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• MITRE was targeted by a cyberespionage group linked to China, UNC5221, who exploited Ivanti Connect Secure VPN device zero-day vulnerabilities.
• The hackers gained access to the NERVE network on December 31, 2023, and proceeded to profile the environment, manipulate virtual machines, and deploy malicious payloads.
• MITRE discovered the intrusion in April, after the hackers had maintained persistence in the network and attempted lateral movement.
• The attackers deployed various web shells and backdoors, including BrickStorm, BeeFlush, WireFire, and BushWalk, for control and data exfiltration.
• Ivanti vulnerabilities used in the hack were also exploited in other attacks on government, telecoms, defense, and tech organizations.
• Ivanti released patches for the vulnerabilities in late January, after the attacks were made public.

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• Complete visibility across enterprises is crucial for effective cybersecurity risk management.
• Continuous and comprehensive asset visibility is essential for protecting complex and heterogeneous networks.
• Critical infrastructure includes a wide range of organizations beyond traditional sectors like dams and power grids.
• Many critical infrastructure organizations rely on older IT and OT technologies that are difficult to secure.
• The right tools can help operators discover and identify all assets connected to their networks, assess risks, prioritize actions, and ensure vital operations can continue even after a cyberattack.
• Immediate action is necessary to improve cyber readiness and security in critical infrastructure operations.

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• Digital solidarity is key to building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem.
• The strategy emphasizes international engagement in technology diplomacy and advancing security and cybersecurity strategies.
• It calls for aligning data governance with international partners, promoting responsible behavior in cyberspace, and building digital and cyber capacity.
• The US aims to combat cyber threats, malicious actors, and repressive regimes misusing digital tools.
• An innovative, rights-respecting cyberspace strategy is crucial for US strategic, security, economic, and foreign policy interests.

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• Russian military agents hacked into Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats' party and other sensitive government and industrial targets in Germany.
• Germany recalled its ambassador to Russia for consultations in response to the alleged hacker attack.
• The hacking campaign began in March 2022 and targeted German companies, defense and aerospace sectors, and entities related to the war in Ukraine.
• The cyber attacks were attributed to the APT28 group, also known as Fancy Bear, with a history of malicious behavior.
• Tensions between Russia and the West have increased following Moscow's attack on Ukraine, leading to diplomatic actions by European countries like Germany, Finland, and the Czech Republic.
• International efforts led by the FBI shut down a botnet used by the Russian hackers in late January.
• Russian aggression extends beyond Ukraine, with concerns about potential hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure and societies.

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• Arctic Wolf released a risk assessment tool to improve cyber resilience and insurability.
• ArmorCode launched AI-powered ASPM correlation to identify and correlate security findings.
• Cequence added ML security features to its API protection platform for automated threat detection.
• Cisco announced Splunk integrations and AI Assistant for Security in XDR.
• Checkmarx introduced an AI security offering for developers to write more secure code.
• CrowdStrike enhanced Cloud Detection and Response and launched Falcon ASPM for improved cloud security.
• Code42 unveiled advancements in source code protection to prevent insider threats.
• Sumo Logic added new AI and security capabilities to its log analytics platform for faster data analysis.
• Stellar Cyber augmented its XDR platform with generative AI to enhance security team productivity.
• Swimlane launched a marketplace for security automation to streamline end-to-end use cases.
• Torq introduced an AI-driven SOC solution, HyperSOC, to automate critical SOC responses.
• XM Cyber's exposure report highlighted the prevalence of misconfigurations as the root cause of security exposures in organizations.

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• LevelBlue provides consulting, continuous SOC support, managed security services, and threat intelligence.
• The company has 1,000 employees worldwide to assist with cybersecurity needs.
• LevelBlue utilizes artificial intelligence and threat intelligence from the Open Threat Exchange to proactively identify and respond to threats.
• The company simplifies cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes and types, making governance, planning, resource allocation, and innovation easier without sacrificing security.

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• APT42 uses social engineering schemes to gain initial access to victim networks by posing as journalists and event organizers.
• The hackers harvest credentials and bypass multi-factor authentication to access cloud environments.
• APT42 relies on publicly available tools, exfiltrates data to a OneDrive account, and uses VPN and anonymized infrastructure to cover its tracks.
• Custom backdoors like NICECURL and TAMECAT are used as jumping points to deploy additional malware or execute commands.
• APT42 remains focused on intelligence collection despite other Iran-nexus actors adapting to disruptive activities.

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• MITRE Corporation disclosed cyber attack evidence dating back to December 31, 2023
• Attack targeted MITRE's NERVE network through Ivanti Connect Secure zero-day vulnerabilities
• Adversary used backdoors and web shells to maintain persistence and harvest credentials
• Adversary dropped ROOTROT web shell for initial access, linked to China-nexus cyber espionage cluster UNC5221
• Threat actor deployed additional web shells like BRICKSTORM, BEEFLUSH, WIREFIRE for communication and data exfiltration

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• Consolidation in the cybersecurity market is increasing as bigger players acquire smaller startups to address multiple security needs.
• Akamai's acquisition of Noname Security for $450 million highlights the growing demand for API protection due to the rise in API attacks.
• The integration of Noname into Akamai's API Security business will provide comprehensive API protection for customers across all environments.
• The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024, with Noname's CEO and employees joining Akamai to strengthen API security offerings.
• Akamai's focus is on providing tools to developers and security operations teams to discover 'shadow' APIs and vulnerabilities.
• API development is expanding as customers prioritize application modernization and digital transformation initiatives, making API security a critical aspect of cybersecurity.
• Combining Noname with Akamai's API Security offering will provide a solution for protecting applications regardless of their location or platform.

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• Digital solidarity is crucial for protecting vital government data and improving cybersecurity, as seen in the collaboration to help Ukraine strengthen its networks.
• Collaboration and solidarity with like-minded nations and technology communities are essential to combat strategic rivals who use digital technologies for surveillance and repression.
• The State Department is prioritizing global cooperation and diplomacy in response to the increasing overlap of digital and physical worlds and the importance of the complete technology stack.
• Technologies like biotech, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing are highlighted as areas of growing importance and impact.
• NIST's selection of post-quantum cryptography algorithms and the need for trained digital officers in every embassy by 2024 are key initiatives in promoting digital solidarity and cybersecurity.