Notes

The Log4j Security Flaw Could Impact the Internet in General here's what you should Know

TrustedSec CEO David Kennedy stated that while it will take several years to correct this, attackers will be looking... every day to exploit it." "This is a ticking bomb for businesses."



Here are some tips you should be aware of:



What is Log4j? Why is it important?



According to cybersecurity experts, Log4j is among the most widely used online log libraries. Log4j gives software developers a way to build an inventory of activities that can be used for a variety of reasons like auditing, troubleshooting, and data tracking. Because it is both free and open-source, the library essentially touches every aspect of the internet.



"It's ubiquitous. Even if you don't utilize Log4j directly as an author, you could still be vulnerable to malware because one open source library you are using depends on Log4j," Chris Eng of cybersecurity firm Veracode disclosed to CNN Business. This is the way software works it's all turtles.



Companies like Apple, IBM, Oracle, Cisco, Google and Amazon, all have the software. It is likely to be on popular apps and websites and a lot more devices across the globe could be vulnerable to it.



Are hackers exploiting it?



According to cybersecurity firm Cloudflare, attackers seem to have had more than a week to exploit the software flaw before it was revealed. With the number of hacking attempts being made every day, many are worried that the most severe attack is not yet over.



"Sophisticated threat agents will figure out the best way to exploit vulnerability to get maximum gain," Mark Ostrowski (Check Point's chief engineer) said Tuesday.



Microsoft released a statement late Tuesday saying that state-backed hackers, including those from China, Iran and North Korea attempted to exploit the Log4j flaw.



What makes this security flaw so dangerous?



Experts are particularly concerned about the vulnerability as hackers could gain easy access to a company’s computer server, giving them access to other components of the network. Kennedy states that it is difficult to spot the vulnerability and determine if a system has already compromised.



Additionally, a second vulnerability in Log4j's system was discovered late on Tuesday. Apache Software Foundation, a nonprofit that developed Log4j and other open source software, has released an update to security for companies to use.



What are the strategies being employed by companies to address this problem?



This week, Minecraft published a blog posting announcing that a vulnerability had been discovered in a version of its game. The company promptly released a fix. Similar steps have been implemented by other companies.



US warns that millions of devices are at risk due to a new vulnerability in software



IBM, Oracle, AWS and Cloudflare have all issued advisories to customers, and some have even pushed security updates or outlining their plans for possible patches.



"This is such a severe vulnerability, but it's not as if you can click the button to fix it like a standard major vulnerability. Kennedy said that it would require a lot of work and time.



To ensure transparency and cut down on false information, CISA said it would establish a website with information on which software products were affected by the flaw and the ways hackers exploited them.



What can you do for your security?



The onus is on companies to take action. Users should make sure that they update their apps, software and devices as they are prompted by businesses in the coming days or weeks.



What's next?



The US government has warned affected companies to be on guard for cyberattacks and ransomware during the Christmas season.



There is a concern that an increasing number malicious actors will make use of the vulnerability in new ways. Just another blog or something And while big technology companies may have the security teams in place to deal with these threats However, many other organizations don't.



"What I'm most concerned about are the hospitals, school districts, and the areas where there is only one IT employee who is responsible for security, but doesn't have the security budget or the tools," Katie Nickels, Director Intelligence at cybersecurity company Red Canary. "Those are the organizations I'm most concerned about -small-sized organizations with tiny budgets for security."


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