Coveware’s Ransomware Attacks Report for Q4 2020

🚨 Humans Are Still the #1 Cybersecurity Risk

📊 Over 80% of organizations now rank social engineering as their greatest threat.

💡 Here’s the twist: it is not just about phishing emails anymore. Attackers are using deepfakes, urgent voice calls, and even video manipulation to outsmart people in ways firewalls cannot stop.

😱 The shock is not in the tools they use – it is in how easily human behavior is exploited. One click, one reply, one rushed decision can unlock the doors no hacker could force open.

🔍 The data tells us most training programs are outdated. Annual awareness sessions fail because attackers test every single day. The result – mid-market firms are losing millions while attackers refine their playbook.

🔥 What works instead? Recurring simulations that mirror real-world social engineering attacks, combined with dashboards that show CISOs and boards exactly where their human vulnerabilities are hiding.

👥 In 2025, the true security perimeter is people – and it is under constant siege.

📅 Want to see how to transform employees into a resilient defense system? Book your session here: https://calendly.com/aumint/aumint-intro
.

#CISO #CyberSecurity #FraudPrevention #BoardDirectors #RiskManagement #HumanFactor #AwarenessTraining #CyberResilience

🗺 7 Free Threat Maps CISOs Should Bookmark Today 🗺

Seeing cyber attacks unfold in real time changes how you think about defense. Threat maps give CISOs a powerful visual overview of attack activity worldwide – helping teams stay alert, informed, and prepared. Best part? These tools are free.

Here are 7 threat maps worth bookmarking:

1️⃣ Kaspersky Cyberthreat Real-Time Map – Global visualization of malware and phishing.
https://cybermap.kaspersky.com/

2️⃣ FireEye (Trellix) Threat Map – Tracks malicious traffic across regions.
https://threatmap.trellix.com/

3️⃣ Check Point Threat Map – Attack origins and targets updated live.
https://threatmap.checkpoint.com/

4️⃣ Fortinet Threat Map – High-volume global attack telemetry.
https://threatmap.fortiguard.com/

5️⃣ DDoS Attack Map by NETSCOUT – Real-time global DDoS tracking.
https://www.netscout.com/ddos-attack-map

6️⃣ Bitdefender Threat Map – Malware, phishing, and spam attack data.
https://threatmap.bitdefender.com/

7️⃣ Threatbutt Map (satirical yet insightful) – A different take on visualizing attacks.
https://threatbutt.com/map/

🌍 These maps won’t replace intel platforms, but they’re powerful for awareness, briefings, and stakeholder communication.

At AUMINT.io, we help CISOs go beyond watching attacks – by simulating how attackers target employees directly with phishing, vishing, and deepfake tactics.

🔗 Curious how your org would look on a threat map of human factor attacks? Let’s build one together: Book a demo

#ThreatIntelligence #CISO #CyberSecurity #IncidentResponse #AUMINT

⚠️ AI Attacks Are Targeting Manufacturing Now

AI-driven cyberattacks are rapidly disrupting manufacturing operations.

Attackers exploit vulnerabilities across robotics, IoT, ERP, and supply chain systems, causing downtime and financial losses.

Traditional defenses are no longer enough against these adaptive, fast-moving threats.

AUMINT.io helps manufacturers stay ahead with simulations, real-time monitoring, and actionable insights to identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

Preparation is the difference between continuity and costly disruption.

Protect your operations today: https://calendly.com/aumint/aumint-intro

#CyberSecurity #ManufacturingSecurity #AIThreats #IndustrialCyberSecurity #CISO #AUMINT #OperationalResilience

🚀 CISOs: Best Free Tools for Vulnerability Scanning 🚀

Vulnerability scanning is essential to uncover weaknesses before attackers do. You don’t need expensive software to get started — there are robust free tools that every CISO should know.

Here’s a curated list of top free vulnerability scanning tools:

1️⃣ Nmap – Network discovery and security auditing tool.
https://nmap.org/

2️⃣ OpenVAS (Greenbone Vulnerability Manager) – Full-featured vulnerability scanning and management platform.
https://www.greenbone.net/en/community-edition/

3️⃣ Nikto2 – Web server scanner that identifies outdated software and dangerous files.
https://github.com/sullo/nikto

4️⃣ Trivy – Vulnerability scanner for containers, Kubernetes, and cloud-native apps.
https://aquasecurity.github.io/trivy/

5️⃣ OWASP ZAP – Open-source web application security scanner.
https://www.zaproxy.org/

6️⃣ Lynis – Security auditing tool for Unix/Linux systems.
https://cisofy.com/lynis/

7️⃣ Clair – Static analysis for vulnerabilities in Docker and OCI images.
https://github.com/quay/clair

8️⃣ Wapiti – Web application vulnerability scanner for automated testing.
http://wapiti.sourceforge.net/

9️⃣ Vuls – Agentless vulnerability scanner for Linux and FreeBSD systems.
https://vuls.io/

🔟 Metasploit Community Edition – Penetration testing framework with vulnerability scanning capabilities.
https://www.metasploit.com/

Integrating these tools helps CISOs identify risks, prioritize remediation, and strengthen organizational security posture.

Want to see how human risk can compound vulnerabilities? 🧠 AUMINT.io simulates social engineering attacks to uncover employee behaviors that attackers exploit.

📅 Book a free intro call: Schedule here

💾 Save this post and start scanning smarter today!

#CISO #VulnerabilityManagement #CyberSecurity #ThreatDetection #AUMINT

Ransomware attacks are intensifying at an alarming rate, with average ransom payments doubling in just a single quarter. This surge signals a dangerous trend – cybercriminals are becoming increasingly bold and sophisticated, targeting organizations that fail to proactively secure their systems.

The stakes are higher than ever. Businesses are not only losing critical data but also facing massive financial liabilities and reputational damage. Paying ransoms fuels this vicious cycle, encouraging attackers to strike again, often with more aggressive demands.

Traditional cybersecurity defenses are no longer enough. Firewalls, antivirus solutions, and basic backups cannot fully shield organizations from modern ransomware tactics, which include advanced social engineering, double extortion, and AI-enhanced attacks.

AUMINT.io equips organizations with proactive monitoring, attack simulations, and actionable insights to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. By simulating real-world ransomware scenarios, security teams can pinpoint gaps in defenses, educate employees on risk behaviors, and implement measures that prevent attacks from succeeding.

The message is clear: ignoring the ransomware threat is no longer an option. Organizations that take decisive, informed action today can protect their assets, maintain business continuity, and deter attackers from targeting them in the first place.

Take action now and secure your organization’s future: https://calendly.com/aumint/aumint-intro🚨 Ransomware Costs Have Doubled This Quarter

Ransomware payments have surged, doubling in a single quarter.

Attackers are targeting unprepared organizations, leveraging advanced tactics and social engineering to extract huge sums.

The financial impact is devastating, but reputational damage and operational disruption can be even worse.

Traditional defenses like firewalls and antivirus software are no longer enough to stop modern ransomware threats.

AUMINT.io helps organizations stay ahead with proactive simulations, real-time monitoring, and actionable insights to prevent attacks before they happen.

Secure your systems and protect your business now: https://calendly.com/aumint/aumint-intro

#CyberSecurity #Ransomware #FraudPrevention #SocialEngineering #CISO #AUMINT #EnterpriseSecurity

📚 CISOs: Free Incident Response Guides Every Leader Should Download 📚

When an incident strikes, preparation is everything. A well-structured guide can mean the difference between chaos and a coordinated response.

Here’s a list of essential free incident response guides every CISO should have in their toolkit:

1️⃣ SANS Incident Handler’s Handbook – Classic, actionable guidance used worldwide.
https://www.sans.org/reading-room/whitepapers/incident/incident-handlers-handbook-33901

2️⃣ NIST SP 800-61r2 – Comprehensive Computer Security Incident Handling Guide.
https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-61/rev-2/final

3️⃣ CERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM) – Focus on resilience through repeatable IR processes.
https://resources.sei.cmu.edu/library/asset-view.cfm?assetid=508839

4️⃣ MITRE ATT&CK Playbooks – Align responses to attacker tactics and techniques.
https://attack.mitre.org/resources/playbooks/

5️⃣ CISA Incident Response Playbook – Structured approach recommended by the US government.
https://www.cisa.gov/publication/cisa-incident-response-playbook

6️⃣ FIRST CSIRT Services Framework – Best practices for coordination, analysis, and communication.
https://www.first.org/standards/framework

7️⃣ ENISA Good Practice Guide for Incident Management – EU-focused guidance for managing incidents effectively.
https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/guidelines-incident-management

Using these guides allows CISOs to train teams, standardize processes, and respond faster to contain threats.

Want to go beyond technical response and measure human risk? 🧠 AUMINT.io simulates social engineering attacks to provide actionable insights into employee vulnerabilities.

📅 Book a free intro call today: Schedule here

💾 Save this post and keep these guides at your fingertips!

#CISO #IncidentResponse #CyberSecurity #SOC #AUMINT

⚠️ Legal Language Could Trick Your AI Systems

Generative AI is under attack in ways most organizations aren’t prepared for.

Cybercriminals are exploiting AI’s understanding of legal phrasing to manipulate automated decisions, bypassing traditional security measures.

Deceptive instructions embedded in contracts, policies, or communications may seem legitimate to humans but can trigger unauthorized actions in AI systems.

The risks are clear: financial loss, operational disruption, and reputational damage are just a single clever instruction away.

AUMINT.io offers real-time monitoring and anomaly detection for AI workflows, giving enterprises the insight needed to prevent manipulation before damage occurs.

Stay ahead of AI-targeted attacks: https://calendly.com/aumint/aumint-intro

#CyberSecurity #AIThreats #FraudPrevention #SocialEngineering #CISO #AUMINT #EnterpriseSecurity

🛠️ CISOs: 10 Free Open-Source Security Tools You Need 🛠️

Managing cybersecurity doesn’t have to come with a huge price tag. Open-source tools provide powerful protection, detection, and monitoring without the licensing costs.

Here’s a curated list of 10 free open-source security tools every CISO should know:

1️⃣ Wazuh – SIEM and endpoint monitoring platform for threat detection and compliance.

2️⃣ OSQuery – Query endpoints with SQL-like commands for visibility and auditing.
https://osquery.io/

3️⃣ MISP (Malware Information Sharing Platform) – Share, store, and consume threat intelligence.
https://www.misp-project.org/

4️⃣ TheHive Project – Collaborative incident response and case management platform.
https://thehive-project.org/

5️⃣ Cortex – Analysis engine to automate threat investigation workflows.
https://www.theforeman.org/plugins/cortex/

6️⃣ GRR Rapid Response – Remote live forensics and incident response framework.
https://github.com/google/grr

7️⃣ Security Onion – Linux distro packed with monitoring, detection, and threat hunting tools.
https://securityonionsolutions.com/

8️⃣ Nikto2 – Web server scanner to detect dangerous files and outdated software.
https://github.com/sullo/nikto

9️⃣ Trivy – Container and Kubernetes vulnerability scanner.
https://aquasecurity.github.io/trivy/

🔟 MITRE ATT&CK Navigator – Visualize attacker tactics and techniques for improved defense.
https://attack.mitre.org/

Combine these tools to build a strong security foundation, enhance visibility, and respond to threats faster.

Want to identify human risk vulnerabilities that tech can’t catch? 🧠 AUMINT.io simulates social engineering attacks and provides actionable insights for CISOs.

📅 Book a free intro call: Schedule here

💾 Save this post and strengthen your security posture today!

#CISO #OpenSourceSecurity #CyberTools #ThreatDetection #AUMINT

🕵️ Executive PII Risks Require Constant Monitoring

High-profile executives are prime targets for cybercriminals.

Even minor exposures of executive personal information can trigger phishing, fraud, or social engineering attacks that jeopardize both the individual and the organization.

Static security checks are no longer enough. Executives often share data across multiple devices and personal channels, creating constant exposure opportunities.

Continuous monitoring detects leaks, unusual activity, and potential misuse before full-scale breaches occur.

AUMINT.io provides real-time executive PII monitoring, alerting, and actionable insights to secure both the executive and enterprise.

Protect your leadership and organizational security today: https://calendly.com/aumint/aumint-intro

#Cybersecurity #ExecutiveProtection #FraudPrevention #SocialEngineering #CISO #AUMINT #EnterpriseSecurity

📊 CISOs: Essential Free Risk Assessment Templates 📊

Risk assessments are the backbone of any cybersecurity strategy. But building them from scratch takes time, effort, and expertise. Luckily, there are free templates that help CISOs identify, analyze, and mitigate risks efficiently.

Here’s a list of must-have free risk assessment templates for CISOs:

1️⃣ NIST Cybersecurity Framework Risk Assessment Template – Aligns risks to NIST CSF categories for structured analysis.
https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework

2️⃣ CISA Risk Assessment Templates – Ready-to-use templates for critical infrastructure and IT systems.
https://www.cisa.gov/publication/cyber-essentials-risk-assessment

3️⃣ ISO/IEC 27005 Risk Assessment Template – Comprehensive framework for information security risk management.
https://www.iso.org/standard/75281.html

4️⃣ SANS Security Policy Templates – Includes risk assessment worksheets for different business units.
https://www.sans.org/information-security-policy/

5️⃣ OWASP Risk Assessment Template – Focused on application and web security risks.
https://owasp.org/www-project-risk-assessment/

6️⃣ ISACA Risk IT Templates – Aligns IT risk with business objectives and compliance requirements.
https://www.isaca.org/resources

7️⃣ Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Cloud Controls Matrix – Template for assessing cloud service provider risks.
https://cloudsecurityalliance.org/research/

Using these templates allows CISOs to standardize assessments, communicate risk effectively to stakeholders, and prioritize mitigation strategies.

Want to see how human factors impact risk beyond technology? 🧠 AUMINT.io provides social engineering simulations that highlight hidden vulnerabilities in your organization.

📅 Book a free intro call: Schedule here

💾 Save this post and start streamlining your risk assessments today!

#CISO #RiskAssessment #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #HumanRisk #AUMINT