scammers are savvy tricksters, there are steps you can take to maximise the chances your email remains locked away from their prying eyes. Here’s what I suggest:

  1. Don’t Fall Victim to a Phishing Scam

Never respond to an unexpected email or website that asks you for personal information or your login details no matter how professional it looks. If you have any doubts, always contact the company directly to verify.

  1. Protect Yourself!

Make sure you have super-duper internet security software that includes all the bells and whistles. Not only does internet security software McAfee+ include protection for daily browsing but it also has a password manager, a VPN, and a social privacy manager that will lock down your privacy settings on your social media accounts. A complete no-brainer!

  1. Say No to Public Wi-Fi and Public Computers

Avoid using public Wi-Fi to log into your email from public places. It takes very little effort for a hacker to position themselves between you and the connection point. So, it’s entirely possible for them to be in receipt of all your private information and logins which clearly you don’t want. If you really need to use it, invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which will ensure everything you share via Wi-Fi will be encrypted. Your McAfee+ subscription includes a VPN.

Public computers should also be avoided even just to ‘check your email’. Not only is there a greater chance of spyware on untrusted computers but some of them sport key-logging programs which can both monitor and record the keys you strike on the keyboard – a great way of finding out your password!

  1. Passwords, Passwords, Passwords

Ensuring each of your online accounts has its own unique, strong, and complex password is one of the best ways of keeping hackers out of your life. I always suggest at least 10-12 characters with a combination of upper and lower case letters, symbols, and numbers. A crazy nonsensical sentence is a great option here but better still is a password manager that will remember and generate passwords that no human could! A password manager is also part of your McAfee+ online security pack.

What To Do If Your Email Is Hacked?

Even if you have taken all the necessary steps to protect your email from hackers, there is the chance that your email logins may be leaked in a data breach. A data breach happens when a company’s data is accessed by scammers and customers’ personal information is stolen. You may remember the Optus, Medibank and Latitude hacks of 2022/23?

If you have had your personal information stolen, please be assured that there are steps you can take to remedy this. The key is to act fast. Check out my recent blog post here for everything you need to know.

So, next time you’re organising a big gathering don’t hesitate to use Google Docs to plan or Microsoft Teams to host your planning meetings. While the thought of being hacked might make you want to withdraw, please don’t. Instead, cultivate a questioning mindset in both yourself and your kids, and always have a healthy amount of suspicion when going about your online life. You’ve got this!!

Till next time,
Stay safe!
Alex

The post How To Prevent Your Emails From Being Hacked appeared first on McAfee Blog.

☐ ☆ ✇ KitPloit - PenTest Tools!

X-Recon - A Utility For Detecting Webpage Inputs And Conducting XSS Scans

By: Zion3R — June 5th 2024 at 12:30

A utility for identifying web page inputs and conducting XSS scanning.


Features:

  • Subdomain Discovery:
  • Retrieves relevant subdomains for the target website and consolidates them into a whitelist. These subdomains can be utilized during the scraping process.

  • Site-wide Link Discovery:

  • Collects all links throughout the website based on the provided whitelist and the specified max_depth.

  • Form and Input Extraction:

  • Identifies all forms and inputs found within the extracted links, generating a JSON output. This JSON output serves as a foundation for leveraging the XSS scanning capability of the tool.

  • XSS Scanning:

  • Once the start recon option returns a custom JSON containing the extracted entries, the X-Recon tool can initiate the XSS vulnerability testing process and furnish you with the desired results!



Note:

The scanning functionality is currently inactive on SPA (Single Page Application) web applications, and we have only tested it on websites developed with PHP, yielding remarkable results. In the future, we plan to incorporate these features into the tool.




Note:

This tool maintains an up-to-date list of file extensions that it skips during the exploration process. The default list includes common file types such as images, stylesheets, and scripts (".css",".js",".mp4",".zip","png",".svg",".jpeg",".webp",".jpg",".gif"). You can customize this list to better suit your needs by editing the setting.json file..

Installation

$ git clone https://github.com/joshkar/X-Recon
$ cd X-Recon
$ python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt
$ python3 xr.py

Target For Test:

You can use this address in the Get URL section

  http://testphp.vulnweb.com


☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

The Age of the Drone Police Is Here

By: Dhruv Mehrotra, Jesse Marx — June 5th 2024 at 10:00
A WIRED investigation, based on more than 22 million flight coordinates, reveals the complicated truth about the first full-blown police drone program in the US—and why your city could be next.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

A US Company Enabled a North Korean Scam That Raised Money for WMDs

By: William Turton — June 5th 2024 at 09:30
Wyoming’s secretary of state has proposed ways of “preventing fraud and abuse of corporate filings by commercial registered agents” in the aftermath of the scheme’s exposure.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

TikTok Hack Targets ‘High-Profile’ Users via DMs

By: Dell Cameron — June 4th 2024 at 18:11
TikTok has confirmed a “potential exploit” that is being used to go after accounts belonging to media organizations and celebrities, including CNN and Paris Hilton, through direct messages.
☐ ☆ ✇ WIRED

This Hacker Tool Extracts All the Data Collected by Windows’ New Recall AI

By: Matt Burgess — June 4th 2024 at 15:08
Windows Recall takes a screenshot every five seconds. Cybersecurity researchers say the system is simple to abuse—and one ethical hacker has already built a tool to show how easy it really is.
☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Cisco Security at Cisco Live 2024: Innovating at Scale

By: Jeetu Patel — June 4th 2024 at 15:06
No matter how reliable and performant your network is, it doesn’t matter if it’s not secure. To help make the world a safer place, we need to reimagine security.
☐ ☆ ✇ Security – Cisco Blog

Cisco Enhances Zero Trust Access with Google

By: Jeff Scheaffer — June 4th 2024 at 15:00
Cisco and Google are collaborating to help organizations block threats and secure access across internet destinations and private applications.
❌