In a collaborative effort, cybersecurity agencies from the Five Eyes alliance, comprising the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S., have released new guidelines aimed at improving the forensic capabilities of network edge devices. This initiative seeks to bolster the ability of defenders to identify and respond to cyber threats effectively.

Targeted Devices and Associated Risks

Network edge devices such as firewalls, routers, VPN gateways, internet-facing servers, operational technology (OT) systems, and IoT devices are frequently targeted by cybercriminals. These devices are often vulnerable due to their lack of support for Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, making them prime targets for both state-sponsored and financially motivated attacks.

Common vulnerabilities in these devices include outdated firmware, weak authentication protocols, and insecure default configurations. Additionally, limited logging capabilities hinder security teams' ability to detect and respond to breaches effectively.

Importance of Forensic Visibility

Due to their strategic position at the network's edge, these devices handle significant amounts of corporate traffic, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to monitor traffic and gather credentials. The lack of forensic visibility can lead to severe consequences, including costly and damaging breaches.

To mitigate these risks, the agencies recommend that manufacturers incorporate robust logging and forensic features by default, enabling network defenders to detect and investigate malicious activities more efficiently.

Recommendations for Network Defenders

  • Ensure devices support comprehensive logging and forensic capabilities.
  • Regularly update firmware and employ strong authentication measures.
  • Consider forensic visibility as a key criterion when selecting network devices.

Recent Threats and Responses

In recent years, cyber attackers have persistently targeted edge devices from manufacturers like Fortinet, Palo Alto, Ivanti, SonicWall, TP-Link, and Cisco. In response, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued several "Secure by Design" alerts. One notable alert in July 2024 urged vendors to address OS command injection vulnerabilities exploited by the Velvet Ant threat group.

CISA also emphasized the need for manufacturers of small office/home office (SOHO) routers to fortify their devices against Volt Typhoon attacks and advised against shipping products with default passwords.

For more insights on securing network edge devices, visit our Research section to learn about zero-day vulnerabilities and best practices for mitigating risks.

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