Cynthia Brumfield
Cynthia Brumfield is a veteran communications and technology analyst who is currently focused on cybersecurity. She runs a cybersecurity news destination site, Metacurity.com.
Sprite Spider emerging as one of the most destructive ransomware threat actors
Having flown under the radar for several years, the Sprite Spider group is using a ransomware code suite that is effective and hard to detect.
SolarWinds hack is quickly reshaping Congress’s cybersecurity agenda
More cybersecurity funding for states and Capitol, new breach reporting rules, and ransomware-related bills will likely be on the agenda for the 117th Congress.
US bulk energy providers must now report attempted breaches
US bulk energy providers must now report attempted breaches as well as successful breaches. Guidance is murky over what constitutes an "attempted" breach.
12 new state privacy and security laws explained: Is your business ready?
States from Maine to California have recently enacted privacy, data security, cybersecurity, and data breach notification laws. Let's break down what each of these laws entails and how businesses and consumers are affected.
How to prepare for the next SolarWinds-like threat
It is possible to minimize the risk from nation-state attacks like SolarWinds. This is the best advice based on what experts have learned so far.
26 Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommendations likely to become law with NDAA passage
Once passed, the National Defense Authorization Act will create a White House cybersecurity director role, expand CISA's capabilities, and create a K-12 security education assistance program.
New AI privacy, security regulations likely coming with pending federal, state bills
CISOs should prepare for new requirements to protect data collected for and generated by artificial intelligence algorithms.
Cybersecurity under fire: CISA’s former deputy director decries post-election vilification
Matt Travis talks about CISA's role in the recent US elections and how President Trump and his surrogates have politicized the security function.
New US IoT law aims to improve edge device security
The Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act will require device manufacturers to meet new security standards for government contracts. Carryover effect expected for the private sector.
China’s exclusion from US 5G market likely to continue with Biden administration
Telecom insiders discuss supply chain security and call for better communication, collaboration, and transparency from the federal government about threats within their industry.
Defining data protection standards could be a hot topic in state legislation in 2021
Some states could follow the New York Shield Act’s lead and set clearer regulatory expectations for reasonable cybersecurity. Election security legislation likely not on the agenda.
Passage of California privacy act could spur similar new regulations in other states
Voters approved the California Privacy Rights and Enforcement Act (CPRA), which in part limits how organizations can use personal data. Legal experts expect other states to follow suit.
US DOJ indictments might force Russian hacker group Sandworm to retool
Experts hope that indictments against six Russian military intelligence agents will make Russia rethink plans to disrupt the US election.
Common pitfalls in attributing cyberattacks
Attack attribution is always difficult as criminal groups often share code and techniques, and nation-state actors excel at deception. Here, security researchers share their techniques and common pitfalls.
Late-game election security: What to watch and watch out for
Despite disruption of the Trickbot botnet network, last-minute leaks of stolen documents and post-election undermining of trust in the election system remain big concerns.
How SilentFade group steals millions from Facebook ad spend accounts
SilentFade steals credentials and ad spend account information and sells the information to other bad actors. The group returned with improved malware after Facebook's initial mitigation efforts.
New FBI strategy seeks to disrupt threat actors, help defenders through better coordination
The FBI sharpens its focus on collaboration among US and foreign government agencies and the private sector. It will acting as a central hub to deal with cybersecurity threats.
CIOs say security must adapt to permanent work-from-home
Both private- and public-sector CIOs see many more employees permanently working remotely, and say security needs to adapt to new threats and how they communicate.
