Risky Business #788 -- Trump Targets Chris Krebs, SentinelOne
The cybersecurity industry was left reeling yesterday as President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on his former boss, Chris Krebs, the former head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The unexpected move has sent shockwaves through the sector, with many experts expressing concern about the potential implications for national security.
Krebs, who was ousted by Trump last month, had been a vocal critic of the administration's handling of cybersecurity issues. In recent weeks, he had been warning about the growing threat of ransomware attacks and the need for increased investment in the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Trump's decision to target Krebs has left many in the industry feeling uneasy.
Trump's attack on Krebs comes as the cybersecurity industry faces numerous challenges, including a shortage of skilled workers and increasing threats from nation-state actors. The situation is further complicated by Trump's own approach to cybersecurity, which some experts argue is hampered by a lack of transparency and clear communication.
A Dark Week for Cybersecurity
The past week has seen a slew of high-profile cyber attacks and incidents that have left many in the industry feeling vulnerable. From the NSO spyware attack on WhatsApp users to the discovery of dozens of sketchy Chrome extensions, it's clear that cybersecurity threats are on the rise.
According to researchers at MITRE, the company behind the CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) program, which tracks vulnerabilities in software and hardware, funding for the program is under threat. The uncertainty surrounding US funding for CISA has left many experts wondering about the future of cybersecurity in the country.
Spies and Spyware
The US government has recently signed a pact with Pall Mall International to combat spyware abuses, but the issue remains a contentious one. The use of spyware by foreign governments is a major concern for the US, with many experts arguing that it poses a significant threat to national security.
Chinese Cyber Threats
The situation in cyberspace has taken a dark turn as China escalates its cyber attacks on the US. Researchers at NCSC have revealed details of a sophisticated spyware attack that targeted Uyghur, Tibetan and Taiwanese groups, highlighting the growing threat posed by China's cyber capabilities.
Risky Bulletin
The latest edition of Risky Bulletin brings news of a Chinese APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) group that has been using Windows Sandbox to evade detection. The attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by state-sponsored hackers and the need for vigilance in the face of cyber threats.
Other News
In other news, 4chan is down following a major hack, and researchers at Ars Technica have uncovered dozens of sketchy Chrome extensions with millions of installs. Meanwhile, Gabbard has set up a team to investigate the use of cryptocurrency for espionage, and Spyware maker NSO Group is facing increased scrutiny after it was revealed that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner used its products.
Wyden Blocks CISA Nominee
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) has announced plans to block the nomination of William Bryan, a former US Department of Justice official, as director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The move comes after reports that Bryan's agency had released a report on telecoms' 'negligent cybersecurity', which some experts argue was overly critical of certain companies.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!