Insights

Water is life. It's not just a dramatic phrase; it's the truth. The Water and Wastewater Systems (WWS) sector keeps us healthy, clean, and functioning as a society. Yet, like any other critical infrastructure, it's under siege-both virtually and physically. Cyber attacks have been steadily climbing the list of concerns, while physical threats linger in the shadows, waiting for someone with a grudge or an agenda. The threat landscape against water systems has grown sharper in focus, from ransomware crippling operations to insiders sabotaging chlorine pumps. And while the impacts may seem isolated, the WWS sector doesn't have the luxury of failure. Let's break down the threats lurking in the water. Cyber Threats: The Silent Intruders 1. Cyber Criminals: Holding Water Hostage Cyber criminals have already proven they can paralyze water utilities. Since late 2020, ransomware attacks against WWS facilities have been disturbingly successful. These attacks typically exploit weak remote…

The most vulnerable points in a web application is the admin login page, which, if exposed, can become a gateway to severe security breaches, data loss, and reputational damage. This report examines the risks associated with exposed admin login pages and outlines actionable strategies to mitigate them. 1. Brute Force Attacks An exposed admin login page is a primary target for brute force attacks, where attackers systematically attempt various username and password combinations. Without adequate security measures, such attempts can lead to unauthorized access. Mitigation Strategies: Account Lockout Policies: Implement lockouts after a predetermined number of failed login attempts. CAPTCHA Integration: Incorporate CAPTCHA to distinguish between human users and automated bots. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an additional layer of authentication to prevent unauthorized access. 2. Credential Stuffing Attackers exploit reused passwords by leveraging credentials obtained from previous breaches. Known as credential stuffing, this technique can be devastating if strong password…

As 2024 draws to a close, one of North America's most iconic tracks, Irwindale Speedway, is preparing to shut its doors forever. This December 21, Ryan Vargas, an American racer with an international footprint, will take part in the track's final late model race, bringing his incredible journey full circle at the place where his racing dreams began. Closing a Chapter in Racing History For 25 years, Irwindale Speedway has been a beloved hub for motorsports enthusiasts, known as "The House of Drifting." The track has hosted countless memorable moments, but this December marks the end of its era. For Ryan Vargas, a native of La Mirada, California, this closure is especially poignant. Growing up just 18 miles away, Irwindale was more than a track; it was the foundation of his passion for racing. Ryan Vargas: Coming Home At 24 years old, Vargas is returning to Irwindale for the first…

At CPS, we take immense pride in our commitment to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity experts. One of the highlights of our ongoing efforts is our CEO, Patrick Kelley, who has been virtually mentoring students in Kenya on the critical topic of cybersecurity. Patrick's dedication to sharing knowledge and empowering young minds is truly inspiring. His mentoring sessions go beyond just teaching technical skills; they aim to ignite passion, encourage problem-solving, and guide students on their journey to becoming leaders in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Through this initiative, we are not only helping to bridge the skills gap in cybersecurity but also creating opportunities for talented individuals in Kenya to thrive in the global tech community. The mentoring sessions have sparked engaging discussions, with students asking thoughtful and impactful questions. What an incredible set of questions from the first session, covering suicide prevention, substance abuse, and cybersecurity: "What is…