What is a Bot Attack?

A bot attack is a type of cyber attack that uses automated scripts, known as bots, to carry out malicious activities. These bots are designed to overload the target with traffic, disrupt websites, steal data, make fraudulent purchases, or perform other harmful actions. Bot attacks can be launched against various targets, including websites, servers, APIs, and other endpoints, causing significant disruptions and financial losses.

Types of Bot Attacks

There are several types of bot attacks, each designed for a specific purpose. Some common examples include:

1. Credential Stuffing: Attackers use stolen login credentials to gain unauthorized access to websites. Bots attempt multiple, simultaneous logins from various devices and IP addresses, blending in with typical login traffic to bypass security measures.
2. Web/Content Scraping: Bots download (or “scrape”) content from websites to use in future attacks. They rapidly send HTTP GET requests and copy the information within seconds.
3. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: Networks of infected machines, such as computers or IoT devices, are instructed to overwhelm the target server or network, causing outages and downtime.
4. Brute Force Password Cracking: Bots attempt to crack passwords or encryption keys by trying every possible combination to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
5. Click Fraud: Bots imitate human behavior and click on ads, buttons, or hyperlinks, tricking platforms or services into thinking real users are interacting with the links.

According to Netacea, bots cost businesses as much as 50 ransomware attacks each year. “The average cost of bots per business averages at $85.6m per year, or 4.3% of online revenue. 81% of businesses surveyed are aware of this impact, which is an increase on the 47% of the previous survey, but still not enough.” (Source: Netacea)

According to Akamai, bot detection is the best defense against dangerous bots. “Bots are everywhere today. In fact, as much as 70% of traffic on your websites may come from bots.” (Source: Akamai) “…a significant amount of bot activity is malicious, used by attackers to illicitly collect content, to propagate spam, or to carry out attacks like account takeover and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) campaigns.”

Preventing Bot Attacks

At Highgate Cyber Security, we understand the issues around bot attacks. Our team of VCISOs and product experts suggest implementing the following strategies:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requiring users to provide two or more forms of identity before granting access can effectively prevent credential stuffing and brute force password cracking attacks.
2. Allowlists and Blocklists: Maintaining a list of approved IP addresses (allowlist) and denied IP addresses associated with bot attacks (blocklist) can help prevent malicious bot traffic from reaching your Internet properties.
3. Bot Management Software: Utilizing advanced bot management solutions like Cloudflare Bot Management can detect and prevent bot attacks in real-time using behavioral analysis, machine learning, and fingerprinting techniques.

By staying informed about the latest cyber threats and implementing effective security measures, businesses can protect themselves from the potentially devastating consequences of bot attacks.

At Highgate Cyber Security, we realize how bots, phishing and other forms of attacks can increase business risk and costs. We are committed to helping our clients stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and ensuring the safety of your digital assets.

For more information on our bot attack prevention solutions, please visit www.HighgateCyberSecurity.com or contact our team of experts today.

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Here is a summary of a GenAI Cybersecurity memo from the perspective of a CISO at Highgate Cyber Security:

Memorandum

To: Highgate Cyber Security Leadership Team
From: S Alexander, CISO team
Date: November 9, 2024
Re: Key Insights from SlashNext Phishing Report 2023 – Increasing GenAI Cybersecurity threats

The newly released SlashNext Phishing Report highlights several concerning GenAI related cybersecurity trends that I believe warrant our attention as leaders of Highgate Cyber Security.

The rapid proliferation of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT is dramatically empowering threat actors.

Since ChatGPT’s launch, SlashNext has observed a 1265% increase in phishing emails. This exponential growth is driven by cybercriminals leveraging AI chatbots to craft highly convincing and tailored BEC attacks at scale. We must stay ahead of this GenAI Cybersecurity advancing danger curve by further developing our own AI capabilities.

Equally troubling is the continued rise in mobile and multi-channel threats.

Mobile phishing now accounts for nearly 40% of attacks, with most involving malicious links sent via SMS. Attackers are also executing sophisticated multi-stage campaigns spanning email, mobile, and collaboration platforms. This highlights the need for us to provide protection across all communication channels especially as GenAI powered cybersecurity attack ware is growing exponentially.

The report estimates that BEC attacks now comprise a staggering 68% of phishing threats.

I recommend we redouble our efforts to help customers detect and prevent the diverse forms of business email compromise. We should particularly focus on thwarting payroll diversion schemes, invoice fraud, and executive impersonation tactics.

Overall, it is clear that the threat landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace.

As leaders in cybersecurity, Highgate must continuously adapt our strategies, technologies, and services to meet these challenges. I propose we convene a meeting to discuss concrete ways Highgate can address the key threats outlined in SlashNext’s report. Our customers are counting on us to keep them secure amidst the rising generative AI storm. I look forward to discussing next steps.

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Introduction

NERC CIP standards are designed to protect the reliability and security of the North American bulk power system. Reporting requirements for cyber security can be fairly demanding. For example, Cyber incident reporting requirements mean that covered entities must report to CISA any covered cyber incidents within 72 hours from the time the entity reasonably believes the incident occurred.

Below we discuss NERC CIP best practices and specifically reporting related activities to help you maintain compliance and minimize the risk of fines or penalties:

Reporting

As part of Reporting you may need to undertake the following activities and actions:

Incident Response and Reporting

Create Incident Response Plan

Establish a robust incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of a security breach or violation.

Report promptly

Ensure that all incidents are promptly reported to the appropriate authorities as required by NERC CIP regulations.

Self-Certification.

​The Guided Self-Certification is a monitoring method where a Registered Entity completes a self-assessment of its compliance with applicable Standards and Requirements, and submits substantiating evidence validating compliance.

Compliance Audits and Spot Checks

The Regional Entities utilize several methods to carry out their compliance functions, including regularly scheduled compliance audits, spot checks, and self-certifications. Registered entities are subject to audit for compliance with all NERC Reliability Standards applicable to the functions for which it is registered. Registered entities should have a working familiarity with the NERC Rules of Procedure, the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program for their respective Regional Entity, and other regional documents.  Links to each of the Regional Entity websites are located below. 

• Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO)
• Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC)
• ReliabilityFirst (ReliabilityFirst)
• SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC)
• Texas Reliability Entity (Texas RE)
• Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)

Critical Success Factors

-Executive support

–Dedicated owner with the right skills, resources to run the program

–Tracking of important schedules & tasks

–Maintaining documentation

–Timely reporting of issues

–Creating a culture of compliance

NERC CIP Best Practices

The four main categories of best practices for NERC CIP compliance include:

Governance

Reporting

Readiness

Reconnaissance

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Introduction

NERC CIP standards are designed to protect the reliability and security of the North American bulk power system. Readiness for NERC CIP compliance is arguably the most important of the four categories of best practices. In readiness, we help prepare the entity for compliance and this includes audits, spot checks and other tests that may come up during the lifespan of an entity.

Below we discuss NERC CIP best practices and specifically readiness related activities to help you maintain compliance and minimize the risk of fines or penalties:

Readiness

As part of Readiness you may need to undertake the following activities and actions:

Perform Regular Risk Assessments

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in your infrastructure.

This process helps you pinpoint areas where compliance may be at risk and enables you to take appropriate corrective actions.

Maintain Documentation (Evidence)

​Keep detailed records and documentation of all compliance activities, risk assessments, audits, and training programs.

This documentation serves as evidence of your efforts to comply with NERC CIP requirements.

Develop and Implement Training Programs

Educate your staff about NERC CIP regulations, their importance, and their role in compliance. Provide targeted training to employees who handle critical assets, ensuring they understand their responsibilities in maintaining compliance.

Perform Self-Audits

Regularly conduct internal audits to assess your utility’s compliance status. Self-audits help identify areas that need improvement and enable you to address any issues before they become larger problems.

Engage in External (mock) Audits

Engage external auditors to conduct independent audits of your compliance program. These audits can provide an objective evaluation of your utility’s adherence to NERC CIP regulations and help identify any potential weaknesses.

Compliance Audits and Spot Checks

The Regional Entities utilize several methods to carry out their compliance functions, including regularly scheduled compliance audits, spot checks, and self-certifications. Registered entities are subject to audit for compliance with all NERC Reliability Standards applicable to the functions for which it is registered. Registered entities should have a working familiarity with the NERC Rules of Procedure, the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program for their respective Regional Entity, and other regional documents.  Links to each of the Regional Entity websites are located below. 

• Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO)
• Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC)
• ReliabilityFirst (ReliabilityFirst)
• SERC Reliability Corporation (SERC)
• Texas Reliability Entity (Texas RE)
• Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)

Critical Success Factors

-Executive support

–Dedicated owner with the right skills, resources to run the program

–Tracking of important schedules & tasks

–Maintaining documentation

–Timely reporting of issues

–Creating a culture of compliance

NERC CIP Best Practices

The four main categories of best practices for NERC CIP compliance include:

Governance

Reporting

Readiness

Reconnaissance

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As the CISO for a bank aiming to prevent a successful ransomware attack and create a comprehensive security incident response plan, what must you know to ensure you have the best security posture?

Let’s see what you need to review:

Current Security Infrastructure

Information about your bank’s existing security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, endpoint security, and other relevant tools.

Network Architecture

Understanding your bank’s network topology, including the separation of critical systems and sensitive data from the rest of the network.

User Access and Privileges

Insight into user access controls and the levels of privileges granted to different user roles within the organization.

Data Backup and Recovery

Details about the bank’s data backup policies, including the frequency of backups, where they are stored, and how quickly data can be restored in case of an incident.

Employee Training and Awareness

Information on the cybersecurity training and awareness programs in place for bank staff, as human error is a significant factor in successful ransomware attacks.

Incident Response Team

Identification of key personnel responsible for incident response, their roles, and their contact information.

Communication Protocols

A clear outline of communication procedures during an incident, both internally and externally (e.g., with customers, regulators, law enforcement).

Incident Classification and Escalation

Criteria for classifying the severity of an incident and the corresponding escalation procedures.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Understanding of the legal and regulatory obligations your bank must adhere to during and after an incident.

Vendor and Third-Party Risks

Awareness of risks posed by third-party vendors and partners that have access to your bank’s systems or data.

Monitoring and Threat Intelligence

Details about your bank’s monitoring capabilities and use of threat intelligence to detect and respond to potential threats.

System Patching and Updates

Information on how the bank handles software and system updates to minimize vulnerabilities.

Incident Documentation

Guidelines for proper documentation of incidents, including capturing relevant details and actions taken during the response.

Containment and Eradication Strategies

Strategies to contain the spread of ransomware and eradicate it from affected systems.

Forensics and Analysis

Procedures for conducting post-incident forensics and analysis to understand the attack’s origin and refine security measures.

Continuous Improvement

Plans for learning from each incident and improving the overall security posture of the ban

This list is not exhaustive but it should get you going ! For further information, please contact BD@HighgateCyberSecurity.com.

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Introduction

NERC CIP standards are designed to protect the reliability and security of the North American bulk power system.

Below we discuss NERC CIP best practices practices to help you maintain compliance and minimize the risk of fines or penalties:

Governance

Creating a strong governance for your NERC CIP compliance means you manage your compliance systematically and keep it moving forward and ahead of penalties and non compliance events.

As part of Governance you need to :

Appoint a leader

Appoint a dedicated compliance officer or team responsible for overseeing and implementing the compliance program.

This individual or team should have a thorough understanding of NERC CIP requirements and should be proactive in identifying and addressing potential compliance gaps.

Identify and assign an executive sponsor

Without the right executive level sponsorship, you run the risk of losing the priority you need to ensure your NERC CIP compliance stays on the list of important and ‘above the line’ activities.

If you think of it as the keys to the vehicle and its a privilege not a right to drive then you know that an executive sponsor will help the organization shepherd the program and help it stay aloft. There may end up being more than one executive who supports your efforts but you certainly need a leading executive advocate.

Establish a Compliance Program

Develop a comprehensive compliance program that covers all aspects of NERC CIP regulations.

This program should  ensure adherence to the standards.via

• Clear policies
• Procedures
• Controls
• Monthly review meetings
• Quarterly reviews

Critical Success Factors

-Executive support

–Dedicated owner with the right skills, resources to run the program

–Tracking of important schedules & tasks

–Maintaining documentation

–Timely reporting of issues

–Creating a culture of compliance

NERC CIP Best Practices

The four main categories of best practices for NERC CIP compliance include:

Governance

Reporting

Readiness

Reconnaissance

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Defining Goals

The first step in creating a cybersecurity strategy is to define clear and measurable cybersecurity goals that align with the organization’s overall business objectives.

The main objective of developing and implementing a cybersecurity strategy is to ensure your organization and its assets are better secured.

The outcome of poor security involves data theft, malicious damage to operational systems and a high potential for reputational damage which may affect customer faith in the company resulting in reduced revenues.

Proactive vs. Reactive

Many companies are operating their cybersecurity in a reactive manner where they are reacting to cyber attacks after the fact. These are usually band-aids and quick-fixes for damage assessment, stopping the bleeding (data loss) and recovering the operations so the organization can keep running. For example, firewall protection is reactive, but sometimes it also acts proactively because it can be setup to block unwanted(risky) traffic.

In a proactive approach the CISO starts by identifying vulnerabilities and even potential attacks early on, and preparing the organization and its assets for the worst-case scenarios ahead of time. With proactive cybersecurity strategy in place, you’re able to take action rapidly and decisively during a cyber incident, limiting the damage more effectively and recovering faster.

Benjamin Franklin famously advised fire-threatened Philadelphians in 1736 that “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The CISO must do an analysis of all current processes and shift into a proactive security mode, where the organization is ready for preventing cyber attacks and incidents in addition to being responsive if the worst happens. For instance, incorporating a security operations center that monitors the organization (using human as well as automated tools) would be proactive.

Examples of proactive cybersecurity measures include:

• Identifying and patching vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure,
• Running frequent penetration tests
• Regularly evaluating the strength of your security posture.
• Data encryption for at rest, in transit and
• Implementing powerful access management policies and controls (e.g. password policy managers or privileged access management)
• Training end users about phishing using advanced products like KnowBe4

A proactive cyber security strategy, including measures like data encryption, access controls, and employee awareness training has a focus on prevention.

Practive approaches are very important in safeguarding assets and maintaining a strong competitive edge.

While proactive measures help to actively prevent breaches, reactive measures go into operation when a breach strikes.

If you only have reactive measures you are asking for bigger damage, slower recovery, hurt reputation and hits to business revenue.

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Introduction

Ensuring compliance with NERC CIP (Critical Infrastructure Protection) regulations is crucial for an electric power utility to avoid fines and penalties.

NERC CIP standards are designed to protect the reliability and security of the North American bulk power system.

Below we discuss NERC CIP best practices practices to help you maintain compliance and minimize the risk of fines or penalties:

Reconnaissance

Staying informed is part of Reconnaissance. As part of this you need to :

• Keep up-to-date with the latest NERC CIP requirements, guidelines, and changes.
• Regularly review NERC publications and announcements to stay informed about any updates or new compliance expectations.
• Stay connected to the industry via conferences, educational events e.g. WECC, SERC, TexasRE have a number of events as do the other RE organizations

Monitor Third-Party Compliance

If your utility relies on third-party vendors or contractors, ensure that they also comply with NERC CIP regulations. If a third-party that supports you in your efforts, such as an O&M (Operations and Maintenance ) provider fails to keep its NERC CIP compliance intact, then it may affect your compliance and result in a breach. Therefore it is a good best practice for your organization or CIP team to ensure third-party compliance.

Regular reviews are important

Regularly review their compliance status and verify that they meet the necessary standards.

Participate in Industry Sharing and Collaboration

Engage externally

Engage with other electric power utilities and organizations in the industry to share best practices and experiences related to NERC CIP compliance.

Collaborate and learn

Collaboration can provide valuable insights and help you improve your compliance efforts.

NERC CIP Best Practices

The four main categories of best practices for NERC CIP compliance include:

Governance

Reporting

Readiness

Reconnaissance

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The CISO for a power plant, utility, responsible for generating electricity, faces some specific challenges that they must address to ensure the security of any critical infrastructure.

Here are some key considerations for Powerplant Cybersecurity and physical security:

Physical Security

Power plants have unique physical security requirements due to the criticality of their infrastructure. Protecting physical assets, such as generators, transformers, and control rooms, is crucial. Implement measures such as surveillance systems, access controls, intrusion detection, and monitoring to prevent unauthorized physical access and tampering.

Supply Chain Security

The power generation industry relies on a complex supply chain, which can introduce security risks. Ensure that your supply chain partners have robust security practices in place. The utility CISO must assess the security posture of vendors, contractors, and suppliers who have access to critical systems or sensitive information. Regularly monitor and review their security controls to mitigate potential risks.

Insider Threats

Insider threats can be a significant concern in power plants. Employees, contractors, or third-party service providers with privileged access can intentionally or unintentionally cause disruptions or compromise systems. The utility CISO has to implement strong access controls, user monitoring, and security awareness programs to detect and prevent insider threats.

Cyber-Physical Risks

Power plants are susceptible to cyber-physical risks, where cyberattacks can directly impact physical infrastructure. For example, attacks targeting industrial control systems can lead to operational disruptions, equipment damage, or safety risks. The utility CISO can implement measures to detect and prevent such risks, such as anomaly detection, incident response plans, and regular security assessments.

Emergency Response Planning

Power plants must have well-defined emergency response plans to address cybersecurity incidents and physical emergencies. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as local authorities, to develop comprehensive plans that cover cyber incidents, natural disasters, or other emergencies. The utility CISO can regularly test and update these plans to ensure their effectiveness.

Regulatory Compliance

The power generation industry is subject to specific regulations and standards, such as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. The utility CISO must ensure compliance with these regulations and implement security controls accordingly. Regularly assess and report on compliance to regulatory bodies to ensure optimal Powerplant Cybersecurity posture.

Incident Detection and Response

Establish robust systems for monitoring and detecting security incidents in real-time. Implement security information and event management (SIEM) solutions, intrusion detection systems, and log monitoring to detect anomalies and potential attacks. The utility CISO can develop incident response plans to address security incidents promptly and effectively.

Physical and Cyber Security Integration

Power plants must integrate physical and cyber security measures to ensure holistic protection. Collaborate with physical security teams to align security controls and incident response procedures. The utility CISO must consider methods to implement technologies such as video surveillance, access controls, and perimeter protection to monitor physical security alongside cybersecurity measures.

Employee Training and Awareness

Provide comprehensive cybersecurity training and awareness programs to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders. The utility CISO must educate them about the unique risks and responsibilities associated with working in a critical infrastructure environment. How can the utility CISO foster a culture of security awareness to ensure that individuals understand their role in maintaining a secure environment?

By addressing these Powerplant Cybersecurity considerations and staying updated on emerging threats, you can enhance the security posture of your power plant and protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

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As a CISO in a power plant responsible for generating electricity, there are specific challenges and “gotchas” that you should be aware of to ensure the security of critical infrastructure.

Here are some key considerations for Powerplant CISOs, regarding Operational Technology:

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security

Power plants rely on complex industrial control systems to manage and control their operations. These systems are often interconnected and may use legacy technology, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. In addition, the drive to further digitize operations is causing fairly rapid adoption of digital technologies and opening up the OT networks to attack from the Internet. The CISO must ensure that robust security measures, such as network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, are implemented to protect their ICS environment.

In 2021, approximately 90 percent of manufacturing organizations had their production or energy supply hit by some form of cyberattack.

The state of
industrial security
in 2022 by Barracuda

Enhancing operational technology (OT)

Enhancing operational technology (OT) cybersecurity is challenging for Powerplant CISOs, as it presents barriers in multiple areas: technical (such as legacy and remote solutions), operational (such as the decisions on which parts of the process the IT and OT teams own), and investment (such as a shortage of the trained skill set). However, (according to McKinsey), as the world is becoming more digital, industrial organizations are making progress in securing OT environments by following three key principles:

• Strengthening technological foundations. Organizations are securing OT environments with proper accesses and standardized controls through today’s technology.
• Assigning clear responsibilities. Clarifying role responsibilities for OT and IT teams, along with external partners, enables a quick response to cyberincidents.
• Increasing risk-aware capabilities and mindsets. By applying the proper incentives, organizations can proactively involve all stakeholders.

Effects of cyberattacks on OT environments

Powerplant CISOs have to watch for OT cyberattacks, that tend to have higher, more negative effects than those in IT do, as they can have physical consequences (for example, shutdowns, outages, leakages, and explosions). Of 64 OT cyberattacks publicly reported in 2021 (an increase of 140 percent over the number reported in 2020), approximately 35 percent had physical consequences, and the estimated damages were $140 million per incident. Geopolitical risks in 2022 resulted in an 87 percent increase in ransomware incidents, with 72 percent of the overall rate increase over the 2021 figures coming from Europe and North America (40 percent more in North America, 32 percent more in Europe, and 28 percent more in other continents, compared with 2021 data).

Cyberattackers often use ransomware and less-secured third-party connections to hijack OT devices, an action that can stop production and operations. Industrial organizations typically face technical and operational challenges, including the following, when trying to protect against such attacks:

• legacy systems, which can be 30 or more years old, with old vulnerabilities and limited security controls (for example, attackers can infect 2008 Windows servers using a specially crafted font to execute malicious code)
• limited ability to implement security controls on legacy OT devices supplied before cybersecurity became an issue and managed by OEMs (for example, sensors installed on valves and connected to a network without internal hardening procedures)
• third-party remote connections to control OT devices connected to an internal network (for example, attackers can strike a vendor-created network and use it to infect other devices)
• unclear ownership between OT and IT teams that makes it difficult to centralize, manage, and govern OT cyber operations (for example, integration of manufacturing execution systems with enterprise resource planning without the introduction of a 3.5 demilitarized zone).
• risk awareness versus risk tolerance leads to competing business priorities for OT decision makers who need to decide between increasing productivity and securing devices (for example, increased production versus patch management that could cause interruption in operations)
• shortage of combined cybersecurity and automation skills with the required cybersecurity and automation-control-system-specific experience (for example, an expert in OT cybersecurity but lacking automation and process expertise)
• business, operational, and technical restrictions that mean a continuous process may run for three years before a planned shutdown, which limits the ability of OT teams to patch devices and implement time-sensitive solutions (for example, stopping an energy supply to update an operational server with a security patch)

Some more issues that Powerplant CISOs need to contend with are listed here: https://newsroom.trendmicro.com/2022-06-02-Cyber-Attacks-on-Industrial-Assets-Cost-Firms-Millions

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