Thoughts Off the Mic Monday 10/28/24
What caught my attention this week?
On Threat Vector This Week: Crisis Leadership Lessons from Chris Scott
This week we will publish an episode with Christopher Scott, a veteran in crisis leadership, about handling cybersecurity incidents under intense pressure. Scott’s advice? Be decisive even when data is sparse, balance technical and business priorities, and practice incident drills regularly. With the SEC’s recent crackdown on SolarWinds-related disclosures, Scott’s insights on honest communication during crises resonate even more. His take is clear: transparency isn’t just about compliance—it’s a critical tool to maintain trust within your organization and with regulators.
What got my attention this week?
New Windows Driver Bypass Opens Door for Kernel Rootkits
Microsoft’s latest vulnerability could open up a nightmare scenario for security teams: a new driver signature bypass that allows attackers to push malicious drivers directly to the kernel. This flaw could allow kernel rootkit installations to bypass even the most advanced endpoint defenses, giving attackers a stealthy way to deploy hard-to-detect malware.
Why it matters: Kernel-level rootkits are no joke—they give attackers deep system access to hide malicious activity right under your nose. Security leaders need to stay sharp, prioritize monitoring kernel activity, and scrutinize any suspicious drivers to stay ahead of this sophisticated threat.
SEC Fines Firms Millions for SolarWinds Incident Downplay
The SEC’s latest action sends a loud message: mislead stakeholders about cyber incidents, and you’ll pay. Firms were fined millions for downplaying the SolarWinds breach, highlighting how essential transparency is in cybersecurity. Holding back on breach disclosures can cost not only millions in penalties but also trust from stakeholders and the public.
Why it matters: With the SEC cracking down, the regulatory landscape around breach disclosures is more intense than ever. CISOs, take note: prioritize clear, honest communication during incidents to avoid the hefty fines and reputational damage that follow misleading responses.
Senator Probes Domain Registrars Over Russian Disinformation Sites
U.S. Senator Mark Warner is pressuring domain registrars for allowing Russian-linked disinformation sites to proliferate, claiming that lax oversight supports the spread of content that can destabilize democratic processes. This probe could lead to stricter regulations on registrars to clamp down on disinformation.
Why it matters: With geopolitical tensions in focus, this probe calls out the critical role of tech intermediaries in stemming disinformation. CISOs should consider that digital assets tied to under-regulated or laxly managed platforms may face scrutiny, especially in politically charged contexts.