Popular business software developer Citrix has been hacked and documents were stolen by an outside, malicious actor. Citrix acted on a tip provided to them by the FBI on March 6th and confirmed that the attack had happened. Citrix has issued a statement that they are currently unaware of specific documents that may have been stolen, however, they do not currently believe that any Citrix services were breached or otherwise affected by the hack. However, until the contents of the documents stolen and the full breadth of the hack can be ascertained, anything Citrix says should be taken with a grain of salt. Citrix’s primary product is software that allows workers to telecommute, and any documents stolen may compromise that software. This attack may have been the opening move of a later one that will allow a malicious actor to perform Man-in-the-Middle attacks against individual’s using the Citrix client.
Source: Software maker Citrix hacked, business documents removed
The head of security for the DNC, Bob Lord, added a footnote in their speech asking for tech companies to stop focusing on cutting-edge innovation and instead look at making basic security measures easier to use or access. They asked for companies to assist with people using weak or recycle passwords, and failing to utilize two-factor authentication. Mr. Lord asked that companies force users to actively participate in enhanced security measures, instead of providing the tools and encouraging users to do so. While the idea of tech companies forcing people to use higher-security measures has merit, the onus to do so is on the end user and the company itself. The DNC should look at enforcing a strict password and 2FA system rather than blaming Google for not doing it for them. Effective security is a series of choices, and if they’re forced on someone they’ll choose the easiest answer. Take passwords for example, given the option to create the weakest password that passes the requirements people will do so. Additionally, brute force attacks aren’t the weakest link in a security chain but rather the people themselves. Lost devices, accidentally sent communications, phishing attacks, and exploits are by far and away the greater threat than a weak password. Effective workplace policies, such as instituting a hard 5-minute delay for any emails sent, can help reduce the number of exposures an organization faces. Training about cyber threats and up-to-date warnings on what might happen are also good ways to shore up your cyber defences. There are a variety of apps that can remotely brick or erase a phone, which should be installed on any employee or DNC staffer with sensitive information. Finally, using platforms that allow for more granular control over information such as Outlook for ThunderBird may allow for a greater control of what is sent. There are software choices out there for the security inclined, but software and hardware will only ever be a part of the threat. The greatest danger to information secrity has always been, and probaly always will be, the end user.
Source: The Cybersecurity 202: DNC security chief preaches basic security for 2020 campaigns
Max is a Data Privacy Coordinator at a major global law firm and a science fiction author residing in the Philadelphia area. He has been writing for https://www.askcybersecurity.com since early 2017.
