Multifactor authentication (MFA) is fast becoming a requirement for a secure business network. Not only that, it's becoming a requirement for a business to qualify for the added protection of cyber insurance. WatchGuard Technologies Director of Authentication Alexandre Cagnoni takes us through why multi-factor authentication is so important in the current cyber threat landscape for businesses of all sizes. He also explains why cyber insurers consider it vital. And then, he shares how WatchGuard AuthPoint makes implementing MFA simple for the organization and its employees. Hint: There's an app for that.

Read a recent article on the subject by Alexandre here: https://www.securityinfowatch.com/cybersecurity/information-security/breach-detection/article/21229613/how-hackers-bypass-mfa-and-ways-to-stop-them.

And find WatchGuard AuthPoint here: https://www.firewalls.com/brands/watchguard/cloud-security/watchguard-authpoint.html.

In headlines, we discuss a Robinhood data theft, a discovery of breaches across key sectors, and an international ransomware bust.

See the stories:

Robinhood security breach compromised data of 7 million users

https://www.engadget.com/robinhood-users-compromised-security-breach-063802932.html 

Hackers have breached organizations in defense and other sensitive sectors, security firm says

https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/07/politics/hackers-defense-contractors-energy-health-care-nsa/index.html

Ransomware crackdown spreads in U.S., Europe and Asia

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/ransomware-crackdown-spreads-us-europe-asia-rcna4829

Get info on all things network security through our blog, https://firewalls.com/blog.

And please do reach out, as we want to hear from you. Suggest an episode topic, ask a question, or just say hi in a review, or by emailing podcast@firewalls.com. New episodes are normally released every other Wednesday, so subscribe/follow to ensure you get the latest first - and again, please rate and review.

Thanks for listening!

Cybersecurity Awareness Month turns 18 this October 2021. And just like other 18-year olds, it's graduated from dealing with fairly straight-forward problems to facing complex issues. But National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Interim Executive Director Lisa Plaggemier tells us, that there are a few simple steps individuals and businesses can take to Be Cyber Smart (that's also #becybersmart). Her top two: strong passwords and MFA (multifactor authentication).

Lisa also discusses the origins of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the evolution of the threat landscape, how awareness has improved, challenges in cyber careers, and much more. Find resources about the month, and general cyber awareness tips at www.staysafeonline.org.

In the news, we cover a cyber awareness survey of EU businesses, and two ransomware attacks, one on TV and another on candy. Is nothing sacred?

See the headlines:

Deloitte surveys: businesses have a false sense of cybersecurity caused by positive self-evaluation of their capabilities and the lack of basic defense efforts

https://business-review.eu/tech/online/deloitte-surveys-businesses-have-a-false-sense-of-cybersecurity-caused-by-positive-self-evaluation-of-their-capabilities-and-the-lack-of-basic-defense-efforts-224450 

Hacking tool linked with Russian crime ring used in Sinclair ransomware attack, analysts say

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/20/media/sinclair-broadcast-evil-corp-ransomware/index.html

Sticky business: Ransomware hits U.S. candymaker ahead of Halloween

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/ransomware-hits-us-candymaker-ahead-halloween-rcna3391

Get info on all things network security through our blog, https://firewalls.com/blog.

And please do reach out, as we want to hear from you. Suggest an episode topic, ask a question, or just say hi in a review, or by emailing podcast@firewalls.com. New episodes are normally released every other Wednesday, so subscribe/follow to ensure you get the latest first - and again, please rate and review.

Thanks for listening!

Ransomware infections have been rampant in recent months. But typically, we hear more about the aftermath then what leads to a successful attack. In this episode we get the other angle. Sophos VP of Managed Threat Operations Mat Gangwer shares the multi-week story of an attack, from unpatched vulnerability to execution. The responsible ransomware cell? A new name on the scene called Atom Silo. Hear how they got in, what they did when they were there, and what steps to take to avoid a similar fate.

Here's the full story of this attack: https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2021/10/04/atom-silo-ransomware-actors-use-confluence-exploit-dll-side-load-for-stealthy-attack/

In the news, we cover a couple of very high profile cyber incidents - the Facebook/Instagram/Whats App outage and the Twitch breach. Plus we discuss burnout among cybersecurity pros.

See the headlines:

Facebook apologizes for second outage in a week, services back up

https://www.reuters.com/technology/instagram-feeds-not-loading-some-users-2021-10-08/

10 Biggest Revelations from the Unprecedented Twitch Leak

https://www.inverse.com/gaming/twitch-leak-hack-data-breach-streamer-payout-earnings

Your cybersecurity team will face burnout, and you need to help

https://venturebeat.com/2021/10/09/your-cybersecurity-team-will-face-burnout-and-you-need-to-help/

Get info on all things network security through our blog, https://firewalls.com/blog.

And please do reach out, as we want to hear from you. Suggest an episode topic, ask a question, or just say hi in a review, or by emailing podcast@firewalls.com. New episodes are normally released every other Wednesday, so subscribe/follow to ensure you get the latest first - and again, please rate and review.

Thanks for listening!