Defensive Security Podcast Episode 286

In this episode of the Defensive Security Podcast, hosts Jerry Bell and Andrew Kalat discuss various cybersecurity topics, including the launch of their new podcast, Getting Defensive. They delve into a CISA report on exploited vulnerabilities, highlighting the concerning trend of zero-day vulnerabilities being exploited. The conversation also covers a GitHub incident involving malicious commits aimed at framing a researcher, Microsoft’s new Windows resiliency initiative, and insights from a CISA red team assessment of a critical infrastructure organization. We emphasize the importance of consent in security assessments and the challenges organizations face in managing risks associated with outdated software. Takeaways * The launch of the new podcast ‘Getting Defensive’ aims to explore deeper cybersecurity topics. * CISA’s report indicates a troubling trend of zero-day vulnerabilities being exploited more frequently. * Organizations must prioritize patching and mitigating controls to address vulnerabilities effectively. * The GitHub incident highlights the risks of malicious commits and the importance of code review. * Microsoft’s Windows resiliency initiative introduces new features to enhance security and system integrity. * Consent is crucial in penetration testing and security assessments. * Organizations often accept risks associated with outdated software, which can lead to vulnerabilities. * Effective monitoring and detection are essential to mitigate potential attacks. * Ransomware is not the only threat; organizations must be aware of various attack vectors. * The CISA red team assessment provides valuable insights into the security posture of critical infrastructure.   Links: * https://www.darkreading.com/cyberattacks-data-breaches/zero-days-wins-superlative-most-exploited-vulns * https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/github-projects-targeted-with-malicious-commits-to-frame-researcher/ * https://thehackernews.com/2024/11/microsoft-launches-windows-resiliency.html?m=1 * https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa24-326a