2024 “Insider Threat Guide” Takeaways for Cybersecurity Professionals

The National Insider Threat Task Force (NITTF) has released its 2024 “Insider Threat Guide,” a valuable resource for US government departments and agencies. Here’s a breakdown of key takeaways for cybersecurity professionals:

AI generated podcast:

Insider Threats Remain a Critical Concern

The threat landscape continues to evolve rapidly, making the insider threat mission highly dynamic.
Agencies possess sensitive information, classified or not, making insider threats a concern across various data types.
While progress has been made since Executive Order (E.O.) 13587 mandated insider threat programs, full implementation remains an ongoing process.

Programmatic Minimum Standards are Essential

The 2024 guide focuses on aligning with the national minimum standards for insider threat programs, outlined in the White House Memorandum on National Insider Threat Policy.
The guide offers best practices to overcome common challenges in implementing these standards.
Departments and agencies with mature, proactive insider threat programs are better equipped to deter, detect, and mitigate insider threats before they escalate.

Collaboration and Information Sharing are Crucial

Forming a working group with representatives from security, counterintelligence, Information Assurance (IA), HR, legal, and other relevant departments is crucial for program success.
Engaging with Cognizant Security Agencies (CSAs) is vital when dealing with cleared contractors, addressing information sharing, user activity monitoring, and incident response.
Open communication with the FBI regarding insider threat concerns and potential referrals is essential.

Employee Training and Awareness are Paramount

All cleared employees must receive insider threat awareness training, covering threat recognition, reporting procedures, and counterintelligence awareness.
Promoting an internal website with insider threat resources and a secure reporting mechanism fosters awareness and facilitates reporting.
Ongoing awareness campaigns beyond mandatory training can help build a strong security culture.

Comprehensive Information Access is Key

Insider threat programs need access to counterintelligence data, IA logs, HR records, and other relevant information to identify potential threats.
Procedures for accessing particularly sensitive information, such as special access programs or investigative records, must be established.
Access to U.S. Government intelligence and counterintelligence reporting provides valuable context and insight into adversarial threats.

User Activity Monitoring is a Powerful Tool

User activity monitoring (UAM) on all classified networks is essential for detecting insider threat behavior.
Clear policies on protecting, interpreting, storing, and limiting access to UAM data are vital.
User agreements and network banners acknowledging monitoring activities are necessary for legal and transparency purposes.

Information Integration and Analysis Drive Response

Establishing a centralized “hub” to gather, integrate, analyze, and respond to information from various sources is crucial.
Defined procedures for insider threat response actions, including inquiries and referrals, ensure a consistent and controlled approach.
Detailed documentation of insider threat matters and response actions is crucial for tracking progress and identifying trends.

The 2024 “Insider Threat Guide” provides a roadmap for organizations to develop and mature their insider threat programs. By adhering to these guidelines, cybersecurity professionals can play a critical role in protecting sensitive information and mitigating the risks posed by insider threats.

When Digital Mischief Became Legendary: The Max Headroom Hack That Blew My Mind

A Cybersecurity Enthusiast’s Deep Dive into the Most Bizarre Broadcast Hijacking in History

Holy nostalgia, Batman! I thought I knew everything about the weird tech of the 1980s, but somehow the Max Headroom broadcast intrusion had completely slipped past my radar until today. I grew up with early computer culture, I’m fascinated that this incredible piece of hacking history flew under my generational radar for decades.

The Night Television Got Punk’d

On November 22, 1987, something extraordinary happened during broadcasts in Chicago that would become the stuff of underground tech legend. During WGN-TV’s evening newscast and later during an episode of Doctor Who on WTTW, an unknown individual in a Max Headroom mask—yes, that pixelated, bizarre TV character—managed to override the broadcast signal and transmit their own bizarre, cryptic transmission.

The Technical Marvel

From a cybersecurity perspective, this wasn’t just a prank—it was a sophisticated signal intrusion that demonstrated remarkable technical skill. The hackers managed to:

Overcome broadcast encryption
Synchronize their transmission with existing broadcast frequencies
Create a deliberate, albeit bizarre, alternative broadcast

The entire incident lasted only about 90 seconds, but it represented a watershed moment in understanding the vulnerabilities of broadcast systems.

More Than Just a Broadcast Interruption

What makes this hack truly remarkable wasn’t just its technical complexity, but its absolute weirdness. The masked figure—wearing a Max Headroom mask and a suit—engaged in a surreal performance that included:

Bizarre background noises
Nonsensical dialogue
A spanking scene with a flyswatter
References that seemed simultaneously random and pointed

It was like cyberpunk performance art meets technological subversion.

The Unresolved Mystery

Despite an FBI investigation, the perpetrators were never caught. This only added to the legendary status of the broadcast intrusion. For cybersecurity professionals, it became a fascinating case study in signal vulnerability and the potential for media manipulation.

Technical Breakdown

The hack likely involved:

A powerful broadcast transmitter
Precise knowledge of broadcast frequencies
Understanding of analog broadcast technology
Significant engineering expertise

Reflections of a GenX Tech Professional

As someone who grew up during this era, I’m simultaneously impressed and unsettled. We were witnessing the early days of hacker culture—a time when technological prowess was as much about creativity and statement as it was about pure capability.

This wasn’t malicious destruction. This was a statement. A performance. A glimpse into a future where technology could be both a medium and a message.

The Lasting Legacy

Today, the Max Headroom incident remains a pivotal moment in hacking history. It represents:

A demonstration of broadcast system vulnerabilities
An early example of media hijacking
A bizarre piece of technological performance art

For cybersecurity professionals, it serves as a reminder that security is never absolute—and that sometimes, the most interesting breaches are the ones that make us laugh, think, and question the systems we take for granted.

Here is a great youtube that puts everything together nicely. There are some explicit images in this so be warned.

Security Awareness Training: Snoozefest or Superhero Training?

Today we will review a new study that was recently released: Understanding the Efficacy of Phishing Training in Practice.

Here is an ai generated podcast summary of the paper, but also below is a great overview.

Mandatory security awareness training sounds about as fun as watching paint dry! It’s no surprise that employees aren’t exactly jumping for joy at the thought of completing these modules. And let’s be honest, who can blame them?

The study at UCSD Health suggests that these annual training sessions might not be worth the time and effort. Employees who completed the training were just as likely to fall for phishing scams as their colleagues who hadn’t. It’s like sending someone to a self-defense class where they learn all the moves but still get knocked out in the first round.

The sources also question the effectiveness of embedded phishing training. This type of training is supposed to be more engaging because it’s delivered in the moment when an employee clicks on a phishing link. The idea is to create a “teachable moment.” The problem is that most employees simply aren’t paying attention! Many close the training window immediately, and less than a quarter actually bother to complete the modules. It seems that getting tricked into clicking a phishing link isn’t enough of a wake-up call to get people to invest in their cybersecurity education!

However, there is a glimmer of hope in the sources. The UCSD Health study found that interactive training, where employees have to answer questions about phishing warning signs, was more effective than simply presenting them with information about phishing. Think of it as the difference between reading a textbook about swimming and actually getting in the pool with a coach. Hands-on experience tends to be more effective.

But even the most interactive training won’t help if employees aren’t paying attention. The sources suggest that organizations should explore new ways to make training more engaging and relevant to employees’ daily work. Maybe gamification, personalized content or even a little friendly competition could spice things up.

In the end, the sources argue that organizations need to go beyond training and implement stronger technical measures to protect their employees. Think of it this way: It’s great to teach people how to avoid poison ivy, but it’s even better to build a fence around the patch! Technical solutions like multi-factor authentication can provide an extra layer of protection that doesn’t rely solely on human vigilance.

Cloudy With a Chance of Hackers: Key Takeaways from the IBM X-Force Cloud Threat Landscape Report 2024

Hold onto your hard drives, folks, because the cloud, as convenient as it is, isn’t exactly a hacker-free haven. The IBM X-Force Cloud Threat Landscape Report 2024 is here to remind us that while cloud computing might be soaring to new heights (think USD 600 billion!), so are the threats targeting it.

Let’s break down the key takeaways with a dash of wit and a sprinkle of cybersecurity wisdom:

XSS is the MVP (Most Valuable Vulnerability): Move over, gaining access, there’s a new vulnerability in town. Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities made up a whopping 27% of newly discovered CVEs. This means hackers can potentially snag your session tokens or redirect you to shady websites faster than you can say “two-factor authentication.”
Cloud Credentials: A Buyer’s Market: It seems the dark web is having a clearance sale on compromised cloud credentials. While demand is steady, the price per credential has dipped by almost 13% since 2022. This suggests a possible oversaturation of the market, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security!
File Hosting Services: Not Just for Cat Videos Anymore: Hackers are getting creative (and sneaky) with trusted cloud-based file hosting services like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive. They’re using them for everything from command-and-control communications to malware distribution. Even North Korean state-sponsored groups like APT43 and APT37 are in on the action.
Phishing: The Bait Never Gets Old: It’s official: phishing is the reigning champion of initial attack vectors, accounting for a third of all cloud-related incidents. Attackers are particularly fond of using it for adversary-in-the-middle (AITM) attacks to harvest those precious credentials.
Valid Credentials: The Keys to the (Cloud) Kingdom: Overprivileged accounts are a hacker’s dream come true. In a surprising 28% of incidents, attackers used legitimate credentials to breach cloud environments. Remember folks, with great power (or access privileges) comes great responsibility (to secure them!).
BEC: It’s Not Just About the Money: Business email compromise (BEC) attacks are also after your credentials. By spoofing email accounts, hackers can wreak havoc within your organization. And they’re quite successful, representing 39% of incidents over the past couple of years.
Security Rule Failures: The Achilles’ Heel of the Cloud: The report highlights some common security misconfigurations, particularly in Linux systems and around authentication and cryptography practices. These failures scream opportunity for hackers, so tighten up those security settings!
AI: The Future of Cyberattacks (and Defense): While AI-generated attacks on the cloud are still in their infancy, the potential is there. Imagine AI crafting hyper-realistic phishing emails or manipulating data with terrifying efficiency. On the bright side, AI can also be a powerful ally in defending against these threats.

The bottom line? The cloud is a powerful tool, but it’s not invincible. Organizations must be proactive in implementing robust security measures, including:

Strengthening identity security with MFA and passwordless options
Designing secure AI strategies
Conducting comprehensive security testing
Strengthening incident response capabilities
Protecting data with encryption and access controls

So, there you have it, a whirlwind tour of the cloud threat landscape. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and maybe invest in a good cybersecurity course. Your data (and sanity) will thank you!

Weekly Cybersecurity Wrap-up 11/11/24

Each week I publish interesting articles and ways to improve your understanding of cybersecurity.

Projects

Linux Foundation – Introduction to Kubernetes (LF158) – In Progress
TryHackMe – Splunk: Setting up a SOC Lab
SANS Holiday Hack Challenge 2024: Snow-maggedon

Videos

Articles

FBI Warns US Organizations of Fake Emergency Data Requests Made by Cybercriminals – The FBI is seeing an increase in threat actors using fake emergency data requests to harvest information from US companies.
Halliburton reports $35 million loss after ransomware attack – Halliburton has revealed that an August ransomware attack has led to $35 million in losses after the breach caused the company to shut down IT systems and disconnect customers.
Amazon confirms employee data stolen after hacker claims MOVEit breach – Amazon has confirmed that employee data was compromised after a “security event” at a third-party vendor.
Volt Typhoon rebuilds malware botnet following FBI disruption – The Chinese state-sponsored hacking group Volt Typhoon has begun to rebuild its “KV-Botnet” malware botnet after it was disrupted by law enforcement in January, according to researchers from SecurityScorecard.
VMware makes Workstation and Fusion free for everyone – VMware has announced that its VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation desktop hypervisors are now free to everyone for commercial, educational, and personal use.
Teixeira Is Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison – The disclosures that Jack Teixeira shared on a social media platform raised questions over how a relatively low-ranking Air National Guardsman had access to some of the country’s most sensitive secrets.
Snowflake hackers identified and charged with stealing 50 billion AT&T records – The U.S. government has accused Connor Moucka and John Binns of being the hackers who broke into the systems of AT&T, stealing around 50 billion customer call and text records.
Two Men Charged For Hacking US Tax Preparation Firms – Two Nigerian nationals, one in Mexico and one in North Dakota, have been charged for hacking into the systems of US tax preparation companies.
CISA, FBI Confirm China Hacked Telecoms Providers for Spying – CISA and the FBI have confirmed that Chinese hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to spy on specific targets.
Idaho Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Hacking, Data Theft, Extortion – Robert Purbeck was sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing the personal information of over 132,000 people.

Podcasts

Smashing Security 392: Pasta spies and private eyes, and are you applying for a ghost job?
Smashing Security 393: Who needs a laptop to hack when you have a Firestick?

Grinders: The DIY Cyberpunk Dreamers Redefining What It Means to Be Human

Once upon a time, humans were content with tools they could hold in their hands—stone axes, flint knives, maybe the occasional sharpened stick. Fast forward a few thousand years, and those tools have become microchips, magnets, and LEDs—implanted directly into our bodies by a bold subculture of hackers known as grinders.

These aren’t the folks who settle for the latest smartwatch or the sleekest fitness tracker. Grinders laugh in the face of factory warranties. Their motto? Why wear it when you can become it?

From Sci-Fi to Subdermal

If this sounds like the setup for a Keanu Reeves movie, you’re not far off. Johnny Mnemonic hit theaters in 1995, introducing a world where data isn’t just stored on servers but carried inside the human body. Johnny, the protagonist, uses a neural implant to smuggle sensitive information—a high-tech courier service that’s as thrilling as it is dangerous.

Fast forward to today, and while no one’s smuggling terabytes of corporate secrets in their brains (yet), grinders are playing with similar ideas. They’re implanting chips that can unlock doors, start cars, and even store personal data. Here’s the twist: unlike Johnny, most grinders aren’t working with cutting-edge, military-grade tech. They’re doing this in basements and garages, armed with soldering irons and an adventurous spirit.

It’s DIY cyberpunk at its finest—and also a cybersecurity nightmare waiting to happen.

Grinders Meet Cybersecurity

Let’s talk about those RFID chips. These tiny implants are undeniably cool, letting you unlock your front door or pay for groceries with the wave of a hand. But here’s the thing: RFID technology isn’t exactly Fort Knox. Without proper encryption, these chips can be cloned or hacked, potentially giving bad actors access to your home, car, or bank account.

Now multiply that risk by the growing number of grinders experimenting with connected implants. From NFC chips that store personal data to experimental biosensors that transmit health information, every device embedded under the skin becomes a potential entry point for cyberattacks.

It’s the same principle that keeps IT professionals awake at night—if it’s connected, it’s hackable. The difference? When the hardware is in your body, there’s no “off switch.”

The Real-Life Dangers of Biohacking Gone Wrong

Imagine this: a grinder implants an NFC chip that stores their medical history for emergencies—a brilliant idea in theory. But without proper security measures, that data could be intercepted or altered. A malicious actor could delete critical information or, worse, implant false data, leading to misdiagnoses or medical errors.

And it’s not just data theft. The rise of implantable devices introduces new opportunities for invasive surveillance. What if your glowing subdermal LEDs aren’t just cool lights but also a way for someone to track your location? Or your health-monitoring implant becomes a tool for your insurance company to spy on your daily habits?

Suddenly, the line between innovation and exploitation starts to blur.

Cyberpunk Ethics: Who Protects the Grinders?

The risks grinders face aren’t just technical; they’re ethical. Unlike regulated medical devices, most implants used in the grinder community are DIY creations or repurposed consumer tech. That means there’s little oversight, no standardized security protocols, and no guarantees of safety.

This lack of regulation raises questions that go far beyond the grinder subculture. As body augmentation becomes more mainstream, who will set the rules for cybersecurity in our bodies? Will governments step in with strict regulations, or will corporations lock down their tech, making it impossible for grinders to tinker without breaking the law?

And let’s not forget the potential for cyber-augmented inequality. If only the wealthy can afford secure, high-quality implants, does that create a new digital divide—one where the augmented elite outpace the “unenhanced” masses?

From Johnny Mnemonic to the Real World

If Johnny Mnemonic taught us anything, it’s that the future of bio-cybernetics isn’t just about what we can do—it’s about what happens when technology, ethics, and human ambition collide. Grinders are living on the frontlines of that collision, boldly exploring the possibilities of human enhancement while grappling with its unintended consequences.

The same tech that lets you glow like a human light bulb or unlock your car with a wave could also make you a target for hackers. It’s a cyberpunk dream—but like any dream, it has its dark side.

The Future of Grinders and Cybersecurity

For grinders, the challenge isn’t just creating the next cool implant—it’s doing so in a way that’s safe, ethical, and secure. That means rethinking the DIY ethos to include robust encryption, open-source security solutions, and maybe even a little collaboration with the cybersecurity community.

After all, it’s one thing to upgrade your body; it’s another to make sure your body doesn’t get hacked.

As the lines between human and machine continue to blur, grinders remind us of both the potential and the peril of this brave new world. Whether you’re a DIY tinkerer, a cybersecurity pro, or just someone who loves a good Keanu Reeves movie, one thing’s for sure: the future is here, and it’s literally under our skin.

So next time you unlock your phone or tap to pay, think about the grinders. They’ve taken that same tech and made it personal—sometimes a little too personal. But hey, if Johnny Mnemonic could handle it, maybe we can too. Just, you know, keep an eye on those encryption protocols.

YouTube Video Suggestions

Google’s Cybersecurity Forecast 2025: Key Takeaways

The Google Cloud Cybersecurity Forecast 2025 report offers insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape and predicts key trends for the upcoming year. The report, drawing on the expertise of Google Cloud security leaders and researchers, highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), escalating cybercrime, and geopolitical influences on cybersecurity. Here’s a summary of some of the key predictions:

AI Generated Podcast

Weekly Cybersecurity Wrap-up 11/03/24

Each week I publish interesting articles and ways to improve your understanding of cybersecurity.

Projects

Linux Foundation – Introduction to Kubernetes (LF158) – In Progress
TryHackMe – Splunk: Exploring SPL – Complete
TryHackMe – Splunk: Setting up a SOC Lab – In Progress

Videos

Articles

Booking.com Phishers May Leave You With Reservations – A number of cybercriminal innovations are making it easier for scammers to cash in on your upcoming travel plans. This story examines a recent spear-phishing campaign that ensued when a California hotel had its booking.com credentials stolen.
Nigerian man Sentenced to 26+ years in real estate phishing scams – Nigerian Kolade Ojelade gets 26 years in U.S. for phishing scams that stole millions by hacking email accounts.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Already a Leader in Satellites, Gets Into the Spy Game [Paywall] – The Pentagon needs what the company offers to compete with China even as it frets over its potential for dominance and the billionaire’s global interests.
Canadian Man Arrested in Snowflake Data Extortions – A 26-year-old man in Ontario, Canada has been arrested for allegedly stealing data from and extorting more than 160 companies that used the cloud data service Snowflake.
LastPass warns of fake support centers trying to steal customer data – LastPass is warning about an ongoing campaign where scammers are writing reviews for its Chrome extension to promote a fake customer support phone number
South Korea fined Meta $15.67M for illegally collecting and sharing Facebook users – South Korea fined Meta $15.67M for illegally collecting and sharing Facebook users’ sensitive data, including political views and sexual orientation, with advertisers.
Unpatched Vulnerabilities Allow Hacking of Mazda Cars: ZDI – ZDI discloses vulnerabilities in the infotainment system of multiple Mazda car models that could lead to code execution.
Canada Closes TikTok Offices, Citing National Security – Questions remain over what a corporate ban will achieve, since Canadians will still be able to use the app.
Throwing caution to the winds, “kiberphant0m” tries to extort AT&T with Trump and Harris call logs – While many of us were waking up to the election results yesterday, at least one person was busy trying to extort AT&T using the president-elect and current vice president’s call logs.
US Gov Agency Urges Employees to Limit Phone Use After China ‘Salt Typhoon’ Hack – The US government’s CFPB sent an email with a simple directive: “Do NOT conduct CFPB work using mobile voice calls or text messages.”

Podcasts

Smashing Security 391: The secret Strava service, deepfakes, and crocodiles
Cyberwire Daily – State of security automation. [CSO Perspectives]
Darknet Diaries – EP 149: Mini-Stories: Vol 3
Cyberwire Daily – Canada cuts TikTok ties

Cybersecurity Landscape Shifts: Key Takeaways from Microsoft’s 2024 Digital Defense Report

Summary: The Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024 provides an overview of the evolving cyber threat landscape and offers guidance for organizations to improve their security posture. The report examines a range of threats, including nation-state attacks, ransomware, fraud, identity and social engineering, and DDoS attacks. It also explores the use of AI by both defenders and attackers and discusses the importance of collective action to address cybersecurity challenges. Key takeaways include the rising sophistication of cybercrime, the need for robust deterrence strategies, the importance of strong authentication, and the potential impact of AI on cybersecurity.

AI created podcast of this white paper:

Key Developments:

Weekly Cybersecurity Wrap-up 10/28/24

Each week I publish interesting articles and ways to improve your understanding of cybersecurity.

Projects

Linux Foundation – Introduction to Kubernetes (LF158) – In Progress
TryHackMe – Splunk: Exploring SPL – In Progress

Articles

Fired Disney worker accused of hacking into restaurant menus – replacing them with Windings and false peanut allergy information