The Register: Cisco confirms ‘ongoing investigation’ after crims brag about selling tons of data

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/15/cisco_confirm_ongoing_investigation/
Source: The Register
Title: Cisco confirms ‘ongoing investigation’ after crims brag about selling tons of data

Feedly Summary: IntelBroker claims the breach impacts Microsoft, SAP, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, and more
Cisco has confirmed it is investigating claims of stealing — and now selling — data belonging to the networking giant.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses a serious data breach involving Cisco in which sensitive files, source code, and credentials may have been stolen and are being sold on the dark web. This incident raises significant concerns regarding information security, risk management, and the implications for businesses affected by the breach.

Detailed Description:

– **Overview of the Incident**: Cisco is currently investigating claims relating to the theft and potential sale of sensitive data, including an array of project information and source code, reportedly stolen by cybercriminals operating on the dark web.
– **Allegations of Data Theft**:
– The alleged breach involved sales of a variety of sensitive materials, such as:
– GitHub and GitLab projects
– Hardcoded credentials
– API tokens
– AWS and Azure storage access
– Source code and confidential documents
– SSL certificates
– **Criminal Network Involved**:
– The alleged perpetrators, operating under the moniker “IntelBroker,” claim to have collaborated with other intruders, suggesting a coordinated attack strategy among cybercriminals.
– **Implications for Affected Companies**: The names of several major corporations, including Microsoft and Verizon, were mentioned as potential victims, highlighting the widespread impact of the breach.
– **Vendor Response**:
– Cisco has declined to confirm specific details, updating stakeholders only minimally. However, SAP confirmed awareness of the claims and stated that they are investigating the situation with their security teams.
– **Vulnerability Context**: The text notes a potential link to a prior attack earlier in the year that involved a Cisco site, raising questions about the company’s security posture.
– **Threat Landscape**: This breach, if confirmed, reflects ongoing vulnerabilities in major corporate infrastructures and signifies a larger trend of increasing cyber threats against significant technology entities, emphasizing the need for robust security measures.

**Key Takeaways for Security and Compliance Professionals**:
– **Risk Assessment**: Organizations should evaluate their exposure and risk given the proliferation of sophisticated cybercriminals.
– **Incident Response Planning**: It’s crucial to have a response plan in place for potential breaches, including communication strategies for affected stakeholders.
– **Proactive Security Measures**: Continuous monitoring, updating security protocols, and securing sensitive data should be paramount to prevent similar incidents.
– **Collaboration between Security Teams**: Investigation and cooperation among affected partners are critical in mitigating the impact and resolving breaches swiftly.

The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent vulnerabilities in corporate security systems and the urgent need for enhanced protection mechanisms.