A new forward-looking report from security vendor FireEye Mandiant predicts the greatest single cyber threat today is only going to become a greater menace next year. With 2020 being a dumpster fire of a year, we’re all looking for some good news to shed some light at the end of this tunnel we’re living in. […]
New Ransomware, OldGremlin, Coming Soon to an Organization Near You!
Pay attention to this one. Despite only targeting Russian companies, the use of custom self-made malware and decidedly creative phishing campaigns makes them a potential danger. OldGremlin first showed in in late March of this year. Singapore-based GroupIB took note and has been tracking them continually. What makes this new kid on the block so […]
Optrics Insider – Thin Client Backdoor, Get Fined for Paying Ransom & UEFI Malware
Join Scott Young and Shaun Sturby from Optrics Engineering as they discuss a new thin client backdoor for devices managed by HP Device Manager, how the US Treasury Department might fine you for paying the ransom if you’re attacked by ransomware and a new UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) malware. Timecodes: 0:00 – Intro […]
Five worthy reads: Every month should be Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
Five worthy reads is a regular column on five noteworthy items we’ve discovered while researching trending and timeless topics. Organizations on a global scale observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month to educate and instruct their employees on cybersecurity best practices. This week we highlight some cybersecurity trends that are shaping the industry today. Now in its 17th […]
![[Heads up] Paying Ransomware Criminals Might Land You A Steep Federal Fine](https://i0.wp.com/www.optricsinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/euro-banknotes-3125605_1920.jpg?fit=600%2C337&ssl=1)
[Heads up] Paying Ransomware Criminals Might Land You A Steep Federal Fine
The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned multiple ransomware criminals over the last few years, most notably the Russian cybercrime syndicate aptly named Evil Corp. However, not only Eastern European hackers were sanctioned, various North Korean and Iranian actors are also on the list. Oct 1st, 2020 OFAC made it […]
Optrics Insider – User Loyalty & Why Should You Have Service Backups
Join Scott Young and Shaun Sturby from Optrics Engineering as they discuss the impressive loyalty of an employee at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada and why should you have backup network services. Timecodes: 0:00 – Intro 0:16 – Today’s 3 topics 0:43 – Topic 1: User Loyalty at Tesla’s Gigafactory 3:33 – Topic 2: Why Should […]
Optrics Insider – CanPar Express & U of Utah Ransomware, AI Fighter Beats Ace & Lock Your Computer
Join Scott Young and Shaun Sturby from Optrics Engineering as they discuss both CanPar Express and the University of Utah getting hit by ransomware (interestingly they paid the ransom and Shaun explains why), plus how an AI fighter pilot beat a real ace (in simulation) and as a bonus, why you should lock your […]
Credential Stuffing Attacks Shut Down Canada’s Revenues Service
The Canada Revenue Agency is investigating two online hacking incidents affecting the personal information of thousands of Canadians, according to CBC News. The Canada Revenue Agency has temporarily shut down its online services, which means that anyone attempting to apply for emergency COVID-19 benefits, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or the Canada Emergency […]
![[HEADS UP] Carnival Corp. is the Next Victim of a Ransomware Attack](https://i0.wp.com/www.optricsinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/vacation-4900049_1280.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1)
[HEADS UP] Carnival Corp. is the Next Victim of a Ransomware Attack
Carnival Corporation said it detected a ransomware attack that accessed and encrypted a portion of one brand’s information technology systems over this past weekend, according to Cruise Industry News. According to a recent statement, the unauthorized access also included the download of certain company data files. “Promptly upon its detection of the security event, the […]
Paying the Ransom After a Ransomware Attack May Become More Complicated, Thanks to the U.S. Treasury
With many organizations considering to pay the ransom should they experience an attack, new guidance from the U.S. Treasury may put a damper on an organization’s ability to pay. When hit with a modern ransomware attack today, the idea of paying the ransom has been brought back into the spotlight due to multiple ransomware variants […]