This article discusses the security vulnerabilities of Ivanti's Connect Secure VPNs, which have been repeatedly breached by Chinese hackers. The breaches have had significant consequences, including:

* Dozens of major organizations, including NASA, the US Marine Corps, and the Federal Aviation Administration, removing Ivanti products from their networks. * Several government agencies, including the Pentagon and the Treasury Department, discontinuing use of Connect Secure VPNs. * Healthcare companies continuing to use the technology for manufacturing operations due to its critical nature.

The article highlights how private equity investment has contributed to the problem. Instead of improving security, some private equity firms have focused on maximizing profits by cutting costs and reducing security measures. This approach has led to a situation where money is flowing away from companies that secure critical technologies like VPNs.

The breaches also raise broader questions about trends in cybersecurity, including:

* The increased use of distressed debt exchanges as a means for private equity-owned firms to restructure their debt. * The growing reliance on foreign hackers to test and exploit vulnerabilities in these companies' products. * The need to rethink who we're relying upon for our most critical networks.

The article concludes that the Ivanti breaches are not just an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing security over profits and reevaluating the role of private equity firms in the cybersecurity industry.

Key takeaways:

* Ivanti's Connect Secure VPNs have been repeatedly breached by Chinese hackers. * Dozens of major organizations have removed these products from their networks due to security concerns. * Private equity investment has contributed to the problem, as companies prioritize profits over security measures. * Distressed debt exchanges are becoming increasingly common as a means for private equity-owned firms to restructure their debt. * The breaches raise broader questions about trends in cybersecurity and the need to rethink who we're relying upon for our most critical networks.