Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #56

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to Cary Wright about why security certifications such as FIPS, NIAP, and DoD APL are important across industries.

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace

In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensics Files, I talk with Cary Wright, VP, Product at Endace about the importance and impact of Federal security certifications such as FIPS, NIAP, and DoD APL  to ensure the robust security of cybersecurity tools.

Although these standards are primarily applied in Federal Government, the rigorous testing that products must undergo to be compliant is extensive.  Regardless of your industry, you can be confident that products certified to these standards are robust and have been thoroughly tested and scrutinized.

Cary explores the detailed testing procedures these certifications entail and their role in enhancing network device security. The standards are continuously updated to ensure that they continue to address new cybersecurity challenges that emerge. We discuss the relevance of these standards for Government and Defense sectors as well as how they can provide surety for large enterprises looking to improve their security measures.

Cary explains what these certifications test in order to validate cybersecurity tools’ encryption strength and overall security robustness. He also talks about the challenges and costs to manufacturers of achieving these standards, and the real-world benefits this testing delivers – such as improved protocol security.

Don’t miss this episode as Cary provides valuable insights into the impact of Federal security certifications and the critical role they play in helping ensure best practices in  cybersecurity.

Follow Cary on Linkedin

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here. Or listen to the podcast here or on your favorite podcast platform.


Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #55

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to Taran Singh about network observability.

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace

In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensics Files, I talk with Taran Singh, VP, Product Management at Keysight Technologies.

Taran sheds light on how network observability differs from traditional network monitoring by consolidating data sources to provide a comprehensive view of network activity.  This is crucial when it comes to validating zero-trust architectures.  

We talk about the challenges organizations face in achieving clear network visibility amidst complex IT environments and evolving threats. Taran emphasizes the pivotal role of network visibility in incident response and investigation, particularly for thoroughly verifying network activity. He stresses the importance of historical lookback and analyzing packet-level data for incident response and cybersecurity investigations, highlighting the value of packet evidence.  

Taran also explains how scalability and historical data-analysis significantly improve cybersecurity posture. He talks about Keysight’s strategy for network visibility, emphasizing reliability and scalability tailored to the demands of sizable corporations and hybrid-cloud setups. 

Finally, Taran talks about the escalating threat landscape, discussing recent cyberattacks and ransomware incidents, and emphasizing the importance of prioritizing network security measures. By treating networks as valuable assets, leveraging enriched data, analytics, and advanced tools, and adopting proactive approaches, organizations can enhance their readiness to combat cyberthreats more effectively.  

Don’t miss this informative episode as Taran shares his invaluable insights into network observability and its critical role in modern cybersecurity practices. 

Follow Taran on Linkedin 

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here. Or listen to the podcast here or on your favorite podcast platform.


Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #54

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to “Malware Jake” Williams, about the concept of Zero Trust and its implications for enhancing your security posture.

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace

In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensics Files, I talk with cybersecurity expert Jake Williams, aka ‘MalwareJake’,  IANS faculty member, former SANS educator, computer science and information security expert and U.S. Army veteran, about the concept of Zero Trust and its implications for organizations striving to enhance their security posture.

Zero Trust challenges traditional security models by advocating for a “deny all, permit by exception” approach. Jake describes it as a mindset—a philosophy focused on continuous verification and least privilege access. Despite its potential benefits, embracing Zero Trust can be challenging. Jake highlights obstacles such as defining and operationalizing Zero Trust, legacy system dependencies, and cultural shifts within organizations.

Continuous verification is crucial in Zero Trust environments. Jake provides examples of verification challenges, emphasizing the importance of network visibility and packet capture in incident response and threat detection. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of networking and cybersecurity, citing Managed File Transfer appliances, Citrix NetScalers, and SSL VPNs as examples. These network security appliances often have extensive technical depth and may harbour unpatched vulnerabilities, presenting significant risks to organizations. He predicts increased targeting of network security appliances by threat actors, underscoring the importance of Zero Trust principles and network visibility in mitigating such threats.

Jake touches on the importance of tools like Wireshark for detailed analysis but also emphasises the need to understand the role network visibility plays and how it relates to business challenges. He recommends that analysts strengthen their networking fundamentals, while SOC directors should broaden their skill set by understanding business concepts for effective communication with stakeholders.

Finally, Jake suggests that embracing Zero Trust requires a holistic approach, encompassing technical ability, organizational buy-in, and a commitment to continuous improvement. His insights on this topic serve as valuable guidance on the path to cybersecurity resilience.

Follow Malware Jake on the below links. 

 

Also watch our series of Threat Investigation webinars with SANS and Jake Williams here – https://www2.endace.com/sans-webinar-series

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here. Or listen to the podcast here or on your favorite podcast platform.


Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #53

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to Tanya Janca, Head of Education and Community at Semgrep, Founder of WehackPurple.

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace

In this episode of the Endace Packet Forensics Files, I talk with Tanya Janca, Head of Education and Community at Semgrep, Founder of WehackPurple, and renowned cybersecurity expert, author and RSA Speaker.

Tanya shares her journey from software developer to penetration tester to application security specialist, to cybersecurity education evangelist. She stresses the value of hands-on experience in cybersecurity education and urges universities and training programs to keep pace with evolving threats.

Tanya discusses the skills gap in cybersecurity, suggesting there is inadequate education in secure coding and design. She believes industry practitioners should be involved in teaching to ensure relevance. Tanya also highlights the need for affordable training options to connect theory with real-world practice.

Tanya underscores the importance of varied perspectives and real diversity and inclusion for organizations to understand and counter modern threats. She challenges the notion of diversity as a mere checkbox and calls for organizations to create inclusive environments to address the skill shortage effectively.

Tanya emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation as vital for cybersecurity professionals to navigate the changing landscape.

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here. Or listen to the podcast here or on your favorite podcast platform.


Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #52

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to Tiktok influencer Caitlin Sarian, CEO of Cybersecurity Girl

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace

In this episode, I talk with to Tiktok and Instagram influencer Caitlin Sarian, CEO of Cybersecurity Girl, who discusses her journey into the cybersecurity field and her mission to break down stigmas surrounding the industry.

Emphasizing the importance of a love for learning and problem-solving over coding skills, Caitlin encourages individuals to explore diverse paths within cybersecurity, ranging from technical roles like ethical hacking to non-technical roles in data privacy.

The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, with Caitlin recommending various channels for staying updated, including news alerts, newsletters, and professional groups. She addresses common misconceptions about coding requirements, debunking the idea that a specific educational background is essential, and stresses the value of gaining practical experience and obtaining certifications tailored to one’s chosen specialization.

Finally, Caitlin highlights the importance of advocating for diversity and inclusivity in cybersecurity. She emphasizes the need for mentorship, role models, and a supportive company culture to encourage women and minorities to enter and thrive in the industry. You won’t want to miss this episode if you’re looking for valuable insights about a career in cybersecurity. 

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here. Or listen to the podcast here or on your favorite podcast platform.


Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #49

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to ICS and SCADA security expert, Lionel Jacobs

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace

In this episode, Michael talks to Lionel Jacobs, Senior Partner Engineer, ICS and SCADA security expert, at Palo Alto Networks. Lionel draws on his more than 25 years of experience in OT (Operational Technology) and almost a decade at Palo Alto Networks in discussing some of the challenges of securing OT, IoT and critical infrastructure from cyberattack.

Lionel talks about some of the unique challenges that OT systems present for security teams and why being prepared to defend against attacks on critical infrastructure is so crucial.

Nation-state actors obviously see critical infrastructure as a prime target for attacks. But so too do criminal actors who see critical infrastructure operators as potentially more vulnerable to extortion than other targets.

Lionel discusses the role of Zero Trust and limited access zoning in reducing the risk of attackers expanding their ability to move from OT environments into the enterprise network. Carefully mapping the network and assets and understanding the requirements for access between different areas of the infrastructure is key to this. Often legacy OT devices and control systems can’t be easily patched so placing these elements into a security zone with a remediating factor between that zone and other parts of the network is the only feasible way to protect them from attack.

Lionel talks about the challenge of detecting attacks in OT environments, how to spot unusual activity, and the importance of having a reference baseline to compare against. He highlights the importance of packet data in providing insight into what is happening on OT networks.

Lionel also stresses the importance of close collaboration between OT security teams and the operators of OT networks. It’s crucial to ensure that the safe and effective operation of critical infrastructure isn’t adversely impacted by security teams that don’t understand the operational processes and procedures that are designed to ensure the safety of the plant and the people that work there.

Lastly, Lionel reiterates the importance of gathering reliable evidence, and enabling security analysts to quickly get to the evidence that’s pertinent to their investigation. It’s not just about collecting data, but about making sure that data is relevant and easy to access.

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here. Or listen to the podcast here or on your favorite podcast platform.


Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #17

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to Jen Miller-Osborn, Deputy Director of Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace

Want to hear about the latest attack trends, what to expect in the future and how best to prepare your defenses?

Then don’t miss this episode of our Packet Forensic Files series as Michael catches up with Jen Miller-Osborn from Unit 42 – the threat intelligence group at Palo Alto Networks.

Jen talks about some of the threat trends the team at Unit 42 has been seeing lately – including how ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted, how DDOS attacks are making a comeback, and what the recent Solarwinds “Sunburst” attacks have demonstrated.

She also provides some helpful tips for best practice cyber defense and talks about how the threat landscape might evolve over the next year or two.

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here.


Endace Packet Forensics Files: Episode #12

Original Entry by : Michael Morris

Michael talks to Paul Giorgi, CTO at DeFY Security.

By Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, Endace


Michael Morris, Director of Global Business Development, EndaceSecurity Orchestration, Automation and Response, or SOAR is the hottest growth area in the cybersecurity industry and probably one of the most complex adoptions for most security teams to undertake.

You won’t want to miss our latest episode of the Endace Packet Forensic Files Vidcast/Podcast series with special guest Paul Giorgi, CTO and Co-Founder of DeFY Security.

Paul has had many years of experience building and implementing security solutions with DeFY Security customers. In this episode he suggests some best practices tips on where to start when deploying a SOAR solution and how to make time for your SecOps teams with all the things they already have on their plates.

Paul shares his first-hand experience of where organizations tend to make the biggest mistakes when implementing a SOAR platform and how to best avoid those pitfalls.  Finally, he suggests some simple, high-impact areas to focus on with your SOAR deployment.  These are use-cases where SOAR can deliver immediate returns in efficiency and effectiveness for your security teams.

Other episodes in the Secure Networks video/audio podcast series are available here.