Risky Business #779 -- DOGE staffer linked to The Com
Feb 12, 2025
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Edward Wu, Founder and CEO of Dropzone.AI, shares insights on leveraging AI to improve security operations at SOCs. He discusses the rise in cybersecurity threats connected to sensitive data access, especially concerning the controversies surrounding Musk's DOGE team. The conversation delves into the evolving practices in cloud security and the shift from reactive to proactive measures against cybercrime. Wu emphasizes how AI can handle tedious tasks, allowing human analysts to focus on critical insights and better tackle emerging cyber risks.
The podcast emphasizes the ongoing prevalence of business email compromise (BEC) and the inadequacy of traditional multi-factor authentication in preventing these attacks.
Concerns are raised about placing inexperienced individuals in sensitive cybersecurity positions within government roles, particularly if associated with controversial platforms.
A discussion on the vulnerabilities of niche SaaS applications, especially Trimble City Works, highlights the critical need for stringent security measures in municipal infrastructure management.
Deep dives
Emerging Cyber Threats and Trends
The episode highlights key trends in cyber threats and tactics that are being employed by attackers, as discussed in the latest DFIR report from CyberCX. One significant finding is how business email compromise (BEC) remains a prevalent issue, particularly highlighting the ineffectiveness of traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) when phishing-resistant methods are not used. Additionally, the report emphasizes that attackers are increasingly adept at evading detection through clever maneuvering, such as mimicking legitimate user activity or exploiting vulnerabilities in niche software. Overall, the conversation underlines the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the necessity for organizations to stay informed and prepared.
Concerns About Public Sector Security
The podcast also delves into the troubling implications of integrating inexperienced individuals into sensitive government roles, particularly referencing cases involving associations with controversial platforms and organizations. There's a shared sentiment that young, untested personnel are being positioned within critical government infrastructure, which raises serious security concerns. The discussion reflects on the risks of this approach, cautioning against the potential for misuse and ineffective management of sensitive information. This alludes to a growing sentiment that governmental bodies should exercise more diligence when vetting individuals responsible for cybersecurity roles.
Exploiting Vulnerabilties in Software
Another focus of the episode is the vulnerabilities found in niche SaaS applications, specifically citing issues within Trimble City Works. The podcast reflects on the exploitation of such vulnerabilities that could severely compromise critical infrastructure management systems utilized by municipalities. The nature of these vulnerabilities is discussed in the context of earlier warnings about niche software potentially becoming a major risk in upcoming years. This highlights the need for organizations to treat such software with caution and to implement rigorous security measures.
Challenges in AI Model Coachability
The segment about AI models, specifically Dropzone's new approach, introduces the complexities of making AI models responsive to organizational needs. A critical issue discussed is how many AI models tend to resist guidance, complicating their implementation in operational settings. As exemplified in the conversation with Edward Wu, effective AI integration requires a robust framework for fostering adaptability and responsiveness to organizational specifics. This conversation hints at the broader implications for AI in security, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing adaptation and improvement.
International Collaboration Against Cybercrime
The dialogue circumvents to the collaborative efforts between nations to target scam hubs, particularly discussing recent moves by Thailand to cut off resources for scamming operations. This is cited as a proactive measure that reflects the need for international cooperation in combating cybercrime that often crosses borders. Insights are provided into how collective actions can make a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of criminal activities, such as human trafficking and scamming. This underscores the importance of not only regulatory frameworks but also collaborative strategies and resource sharing among nations to combat these threats effectively.
On this week’s show Patrick Gray and Adam Boileau discuss the week’s cybersecurity news, including:
Musk’s DOGE kid has a history with The Com
Paragon fires Italy as a spyware customer
Thailand cuts power to scam compounds…
… and arrests Phobos/8Base Russian cybercrims
The CyberCX DFIR report shows non-U2F MFA is well and truly over
And much, much more.
This week’s episode is sponsored by Dropzone.AI. They make an AI SOC analysis platform that relieves your analysts of the necessary but tedious work, so they can focus on the value of human insight. Dropzone’s founder and CEO Edward Wu joins to talk about how they approach the problem.