Unveiling the Dark Truths of Cybersecurity

Cybersec Café #2 - 04/02/2024

Apr 02, 2024

Welcome to the Cybersec Cafe's weekly series, Tuesday, I Learned (TIL)!

In the TIL series, we're all about sharing valuable insights and knowledge nuggets to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Each week, you can expect:

Did You Know?
- 3 Tips, Tricks, or Facts to level up your cybersecurity game
Worth Reading
- 2 Blog Posts packed with informative content
Your Thoughts?
- A Thought-provoking discussion where we dive into important cybersecurity issues or offer our perspective on relevant topics.

Did You Know?

Human Error is the Primary Reason for Cyber Attacks
Human error accounts for 95% of cyber attacks. From downloading harmful software to weak passwords and missed software updates, simple mistakes can have major consequences. Training your employees is crucial in today's digital landscape.
More than 1 Billion Malware Programs Exist
Even the best anti-malware and antivirus software can't fully fend off this relentless threat. With new malware emerging daily, at a staggering rate of nearly half-a-million every 24 hours, staying protected is more challenging than ever. Among them, Trojans reign supreme, comprising about half of all malware, often camouflaging themselves as legitimate code.
Small Business are Vulnerable
With limited cybersecurity resources allocated, small businesses are highly susceptible to cyberattacks. Shockingly, nearly half (43%) of all cyber attacks target small businesses, underscoring the critical need for education on best practices. When operating on a small budget, knowledge remains the most effective defense against cyber threats.

Worth the Read

AI Ethics
Here's an insightful opinion piece discussing the ethics of AI and the importance of aligning our models with our moral compass as a global community. Privacy emerges as a major concern, emphasizing the ongoing need for dialogue and the recognition that securing AI is an iterative process. It's a valuable refresher on this crucial topic.
Creating Undetectable Windows Malware
Curious about the process of creating malware to infect a machine? Check out this article detailing just that. The writer walks through steps to create, obfuscate, and deliver a payload in a few simple steps. While obfuscation isn't as straightforward as it once was, bypassing antivirus software isn't as simple as renaming variables anymore. However, as the article reveals, it's still surprisingly straightforward!
Remember, the recommendations in this article are for educational purposes only.

Your Thoughts?

Pentesting Using AI

In considering the potential for AI pentesting, I have my reservations. As it stands, Machine Learning models don't instill much concern in me. The current state of AI doesn't convince me that it's on the brink of taking over our jobs.

Reflecting on the iterations of GPT, Bard, and other similar models, it's evident that they require extensive prompting to handle complex use cases. While Devin showcases intriguing capabilities, I remain skeptical about real-life applications matching the demonstrated demo, particularly when utilizing existing Machine Learning Models.

In my view, AI can excel in scanning for simpler use cases, akin to tools like the PortSwigger scanner. It's adept at detecting obvious instances of XSS, Cache Poisoning, or SQL Injection. However, when it comes to more intricate vulnerabilities like IDOR, which often necessitate multiple accounts working in concert, I believe we're still far from achieving reliable results.

But enough about my perspective—what are your thoughts on the matter?

The Cybersec Café

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