Cyber Security

New Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Impact Medical and IoT Devices, Says Forescout

Published

3 years ago

March 14, 2022

Forescout’s Vedere Labs, in partnership with CyberMDX, have discovered a set of seven new vulnerabilities affecting PTC’s Axeda agent, which we are collectively calling Access:7. Three of the vulnerabilities were rated critical by CISA, as they could enable hackers to remotely execute malicious code and take full control of devices, access sensitive data, or alter configurations in impacted devices.

The Axeda solution enables device manufacturers to remotely access and manage connected devices. The affected agent is most popular in healthcare but is also present in other industries, such as financial services and manufacturing. A detailed list of 150+ potentially affected devices from 100+ vendors highlights the significance of the vulnerabilities. The list contains several medical imaging and laboratory devices.

IoT devices use a wide variety of operating systems, hardware, and software. Typically, IoT manufacturers do not allow customers to install software, including security agents, on their devices. In the case of Access:7, PTC depends on IoT manufacturers to install the Axeda agent before their IoT devices are sold to customers in what is typically called an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approach.

All versions of the Axeda Agent below 6.9.3 are affected, and Axeda has released patches for all the vulnerabilities.

According to Forescout, using anonymized customer data in the Vedere Labs Global Cyber Intelligence Dashboard, it has seen more than 2,000 unique devices running Axeda on their networks. “By examining these sources, we could learn about the potential impact of the vulnerabilities,” Forescout said.

Forescout says that a majority of the impacted vendors are in the healthcare sector (55%), followed by IoT (24%), IT (8%), financial services (5%), and manufacturing (4%). The company also adds that more than one-half (54%) of the customers with devices running Axeda is in the healthcare sector.

When the distribution of medical device types running Axeda is taken into consideration, the agent was found to be more popular in imaging (36%) and lab (31%) machines than in any other type. Axeda was developed as a cloud platform for IoT devices; therefore, it is found in a variety of applications beyond healthcare. Vulnerable devices used in other industries include ATMs, vending machines, cash management systems, label printers, barcode scanning systems, SCADA systems, asset monitoring and tracking solutions, IoT gateways, and machines such as industrial cutters.

Complete protection against Access:7 requires patching devices running the vulnerable versions of the Axeda components. PTC has released its official patches, and device manufacturers using this software should provide their own updates to customers. For network operators, Forescout, recommends the following:

Discover and inventory devices running Axeda. A constantly updated list of affected device models can be found here.
Enforce segmentation controls and proper network hygiene to mitigate the risk from vulnerable devices. Restrict external communication paths and isolate or contain vulnerable devices in zones if they cannot be patched or until they can be patched. In particular, consider blocking one or more of the vulnerable ports listed below for use on any of the affected devices in your organization. The port numbers are listed with their default values; however, they may be configured differently by manufacturers.
Monitor progressive patches released by affected device manufacturers and devise a remediation plan for your vulnerable asset inventory, balancing business risk and business continuity requirements.
Monitor all network traffic for malicious packets that try to exploit these vulnerabilities. Block known malicious traffic or at least alert network operators of its presence.

Cyber Security

AmiViz Champions Cybersecurity Innovation at Leading MENA Events

Published

13 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Prarthana Mary

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

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2024

Prarthana Mary

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

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2024

Chris Fernando

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.