If your phone is having issues, it’s not just you. Verizon is reporting widepread outages this morning. Their outage map doesn’t seem to be working but here is the link:
https://www.verizon.com/support/check-network-status/
Verizon Outage Map
Cybersecurity
Understanding CrowdStrike: A Leader in Cybersecurity
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, one name stands out for its innovative approach and relentless pursuit of excellence: CrowdStrike. Since its inception, CrowdStrike has redefined how organizations think about and implement cybersecurity measures. This blog article delves into the history of CrowdStrike, its core services, and its impact on the cybersecurity industry.
The Genesis of CrowdStrike
CrowdStrike was founded in 2011 by George Kurtz, Dmitri Alperovitch, and Gregg Marston. At the time, the cybersecurity landscape was dominated by traditional antivirus solutions that were often reactive rather than proactive. Kurtz, Alperovitch, and Marston recognized a critical need for a paradigm shift. They envisioned a cloud-native platform that leveraged advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to provide real-time threat detection and response.
Early Innovations and Growth
From the outset, CrowdStrike set itself apart with its Falcon platform, a cloud-based endpoint protection solution that combined next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and managed threat hunting. The Falcon platform’s ability to detect threats in real-time and its cloud-native architecture quickly gained traction in the cybersecurity community.
CrowdStrike’s focus on AI and ML allowed the Falcon platform to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns indicative of cyber threats. This approach enabled CrowdStrike to offer unparalleled threat intelligence and proactive security measures, distinguishing it from traditional antivirus vendors.
High-Profile Successes
CrowdStrike’s reputation for excellence was cemented through its involvement in several high-profile cybersecurity incidents. Notably, in 2016, CrowdStrike was called upon to investigate the Democratic National Committee (DNC) cyber attack. The company’s detailed analysis and attribution of the attack to Russian hacking groups brought international attention and showcased its investigative prowess.
IPO and Continued Innovation
CrowdStrike went public in June 2019, in one of the most successful initial public offerings (IPOs) of the year. The company’s stock surged on its first day of trading, reflecting investor confidence in its business model and future prospects. The funds raised from the IPO allowed CrowdStrike to further invest in research and development, expanding its capabilities and global reach.
Expanding Services and Global Reach
Today, CrowdStrike offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions. In addition to its core Falcon platform, the company provides services such as threat intelligence, incident response, and vulnerability management. CrowdStrike’s cloud-native approach ensures scalability and flexibility, making its solutions suitable for organizations of all sizes.
The company has also expanded its global footprint, establishing offices and data centers around the world to better serve its diverse client base. CrowdStrike’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats has led to partnerships with leading technology companies and continuous enhancements to its platform.
Commitment to the Cybersecurity Community
CrowdStrike is not only a leader in cybersecurity technology but also a staunch advocate for industry collaboration and knowledge sharing. The company regularly publishes threat reports and research findings, contributing valuable insights to the global cybersecurity community. CrowdStrike’s annual cybersecurity conference, Fal.Con, brings together experts from around the world to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the field.
Conclusion
CrowdStrike’s journey from a visionary startup to a global cybersecurity leader is a testament to its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and maintaining a proactive stance on threat detection and response, CrowdStrike has set a new standard in the industry. As cyber threats continue to evolve, CrowdStrike remains at the forefront, dedicated to protecting organizations and ensuring a safer digital world.
The AT&T Outage and More to Come
If you are an AT&T Customer, you are probably experiencing network issues today. It’s still too early to tell- but this is probably the result of bad actors trying to disrupt our society and economy.
Unfortunately, this is going to be an ongoing problem. As powerful as the Internet is, it also is very open. Even secure networks have weaknesses. Many times, these breaches are the result of human error. There have been cases of hackers leaving USB drives around hoping someone inside will plug it in. NASA was famously hacked when an employee plugged in a Raspberry Pi, which all come with standard root access info, and have an easy-to-spot network name.
What can you as a consumer do? Nothing really. Maybe monitor your data. These are issues for governments to solve. Electronic warfare is clearly here and slowing or stopping network traffic is a form of weapon. If you are a Cyber Security Expert and want to add a few lines of defense, you can think about these:
1. Password control. If your team is sharing passwords this could give others the ability to get inside systems. This includes Wi-Fi networks, smart devices and anything connected to your network.
2. Physical security. Who can get in and out of your offices?
3. Outside devices. Personal phones, computers and smart devices that an employee may unknowingly connect to your network and open up a hole.
4. WordPress. Update your plugins. An unattended WordPress site can be easy to access.
5. Monitoring. Even tools like Google Analytics can tell you when there has been a change in web or network traffic.