Short Takes – 7-13-23

Beware of Big Head Ransomware: Spreading Through Fake Windows Updates. TheHackerNews.com article. Pull quote: “"One Big Head ransomware variant displays a fake Windows Update, potentially indicating that the ransomware was also distributed as a fake Windows Update," Fortinet researchers said at the time. "One of the variants has a Microsoft Word icon and was likely distributed as counterfeit software."” Interesting timing of article for malware that was discovered “by Fortinet FortiGuard Labs last month”.

North Korea launched Hwasong-18 ICBM as show of force against US: State media. NKNews.org article. Pyongyang watching (like old Kremlin watching) pull quote: “Top political aide Jo Yong Won appeared in photos of the launch, while Kim Jong Un’s wife Ri Sol Ju appeared in the background. The Rodong Sinmun did not mention Kim’s daughter in its report or publish images of her at the launch, and she did not appear in a state TV report later Thursday morning either.”

Growing reliance on satellites requires new approach to cybersecurity in space, expert says. CyberScoop.com article. Lite overview with a couple of interesting links. Pull quote: “More cybersecurity officials in the U.S. and abroad are turning their attention to the cybersecurity of space systems especially since one of the most significant cyberattacks of the Ukraine war involved targeting the American company Viasat, which provides satellite internet service in Europe.”

Defending Against Drones: What Security Pros Need to Know. DiscoverISC.com interview. Pull quote: “A great place to start is with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FAA. DHS has created a fact sheet to promote better understanding of the process.  I’d also recommend reviewing all of the major documents I’ve spoken about in the interview.  The chronological order of each is important to understand to monitor progress.”

House debates controversial amendments for defense bill. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “Among the most controversial of the amendments was one that would prohibit the secretary of Defense from paying for or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services, which passed 221-213.”

Russian General Slams ‘Treacherous’ Top Brass in Post-Mutiny Audio. TheMoscowTimes.com article. Pull quote: ““As many commanders said today, our army could not be penetrated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the frontline, it was hit from the rear by our senior chief, treacherously and nefariously decapitating the army at the most difficult and tense moment.””

Senate panel wants to green-light US military cyber ops against Mexican cartels. DefenseScoop.com article. Pull quote: “A provision in the Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act would allow the secretary of defense, along with other federal agencies and in consultation with the Mexican government, to “conduct detection, monitoring, and other operations in cyberspace to counter Mexican transnational criminal organizations that are engaged” in a variety of activities that cross the southern U.S. border.”