WELCOME TO THE JANUARY 2025 NEWSLETTER

Cyber Scoop is KeyStone Solutions monthly newsletter about the latest trends, topics, and articles relating to cybersecurity. As a Managed Service Security Provider (MSSP), KeyStone’s expert team helps small to medium sized businesses with IT services including virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO), cybersecurity, help desk support, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), cloud solutions, and KeyStone’s signature service, IT Team as a Service (ITTaaS) which is an all-encompass solution.

From The Desk of the CISO

Defending Against AI Malware

By Rob Ashcraft, CISO at KeyStone Solutions

The rise of AI-powered malware has added yet another layer of complexity and concern for small businesses and has been a consistent topic of conversations with my customers over the last year. These sophisticated attacks leverage machine learning to evade traditional countermeasures, making these risks a top priority for business owners. As a cybersecurity professional, I work with my team to ensure our defensive techniques continually improve to meet the evolving threats. I want to share some thoughts on defending against AI malware.

What is Malvertising?

Commentary by KeyStone’s Rob Ashcraft

A SentinelOne article explores the dangers of malvertising, a sneaky tactic where cybercriminals embed malicious code within seemingly legitimate online advertisements. This is also known as “SEO poisoning.” Clicking on these ads can unleash a variety of attacks on your network and systems, ranging from malware downloads to sophisticated phishing scams.

Here are 5 key takeaways:

• Malicious Ads: Malvertising disguises harmful software as regular online ads. Clicking on them can infect your device with malware, steal your data, or redirect you to phishing sites.
• Hidden in Plain Sight: Malvertising can appear anywhere online, including reputable websites. Criminals target high-traffic sites to maximize their reach.
• Varied Threats: Malvertising can deliver a range of threats, including malware downloads, drive-by downloads (automatic malware installation), and redirects to phishing scams.
• Protecting Yourself: Be cautious when clicking on online ads, especially those with exaggerated claims or suspicious urgency. Use ad blockers and keep your software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Staying Vigilant: Malvertising is constantly evolving. Staying informed about cyber threats and practicing safe browsing habits are crucial for staying secure online.

Click on the link below to read the article in Coalition.

View Live Cyber Threat Map From Check Point