Gas shortages caused panic after the Colonial Pipeline attack two weeks ago. This highlights how digital attacks can break into the real world in a big way. Specifically, the Colonial Pipeline attack blends crypto-locking data with data exfiltration and extortion, as well as other threats to infrastructure. How did the attackers do it, and what makes them different from other ransomware gangs?

Operational tech like that which runs pipelines helps turn our lights on and heat our homes. It’s also at risk for endpoint attacks, physical tampering and more. Today’s OT cybersecurity experts talked to us ahead of the IBM Think 2021 conference. They dived into physical threats, the problem with OT becoming too complex and more. Check out our top advice and news from May.

Quick Briefs: Top Insights From May

3-Minute Read 🕒

Synthetic Identity Theft: When Everybody Knows Your Name

Ever had someone steal your Netflix password? You might have a taste of how attackers squirrel away and spread personal information. Take a look at how they’re using little clues to steal a lot. Today’s thieves also have a new target. Bad actors are on the market for fake ‘health passports,’ the cards confirming COVID-19 shots. See how to avoid Social Security information theft and more.

4-Minute Read 🕒

Avoiding Video Background Snafus: How to Hold Safe Meetings Online

After a year of holding business meetings in pajama pants, you might know the ins and outs of Zoom pretty well. Check out the way people who want to steal information can learn from your Zoom background. We also cover some common questions about Zoom: Is the platform itself secure? How about the recordings that come from it? And how can you make sure attackers don’t learn too much about you from your calls?

3-Minute Read 🕒

Why Automation and Zero Trust Go Hand-in-Hand

Juggling more and more connected devices means balancing how much those devices can do with how many openings they create for attackers. If you’re trying to make managing all those devices and openings smooth with zero trust, we have the guide for you. See why zero trust helps cover all your possible at-risk endpoints, and the next step, too: how automation and zero trust help shore each other up.

Worth Your While: In-Depth Coverage To Sharpen Your Skills & Tighten Security

5-Minute Read 🕒

It’s an Operational Technology World, and Attackers Are Living in It

Keeping industrial control systems secure is a big part of today’s cybersecurity efforts. We spoke to Tenable Vice President of Operational Technology Security Marty Edwards and X-Force Red Hacking Chief Technology Officer Steve Ocepek about how it works. This is an area that lags behind the rest of cybersecurity by at least ten years, Edwards says, which means it’s important to reiterate basics like password protection and physical access points. See how today’s OT attacks work and how to defend against them.

7-Minute Read 🕒

Shedding Light on the DarkSide Ransomware Attack

Take an in-depth look at the ransomware attack the DarkSide group unleashed against the Colonial Pipeline Company, affecting 45% of the East Coast’s fuel supply. See the details of where this group came from, how they operate and why their ransomware doesn’t follow the same path as today’s other high-profile attacks.

5-Minute Read 🕒

What Is Extended Detection and Response (XDR)?

Extended detection and response can unite multiple siloed solutions and make detection and response less complex. Or is it just another buzzword? What clarity can it bring to the crowded landscape in this field? See how XDR works with SIEM, automation and AI to collect and analyze alerts.

May’s Expert Insight: A Cybercrime Gang Who Wants More Than Money

The DarkSide gang has claimed they’re just looking for money, not working for a certain nation-state or making a political point. For some other attackers, it’s hard to tell what’s really behind them, but Sodinokibi’s ties to Russia point to possible espionage. An expert puts this into context and explores what the high-profile Sodinokibi gang wants.

Want to keep up with today’s cybersecurity news and best practices? Watch this space for the Security Intelligence newsletter.