The Armoury - February 2024

Welcome to The Armoury.

Cyber threats are getting sophisticated, and the number and style of threats are on the rise. We understand that your schedule is packed, but staying informed about cybersecurity is a top priority. With The Armoury, we've curated the most relevant and important content from trusted sources. Our team handpicks articles, news items, and tips that you need to know, saving you time and effort while ensuring you have the knowledge to protect yourself and your organisation.

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Stay safe.

Latest Cybersecurity News

• Elite Supplements customers targeted in cyber attack? Customers' names, addresses, and phone numbers were compromised in a cyber-attack. The company assures customers that no financial information was leaked and is working with authorities to investigate the incident.? ?
• Microsoft and OpenAI warn state-backed threat actors are using generative AI en masse to wage cyber attacks? A new report by Microsoft and OpenAI finds that state-backed threat actors are increasingly using generative AI to improve the effectiveness of their cyber-attacks. The report details how different groups are using AI for different purposes, such as Russian actors targeting organisations linked to the Ukraine war and North Korean actors using AI-enhanced spear-phishing emails.? ?
• Fans' and players' personal information reportedly exposed in Football Australia data leak? A data breach has potentially exposed the personal information of fans and players, including player contracts and ticket holder data. Football Australia is investigating the incident.? ?

Cybersecurity Tips & Best Practices

• Secure your perimeter and IoT connections? Traditional security struggles with remote work, cloud, and the growing number of internet-connected devices (IoT) like printers and cameras, which can be exploited by attackers. To adapt, segment your network (firewalls, subnets) and isolate sensitive data. Combine existing defenses (firewalls, VPNs) with the zero-trust model, which constantly verifies users and devices. This "never trust, always verify" approach prevents unauthorised access.?
• Enhance your data protection and management ? Start by documenting data handling (collection, storage, access) in a data management policy. Then, build a data protection policy based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles. Further secure your data with insider risk management, data loss prevention, and secure data transfer tools.? ?

Cybersecurity Awareness and Education

Did you know??

Cyberattacks don't always need fancy tricks.?

Simple scams like "bait-and-switch" can still trick even tech-savvy users. These scams lure you in with tempting offers, like free downloads or exclusive content, then push you to click on malicious links or share personal information.??

Stay vigilant! Learn about common scams and their red flags. Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those that seem too good to be true. Verify information sources before clicking links or opening attachments. By staying informed and aware, you can protect yourself from these deceptively simple cyberattacks.??

Remember, knowledge is power. Fight back against cyber deception!?

Cybersecurity FAQ

Secure Your Remote Workplace: Essential Practices ? ?

While many essential remote work practices mirror in-office security, here's a guide for enhanced protection: ? ?

• Limit Device Sharing. Restrict family access to work devices, even if it means explaining the importance of digital security practices.??
• Maintain Webcam Privacy. Cover your webcam, especially when using video conferencing tools or working in private areas like your bedroom.??
• Secure Your Home Network. Implement a strong password for your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorised access and potential network congestion.??
• Utilise a Business VPN. Businesses should leverage a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure communication across personal home networks.??
• Employ Business Antivirus Software. Install and maintain business-grade antivirus software on all work devices for comprehensive protection.??

Cybersecurity Events

Name of Event: Australia Cyber Security Leadership Summit 2024?

Location: Sydney, Australia?

Date: 29th February 2024? ?

Register Here

Name of Event: 3rd World Conference on Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking?

Location: Melbourne, Australia?

Date: 12th-13th Mar 2024?

Register Here

Cybersecurity Trivia of the Month

The most common type of cyberattack is not hacking, but social engineering. This involves manipulating people into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links, highlighting the importance of being cautious about online interactions.?

Crime Spotlight

International police operation takes down world’s most harmful ransomware criminals? ?

In an international operation, law enforcement agencies from 10 countries took down a ransomware group responsible for LockBit. This ransomware encrypts data and extorts money from victims. Europol led the operation, which disrupted the group's infrastructure and resulted in arrests.? ?

Source: AFP.gov.au? ?

Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats in 2024

1. Ransomware. Disrupts operations, breaches data, and costs dearly.??

1. Phishing. Targets employees to gain access to systems and data.??

1. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities. Exploiting weaknesses in vendors can impact multiple businesses.?

1. Cloud Security Concerns. Vulnerabilities in cloud platforms pose new risks.??

1. Insider Threats. Malicious actors within organizations can steal data or disrupt operations.

Cybersecurity Joke of the Month

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