Tag Archive for: Steps

DVIDS – News – Semper supra: Guardian instructor steps above the rest



Sgt. Anastacia Lange, 333rd Training Squadron Cyber Warfare Operator (CWO) course instructor, is breaking barriers as the first Guardian and the first female instructor in the course’s history.

The 333rd TRS at Keesler provides officer communications and cyber warfare initial skills training, enlisted cyber warfare initial skills training, as well as initial and advanced training on spectrum operations. The squadron is also responsible for the development, revision and instruction of network courses supporting global command and control operations.

The CWO course teaches students to develop, sustain and enhance cyber warfare capabilities in order attack adversary interests while at the same time defending U.S. national interests from attack. Airmen and Guardians alike must be able to flex and change as rapidly as the cyber field changes.

Shortly after the Space Force was officially founded in 2019, members of the newest branch began to attend cyber warfare courses within the 333rd TRS. The squadron identified a need to give new Guardians representation in the course, as well as have someone who could unite new Space Force operational needs with current technical training structures.

One individual stood out amongst her peers.

“I asked the Instructor Supervisors if we had any rockstar Guardians and they unanimously suggested Sgt. Lange,” said Master Sgt. Kyle Griffin, former 333rd TRS flight chief. “She could already tie concepts in CWO back to Guardian objectives and was intelligent, motivated and well-spoken. I asked her if she had an interest in being an instructor someday, and she said yes.”

Joining the 333rd TRS instructor cadre isn’t the first time Lange has embraced uncharted territory. While she originally enlisted in the Air Force, she knew she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to be a part of the newest branch.

“How often do we get to see a whole new force structure being established?”, said Lange. “It got me thinking that there is no other opportunity to make a difference and establish the kind of force that I want to see than by…

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US military steps up cyberwarfare effort | | elpasoinc.com – El Paso Inc.



US military steps up cyberwarfare effort | | elpasoinc.com  El Paso Inc.

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Windows PCs are now being hit by dangerous malware — here’s the steps you need to take to stay safe


It’s been a while since we heard about malware hiding in PyPI packages, but researchers have now reported finding almost a dozen lurking on the open source Python Package Index (PyPI) repository.

Cybersecurity researchers from Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs found nine packages delivering the WhiteSnake Stealer. The packages are called nigpal, figflix, telerer, seGMM, fbdebug, sGMM, myGens, NewGends, and TestLibs111. WhiteSnake is a Windows infostealer, capable of working around antivirus programs, and communicates with the C2 server via the Tor protocol, the researchers explained.

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Essential steps to prevent a ransomware attack


While preventing ransomware may sound like a fairly routine exercise for IT professionals with the right infrastructure and resources, the reality is that many businesses still fall victim to sophisticated cyber attacks. Recent statistics point to a 70% increase in ransomware attacks on UK businesses, with the UK proving to be the second most targeted region for cybercrime.

In addition, the evolving digital landscape necessitates innovative ways of building resilience and for businesses to expect the unexpected in uncharted territory.

Ransomware is still a thorn in the side of UK institutions and businesses

The premise of ransomware remains much the same as it always has: with malware encrypting files and data and grinding operations to a halt, followed by demands of (often extortionate) ransom payments in exchange for a decryption key. The coordinated Conti and Ryuk ransomware attacks affected 149 British victims and — across hospitals, schools, councils and businesses — extorted about £27 million. This resulted in sanctions on seven Russian nationals courtesy of concerted action against international cybercriminals.

Notable recent attacks have included the Greater Manchester police force, Royal Mail and The Guardian. If these established institutions and companies can fall victim to this highly intricate and malicious form of cybercrime it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect against it. Businesses must invest in more robust defence strategies and make suitable preparations. Not only should this be in relation to the containment and isolation of threats, but also in terms of their disaster recovery efforts and long term preservation of their reputation.

The growing ransomware landscape has made many business leaders question whether paying a cybercriminal’s ransom is the most effective way to minimise harm. This prompted the release of an in-depth financial sanctions and ransomware whitepaper from the UK government, vehemently advising against such a move. Proactive prevention is far more effective than a reactionary response.

5 Steps to developing a strong ransomware prevention strategy

The five steps outlined below should form a loose…

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