Word of the Week: Secure-by-Design

Cyberattacks continue to challenge organizations of all sizes, but mid-market companies face unique vulnerabilities. With limited resources and increasing complexity in IT environments, these businesses often struggle to defend against sophisticated threats. This is where the concept of Secure-by-Design becomes essential. By integrating security into every aspect of digital systems from the start, organizations can reduce risk, improve resilience, and protect critical assets.

Why Secure-by-Design Matters

Every new tool or platform introduced into your digital ecosystem expands your attack surface. Without security woven into the fabric of these systems, your organization becomes a target for cybercriminals exploiting gaps in infrastructure. For mid-market businesses, this isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business-critical concern.

Adopting a Secure-by-Design approach ensures that your systems are built to anticipate and resist attacks, rather than retrofitting solutions after vulnerabilities have been exposed. This mindset shifts the focus from reactive to proactive, giving organizations a distinct advantage.

Emerging Threats: Real Data from the Field

At Gradient Cyber, we provide detailed situational reports (sitreps) for our customers, giving us unparalleled visibility into the most pressing threats. Here’s what we’ve observed this week:

The most notable activities observed were:

1. SocGholish Malware
   Delivered through compromised websites, this malware is engineered to manipulate users into downloading malicious payloads, often disguised as browser updates.
2. Lumma Phishing Campaign
   A highly targeted operation leveraging sophisticated phishing techniques to bypass traditional defenses.
3. Gopher Ransomware
   A growing threat that encrypts data and demands payment for decryption, causing operational and financial disruption.

Actively Exploited Vulnerabilities to Watch

Exploited vulnerabilities continue to be a major vector for attacks. Some of the most critical ones we’ve tracked this week include:

• CyberPanel Incorrect Default Permissions (CVE-2024-51378)
  Grants unauthorized access due to weak default permissions.
• Palo Alto PAN-OS Authentication Bypass (CVE-2024-0012)
  Allows attackers to bypass authentication, accessing sensitive systems.
• Apple Product Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2024-44308)
  Enables malicious code to execute on devices without user interaction.

These examples demonstrate the persistent risks organizations face daily. Addressing them requires an understanding of both technical vulnerabilities and the broader threat landscape.

Full list of actively exploited vulnerabilities:

• CyberPanel Incorrect Default Permissions Vulnerability (CVE-2024-51378)
• North Grid Proself Improper Restriction of XML External Entity (XXE) Reference Vulnerability (CVE-2023-45727)
• ProjectSend Improper Authentication Vulnerability (CVE-2024-11680)
• Zyxel Multiple Firewalls Path Traversal Vulnerability (CVE-2024-11667)
• Array Networks AG and vxAG ArrayOS Missing Authentication for Critical Function Vulnerability (CVE-2023-28461)
• Apple Multiple Products Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2024-44308)
• Apple Multiple Products Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability (CVE-2024-44309)
• Oracle Agile Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Incorrect Authorization Vulnerability (CVE-2024-21287)
• VMware vCenter Server Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability (CVE-2024-38812)
• VMware vCenter Server Privilege Escalation Vulnerability (CVE-2024-38813)
• Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Management Interface Authentication Bypass Vulnerability (CVE-2024-0012)
• Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS Management Interface OS Command Injection Vulnerability (CVE-2024-9474)
  

  *This list includes vulnerabilities included in CISA’s known exploited vulnerabilities catalog

How Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) Enhances Secure-by-Design

For mid-market companies, Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) is a game-changer. By incorporatingManaged Network Detection and Response (MNDR), Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (MEDR), Managed Cloud Detection and Response (MCDR), and Managed SaaS Detection and Response (MSaaDR), MXDR provides a holistic view of your organization’s security posture.

With Gradient Cyber’s MXDR services, you gain:

• Proactive Monitoring
  Continuous surveillance to detect and mitigate threats before they escalate
• Rapid Incident Response
  Expert teams ready to neutralize incidents 24/7
• Cost Efficiency
  Reduced reliance on internal IT resources and minimized disruption

Steps You Can Take Now

1. Assess Your Current Security Posture
   Are your systems designed with security in mind? Conduct a thorough audit to identify gaps.
2. Invest in MXDR
   Partnering with an MXDR provider ensures your defenses stay ahead of evolving threats.
3. Stay Informed
   Regularly update your understanding of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Why Gradient Cyber?

Gradient Cyber specializes in protecting mid-market companies with a tailored approach to cybersecurity. Our expertise in MXDR, combined with near real-time data from our SitReps, positions us as a trusted partner in helping businesses effectively detect and respond to threats before they become breaches.

Secure Your Future with Gradient Cyber

Don’t wait for a breach to take action. Adopting a Secure-by-Design strategy and leveraging the power of MXDR can save your organization from financial and reputational damage.

Contact us today to learn how Gradient Cyber can help you build a secure foundation and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.