Cybolt - Security Innovation

Category: Blogs

  • Five AI Attacks to Protect Your Organization From

    Five AI Attacks to Protect Your Organization From

    Five AI Attacks to Protect Your Organization From

    Growth of Cyberattacks with Social Engineering

    At Cybolt, we identify the continuous use of artificial intelligence (AI) by criminal groups as one of the main global trends for 2024, aiming to conduct targeted attacks on both individuals and businesses. Understanding how these attacks operate and the strategies being implemented is crucial to anticipating and effectively responding to them.

    AI is rapidly advancing and playing fundamental roles within our organizational processes, but it’s not only used for good and productivity. Cybercriminals have found an ally in AI, facilitating their objectives and making attacks more efficient and difficult to detect. While machine learning algorithms and neural networks help detect threats, they are also used to develop more sophisticated attack methods.

    Types of Expected Attacks in 2024

    1. Automated Campaigns: AI allows attackers to launch campaigns without human intervention. For example, the Depp Locker malware uses AI models to avoid detection by security systems. Depp Locker activates automatically, hiding its malicious intentions and triggering when it identifies the victim through biometrics like facial or voice recognition or geolocation systems.
    2. Phishing: AI makes phishing attacks more effective by generating convincing emails in any language and behavior patterns, providing attackers with a broader range of remote operations. AI is expected to increase phishing and deepfake attacks by 600%, according to El Financiero.
    3. Vishing: This modality, which involves voice-based identity theft and deception to obtain confidential data, is projected to increase.
    4. Modular Attacks: According to Fortinet’s 2024 Cyber Threat Predictions, modular attacks will also grow. An attacker might use machine learning during the reconnaissance phase, link it to an AI-based armed payload, and chain it to the deployment of the armed payload.
    5. Credential Theft: AI will also facilitate credential theft by detecting patterns that reduce password cracking time. Technologies like PassGan use machine learning models that promise to crack 51% of passwords in less than a minute.

    A High-Impact AI Attack

    We have seen AI-based cyberattacks for several years. A notable and impactful case was the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack. The cybercriminal group DarkSide used various AI attack techniques to infiltrate systems and execute ransomware that encrypted the company’s data. This attack disrupted fuel supply services on the U.S. East Coast, leading President Joe Biden to declare a state of emergency. This incident highlights how AI makes attacks more dangerous by enabling autonomous and rapid responses, making them highly effective models.

    Protection Measures and Strategies

    As mentioned, the best strategy when an attack involves human users is raising awareness among corporate network users about the associated digital risks. At Cybolt, we offer resources designed to train corporate staff in recognizing malicious emails and websites, proper password management, and more. We also conduct periodic tests to identify and mitigate organizational vulnerabilities.

    Robust cybersecurity systems that alert network infections and detect advanced malicious code are recommended. Using original software and official download sites is crucial, as pirated software can contain malware or backdoors, exposing you to cybercriminals.

    For hybrid work models, encrypted communication services like VPNs ensure network security and data confidentiality.

    A secure digital business life is possible, and our team is committed to preparing your company to face current risks. Social engineering attacks are a real threat with severe consequences, making it important for everyone to take protective measures.

    Remember: the best defense is knowledge. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

    References:

    1. El Financiero, 2023
    2. Fortinet, 2024
    3. Select, 2024
  • Growth of Cyberattacks with Social Engineering

    Growth of Cyberattacks with Social Engineering

    Growth of Cyberattacks with Social Engineering

    Growth of Cyberattacks with Social Engineering

    In recent years, the indicators show a continuous increase in cyberattacks across various industries, with a significant rise in social engineering techniques due to their effectiveness. Consequently, it is crucial for organizations to consider this information to prevent cyberattacks.

    Social engineering is increasingly used by cybercriminals because of its high effectiveness in exploiting information collected from users to manipulate them into performing desired actions. This can be used for credential or identity theft, obtaining bank data, or any other confidential information. This approach leverages the human factor, and without cybersecurity training, the chances of successful cyberattacks increase significantly.

    How Does a Social Engineering Attack Work?

    In a social engineering attack, cyber attackers spend time researching users, increasing the likelihood that they will click on a malicious link or fall into their trap. For example, in a targeted attack aimed at infiltrating a pharmaceutical company to steal patents, attackers might investigate a specific user. By using data available on social networks or other media, they can gather valuable information such as interests and relationships to achieve their goals.

    With this data, they might send a campaign offering football tickets if they identify that the user’s favorite sport. When the user clicks the link or visits the compromised site, malicious software gets installed.

    Social Engineering Attack Techniques

    Such an attack involves various techniques to attract the victim, including phishing, smishing, vishing, baiting, quid pro quo, watering hole, and others. These attacks are challenging to detect as they often progress patiently and gradually, exploiting the vulnerability of the weakest link, the end user.

    This year, attacks targeting companies and their personnel are expected to become more frequent, utilizing social networks to gather information for their campaigns. This abundance of data can even be used to clone the voices of known individuals through artificial intelligence, perpetrating more sophisticated frauds.

    According to the ISACA’s 2022 study, “The State of Cybersecurity,” social engineering ranks first as the primary method cyber attackers use to breach companies. This trend is expected to continue and be further propelled by AI in 2024.

    Protective Measures and Recommended Strategies

    As previously mentioned, whenever an attack involves human users, the best strategy is raising awareness among corporate network users about the risks associated with their digital lives.

    At Cybolt, we offer resources designed to train corporate staff in recognizing malicious emails and websites, proper password management, and other relevant topics. We also conduct periodic tests to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within the organization.

    We recommend using robust cybersecurity systems capable of alerting us to network infections and detecting advanced malicious code. Using original software and official download sites is also crucial, as pirated software can contain malware or backdoors, exposing you to cybercriminals.

    For hybrid work models, encrypted communication services like VPNs should be used to ensure network security and data confidentiality.

    A secure digital business life is possible, and our team is committed to preparing your company to face current risks. Social engineering attacks are a real threat with severe consequences. It is important for everyone to take steps to protect themselves.

    Remember: the best defense is knowledge. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

    References:

    1. ISACA, 2022
    2. Forbes, 2024
  • Discover the 10 Benefits of Network Monitoring

    Discover the 10 Benefits of Network Monitoring

    Discover the 10 Benefits of Network Monitoring

    Discover the 10 Benefits of Network Monitoring

    In today’s digital era, our expectations as users are increasingly high, and our tolerance for network interruptions is low. For organizations, it is crucial to ensure optimal performance in networks and applications, both internally and for customers, to avoid the negative impacts of poor user experiences.

    According to a survey by consulting firm PwC, 73% of respondents said their experience using an application is the decisive factor in their purchasing decision. Additionally, 32% of consumers would abandon their purchase process if they had a bad experience. These figures show that without a strategy to ensure operational continuity and avoid interruptions, organizations will face negative impacts such as customer loss, bad reputation, and low team productivity.

    Continuous network performance monitoring is an effective way to achieve operational continuity. It helps gain better control and quickly address situations that pose a problem for operations, providing detailed visibility of network and application performance.

    Continuous Monitoring and Its Impact on Productivity

    You might wonder how monitoring and visibility relate to user productivity. The connection lies in that with the correct strategy, we can prevent downtimes that cause poor user experiences and wasted time for the organization, often resulting in financial losses.

    Benefits of a Proper Monitoring Strategy:

    1. Early Detection: Continuous monitoring and analysis can identify potential failures affecting network and platform performance before impacting the end-user.
    2. Resource Optimization: Effective monitoring can identify bottlenecks, allowing for resolution and optimization of information flow to avoid unnecessary costs.
    3. Increased User Satisfaction: Without interruptions and with smooth processes, users are likely to feel comfortable and secure using your company’s applications, increasing loyalty and attracting new users.
    4. Productivity Boost: Ensuring critical applications function correctly increases employee productivity and reduces unplanned downtime.
    5. Informed Decision-Making: Continuous monitoring and analysis provide valuable data for better decision-making.
    6. Predictive Analysis: AI tools can generate predictive analyses to prevent network problems.
    7. Visibility and Analysis: Applies to any environment, including data centers, public and private clouds, and co-locations.
    8. Service Dependency Mapping: Reduces migration risks by visualizing hidden client-server relationships.
    9. Application Analysis: Solves problems through protocols and metrics in applications.
    10. Session Analysis: Deepens session and packet analysis for direct forensic analysis.

    By modernizing monitoring and analysis strategies, companies can make applications modular, scalable, and resilient, and their networks efficient.

    At Cybolt, we offer a wide range of capabilities and experts to help monitor and manage network and application performance. An effective strategy combines advanced tools integrating AI and machine learning for packet monitoring, traffic analysis, and problem diagnosis, with innovative brands like Netscout, along with professional expertise to identify and solve performance issues.

    If you seek to increase productivity and improve user experience, contact us at [email protected]. We would love to work with you.

    References:

    1. PwC, 2018
    2. Netscout, 2023
  • The Power of Cyber Intelligence to Make the World a Safer Place

    The Power of Cyber Intelligence to Make the World a Safer Place

    The Power of Cyber Intelligence to Make the World a Safer Place

    Following the i2 User Group event we held on August 17 in Mexico City, I’d like to delve into the topic of cyber intelligence, its primary objective, and the benefits it offers to both private and public organizations.

    The i2 User Group by Cybolt

    The Cybolt i2 User Group aimed to share knowledge and experiences with attendees, including data analysts, investigators, police officers, experts in prevention, anti-money laundering (AML), fraud, and digital forensics. The main idea was to present use cases from sector experts and share updates and new features of i2 tools.

    For those unfamiliar, the i2 platform is a technology that helps make the world a safer place. It aids in tracking threats and investigating physical, digital, and financial crimes through the analysis of structured data (such as database information and sensor-collected data) and geolocation systems. It also includes unstructured data and open-source information from social media, the web, and the deep web, including text, video, and more. This analysis can be performed on both internal and external organizational information, correlating these data sources.

    The Power of i2 Tools

    Thanks to the power of i2 tools, we can collect, analyze, and clearly visualize all this complex information. We can establish correlations, link information, identify behavior patterns and operating methods, connections between people or associations, and trends. This streamlines, facilitates, and strengthens investigation processes during significant events.

    Cyber Intelligence and Cybolt

    Cybolt is dedicated to helping organizations protect, mitigate, and neutralize risks. Our mission is to create spaces of trust, which means always staying a step ahead of cybercriminals. Achieving this is no easy task, considering the varied ecosystem of cybersecurity solutions within an organization.

    Cyber intelligence adds an extra layer of protection, placing us in an advanced position. For this reason, Cybolt has established a business unit providing visibility to organizations to identify and manage risks and threats through complex information analysis.

    Benefits of Cyber Intelligence

    Our cyber intelligence experts assist companies in gathering, analyzing, and utilizing information to identify threats in cyberspace and strengthen their investigation processes. For a comprehensive and robust security strategy, having as much high-quality intelligence as possible is crucial for informed decision-making. This means understanding what we must defend against and what is happening in cyberspace, including current attack trends.

    Cyber intelligence benefits both governments and businesses by:

    • Facilitating threat detection in cyberspace.
    • Contributing to organizational risk management.
    • Supporting digital resource protection strategies.
    • Improving incident response.
    • Enhancing national digital security.
    • Strengthening justice system operations.
    • Protecting critical infrastructure.
    • Providing intelligence for better decision-making.

    With a cybersecurity strategy reinforced by cyber intelligence services, companies gain a clear view of known threats, enabling them to anticipate and respond effectively. While cybersecurity involves implementing practical solutions to prevent, detect, and mitigate attacks, cyber intelligence focuses on investigating potential threats and analyzing the cyberspace to anticipate attacks. When an attack materializes, it provides tools for forensic analysis and event investigation.

    i2 Tools and Cybolt’s Commitment

    i2 is one of the most powerful analysis tools, amplifying these objectives on a large scale. For relevant event investigations, we chose to work with i2 and achieved Gold Partner certification due to the high level of innovation it provides. We are one of the most prominent partners in Latin America with deep knowledge of this technology. Our commitment is to excel in everything we do, ensuring our clients that with Cybolt, they are in good hands.

    Cybolt provides top-tier services with an ICREA Level III S-WCQA and ANSI TIA/942 Rated 3 certified Data Center for Design and Construction, located in a low-risk area. From our intelligent SOC, we offer cyber intelligence, threat monitoring, and cybersecurity risk management services.

    SOC Services

    In our SOC, a team of expert engineers, holding over 250 technical certifications, manages our clients’ security. Following ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 20000 (IT service management), and ISO 9000 (quality management) standards, we ensure the identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery from any organizational risk.

    Our SOC services include:

    • Collecting millions of data points from various sources.
    • Inspecting data with AI tools.
    • Incident analysis and response.
    • Event correlation.
    • Real-time notifications.
    • Cyber threat remediation across assets such as network devices, endpoints, cloud computing, and applications.

    Our highly specialized and certified professionals can guide you in applying an effective cyber intelligence strategy to strengthen your business asset protection. For consultancy, contact us at [email protected].

  • Understanding DRP and BCP: Definitions, Operations, and Key Elements

    Understanding DRP and BCP: Definitions, Operations, and Key Elements

    Understanding DRP and BCP: Definitions, Operations, and Key Elements

    Introduction In the dynamic environment of business operations, facing unforeseen circumstances requires robust preparation. Two critical components that help ensure business continuity and recovery in the face of disasters are the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) and the Business Continuity Plan (BCP).

    What is a DRP? The Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) focuses on restoring vital support systems and processes after a disaster has occurred. Its primary aim is to minimize the effects of a disaster and handle the immediate aftermath in the most efficient way possible, ensuring that critical operations can continue with minimal interruption.

    Key Elements of a DRP:

    • Risk Assessment and Management: Identifies potential risks and threats that can disrupt business operations.
    • Recovery Strategies: Detailed strategies to restore hardware, applications, and data in time to meet the needs of business recovery.
    • Plan Development: Crafting procedures and instructions for executing the recovery strategies.
    • Testing and Exercises: Regular drills to ensure the plan works effectively and adjustments are made as necessary.

    What is a BCP? While a DRP is reactive, focusing on response after an event, a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) is proactive. It outlines procedures and instructions an organization must follow in the face of such disasters to ensure that essential operations can continue during and after the disaster. The BCP covers business processes, assets, human resources, business partners, and more.

    Key Elements of a BCP:

    • Business Impact Analysis (BIA): Identifies the effects of disruption of business functions and processes.
    • Identifying Critical Functions: Pinpoints essential business functions and their resources.
    • Building Resilience: Implementing strategies to manage and endure the disruption.
    • Testing and Improvement: Regular updates and testing to refine business continuity measures.

    Conclusion In today’s tech-driven world, having a detailed DRP and BCP is not just beneficial but essential for protecting assets, maintaining brand integrity, and ensuring the resilience and stability of operations. Companies must regularly update these plans to adapt to new threats and changes in the business environment.

    The importance of both plans cannot be understated, as they collectively help safeguard a business’s lifecycle during times of uncertainty.

  • Cybersecurity Applied to Artificial Intelligence

    Cybersecurity Applied to Artificial Intelligence

    Cybersecurity Applied to Artificial Intelligence

    In the context of Cybersecurity Month, it is pertinent to address an innovative topic that has gained increasing importance in the current industry: artificial intelligence (AI). Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years due to the release of tools that astonish the world, capable of generating code, music, images, text, video, and more, all with just a simple instruction.

    One question that comes to mind is whether these developments are secure, as every technology offering benefits also presents opportunities for cyber attackers who explore new ways to achieve their goals. Therefore, the discussion on cybersecurity applied to artificial intelligence becomes crucial amidst the wave of innovation AI brings.

    The Rise of AI and Its Vulnerabilities

    AI is transforming the way we perform various tasks and has the potential to facilitate numerous aspects and sectors, including medical, business, and industrial sectors, among others. Many people are already using AI tools and even delegating critical tasks to them. However, despite the undeniable benefits of AI, it also comes with vulnerabilities.

    Common AI Attack Methods

    Various attack methods related to AI developments have been detected. Among the most common are data manipulation attacks, where attackers introduce malicious data into the system’s training phase to modify its learning and influence the results, creating unreliable and biased models with potentially malicious intentions.

    Another method involves modifying or extracting input data, which can be imperceptible in machine learning models. For example, removing a few pixels from an image to prevent recognition. This type of attack, known as Adversarial Machine Learning, aims to make models fail and produce incorrect predictions or decisions.

    A known and already alerted method is the Poisoning Attack, which attempts to corrupt the AI model by manipulating data during its training phase. This is known as a backdoor attack, as it requires close access to the development process. Such attacks are difficult to detect because they aim to perform specific malicious actions while appearing normal in functionality.

    The Need for AI Cybersecurity

    These examples illustrate why it is necessary to address cybersecurity in the context of artificial intelligence and the implications of a possible attack on its developments and tools. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our lives and extends to critical tasks like autonomous vehicles, it is vital to consider the associated risks.

    Another essential aspect requiring attention is privacy and data protection. It is crucial to be cautious in handling large amounts of information, as unauthorized use can have significant implications for organizations.

    Measures to Enhance AI Cybersecurity

    On a positive note, these attack methods are already considered in the NIST framework, which includes best practices for evaluating AI and machine learning models to prevent such attacks.

    Despite cybersecurity challenges, measures can be taken to reduce risks in an organization. At Cybolt, we have experts who can advise you on securely using available tools or from the moment your organization considers AI development by implementing DevSecOps practices.

    Our cybersecurity approach is based on the NIST framework, which has launched a project that includes AI security risks. This allows us to establish best practices such as model encryption, reinforcement of access control models, and implementing anomaly detection and management strategies for AI.

    The convergence between cybersecurity and artificial intelligence is essential to ensure protection and reduce risks or prepare for an attack. Additionally, we must raise awareness about the conscious use of AI and consider its potential to violate data privacy rights.

    We know this is a significant challenge, but we are convinced that together we can advance with safe AI developments.

    Happy Cybersecurity Month, for more spaces of trust!

    [1] Adversarial Machine Learning: An Introduction to Attacks on ML Models [2] Data Poisoning: A Threat to Machine Learning Models