Daily Cybersecurity Briefing: May 12, 2020

Lead Story: CISA Issues Urgent Advisory on Exploited Vulnerabilities

On May 12, 2020, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI released a critical advisory warning organizations about the most commonly exploited vulnerabilities by foreign cyber actors. As many companies adjusted to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the advisory urged immediate action to patch several Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) that were under active exploitation. This proactive measure was deemed essential to fortify defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats during a time of heightened risk. Organizations were reminded that timely patches could be the difference between security and a breach. CISA Advisory

Secondary Item 1: FortiOS SSL VPN Vulnerability Exploited

Security reports surfaced regarding vulnerability CVE-2020-12812 in Fortinet’s FortiOS SSL VPN, which allowed attackers to bypass two-factor authentication under specific configurations. Fortinet confirmed active exploitation of this flaw, urging users to update their systems immediately to mitigate the threat. This incident illustrates the critical need for vigilance in patch management, especially with the uptick in remote work. The Hacker News

Secondary Item 2: Surge in Cyberattacks on Healthcare Organizations

As organizations pivoted to remote work, healthcare entities reported a staggering 560 ransomware incidents, leading to significant data breaches and service disruptions. The heightened cyberattack surface during the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities that malicious actors capitalized on, threatening patient data security and healthcare operations. This alarming trend underscores the urgency for robust cybersecurity measures in critical sectors. HHS Report

Analyst Perspective

The events of May 12, 2020, highlight the precarious cybersecurity landscape as organizations grappled with the rapid transition to remote operations due to COVID-19. The CISA advisory serves as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by sophisticated cyber actors. With vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-12812 being exploited, organizations must prioritize patching and bolster their defenses to protect sensitive data, particularly in sectors like healthcare that are already under immense strain. As the pandemic continues, the need for vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures has never been more critical.