CyberFreakz

Splunk SIEM: A Tutorial Guide 1. Installation : Download: Splunk offers various versions including Enterprise and Free. Depending on your needs, navigate to Splunk's official website and choose the version that suits you. Installation Steps: On Linux, the installation is often via tarball. On Windows, it's an executable installer. Follow the installation wizard steps, ensuring you allocate enough space for your data needs. Initial Setup: When you first access Splunk Web at http://localhost:8000, you'll be guided to set up an admin account.It's vital to choose a strong password given the sensitive nature of log data. 2. Data Input : Splunk's strength lies in its ability to index varied data sources. Files & Directories: You can specify local directories or files for Splunk to monitor. For instance, you could direct Splunk to monitor a local syslog directory. Network Data: Splunk can listen on specific network ports for incoming data. This is particularly useful

Secure Software Development Lifecycle Using NIST . Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) is a systematic process to incorporate security at every phase of software development. With the rise in cyber threats and the increasing reliance on software systems, ensuring software security is no longer an option but a necessity. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides comprehensive guidelines to integrate security throughout the software development process.  Why Use NIST for SSDLC? NIST is a globally recognized institution, and its guidelines serve as a standard in various sectors, including government, commercial, and non-profit. They are designed to be adaptable, allowing organizations to tailor them according to their specific requirements. NIST Guided SSDLC Phases 1.Preparation Phase : Before actual development begins, set the context for security: 1.Requirement Analysis : Identify and document security requirements alongside functional requ

10 Best Cyber Security Practices. **10 Best Security Practices for Everyday Users based on NCSC Guidance:** 1. **Use Strong, Unique Passwords:**      - Use three random words to create a strong password. For example: 'CoffeeTrainBook'.    - Do not reuse passwords across multiple sites or services.    - Avoid easily guessable passwords like 'password123' or 'letmein'. 2. **Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):**    - Whenever possible, enable 2FA for online accounts. This provides an additional layer of security beyond just a password.    - Use authenticator apps, SMS codes, or hardware tokens as the second factor. 3. **Regularly Update Software:**      - Always keep operating systems, apps, and software up to date.    - Enable automatic updates when possible to ensure that you receive the latest security patches. 4. **Backup Important Data:**     - Regularly back up important data, whether it's photos, documents, or other files.    - Use both online (cl

The CyberFreakz Professor speaks about Social Media . OPINION Good day, dear reader! I must say, I find myself in quite a state of agitation today. It seems that the world has gone mad for this thing called "social media", and I fear for the consequences. You see, my dear friend, social media is a treacherous beast, lurking in the shadows of our devices, waiting to pounce on our unsuspecting minds. It promises connection, entertainment, and information, but what it delivers is quite the opposite. First and foremost, social media is a breeding ground for falsehoods and deceit. It allows anyone to spread misinformation, without any accountability or fact-checking. The result is a public discourse filled with lies and half-truths, leading to confusion and polarization. Furthermore, social media is a hotbed for addiction and mental health issues. It has been shown to increase anxiety, depression, and loneliness, as well as causing sleep disturbance and reduced self-esteem. The co

Multi Factor Authentication   In today's digital age, where almost everything is accessible online, cybersecurity has become more critical than ever before. With the rise of cyber attacks, businesses and individuals are always at risk of having their sensitive data compromised. Passwords are no longer enough to protect your online accounts from being hacked. Therefore, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) has become a popular security solution for protecting against cyber threats. In this article, we will discuss why you need to use MFA and the benefits it offers. MFA is a security process that requires two or more authentication methods to verify the identity of a user. Typically, MFA uses a combination of something you know (such as a password), something you have (such as a mobile device), or something you are (such as biometrics). This additional layer of security provides more protection than a password alone, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your acc

Google Ads Being Used To Distribute Malware Downloader "BATLOADER" The cybercriminals behind the malware downloader BATLOADER have recently been found to be using Google Ads to distribute secondary payloads, such as Vidar Stealer and Ursnif. The attackers are using malicious ads to impersonate legitimate apps and services like Adobe, OpenAPI's ChatGPT, Spotify, Tableau, and Zoom.   BATLOADER is a loader responsible for disseminating next-stage malware, including information stealers, banking malware, Cobalt Strike, and even ransomware. The malware is known for its software impersonation tactics for malware delivery, achieved by setting up fake websites that host Windows installer files that masquerade as legitimate apps to trick users into clicking rogue ads on the Google search results page. Once launched, the MSI installer files execute Python scripts that contain the BATLOADER payload, which retrieves the next-stage malware from a remote server. This marks a slight shi

What Is The OSI Model? Here at CyberFreakz, we like to educate as well as inform. Today, we will be discussing the OSI model. The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework that defines how data is transmitted over a network. It is a seven-layer model that was created in 1984 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to facilitate communication between different computer systems. In this blog, we will go over each layer of the OSI model and explain their functions.   Layer 1 - Physical Layer : The physical layer is the first layer of the OSI model. It is responsible for the physical transmission of data over a network. This layer defines the physical characteristics of the network, such as the cable types, connectors, and transmission rates. It also defines the way that data is represented and transmitted over the network. Layer 2 - Data Link Layer : The data link layer is responsible for the reliable transmission of data between two devices.

Neurological Implants: Benefits, Risks, and Privacy Concerns. Neurological implants are a rapidly emerging technology that holds great promise for the treatment of a variety of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and chronic pain. However, as with any new technology, there are concerns about the potential for malicious use and privacy violations.   One of the main concerns with neurologic implants is that they could be used for mind control or other nefarious purposes. For example, a hacker could potentially gain access to someone's implant and use it to manipulate their thoughts or actions. This could be done through a variety of means, including altering the programming of the implant or using it to deliver electrical signals to specific parts of the brain. Another concern is that the data collected by these implants could be used for surveillance purposes. For example, if a government agency were to gain access to the data from someone's impl

Supercomputers vs Quantum Computers: Understanding the Fundamental Differences.  (Mini Post) Supercomputers are a type of computer that can perform complex calculations and simulations at a very high speed. They are designed to handle large amounts of data and are often used in scientific research, engineering, and other fields that require heavy computational power. Supercomputers work by using a large number of processors or cores working in parallel to solve a problem. Quantum computers , on the other hand, are a new type of computing technology that use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations. They can perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers, particularly for problems that involve complex algorithms or large amounts of data. Quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits , which can represent multiple states at once and are subject to quantum entanglement, to perform calculations. In summary, while both supercomputers and quan

Keep Your Kids Safe Online.   As the internet becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it's increasingly important to ensure that our children are safe while using it. The internet can be a great resource for learning and entertainment, but it also presents numerous dangers. In this blog post, we'll cover some tips and strategies for keeping your child safe online. Set ground rules and boundaries. One of the most important things you can do to keep your child safe online is to set clear ground rules and boundaries. This can include things like limiting screen time, restricting access to certain websites and apps, and monitoring their online activity. Use parental controls. Most devices and operating systems come with built-in parental controls that can help you manage your child's online activity. These controls can allow you to block certain websites, set time limits, and restrict access to specific apps and features. Educate your child about online safety. Teaching y

Driver Booster or Driver Breaker? Driver Booster is a popular software that claims to update outdated drivers on your system. While it may seem like a convenient solution for keeping your drivers up to date, there are several reasons why users should avoid installing this software on their system. In this blog post, we will discuss the risks associated with using Driver Booster and why it is not recommended for users. 1. The software may install outdated or incorrect drivers One of the main concerns with using Driver Booster is that it may install outdated or incorrect drivers on your system. While the software claims to update all the drivers on your system, it may not always be able to find the most up-to-date versions. This can cause compatibility issues, system crashes, and other problems that can be difficult to troubleshoot. 2. It may install malware on your system Another major concern with using Driver Booster is that it may install malware on your system. Some versions of the

The Logic Locker Ransomware Worm that affects mainly Allen Bradley PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). In recent years, ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent, and the threat continues to grow. One particularly dangerous strain of ransomware is known as LogicLocker. This cross-vendor ransomware worm can cause serious damage to industrial control systems, specifically targeting programmable logic controllers (PLCs) like Allen Bradley's MicroLogix 1400. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at LogicLocker and explore what you can do to protect your systems from this threat. What is LogicLocker? LogicLocker is a type of ransomware that targets industrial control systems (ICS), including PLCs. It is a self-replicating worm that spreads through vulnerable networks and infects other devices. LogicLocker uses a variety of tactics to spread, including exploiting vulnerabilities in software and brute-force attacks against weak passwords. Once LogicLocker infects a sys