Insights

When cyber criminals go after routers and switches, it's not noise. It's control.This week, reports confirmed that threat actors are exploiting a critical vulnerability in Cisco's SNMP implementation (CVE 2025 20352) to deploy a rootkit on network switches. It's another reminder that the infrastructure we rely on to see and defend our networks can also be turned against us. At Critical Path Security, we've seen how these attacks evolve. A simple SNMP exposure turns into silent persistence, lateral movement, and data manipulation inside critical environments. This one is especially dangerous. What Happened Cisco IOS and IOS XE systems running certain builds are vulnerable to remote code execution through their SNMP stack. Once cyber criminals reach the SNMP interface, often left open for device management, they can execute code as root. The exploit, active in the wild before Cisco's advisory, targets several popular switch families: 9400, 9300, and the legacy 3750G.…

Why OT Operators Must Maintain a Continuously Updated System Inventory In August 2025, regulatory and cybersecurity agencies from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany jointly released new guidance urging OT owners and operators to create and sustain a definitive, continually updated record of their OT architecture. A follow-on document, joined by the United Kingdom, expands upon how organizations can leverage asset inventories, software bills of materials (SBOMs), and other data sources to build this "definitive record." Why is this so urgent? In short: without a living, accurate map of what's in your environment, security teams can't reliably assess risk, detect vulnerabilities, or respond confidently to incidents. As the guidance notes: "Establishing a definitive record … allows you to effectively assess risks and implement the proportionate security controls. Rather than focusing solely on individual assets, a holistic approach enables you to consider the broader context …"…

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a widely used protocol for managing network devices and monitoring system performance. While SNMP provides a convenient way to configure and manage networks, its legacy protocols - SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c - have significant security vulnerabilities that can put your network at risk. In this article, we'll explore the importance of using SNMPv3 and why it's essential for protecting your network from unauthorized access. The Risks of Legacy SNMP Protocols SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c are vulnerable to several types of attacks, including: Community string exposure: In these protocols, community strings are used to authenticate users. If these strings are not properly secured, they can be accessed by unauthorized users, either directly or through phishing attacks. Weak encryption: SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c use weak encryption algorithms, making it easy for attackers to intercept and manipulate data. Lack of authentication: These protocols do not provide robust authentication mechanisms, allowing…

We are proud to share that Patrick Kelley, founder and CEO of Critical Path Security, has been invited to join the Advisory Council of Cybermindz - an organization dedicated to strengthening the mental resilience of cybersecurity professionals. Cybermindz is leading an effort that is as critical as it is overdue: defending our defenders. Through neuroscience-backed approaches and resilience training, they focus on helping cybersecurity operators manage stress, avoid burnout, and sustain clarity in some of the most demanding professional environments. Patrick brings nearly 30 years of frontline experience in IT and cybersecurity to the Advisory Council, along with his longstanding commitment to addressing the mental health challenges that come with this profession. His own journey has reinforced the truth that no amount of technology can succeed without the people who stand behind it. "Cybersecurity is about resilience," Patrick notes. "And resilience starts with people. I'm honoured to contribute to Cybermindz's…