Chain Reactions, The Malware Masquerade, Hallowed Turf Breached, Check Every Detail, Hijacked Trust, and Hidden Layers. It's CISO Intelligence for Monday, 20th October 2025.

Table of Contents

1. Cloudy with a Chance of Downtime: The AWS Outage Chronicles
2. Ads Gone Rogue: When Fake Sites Steal More than Attention
3. UK’s MoD Data Breach: When Cybersecurity Takes a Dark Turn
4. Ransom, Interrupted": When Your Cyber Insurance Plays Hard to Get
5. Dance Away Your Data: TikTok Infostealers on the Rise
6. Beware the Hidden Costs of Pen Testing

Cloudy with a Chance of Downtime: The AWS Outage Chronicles

A cloud went missing and took half the internet with it.

What You Need to Know

The recent AWS outage caused widespread disruption across several high-profile services, including Amazon's own offerings, PrimeVideo, Fortnite, and others. Understanding the downtime's root cause and implementing resilient strategies to mitigate future impacts should be at the forefront of your priorities. Your executive management is expected to review existing cloud dependency strategies and enhance contingency plans.

CISO focus: Cloud Security and Resilience
Sentiment: Negative
Time to Impact: Immediate to Short Term

The Domino Effect of an AWS Disruption

On a seemingly typical day, the digital carpet was yanked from under the feet of millions as AWS, the backbone of modern internet infrastructure, suffered a substantial outage. This interruption reverberated across not just Amazon's ecosystem but also third-party services like Fortnite and Perplexity, unmasking the precarious overreliance on a single cloud provider.

The Immediate Chaos

Almost overnight, users were unable to access Amazon’s marketplace, stream content on PrimeVideo, or engage in epic battles on Fortnite. The outage underscored how deeply ingrained AWS is within global internet operations. The impact was felt by consumers, developers, and businesses, highlighting a significant blind spot in digital strategy—over-dependence on a single cloud infrastructure.

• Amazon Services: The e-commerce giant faced severe service interruptions, revealing vulnerabilities even in its home-grown digital ecosystem.
• PrimeVideo: Streaming enthusiasts found themselves unable to binge-watch their favorite shows, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and reputational damage.
• Third-party Impacts: Gaming titans like Fortnite experienced significant service disruptions, indicating a ripple effect that extended far beyond Amazon's wall.

The Underlying Weak Links

The outage has sparked debates within the tech community about the robustness and reliability of cloud services. Industry experts were quick to point out the potential weaknesses:

1. Over-reliance on a Single Provider: Many organizations are now re-evaluating their cloud strategies, prioritizing multi-cloud architectures to alleviate risks associated with single points of failure.

2. Resilience Testing: The incident highlights the need for regular resilience testing of infrastructure components to ensure minimal downtime in future events.

3. End-user Communication: The importance of transparent communication during outages was emphasized, as end users bore the brunt of service failures without clear updates.

Recommendations for Future Preparedness

With digital infrastructure evolving rapidly, harnessing a robust fail-safe strategy becomes paramount. Here are expert recommendations stemming from this incident:

• Multi-Cloud Strategy: Implement a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud strategy to distribute resources and reduce dependency on AWS or any single cloud provider.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning: Regularly update and test disaster recovery measures to safeguard against potential outages. Ensure all staff are briefed on handling such scenarios.
• Enhanced Monitoring Tools: Utilize advanced AI-based monitoring solutions to identify early warning signs and react swiftly to any anomalies within the cloud architecture.

Humble Cloud Pies

This incident sheds light on the fundamental need for businesses to rethink and bolster their infrastructure resilience. While AWS remains a critical entity in cloud computing, diversifying digital strategies will act as an insurance policy against similar occurrences.

Vendor Diligence Questions

1. What measures does your cloud provider have in place to mitigate service disruptions, and how often are these measures updated and tested?
2. How does the cloud provider ensure transparency and communication during unexpected outages?
3. What is the provider's policy for redundancy and disaster recovery to ensure minimized impacts during outages?

Action Plan for CISO Teams

1. Assessment and Strategy: Conduct a thorough assessment of current cloud dependencies and develop a strategy for a multi-cloud approach.

2. Communication Protocols: Establish clear protocols for communicating with stakeholders and end users during outages.

3. Test and Train: Routinely test disaster recovery plans and train relevant teams on rapid response to ensure continuity of operations during downtime.

Source: AWS outage crashes Amazon, PrimeVideo, Fortnite, Perplexity and more

Ads Gone Rogue: When Fake Sites Steal More than Attention

Not all ads lead to clicks; some lead to catastrophe.

What You Need to Know

Tech-savvy cybercriminals are exploiting Google Ads to launch deceptive phishing campaigns that lure victims to fake websites, most notably mimicking Homebrew and LogMeIn. This conundrum jeopardizes thousands of unsuspecting users by deploying infostealers, a type of malware designed to harvest sensitive information like login credentials. The board and executive management are urged to review current security measures surrounding ad interactions, deploy immediate counteractions to mitigate risks, and consider upscaling user training programs to include recent phishing techniques.

CISO Focus: Malware and Phishing
Sentiment: Strong Negative
Time to Impact: Immediate

Ads Gone Rogue: When Fake Sites Steal More than Attention

In a rise of alarming new tactics, cybercriminals have deftly commandeered Google Ads to push fake websites camouflaged as legitimate platforms like Homebrew and LogMeIn. The result? A surge in the distribution of infostealers—a nefarious breed of malware laser-focused on pilfering users' critical information such as passwords and sensitive credentials.

Phishing in Prime Time

In a classic bait-and-switch, these online bandits design ads with a veneer of legitimacy, thereby fooling even the most cautious of internet users. According to cybersecurity reports, these ads lead victims to meticulously crafted replicas of well-known software sites. Once there, users—believing they're downloading useful software—unwittingly invite malware into their systems. The malice of the tactic lies in its simplicity and reach, leveraging the credibility of Google's advertising service to amplify its spread.

Who is at Risk?

While anyone navigating the digital space with complacency can fall prey to these traps, the stakes are uncomfortably higher for businesses. As employees download seemingly innocuous software tools, they may expose corporate networks to these invasive infostealers. Sensitive company data, intellectual property, and personal client details could all be jeopardized without a moment's notice.

Countermeasures on the Rise

To combat these evolving threat vectors, immediate action is paramount:

• Education and Training: Regular training sessions on recent phishing tactics should be mandatory. Employees need clarity on how to spot potential threats, particularly those aligned with commonplace operations such as downloads and ad interactions.

• Advanced Threat Detection Systems: Implement updated threat detection protocols. Firewalls and antivirus software should be regularly updated to catch new strains of malware effectively.

• Navigational Vigilance: Encourage users to manually type URLs into their browsers rather than clicking on ads or links. This simple step can drastically reduce the likelihood of visiting malicious sites.

• Google’s Role: While proactive steps within organizations are necessary, greater scrutiny from Google is essential. The tech giant must enhance its ad vetting processes, identifying and removing malicious ads before they can cause damage.

Why the Panic?

The gravity of this situation derives not just from the ingenuity of the phishing strategy but also from the potential breadth of its impact. Compromised personal and business data has far-reaching consequences, spilling into financial losses and damaging reputational standing.

Strange Deja Vu?

This is not the first time cybercriminals have found creative ways to exploit legitimate platforms to further their aims. However, what’s striking about this current wave is its blatant visibility—mimicking renowned applications to mass audiences via one of the most visited tech platforms.

Smell the Coffee and Stay Safe

Here's the kicker: this kind of threat isn't going away. As long as companies like Google maintain a massive pool of ad spots, they’ll remain attractive to hackers. Organizations must adopt a dual approach—internal preparedness married with pressure on tech giants for tighter controls. This new age of cyber warfare demands agility and continuous adaptation.

Vendor Diligence

1. What specific controls do you have in place to identify and remove malicious advertisements?
2. How do you continuously update your threat intelligence regarding phishing attacks involving ad services?
3. What customer support systems are established to assist and remediate impacted users by fraudulent ads on your platform?

Action Plan

1. Conduct an all-hands meeting to brief employees on the issue, emphasizing the importance of vigilance with Google Ads.
2. Deploy updates across all systems to include enhanced malware detection and ad content screening.
3. Collaborate with third-party security firms to review and bolster current security protocols.

Source: Bleeping Computer - Google ads for fake Homebrew, LogMeIn sites push infostealers

UK’s MoD Data Breach: When Cybersecurity Takes a Dark Turn

Hackers, GCHQ on line one. You might want to take this call.

What You Need to Know

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has experienced a severe data breach affecting eight of its military bases. Russian hackers have allegedly accessed sensitive files and leaked them onto the dark web. Immediate action is required to assess and mitigate the damages. Board members and executives are expected to prioritize the rapid investigation and resolution of this critical incident.

CISO focus: Data Breach and Incident Response
Sentiment: Strong Negative
Time to Impact: Immediate

The Firewall Fail

In a chilling display of cyber warfare capabilities, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reportedly been compromised by Russian hackers. This “catastrophic” attack, as dubbed by intelligence officials, saw sensitive data from eight military bases being extracted and disseminated across the dark web. This breach not only underscores the persistent threat posed by state-sponsored hacking groups but also raises alarm bells about the adequacy of current security measures guarding national assets.

The Immediacy of the Breach

According to sources, the breach was discovered when intelligence personnel detected unusual activity pinpointed to a suspected Russian group. Files from military bases—detailing operational logistics, personnel data, and perhaps even sensitive strategic insights—were uploaded onto the dark web. Immediate containment measures are paramount, as leaking such information could have dire consequences for national security and the safety of military personnel.

Revealing the Scope: What Was Taken

Though the full scope of the data compromised remains under wraps, initial reports suggest that the information stolen could include:

• Operational Plans: Details regarding military maneuvers and logistics.
• Personnel Information: Data that could endanger the lives or identities of those involved.
• Strategic Frameworks: Potentially compromising strategic defense mechanisms.

With hackers no longer operating in the shadows but blatantly parading stolen data on dark web platforms, the implications are vast and troubling. The MoD must re-evaluate not just its immediate response but its long-term cybersecurity strategies.

Mitigation: First Steps in Crisis Control

In the wake of this breach, several immediate actions are necessary:

• Incident Response Activation: Rapid deployment of incident response teams to assess and mitigate potential damages.
• Communication Strategy: Transparent communication with stakeholders and affected personnel to manage crisis effectively.
• Security Review: An in-depth security audit to identify vulnerabilities and prevent future breaches.
• Collaboration with International Partners: Engagement with allied countries for intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to cyber threats.

The Russian Connection: Who’s Behind the Curtain?

This breach adds to the growing list of alleged state-sponsored attacks by Russian hacking groups, known for their sophisticated and targeted cyber campaigns. These groups often operate under government backing, making them formidable adversaries in the digital domain. The attack serves as a reminder that geopolitical tensions are increasingly playing out in the arenas of cyber espionage and digital warfare.

Implications for the Future of Cybersecurity

Given the sensitive nature of the data and the actors involved, this incident will likely prompt the UK government to tighten regulations and bolster cybersecurity protocols across its defense infrastructure. However, it also raises a broader question of whether current cybersecurity frameworks are robust enough to handle sophisticated threats.

Key Takeaways:

• Reinforcing security protocols is not just a reactive measure but a proactive necessity.
• State-sponsored cyber threats require international cooperation for effective deterrence.
• Continual investment in cyber defenses, including cutting-edge technologies and training, is paramount.

As the digital frontier becomes increasingly contested, the necessity for bullet-proof cybersecurity frameworks cannot be overstated. This breach, while devastating, provides a critical catalyst for change, urging immediate action to safeguard national interests.

The Silver Lining: A Call to Innovate

Incidents of this nature, while destructive, often act as a springboard for innovation and progress in cybersecurity practices. By learning from vulnerabilities and attacks, organizations can build a more resilient cyber defense mechanism, one that anticipates and counters emerging threats with heightened agility.

CISO’s Playbook:

• Enhance Threat Detection: Deploy advanced AI systems for real-time threat analytics and detection.
• Strengthen Authentication Methods: Implement multi-factor authentication and biometric verification.
• Develop Cyber Contingency Plans: Regular training and drills to ensure rapid response.
• Invest in Talent: Cultivate a skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of managing complex threats.

Such forward-looking measures could transform the way national and global institutions approach digital security, making it an integral part of strategic defense rather than an afterthought.

Vendor Diligence Questions

1. What cyber defense technologies and strategies do you employ to mitigate risks of state-sponsored attacks?
2. How do you handle incident response and coordination with government agencies during a national security breach?
3. What ongoing measures are in place for monitoring and updating security protocols relevant to military and defense sectors?

Action Plan

1. Deploy emergency incident response teams to secure bases and assess the breach impact.
2. Implement communication strategies to update stakeholders and manage any potential misinformation.
3. Conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment throughout all military bases and rectify identified security gaps.
4. Engage in multinational cooperation for intelligence sharing and coordinated responses.

Source: UK: ‘Catastrophic’ attack as Russians hack files on EIGHT MoD bases and post them on the dark web

"Ransom, Interrupted": When Your Cyber Insurance Plays Hard to Get

When your coverage makes Houdini look like an amateur.

What You Need to Know

A recent situation has arisen where a business found their cyber insurance policy inadequate when faced with a ransomware attack, due to a misalignment in contractual understanding between the insurer and the insured. This has highlighted a critical issue with cyber insurance efficacy and its impact on organizational protection strategies. Board members and executives should prioritize reviewing current policies with legal counsel to ensure clear comprehension of coverage limits and exclusions. Immediate steps should include engaging in proactive communication with insurance providers and preparing for inevitable scrutiny from stakeholders.

CISO focus: Cyber Insurance and Risk Management
Sentiment: Strong Negative
Time to Impact: Immediate

The Dilemma of Inadequate Ransom Coverage in Cyber Insurance

In a plot twist that could rival any movie thriller, a business recently learned that their cyber insurance, once thought to be a safety net, evaporated when it was needed the most. Despite having a policy that included ransom coverage, the insurer denied the payment claim. This case, outlined in DataBreaches.net, is a stark reminder of the complexities and deficiencies woven into cyber insurance policies that businesses must navigate to shield themselves effectively.

Understanding the Ransomware Menace

Ransomware attacks are the Trojan horses of modern cyber threats, holding corporations hostage by encrypting crucial data and demanding payment for its release. The U.S. Department of Justice labels ransomware “the new face of cybercrime,” highlighting the escalating threat landscape. Businesses succumb to these attacks at an alarming rate due to gaps in both technical preparedness and policy frameworks.

Insurance: A False Sense of Security?

The allure of cyber insurance is its promise of safety. Yet, as this unfortunate business discovered, the devil lies in the policy's details—or lack thereof. In this instance, the insurer claimed that the manner of business operation had deviated from the stipulated insurance terms, effectively nullifying ransom coverage despite its initial presence in the policy. This underscores a recurring theme: cyber insurance might not be the reliable fallback businesses assume it is.

Key Issues Uncovered

• Misinterpretation of Policy Terms: Many businesses fail to thoroughly grasp the policy language, especially the exclusions, leading to shocks during claim time.

• Lack of Standardization: Unlike other insurance products, cyber insurance lacks standard policy templates, creating varying coverage levels and gaps.

• Dynamic Cyber Threatscape: The ever-evolving nature of cyber threats outpaces the sluggish updates to insurance policies, leaving critical vulnerabilities unaddressed.

Not Just a Risk Transfer Mechanism

Enterprises often carry a myopic view of cyber insurance as a catch-all protection plan against ransomware. This mindset, however, is quickly dissipating as incidents like this one become more publicized. Effective cyber insurance should be integrated with a robust cybersecurity strategy, emphasizing prevention, detection, and response to vulnerabilities.

Best Practices for Organizations

• Thorough Policy Review: Engage cybersecurity legal experts to dissect the policy minutiae, ensuring full comprehension of coverage extents and exclusions.

• Proactive Threat Assessment: Regularly conduct threat simulations and vulnerability assessments to maintain visibility into one’s cyber defense posture.

• Continuous Insurer Communication: Maintain a dialogue with insurers to ensure timely updates on policy adjustments reflecting current threat realities.

The Silver Lining of Scrutiny

Although the current sentiment might lean towards skepticism and disillusionment, there is a bright spot. Incidents of denied claims are galvanizing businesses to demand better clarity and coverage consistency from insurers. This pressure could catalyze much-needed reform within the cyber insurance industry, aligning insurance and cybersecurity strategies more closely than ever before.

Ransom? What Ransom?
Perhaps the only relief in this story is a lesson painfully learned, pushing companies to rethink their cyber resilience strategies. As coverage disputes continue to emerge, there's little humor in insurance gymnastics, but an unyielding resolve to untangle the policy knots for a safer tomorrow.

Vendor Diligence Questions

1. What specific types of ransomware attacks are covered under our policy, and how are these updated against evolving threat capabilities?
2. Can you provide a comprehensive breakdown of policy exclusions and how they align with typical business operations we engage in?
3. How frequently do you review and adjust coverage terms to match the dynamic cyber threat landscape?

Action Plan

• Review current cyber insurance policies with legal and cybersecurity experts for clarity on coverage and exclusions.
• Initiate regular threat assessments and adjust cybersecurity strategies based on findings.
• Establish routine communication with insurance providers to ensure policy updates are aligned with organizational needs and threat developments.

Source: A business’s cyber insurance policy included ransom coverage, but when they needed it, the insurer refused to pay. Why?

Dance Away Your Data: TikTok Infostealers on the Rise

Stealing dance moves wasn't enough; now they're after your data.

What You Need to Know

A pressing cybersecurity concern is unfolding with TikTok being used as a platform for distributing infostealer malware through ClickFix attacks. These exploits cleverly utilize popular influencers to inadvertently promote harmful links, increasing the risk of sensitive data breaches. It's crucial for executive management to understand the gravity of these incidents and fortify defenses. Immediate actions regarding social media monitoring and user training on link verification are necessary to mitigate potential damages.

CISO focus: Malware Distribution, Social Engineering
Sentiment: Strong Negative
Time to Impact: Immediate

TikTok and the Infostealer Tango

Cybersecurity experts have raised an urgent alarm regarding a new vector for malware distribution, making its debut on a rather unexpected stage: TikTok. Recent analyses reveal that infostealer malware is being spread through a technique known as ClickFix attacks, catching users off guard through engagements with what seem to be harmless TikTok influencer content.

When Dance Turns to Data Theft

In the age where entertainment apps seamlessly blur into tools of potential harm, understanding the pivot from playful to perilous on platforms like TikTok becomes crucial. With over a billion users worldwide and a dominant young audience, TikTok has typically been a platform for dance challenges, life hacks, and viral content. Unfortunately, its wide reach and trust among users make it an ideal playground for cybercriminals looking to broaden their victim pool. This doesn't just resonate within tech circles, but extends to global corporate cabinets, prying eyes of consumers, and the dark alleys of cyber threats.

The Mechanics of ClickFix Attacks

ClickFix attacks leverage influential TikTok users to propagate malicious links unknowingly. Cybercriminals craft appealing narratives or catchy video snippets that beckon users to click on links with promises of enticing content or offers, often unrelated to the video’s premise.

• Influencer Involvement: Many influencers, often unassuming, embed these links within their video descriptions or comments. The links are masked with URL shorteners, reducing the suspicion.
• Payload Delivery: Once users click, they're redirected to sites designed to exploit system vulnerabilities or prompt malware downloads disguised as software updates or necessary app installations.

Impact on Users and Businesses

Infostealers, as the name suggests, infiltrate victims’ systems to extract sensitive data such as login credentials, personal identification information, and financial details.

Immediate Threats:

• Personal Data Compromisation: Users’ private information can be sold on the dark web, leading to identity theft and financial loss.
• Corporate Vulnerabilities: Employees globally accessing TikTok risk corporate data breaches when company accounts or emails are compromised.

Mitigating the Menace

The pace at which these attacks are spreading necessitates an agile response from all stakeholders, from personal users to corporate cybersecurity teams.

For Users:

• Be Informed: Awareness about the risks of clicking unknown links, even when shared by trusted influencers, is vital.
• Strengthen Security: Employ robust internet security measures and updates to detect and prevent malware attacks.

For Corporate Leaders:

A fram777ework focusing on education, policy enforcement, and technological enhancements is essential.

• Employee Training: Conduct regular sessions to illustrate the threats posed by social media engagements.
• Enhanced Monitoring: Deploy tools to monitor and control the browsing activities on corporate networks.

Vendor Diligence Questions

1. How does your company address potential cybersecurity threats originating from non-traditional and social media platforms?
2. What measures does your security software include for detecting and blocking infostealer-type malware within enterprise systems?
3. Can your solutions integrate seamlessly with BYOD policies to ensure comprehensive protection?

Action Plan

• Educate Employees: Initiate mandatory cybersecurity workshops focused on identifying and avoiding suspicious links on social platforms.
• Technological Shield: Deploy advanced threat detection and prevention tools targeting infostealers and similar malware.
• Policy Revamp: Review and tighten usage policies on corporate devices with regards to accessing potential threat platforms like TikTok.

Source: BleepingComputer - TikTok videos continue to push infostealers in ClickFix attacks

Beware the Hidden Costs of Pen Testing

For every malware found, there’s another cost waiting to be charged.

What You Need to Know

Penetration testing, a staple of modern cybersecurity strategies, is marred by hidden costs that can impact your bottom line significantly. These costs arise from unexpected areas such as cleanup, system downtime, and even staff overtime due to incomplete scope analysis before testing. It's crucial for executive management to understand these potential expenses to make informed decisions about budgeting and resource allocation. You're expected to review the existing penetration testing contracts and consider revising them to include a more comprehensive cost analysis. Furthermore, implementing more rigorous checks on your third-party vendors is vital to avoid unforeseen expenditures.

CISO Focus: Risk Assessment & Cost Management
Sentiment: Negative
Time to Impact: Immediate

Unpacking the Hidden Costs of Pen Testing

On the surface, penetration testing (pen testing) is the superhero of cybersecurity - swooping into systems to expose vulnerabilities and offer solutions. However, beneath this veil of proactive security lies a myriad of unforeseen expenses that organizations need to recognize and prepare for. These hidden costs, often buried in the fine print, can lead to significant financial strain if not adequately managed.

A Financial Strain Unwelcome

While pen tests promise elevated security levels, the financial burden it can impart is often underestimated. Initial expenses may cover hiring a reputable firm to ethically hack your systems, but they don't always cover the ensuing cleanup and system restorations post-testing. It is not uncommon for businesses to face additional costs due to inadvertent system disruptions, data corruption during testing, and misjudgments about the complexity of the organization's IT landscape.

Beyond the Obvious: Cost Surprises

Hidden costs can stem from various overlooked aspects:

• Operational Downtime: Pen tests might require certain systems to go offline, impacting business operations. The downtime incurred leads to a loss of productivity that may not be initially factored into budgets.

• Employee Overtime: Cybersecurity teams often work overtime during penetration testing to monitor, document, and report on findings. This can lead to inflated wage bills that catch companies off guard.

• Remediation Costs: Not all vulnerabilities identified during pen tests can be patched with existing resources. Implementing recommended solutions might require new investments in software or staff training.

• Scope Creep: Failure to clearly define the scope of testing can lead to additional, unexpected tasks that extend beyond initial estimates, inflating costs.

Strategies for Financial Prudence

There are ways to minimize those pesky hidden costs without sacrificing security preparedness:

1. Comprehensive Planning: Carefully scope your pen tests by considering business-critical applications and systems. Engage with your pen testers to eliminate ambiguity about deliverables and expectations.

2. Vendor Contracts: Review and revise vendor contracts to explicitly state all potential costs, including clean-up and secondary testing.

3. Internal Audit: Maintain a robust internal auditing system that reviews all proposed pen test scopes before execution. Regular audits uncover discrepancies or inefficiencies in cost allocation.

4. Resource Allocation: Recognize and prepare for possible operational impacts and stockpile resources if system downtime is required. Allow advance ailment budgeting for efficient resource use.

5. Training and Awareness: Regularly train cybersecurity employees to be prepared for the overtime grind. It can create contingencies to manage workloads effectively during testing phases.

Risk Management through Pen Testing

While pen tests uncover vulnerabilities, businesses must weigh immediate security benefits against long-term cost implications. Employ a cost-benefit analysis to ascertain whether the benefits of identifying issues early outweigh potential expenses.

The Costly Reality of Overzealous Pen Testing

Mining for vulnerabilities in today’s IT environments is an essential practice, but organizations must ensure they aren’t inadvertently hitting pockets of dynamite – notably, the hidden costs. As companies plan pen tests, investing in comprehensive auditing and clearly scoped engagements will help avoid unanticipated expenses. Armed with understanding, informed decision-making can protect not just data, but financial health as well.

Vendor Diligence Questions

1. Are the vendor's testing scope and expenses clearly defined and agreed upon beforehand?
2. Does the vendor provide a detailed breakdown of potential costs and unexpected expenses tied to their testing?
3. What systems are in place to ensure vendor compliance with our organization's cost management protocols?

Action Plan

• Review existing pen testing contracts for clarity on cost expectations.
• Conduct a workshop with cybersecurity teams to plan and prepare for upcoming tests.
• Develop and implement a cost-benefit analysis framework for assessing pen testing scope decisions.
• Engage with the finance team to ensure budgeting considers potential downtime and remediation costs.
• Enhance vendor screening processes to ensure transparent and comprehensive cost agreements.

Source: Beware the Hidden Costs of Pen Testing

CISO Intelligence is lovingly curated from open source intelligence newsfeeds and is aimed at helping cybersecurity professionals be better, no matter what their stage in their career.

We're passionate advocates for good cybersecurity at home, at work, and in government.

Thank you so much for your support!

CISO Intelligence by Jonathan Care is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International