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AI is changing cybersecurity faster than many defenders realize. Attackers are already using AI to automate reconnaissance, generate sophisticated phishing lures, and exploit vulnerabilities before security teams can react. Meanwhile, defenders are overwhelmed by massive amounts of data and alerts, struggling to process information quickly enough to identify real threats. AI offers a way to level the playing field, but only if security professionals learn to apply it effectively. Organizations are beginning to integrate AI into security workflows, from digital forensics to vulnerability assessments and endpoint detection. AI allows security teams to ingest and analyze more data than ever before, transforming traditional security tools into powerful intelligence engines. AI has already demonstrated its ability to accelerate investigations and uncover unknown attack paths, but many companies are hesitant to fully embrace it. Many AI models are implemented with such velocity that they r...

Security Operations Centers (SOCs) today face unprecedented alert volumes and increasingly sophisticated threats. Triaging and investigating these alerts are costly, cumbersome, and increases analyst fatigue, burnout, and attrition. While artificial intelligence has emerged as a go-to solution, the term "AI" often blurs crucial distinctions. Not all AI is built equal, especially in the SOC. Many existing solutions are assistant-based, requiring constant human input, while a new wave of autonomous, Agentic AI has the potential to fundamentally transform security operations. This article examines Agentic AI (sometimes also known as Agentic Security ), contrasts it with traditional assistant-based AI (commonly known as Copilots), and explains its operational and economic impacts on modern SOCs. We'll also explore practical considerations for security leaders evaluating Agentic AI solutions. Agentic AI vs. Assistant AI (aka Copilots): Clarifying the Difference Agentic AI is defined by ...

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered an updated version of a malware loader called Hijack Loader that implements new features to evade detection and establish persistence on compromised systems. "Hijack Loader released a new module that implements call stack spoofing to hide the origin of function calls (e.g., API and system calls)," Zscaler ThreatLabz researcher Muhammed Irfan V A said in an analysis. "Hijack Loader added a new module to perform anti-VM checks to detect malware analysis environments and sandboxes." Hijack Loader, first discovered in 2023, offers the ability to deliver second-stage payloads such as information stealer malware. It also comes with a variety of modules to bypass security software and inject malicious code. Hijack Loader is tracked by the broader cybersecurity community under the names DOILoader, GHOSTPULSE, IDAT Loader, and SHADOWLADDER. In October 2024, HarfangLab and Elastic Security Labs detailed Hijack Loader campaigns t...

Explore how relying on CSRF tokens as a security measure against CSRF attacks is a recommended best practice, but in some cases, they are simply not enough. Introduction As per the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), CSRF vulnerabilities are recognized as a significant threat and are historically part of their top risks. The implications of CSRF attacks are far-reaching and could lead to critical security implications, such as: Unauthorized actions : Attackers can trick users into executing unwanted actions on websites where they're authenticated. For example, changing account settings, making purchases, or transferring funds. Identity exploitation : The attack works by exploiting the victim's authenticated session, making the application unable to distinguish between legitimate user requests and forged ones. Silent execution : CSRF attacks often happen without the victim's knowledge as they can be hidden in seemingly innocent links, images, or embedded c...

Whether it's CRMs, project management tools, payment processors, or lead management tools - your workforce is using SaaS applications by the pound. Organizations often rely on traditional CASB solutions for protecting against malicious access and data exfiltration, but these fall short for protecting against shadow SaaS, data damage, and more. A new report, Understanding SaaS Security Risks: Why CASB Solutions Fail to Cover 'Shadow' SaaS and SaaS Governance , highlighting the pressing security challenges faced by enterprises using SaaS applications. The research underscores the growing inefficacy of traditional CASB solutions and introduces a revolutionary browser-based approach to SaaS security that ensures full visibility and real-time protection against threats. Below, we bring the main highlights of the report. Read the full report here . Why Enterprises Need SaaS Security - The Risks of SaaS SaaS applications have become the backbone of modern enterprises, but security teams ...

Organizations now use an average of 112 SaaS applications —a number that keeps growing. In a 2024 study, 49% of 644 respondents who frequently used Microsoft 365 believed that they had less than 10 apps connected to the platform, despite the fact that aggregated data indicated over 1,000+ Microsoft 365 SaaS-to-SaaS connections on average per deployment. And that's just one major SaaS provider. Imagine other unforeseen critical security risks: Each SaaS app has unique security configurations —making misconfigurations a top risk. Business-critical apps (CRM, finance, and collaboration tools) store vast amounts of sensitive data, making them prime targets for attackers. Shadow IT and third-party integrations introduce hidden vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed. Large and small third-party AI service providers (e.g. audio/video transcription service) may not comply with legal and regulatory requirements, or properly test and review code. Major SaaS providers also have thous...

Two now-patched security flaws impacting Cisco Smart Licensing Utility are seeing active exploitation attempts, according to SANS Internet Storm Center . The two critical-rated vulnerabilities in question are listed below -  CVE-2024-20439 (CVSS score: 9.8) - The presence of an undocumented static user credential for an administrative account that an attacker could exploit to log in to an affected system CVE-2024-20440 (CVSS score: 9.8) - A vulnerability arising due to an excessively verbose debug log file that an attacker could exploit to access such files by means of a crafted HTTP request and obtain credentials that can be used to access the API Successful exploitation of the flaws could enable an attacker to log in to the affected system with administrative privileges, and obtain log files that contain sensitive data, including credentials that can be used to access the API. That said, the vulnerabilities are only exploitable in scenarios where the utility is active...

Cybersecurity isn't just another checkbox on your business agenda. It's a fundamental pillar of survival. As organizations increasingly migrate their operations to the cloud, understanding how to protect your digital assets becomes crucial. The shared responsibility model , exemplified through Microsoft 365's approach, offers a framework for comprehending and implementing effective cybersecurity measures.  The Essence of Shared Responsibility  Think of cloud security like a well-maintained building: the property manager handles structural integrity and common areas, while tenants secure their individual units. Similarly, the shared responsibility model creates a clear division of security duties between cloud providers and their users. This partnership approach ensures comprehensive protection through clearly defined roles and responsibilities.  What Your Cloud Provider Handles  Microsoft maintains comprehensive responsibility for securing the foundational eleme...

In today's digital world, security breaches are all too common. Despite the many security tools and training programs available, identity-based attacks—like phishing, adversary-in-the-middle, and MFA bypass—remain a major challenge. Instead of accepting these risks and pouring resources into fixing problems after they occur, why not prevent attacks from happening in the first place? Our upcoming webinar, " How to Eliminate Identity-Based Threats ," will show you how, featuring Beyond Identity experts Jing Reyhan (Director of Product Marketing) and Louis Marascio (Sr. Product Architect). Join them to discover how a secure-by-design access solution can block phishing, adversary-in-the-middle attacks, and more—before they ever reach your network. What You Will Learn Stop Attacks at the Source: Learn to proactively block threats like phishing—before they can target your systems. Master Key Security Techniques: Discover how secure-by-design solutions enable phishing resistance, ve...

Identity-based attacks are on the rise. Attackers are targeting identities with compromised credentials, hijacked authentication methods, and misused privileges. While many threat detection solutions focus on cloud, endpoint, and network threats, they overlook the unique risks posed by SaaS identity ecosystems. This blind spot is wreaking havoc on heavily SaaS-reliant organizations big and small. The question is, what can security teams do about it? Have no fear, because Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) is here to save the day. It's essential to have the visibility and response mechanisms to stop attacks before they become breaches. Here's the super lineup that every team needs to stop SaaS identity threats. #1 Full coverage: cover every angle  Like Cap's shield, this defense should cover every angle. Traditional threat detection tools such as XDRs and EDRs fail to cover SaaS applications and leave organizations vulnerable. SaaS identity threat detection and re...

Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed details of a new supply chain attack vector dubbed Rules File Backdoor that affects artificial intelligence (AI)-powered code editors like GitHub Copilot and Cursor, causing them to inject malicious code. "This technique enables hackers to silently compromise AI-generated code by injecting hidden malicious instructions into seemingly innocent configuration files used by Cursor and GitHub Copilot," Pillar security's Co-Founder and CTO Ziv Karliner said in a technical report shared with The Hacker News. "By exploiting hidden unicode characters and sophisticated evasion techniques in the model facing instruction payload, threat actors can manipulate the AI to insert malicious code that bypasses typical code reviews." The attack vector is notable for the fact that it allows malicious code to silently propagate across projects, posing a supply chain risk. The crux of the attack hinges on the rules files that are used ...

Google is making the biggest ever acquisition in its history by purchasing cloud security company Wiz in an all-cash deal worth $32 billion. "This acquisition represents an investment by Google Cloud to accelerate two large and growing trends in the AI era: improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds (multicloud)," the tech giant said today. It added the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is meant to provide customers with a "comprehensive security platform" that secures modern IT environments.  Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said by bringing its cloud offerings and Wiz together, the move will "spur the adoption of multicloud cybersecurity, the use of multicloud, and competition and growth in cloud computing." Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport said it will remain an independent multicloud platform even after the deal is closed, and that it will work with other cloud companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft A...

While Okta provides robust native security features, configuration drift, identity sprawl, and misconfigurations can provide opportunities for attackers to find their way in. This article covers four key ways to proactively secure Okta as part of your identity security efforts. Okta serves as the cornerstone of identity governance and security for organizations worldwide. However, this prominence has made it a prime target for cybercriminals who seek access to valuable corporate identities, applications, and sensitive data. While Okta provides robust native security features and recommended best practices, maintaining proper security controls requires constant vigilance. Configuration drift, identity sprawl, and misconfigurations can provide attackers a way into Okta and other apps if left unchecked. This article covers four key ways Nudge Security can help you proactively secure Okta as part of your efforts to harden your identity security posture. 1. Continuous Configuration ...

The Need For Unified Security Google Workspace is where teams collaborate, share ideas, and get work done. But while it makes work easier, it also creates new security challenges. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, finding ways to exploit misconfigurations, steal sensitive data, and hijack user accounts. Many organizations try to secure their environment by piecing together different security tools, hoping that multiple layers of protection will keep them safe.  But in reality, this patchwork approach often creates blind spots, making it harder—not easier—to defend against threats. To truly secure Google Workspace, businesses need a unified security strategy that offers complete protection without unnecessary complexity. The problem with most security solutions is that they only solve part of the puzzle. Point solutions, like tools that block malware or phishing attacks, might work well for a specific type of threat but fail to recognize suspicious user behavior, unauthori...