TL;DR: Learn how Purple Teams can help your organization identify and combat new cybersecurity threats, as well as why this collaborative approach combining the expertise of Red and Blue Teams is gaining traction. With a competent Purple Team tester, you can enhance your cybersecurity posture, improve team communication and collaboration, and reduce the risk of security incidents.

As cybersecurity evolves, organizations must remain prepared to deal with new threats. As a result, a concept known as a Purple Team has gained traction in recent years. In this blog post, we will examine what Purple Teams are, the skills their members must possess, when to utilize them, the benefits they offer, and how to select a competent Purple Team tester.

Purple Teams: What are they?

A Purple Team is a collaborative group of cybersecurity professionals who combine the expertise of Red Team (offensive) and Blue Team (defensive) specialists. Using the Red and Blue teams' skill sets, the Purple Team identifies and addresses vulnerabilities in an organization's cybersecurity posture. When they work together, they can better identify weaknesses, develop strategies, and implement solutions to protect an organization's digital assets.

The following skills are required of Purple Team members:

A Purple Team member should understand various technologies, platforms, and tools used in cybersecurity, from penetration testing tools to intrusion detection systems.
The team members must be familiar with the latest threat landscape and be capable of analyzing and interpreting intelligence data to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities.
In order to foster a cooperative environment between the Red and Blue Teams, strong communication and collaboration skills are crucial.
To assess situations, identify potential threats, and develop effective mitigation strategies, Purple Team members must possess analytical thinking skills.
As cybersecurity threats continually evolve, team members must be flexible and open to learning new techniques, tools, and methodologies.

Purple teams are helpful when:

Organizations should consider engaging a Purple Team in the following scenarios:

It is essential to identify and address vulnerabilities when conducting regular security assessments.
Evaluate existing security controls following a security breach or incident and identify areas for improvement.
A significant change in infrastructure or technology, such as migrating to the cloud or implementing new applications, may be required.
Ensure that security posture remains strong and current as part of a continuous improvement process.

Benefits of a Purple Team:

An organization that relies on a Purple Team approach will benefit from the expertise of both offensive and defensive cybersecurity professionals, resulting in a more comprehensive evaluation of their security posture.
Purple Teams contribute to developing a unified security strategy by fostering communication and collaboration between Red and Blue Teams.
Continual Learning: By collaborating between the Red and Blue Teams, knowledge gaps are identified, and best practices are shared, improving overall security.
A Purple Team allows organizations to prioritize and address vulnerabilities more efficiently, reducing the risk of breaches and other security incidents.

Selecting a Good Purple Team Tester:

Consider the following factors when searching for a Purple Team tester:

Candidates should possess both offensive and defensive cybersecurity experience.
Testers must possess industry-recognized certifications like CISSP, OSCP, and CEH.
Assess the tester's reputation by reviewing their previous work, client testimonials, and industry recognition.
Testers should be able to effectively communicate their findings, insights, and recommendations to a variety of stakeholders.
Purple Team testers should be able to tailor their testing methodology to your organization's specific needs and requirements.

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Toronto Citizen Lab: Protecting Digital Security and Human Rights in the Age of Cyber Threats

March 8, 2023GeneralEdward Kiledjian

TL;DR: Discover how the Toronto Citizen Lab advances digital security and human rights. Learn more about their notable contributions to cybersecurity, including discovering government-sponsored spyware and their commitment to promoting freedom of expression and access to information. Learn more about this multidisciplinary research center's role in addressing cyber threats in the modern world.

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In an increasingly connected world, cybersecurity has never been more critical. However, increasingly sophisticated and complex cyber threats make it more difficult to defend against them. This is where organizations such as the Toronto Citizen Lab come into play.

It is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to advancing and protecting digital security and human rights. As part of their work, they examine various issues related to cyber threats, such as censorship, surveillance, and online privacy.

Toronto Citizen Lab has significantly contributed to cybersecurity by uncovering and exposing government-sponsored spyware. They have been involved in some high-profile cases, including discovering the Pegasus spyware used by the Mexican government to target journalists and activists.

Besides uncovering malware and phishing attacks, the Citizen Lab has also uncovered a range of other cyber threats. They work closely with academic, industry, and civil society partners to investigate these threats and develop mitigation strategies.

Citizen Lab is not only committed to cybersecurity but also to advancing human rights in the digital age. Their research focuses on online censorship, surveillance, and promoting freedom of expression.

Toronto Citizen Lab is a vital organization that is dedicated to protecting digital security and human rights. In addition to their significant contributions to cybersecurity, they will continue to play a critical role in addressing future cyber threats.

Link: Citizen Lab

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How HR can identify a strong modern CISO candidate

February 7, 2023GeneralEdward Kiledjian

The cybersecurity landscape of today is both dynamic and complex. A new attack may occur at anytime, and new threat actors are constantly devising new ways to target businesses and consumers. Businesses need access to cybersecurity leaders who can identify risks and implement solutions accordingly to stay competitive in this ever-changing cyber ecosystem. Over the past several years, the role of a cybersecurity leader has also evolved. To achieve organizational goals, today's strategists must understand the nuances of the digital world and be able to work with various stakeholders across different departments. Here are some factors that may indicate whether a candidate will be successful as a modern CISO in today's security environment:

Has a clear understanding of end-to-end security

As a leader of an organization's cybersecurity team, the best candidates should understand how the various end-to-end security components interact. In addition, they should have experience working with the security team to identify gaps and requirements in each of these areas. Moreover, these candidates should be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the threat landscape, including how the various threats interact with the company's assets and infrastructure. Finally, candidates with a strong knowledge of threat modelling and penetration testing will be able to assist the team in preventing security issues and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Deep understanding of threat landscape and current trends

To succeed as a CISO, a person must quickly understand a business' threat landscape and then use this knowledge to make informed decisions. If, for example, a company experiences a breach affecting an employee's record, the candidate should have a comprehensive understanding of how the latest threat landscape and trends could affect the organization. An effective candidate will be able to predict how this scenario might affect the organization, including how it might negatively affect the company's reputation or increase its risk exposure.

Demonstrates digital fluency across operations, technology and culture

A cybersecurity leader must communicate clearly with both internal and external stakeholders. Candidates who can communicate effectively in writing and through visual content (e.g., whiteboards, presentations, etc.) are more likely to succeed than candidates who rely exclusively on written communication. In addition, it is essential to assess how candidates communicate with their teammates. Leading a cybersecurity team may be challenging if candidates need help collaborating with different departments and individuals.

Demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities

The cybersecurity leader of the future must be capable of building strong relationships and fostering strong team cohesion. A candidate must be capable of identifying which stakeholders play a critical role in achieving organizational goals and demonstrate excellent leadership and communication skills to work with them effectively. Modern CISOs should be able to identify and address interpersonal issues (e.g., conflict, miscommunication) within the organization.

Wrapping up

Cybersecurity leaders must understand the various components of security from end to end, including operations, technology, and culture. Additionally, they must be able to see the big picture and utilize their expertise to make informed decisions. In addition, they should be able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and foster strong team cohesion. A successful candidate should possess a number of these qualities. The cybersecurity landscape of today is both dynamic and complex. There is always the possibility that a new attack will emerge at any time, and threat actors are continually developing new methods of targeting businesses and consumers. Business leaders must have access to cybersecurity leaders who can identify risks and implement appropriate solutions in this ever-changing cyber ecosystem. In recent years, the role of a cybersecurity leader has also evolved. The strategist of today must understand the nuances of the digital world and collaborate with various stakeholders across different departments to achieve the organization's goals.

MacPaw releases SpyBuster ti detect Russian apps and stop communication with Russian Servers

March 25, 2022GeneralEdward Kiledjian

MacPaw is a Ukrainian software developer known primarily for its CleanMyMacX and SetApp applications. In addition, the team has developed a new app called SpyBuster. SpyBuster is a Mac-only application that allows users to determine if any applications on their computers are of Russian (or Belarussian) origin or if their data is stored on Russian servers.

Knowing about data stored in Russia is important since Russian authorities can compel local companies to hand over all data (voice calls, data, metadata, etc.) created or stored on Russian servers for the last six months. Metadata must be stored for three years.

SpyBuster can also act as an active firewall blocking all communications with Russian and Belarussian servers.

The scans are performed locally, and the data does not appear to be shared with MacPaw.

SpyBuster is a free software application.

Audit the security of your IOS apps

November 25, 2021GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Checkup on your IOS APPs

In iOS15, IOS applications' security posture became more visible. Apple introduced a powerful tool that you may not be familiar with.

Go to Settings > Privacy
Click on Record App Activity at the bottom of the page
The toggle should be enabled.

It will record a 7-day summary of how often your apps have requested sensitive access (such as microphone, camera, domains they access, etc.).

Once you have enabled it, come back a week later and be amazed. If you are a more technical user, you can export the report as a JSON file.

Unlocking the Power of Purple Teams: A Comprehensive Guide to Enhance Your Cybersecurity Posture