News
ESET to Support SAFER Security Group That Helps Protect the Research and Education Sector
ESET has backed Senior Malware Researcher Marc-Étienne Léveillé as a founding member of the Security Assistance For Education & Research (SAFER) Trust Group, a new organization of independent security experts who have united to better secure the research and education sector (R&E) against global threats. ESET, as the only organization from the private sector, joins a number of public organizations in support of the founding members, who will contribute their expertise to protect and further support safer education and research.
SAFER is a new organization focused on fighting cyberthreats to academia, research, and the education sector globally. It has been founded by security experts supported by their respective organizations, including ESET, and aims to offer a truly global incident response capability to research and education organizations under attack.
As a member-driven organization, SAFER does not accept applications but nominates candidates who are actively working in pursuit of securing the R&E sector. Each member has made meaningful contributions to the security of the R&E sector, thus becoming recognized and trusted. Backed by ESET’s malware research team, Marc-Étienne Léveillé collaborated with the R&E sector during his extensive research on Windigo and Kobalos. Kobalos is a Linux backdoor that targets supercomputers, especially those used in academia and scientific institutions. The research ESET pursued on Kobalos was done in collaboration with CERN, another organization supporting SAFER. Other organizations that support the work of the SAFER group include LBNL, DFN-CERT, ESnet, STFC, and WLCG.
ESET has been a supporter of education, academia, and research for many years. This is reflected in the creation of the ESET Foundation, which aims to promote education, research, and the progress of science for the benefit of society. Among its other activities, the ESET Foundation awards the achievements of Slovakia-based scientists in its annual ESET Science Award. Investing in the education and development of the community, especially children, is also a main priority of the ESET Foundation. The collaboration with the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, where tech-focused employees of ESET teach inter-academic subjects and conduct research, is a clear example of ESET’s support of academia.
ESET’s support of SAFER as a new initiative to protect the R&E sector in a world of rising threats from international criminal organizations and nation-states is a fitting contribution to its mission for a safer internet.
Cyber Security
AmiViz Champions Cybersecurity Innovation at Leading MENA Events
AmiViz has announced its successful participation in two key regional cybersecurity conferences: MENA ISC 2024 in Saudi Arabia, and CYSEC UAE 2024 in the UAE. These events have served as a platform for AmiViz to collaborate with its top vendors, including Bitsight, Cequence Security, Picus Security, AlgoSec, BlackBerry, Check Point, Tenable, Asimily, and Threatcop, to showcase cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and solutions.
Throughout these events, AmiViz engaged deeply with partners and customers, gaining invaluable insights into the unique cybersecurity challenges faced in the region. The focus was on promoting new technologies that address these challenges and enhance security protocols for businesses operating in the dynamic Middle Eastern market.
“Our presence at the MENA ISC 2024, and CYSEC UAE 2024 has been a remarkable opportunity for us to not only present our innovative solutions but also to understand firsthand the needs and pain points of our clients,” stated Ilyas Mohammed, COO at AmiViz. “Collaboration with our key vendors has allowed us to offer a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity products and services that cater specifically to the complexities of this region.”
AmiViz’s participation in these events underscores its commitment to advancing cybersecurity readiness and resilience across the Middle East. By leveraging strategic partnerships with leading global vendors, AmiViz continues to bring state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions to the forefront, helping businesses protect their critical assets against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
AmiViz, along with its key vendors, will continue participating in major tech events, with plans for a strong presence at GITEX next month. Following GITEX, the company is gearing up for Black Hat in Saudi Arabia this November, showcasing its cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to the region.
Cyber Security
UAE and Saudi Arabia Face Unprecedented 70% Rise in Threats: Positive Technologies
Positive Technologies experts have unveiled comprehensive research on the shadow market of cybercriminal services targeting the Gulf countries. The UAE and Saudi Arabian organizations remain in the crosshairs of cybercriminals, and over half of all posts on darknet forums are about selling data and access to local companies’ infrastructures. Researchers have highlighted a sharp increase in the free distribution of such data on the dark web, along with a surge in reports of DDoS attacks targeting the public sector and other industries. One in five ads analyzed was related to buying or selling access, with two-thirds available for under $1,000.
According to the research, cybercriminals remain focused on the two largest economies in the region—the UAE (40% of all posts) and Saudi Arabia (26%). The spotlight on darknet forums is on the public sector, which accounted for 21% of all analyzed posts. Most of the data (63%) related to regional government institutions was published for free as part of hacktivist attacks. Next in line for most popular on the dark web are commerce (16% of all ads), the service sector (15%), and financial institutions (13%).
Amid geopolitical tensions, hacker groups have ramped up calls for DDoS attacks and breaches to disrupt government institutions in the region. In the first half of 2024, the number of reports on the results of DDoS attacks on the dark web surged by 70% compared to the same period in 2023. Beyond the public sector, hacktivists also targeted the financial and transportation sectors.
According to the research, 33% of all the analyzed ads were linked to data breaches. One-third of these messages were about selling information. In these ads, criminals primarily offered databases stolen from major commerce companies, with an average cost of $2,300.
Positive Technologies analyst Anastasiya Chursina commented, “When compared to our previous research over a similar period, the share of freely distributed data almost doubled (up to 59%). This allows criminals to broaden the profiles of potential victims for targeted attacks. If the victim refuses to pay the ransom, both ransomware groups, as well as hacktivists (whose goal is to draw public attention to a political stance rather than just receive financial gain), can distribute data for free.”
Accessing company information resources is the second most common type of dark web ads, making up 21% of all listings. According to the research, in 70% of all cases, access can be bought for less than $1,000. The vast amount of access-for-sale ads on the darknet and their low cost make it easier for cybercriminals to gain initial access and launch attacks on organizations in the region.
Positive Technologies recommends that companies build their defences based on result-driven cybersecurity, using modern tools such as application-level firewalls, including cloud versions, network traffic analysis systems, solutions for monitoring information security events and managing incidents, as well as metaproducts.
Cyber Security
BotGuard OÜ to Offer Live Demos at GITEX GLOBAL 2024
BotGuard OÜ will present its intuitive, user-friendly cybersecurity solution at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, focusing on effective bot protection. Live demonstrations in Hall 25 stand H25-21 will showcase the ease and efficiency of the technology in securing websites against malicious attacks. “Our participation in GITEX GLOBAL 2024 underscores our commitment to addressing the escalating malicious bot attacks faced by organizations worldwide,” said Bertil Brendeke, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of BotGuard OÜ. “At GITEX, we aim to engage with industry leaders and stakeholders, sharing our expertise and practical technologies that can help fortify their defences.”
In 2023, 17% of API attacks involved bad bots exploiting business logic vulnerabilities. For hosting companies, such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorised access to sensitive customer data or control over hosting resources, further emphasizing the need for reliable security protocols and regular audits of their systems. “BotGuard OÜ’s solutions are designed to address these exact challenges, enabling businesses to safeguard their digital assets. The technology is incredibly easy to use, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes,” the company said.
By participating in GITEX GLOBAL 2024, BotGuard OÜ aims to expand its reach in the Middle East, providing local businesses with the tools they need to combat cyber threats effectively. During the event, live demonstrations in Hall 25 stand H25-21 will showcase how their website protection can be set up within a minute. These demonstrations will highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of BotGuard’s solutions.
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