Podcast
Questions and Answers
What do skimmers specifically target to steal?
What do skimmers specifically target to steal?
Techno-criminals are known for their serious technical skills.
Techno-criminals are known for their serious technical skills.
False
What technology do new skimmers use to send captured data?
What technology do new skimmers use to send captured data?
Wireless technologies or text messages
Skimmers are typically placed on top of __________ machines to capture credit card information.
Skimmers are typically placed on top of __________ machines to capture credit card information.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of data does ATP use to form their understanding of compromises?
Which type of data does ATP use to form their understanding of compromises?
Signup and view all the answers
Most compromised organizations report the details of their security breaches.
Most compromised organizations report the details of their security breaches.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a major reason organizations choose not to report security incidents?
What is a major reason organizations choose not to report security incidents?
Signup and view all the answers
An ATP hacker prefers to use _____ methods when compromising targets.
An ATP hacker prefers to use _____ methods when compromising targets.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
What has contributed to an increase in organizations reporting compromises?
What has contributed to an increase in organizations reporting compromises?
Signup and view all the answers
All compromises that are discovered are reported by the organizations.
All compromises that are discovered are reported by the organizations.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one reason why the facts of a breach may not be fully uncovered.
Name one reason why the facts of a breach may not be fully uncovered.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of skimmers?
What is the primary function of skimmers?
Signup and view all the answers
Techno-criminals are skilled in advanced computer technology.
Techno-criminals are skilled in advanced computer technology.
Signup and view all the answers
What type of establishments commonly use skimmers to steal credit card data?
What type of establishments commonly use skimmers to steal credit card data?
Signup and view all the answers
ATM skimmers are typically placed in front of or on top of __________ for capturing data.
ATM skimmers are typically placed in front of or on top of __________ for capturing data.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following descriptions with the relevant terms:
Match the following descriptions with the relevant terms:
Signup and view all the answers
What is one reason organizations may choose not to report security incidents?
What is one reason organizations may choose not to report security incidents?
Signup and view all the answers
All compromises discovered by organizations are always reported.
All compromises discovered by organizations are always reported.
Signup and view all the answers
Name two sources from which ATP compiles example data on breaches.
Name two sources from which ATP compiles example data on breaches.
Signup and view all the answers
ATP finds and uses __________ methods to compromise targets.
ATP finds and uses __________ methods to compromise targets.
Signup and view all the answers
Match each term related to compromises with its description:
Match each term related to compromises with its description:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant challenge when analyzing breach data?
What is a significant challenge when analyzing breach data?
Signup and view all the answers
Organizations today feel more compelled to report compromises due to increasing detection capabilities.
Organizations today feel more compelled to report compromises due to increasing detection capabilities.
Signup and view all the answers
What motivates attackers to change their strategies and techniques?
What motivates attackers to change their strategies and techniques?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary method used by skimmers to capture credit card information?
What is the primary method used by skimmers to capture credit card information?
Signup and view all the answers
Techno-criminals possess serious technical skills to commit crimes.
Techno-criminals possess serious technical skills to commit crimes.
Signup and view all the answers
Explain one common location where skimmers are used to steal credit card data.
Explain one common location where skimmers are used to steal credit card data.
Signup and view all the answers
ATM skimmers can send captured data through __________ technologies.
ATM skimmers can send captured data through __________ technologies.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant reason many organizations choose not to report security breaches?
What is a significant reason many organizations choose not to report security breaches?
Signup and view all the answers
All compromises discovered by organizations are reported.
All compromises discovered by organizations are reported.
Signup and view all the answers
Why do attackers change their strategies and techniques?
Why do attackers change their strategies and techniques?
Signup and view all the answers
ATP prefers to use __________ methods when compromising targets.
ATP prefers to use __________ methods when compromising targets.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following types of data with their sources:
Match the following types of data with their sources:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common misconception about compromised organizations?
Which of the following is a common misconception about compromised organizations?
Signup and view all the answers
ATP will leave artifacts on compromised systems if it is necessary.
ATP will leave artifacts on compromised systems if it is necessary.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one limitation organizations face regarding reporting breaches.
Name one limitation organizations face regarding reporting breaches.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Understanding the Big Picture
- Organizations need to understand how their environment has been compromised through empirical knowledge.
- This knowledge is crucial to develop effective security strategies.
Sources of Empirical Data
- News stories provide insights into real-world breaches.
- Data dumps from attackers offer valuable insights into attacker methodologies.
- Reports from security researchers and organizations compile and analyze breach data.
Challenges with Data Availability
- Many compromises are unreported due to various factors, including fear of negative publicity and legal repercussions.
- Discovering all compromises can be difficult, and not all discovered compromises are reported.
- The extent of a compromise may not be fully uncovered, and some reported facts can be misleading or inaccurate.
The Problem of Stealthy Attackers
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) often employ stealthy methods to compromise targets.
- Attackers avoid leaving traces on compromised systems unless necessary for maintaining access.
Reporting Compromises & Evolving Threats
- Organizations are increasingly reporting compromises due to the rising frequency of attacks and the development of better detection capabilities.
- Attackers constantly adapt their techniques to exploit new vulnerabilities and create innovative attacks.
- Defenders counter these attacks by developing new defensive technologies.
Techno-Criminals vs Cyber-Criminals
- Techno-criminals use technology to commit traditional crimes, while cyber-criminals exploit computers and the internet.
Skimmers: A Case Study
- Skimmers are physical devices designed to steal credit card data by swiping cards and storing the data internally.
- Skimmers are commonly used in restaurants, coffee shops, and other retail outlets.
- ATM skimmers have become increasingly popular, typically placed on top of ATM machines.
- Modern skimmers can transmit captured data wirelessly, often incorporating tiny cameras to record PINs.
- The components for building skimmers are readily available online and in the criminal underground.
Empirical Data
- Understanding the “Big Picture” is crucial for organizations to analyze how they are compromised, especially regarding the understanding of the “why” rather than just the “how”.
- This chapter offers a few concrete examples to illustrate the reality of hacking and counter-hacking, along with assumptions about how these events unfolded.
- The data is compiled from real-world sources, such as:
- News reports
- Data leaks from attackers
- Information shared by cybersecurity researchers and organizations
- There are several hurdles in obtaining accurate data:
- Many incidents are undetected, unreported, or reported with limited information.
- Some facts about compromises might be inaccurate or misleading.
The Problem with Our Data Set
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) primarily prioritize stealth while compromising organizations, leaving few traces behind unless absolutely necessary for maintaining access to target systems.
- Many organizations choose not to report compromises due to factors like fear of:
- Negative publicity
- Loss of customer confidence
- Potential legal ramifications
- This pattern is shifting:
- The increasing frequency of attacks is encouraging organizations to report incidents.
- A greater ability to detect breaches is also prompting more reporting.
- The strategies and techniques employed by attackers are consistently evolving.
- They capitalize on newly discovered vulnerabilities and create innovative attack methods.
- Defenders in turn develop new defensive measures to counteract these attacks.
Techno-Criminals and Skimmers
- A distinction is made between "techno-criminals" and "cyber-criminals".
- Techno-criminals use technology as a tool to commit traditional crimes.
- Cyber-criminals utilize computers and the internet as the primary tools for their criminal activities.
- Skimmers are physical devices that capture credit card data.
- Designed to be physically attached to credit card readers and store card information.
- Commonly found in places like restaurants, coffee shops, and retail establishments.
- Recent developments:
- Skimmers are now found in ATMs, often placed over the card slot.
- New skimmers can transmit stolen data through text messages or other wireless channels.
- Many skimmers come equipped with tiny cameras to capture user PINs.
- These tools are easily accessible for purchase on the internet and through criminal networks.
Evolution of Skimmers
- ATM skimmers are now commonly seen, and their design has evolved.
- Often found placed on top of or in front of ATM card slots.
- New skimmers can transmit data via text messages or wireless technologies.
- Many skimmers include mini-cameras to capture PIN data.
- These sophisticated tools are readily available for purchase online and through criminal networks.
Understanding Compromises with Empirical Data
- The text argues that organizations need to understand the "big picture" of how their environment may be compromised.
- The text uses anecdotal evidence and real-world examples to highlight the challenges of understanding cyber attacks.
- Examples for data come from various sources like news reports, data dumps from attackers, and security researchers.
Imperfect and Limited Data
- There are numerous challenges to collecting and analyzing data related to cyberattacks:
- Many compromises aren't reported.
- Even if discovered, compromises aren't always reported.
- Full details or correct information aren't always available for every compromise.
Attacker Tactics
- Adversaries often use stealthy methods to maintain access without leaving behind traces on compromised systems.
- Organizations may be hesitant to report compromises due to concerns about reputation damage, legal consequences, and financial losses.
- The report states that attackers use a "constantly changing" set of strategies and techniques to exploit new weaknesses and create new attacks.
Techno-Criminals vs. Cyber-Criminals
- A distinction is made between techno-criminals and cyber-criminals, with techno-criminals relying on technology to enhance traditional crime, while cyber-criminals use computers or the internet for criminal activities.
Emergence of Skimmers
- Physical devices called skimmers are used to steal credit card data by capturing and storing data during a card swipe at retail locations.
- Advanced skimmers can transmit captured data via wireless technologies, with some even equipped with small cameras to capture user PIN data.
- Skimmers are easily accessible through online marketplaces and criminal underground channels.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz explores the importance of empirical knowledge in understanding organizational security compromises. It discusses various sources of empirical data, challenges faced with data availability, and the stealthy tactics used by Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Equip yourself with the insights needed to develop effective security strategies.