The Security Detail

Browser security is crucial for protecting personal information and preventing malicious attacks, ensuring safe and private online experiences. In Episode 6 of The Security Detail, Chrome browser customer engineer Fletcher Oliver shares some of the top browser security risks and how to defend against them. We also discuss SURGe research that examines security risks associated with Chrome browser extensions. 
 
Links:
- Chrome Safety: https://www.google.com/chrome/safety/
- Chrome Safe Browsing: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/9890866
- Chrome Enhanced Safe Browsing: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/11577602
- Chrome Enterprise Core: 
https://chromeenterprise.google/
- SURGe research on Chrome browser extension security: https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/add-to-chrome-part-1-an-analysis-of-chrome-browser-extension-security.html
- Google's Permission Risk whitepaper download: https://storage.googleapis.com/support-kms-prod/H67pelgBrKlKSgvA24ooNwVYYx6emmcuJ0LD
- Chrome Enterprise Premium: https://chromeenterprise.google/products/chrome-enterprise-premium/
- Splunk integration in Chrome Enterprise Core: https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/12325467
- Google Chrome App for Splunk: https://splunkbase.splunk.com/app/6896
 
 

Application security is crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of software systems against cyber threats. In this episode, Tanya Janca, head of community and education at Semgrep discusses the importance of “shifting left” in the software development lifecycle, along with the best and worst practices in DevSecOps. Tanya has been coding and working in IT for more than 25 years and is the best-selling author of the book ‘Alice and Bob Learn Application Security’. You can follow Tanya on social media under the handle @SheHacksPurple.
 
Resources: 
Semgrep website: https://semgrep.dev/
'Alice and Bob Learn Application Security': https://www.amazon.com/Alice-Bob-Learn-Application-Security/dp/B097NJSSV8
'Alice and Bob Learn Secure Coding': https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Alice+and+Bob+Learn+Secure+Coding-p-9781394171705
SheHacksPurple YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyxbNw11fMUgoR3XpVYVPIQ
SheHacksPurple website: https://shehackspurple.ca/
OWASP Global AppSec Conference: https://sf.globalappsec.org/
CISA Secure by Design: https://www.cisa.gov/securebydesign
Tanya's RSAC Talk on DevSecOps worst practices: https://www.rsaconference.com/library/Presentation/USA/2023/DevSecOps%20Worst%20Practices
RSAC Presentation: 'The End of DevSecOps?' by DJ Schleen: https://www.rsaconference.com/Library/presentation/usa/2024/the%20end%20of%20devsecops
Executive Order on Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity (SBOMs): https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/05/12/executive-order-on-improving-the-nations-cybersecurity/
 
 

International law establishes norms and frameworks to ensure that States conduct their activities in a manner consistent with principles of sovereignty, responsibility, and human rights. In this episode, François Delerue, Assistant Professor of Law at IE University, discusses the application of international law to cyber operations, including the challenges with attribution and the threshold for cyberwarfare. 
Resources: 
- François Delerue's biography: https://francoisdelerue.eu/
- Cyber Operations and International Law: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cyber-operations-and-international-law/74D210E76E46531542AD27CECF07ABDE
- Tallinn Manual 2.0: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/tallinn-manual-20-on-the-international-law-applicable-to-cyber-operations/E4FFD83EA790D7C4C3C28FC9CA2FB6C9
- "Russia Is Fighting for a Treaty That Could Soon Change the Internet Forever" (Newsweek): https://www.newsweek.com/russia-fighting-treaty-that-could-soon-change-internet-forever-1865118
- Microsoft's Digital Geneva Convention Proposal: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/cybersecurity/content-hub/a-digital-geneva-convention-to-protect-cyberspace
 
 

In episode two of The Security Detail, Audra interviews Liz Wharton, founder of Silver Key Strategies, about her research on using large language models (LLMs) to analyze SEC 8-K filings and other public reporting to gain cybersecurity insights. Liz is an attorney who has two decades of legal, public policy, and business experience, including in cybersecurity. The interview also covers the heightened liability security executives face when reporting material incidents to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 
 
Resources: 
SURGe Minicon talks at .conf24: https://conf.splunk.com/sessions/catalog.html?search=minicon#/
Silver Key Strategies: https://silverkeystrategies.com/about-silver-key
Splunk's 2024 State of Security Report: https://www.splunk.com/en_us/campaigns/state-of-security.html

Veterans bring invaluable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and discipline to the field of cybersecurity, making them highly sought-after candidates in the industry. In this episode, Tom Marsland, board chair of VetSec, explains how the non-profit helps veterans and transitioning military members find employment in the industry. 
Resources: 
VetSec: https://vetsec.org/
Veterans Affairs locations: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/
Til Valhalla Project: https://tilvalhallaproject.com/
Operation Code: https://operationcode.org/
Hiring our Heroes: https://www.hiringourheroes.org/
USO Careers: https://www.uso.org/careers/
Cloud Range: https://www.cloudrangecyber.com/
 
 

In episode 9 of The Security Detail, hear from past interview guests about what they consider to be the most important cybersecurity skill for future practitioners.   

In episode 8 of The Security Detail, hear from past interview guests about their predictions for emerging technology, like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. 
Resources: 
Cipher Brief article: https://www.thecipherbrief.com/how-ai-is-helping-the-u-s-unravel-chinas-dangerous-hacking-operation
 

The MITRE ATT&CK framework provides a standardized taxonomy and knowledge base of adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), enabling organizations to enhance threat detection, response, and mitigation strategies effectively. In this episode, Adam Pennington tells us about the origins of the ATT&CK project, how organizations can effectively leverage it, and the journey that led Adam to his current role as the project's leader.  
 
Resources: 
Mitre ATT&CK website: https://attack.mitre.org/
.conf24 agenda: https://conf.splunk.com/ 
ATT&CKCon Presentations: https://attack.mitre.org/resources/learn-more-about-attack/
ATT&CK Evaluations Program: https://mitre-engenuity.org/cybersecurity/attack-evaluations/
Adam's BSides Talk (Bringing Intelligence into Cyber Deception with MITRE ATT&CK): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL4iLUw1ee8
Adam's DEF CON Talk (Emulating Adversary w Imperfect Intelligence): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXlWY3OnjO0
David Bianco's Pyramid of Pain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xrl6ICxKxI 
Dr. Fetterman’s blog: https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/revisiting-the-big-picture-macro-level-att-ck-updates-for-2023.html

Cybersecurity is crucial for the electric sector to safeguard critical infrastructure from cyber threats and potential disruptions, ensuring the reliable and secure delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, and essential services. In episode 6, Robert M. Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Dragos provides an overview of the top cyber threats facing electric utilities and the role that Dragos plays in strengthening ICS and OT resilience.
 
Resources: 
Dragos Community Defense Program: https://www.dragos.com/community/community-defense-program/
Dragos 2023 OT Cybersecurity Year in Review report: https://www.dragos.com/ot-cybersecurity-year-in-review/
SANS Instructor Biography: https://www.sans.org/profiles/robert-m-lee/
Sandworm book: https://www.amazon.com/Sandworm-Cyberwar-Kremlins-Dangerous-Hackers/dp/0385544405
'U.S. Government Disrupts Botnet People’s Republic of China Used to Conceal Hacking of Critical Infrastructure': https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-government-disrupts-botnet-peoples-republic-china-used-conceal-hacking-critical
'Justice Department Conducts Court-Authorized Disruption of Botnet Controlled by the Russian Federation’s Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff (GRU)': https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-conducts-court-authorized-disruption-botnet-controlled-russian
'A Global Police Operation Just Took Down the Notorious LockBit Ransomware Gang': https://www.wired.com/story/lockbit-ransomware-takedown-website-nca-fbi/
'Sandworm Disrupts Power in Ukraine Using a Novel Attack Against Operational Technology': https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/sandworm-disrupts-power-ukraine-operational-technology
The Five ICS Cybersecurity Critical Controls: https://www.sans.org/white-papers/five-ics-cybersecurity-critical-controls/
SECURING OPERATIONAL TECHNOLOGY: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE WATER SECTOR: https://homeland.house.gov/hearing/securing-operational-technology-a-deep-dive-into-the-water-sector/

The food and agriculture industry is a critical sector that represents nearly a fifth of US economic activity. Businesses in this sector also rely on other important industries such as water, transportation, and energy. In this episode, Jonathan Braley, director of the Food and Ag-ISAC shares the top cyber threats facing the industry, as well as the various services offered through the ISAC. 
 
Resources: 
Food and Agriculture ISAC website: https://www.foodandag-isac.org/
Cybersecurity Guide for Food and Ag Small and Medium Enterprises: https://www.foodandag-isac.org/resources
CISA publication on Chinese-manufactured UAS: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/cybersecurity-guidance-chinese-manufactured-uas