05/17/25
A bit-flipping attack targets encrypted data by altering bits in the ciphertext without needing to decrypt it. If the encryption algorithm is vulnerable (like in some modes of AES), an attacker can manipulate specific bits to change the decrypted plaintext in predictable ways — potentially injecting commands or altering messages without knowing the original content.
05/12/25
DLL sideloading is a technique where attackers place a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate one in a directory where an application searches for dependencies. If the application loads the malicious DLL first, the attacker gains control — often used to bypass security tools and persist in the system.
05/15/25
Timestomping is a method used by attackers to alter the timestamps (created, modified, accessed) of files to avoid detection. By modifying these attributes, malware can blend in with legitimate files and evade forensic analysis.
05/10/25
A format string vulnerability occurs when user input is improperly handled by functions like printf() in C/C++.
If input is used directly as a format string, an attacker can manipulate it to read memory, cause crashes, or even execute arbitrary code.
This type of flaw is often overlooked but can be critical in systems with poor input validation.
05/08/25
DLL sideloading is a technique where attackers exploit how Windows applications load Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs). By placing a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate one in a directory where the application searches first, attackers can trick the application into loading and executing the rogue code. It’s commonly used in targeted attacks to evade detection.
05/07/25
A firmware rootkit is a type of stealthy malware that infects the firmware of hardware components like the BIOS, UEFI, or network interface cards. Unlike typical malware that resides on the operating system or software level, firmware rootkits persist even after OS reinstallation or disk replacement, making them extremely difficult to detect and remove. They can silently control or monitor a system at a very low level.
05/03/25
A shadow attack is a stealthy method of manipulating digitally signed PDF documents. Attackers exploit the structure of PDF files to insert hidden content that becomes visible only after the file is signed or when viewed in certain PDF readers. This allows them to alter or forge document content without invalidating the original digital signature.
04/14/25
A cold boot attack exploits the residual data left in RAM (volatile memory) after a system is shut down or rebooted. Attackers with physical access can quickly reboot a device and use special tools to extract encryption keys or other sensitive data from RAM.
04/09/25
Typosquatting involves uploading malicious packages to public repositories (like PyPI or npm) with names similar to popular packages
(e.g., requets instead of requests). Developers who mistype the package name unknowingly install the malicious version.
Prevention: Use tools like dependency scanners, lock files, and package signing to verify the authenticity of your dependencies.
04/07/25
Yes. IoT devices like smart bulbs often lack strong security protocols, making them vulnerable to lateral movement attacks. Once compromised,
an attacker can scan and pivot through the network to access more sensitive systems.
Tip: Always segment IoT devices onto a separate VLAN and disable unnecessary features like remote access or universal plug and play (UPnP).
04/02/25
Shadow IT refers to the use of unauthorized devices, applications, or services within an organization’s network by employees or contractors, typically without the knowledge or approval of the IT department. This can pose security risks, as these tools may not be properly vetted, monitored, or secured, increasing the chances of data breaches.
03/31/25
Homograph attacks exploit visually similar characters from different alphabets (e.g., "gооgle.com" using Cyrillic "о" instead of Latin) to trick users into visiting malicious sites, while typosquatting relies on common misspellings (e.g., "gogle.com") to redirect users to fraudulent domains. A real-life example of a homograph attack was "аррӏе.com," which mimicked Apple's official site using Cyrillic letters. Meanwhile, Google sued a typosquatter in 2006 for "goggle.com," which tricked users with deceptive ads. Both attacks highlight the need for URL verification and security measures to prevent phishing and malware threats.
03/25/25
An Evil Twin attack occurs when an attacker clones a legitimate Wi-Fi network to deceive users into connecting to it. Once connected, the attacker can intercept login credentials, monitor unencrypted traffic, and perform Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks, compromising sensitive data. To protect against this, always verify SSIDs before connecting and avoid using open Wi-Fi networks without VPN encryption, ensuring a more secure connection.
03/24/25
Air-gapped attacks target systems that are physically isolated from networks. Attackers use techniques like electromagnetic emissions, ultrasonic signals, or compromised USB devices to extract data.
03/18/25
A hardware implant attack involves physically modifying or adding a malicious component to a device (e.g., motherboard chips, USB devices) to intercept, alter, or obstain data. Unlike software malware, hardware implants persist across reboots and cannot be removed with traditional antivirus tools.
03/17/25
A supply chain attack compromises software, hardware, or services before they reach the end user. Attackers inject malicious code into trusted updates, developer tools, or hardware components, leading to a widespread attack (e.g., SolarWinds attack).
03/13/25
Yes, attackers may use side-channel attacks , like power analysis or electromagnetic leakage , to extract cryptographic keys. Additionally, fault injection attacks (such as voltage manipulation) can disrupt encryption processes, leading to data exposure.
03/10/25
No. Some VPNs log user activity, suffer from DNS leaks, or use weak encryption. Also, nation-state actors can perform correlation attacks, monitoring VPN egress and ingress points to identify users.
03/09/25
Fileless malware operates in memory without writing files to disk, often using PowerShell, registry modifications, or WMI scripts to execute malicious code. This makes it difficult for traditional antivirus solutions to detect.
03/05/25
A virus is a specific type of malware (malicious software) that attaches itself to a file or program and spreads when that file is executed. It often requires user action, such as opening an infected file, to run. Malware is a broader term that includes all types of malicious software, such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware. While a virus is just one type of malware, other types can spread without user action, exploit vulnerabilities, or steal data.
03/03/25
Essentially, a virtual private network, or VPN, is a secure private network that is established by encrypting an immense network. A VPN keeps hackers and attackers, or at least tries its best to, from accessing your computer systems and private information by enabling you to browse anonymously without being discovered by unauthorized users.
02/26/25
Any unsolicited outreach should be approached with suspicion. Phishing and scams are examples of "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is." Look for attributes that seem “off”. Such as an unknown and sudden email, unusual domain name, or outright attempting to obtain information by asking for passwords, payment information, addresses, social security number, or other personal information. Another way is to search up your exact situation and see if others have had similar experiences. That way you can see what to look out for and what to be aware of.
02/24/25
Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws in software or hardware that are unknown to the vendor or developer. Since they are not yet patched, attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities before a fix is released, making them a significant security risk. The term "zero-day" refers to the fact that the developer has had "zero days" to address the vulnerability when it is discovered.
