#critical infrastructure

[gwydionmisha]

China’s cyber army is invading critical U.S. services

#China #Cyber Warfare #Critical Infrastructure #U.S. #News

[jcmarchi]

Secure out-of-band console and power management for Check Point security gateways - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/secure-out-of-band-console-and-power-management-for-check-point-security-gateways-cybertalk/

Secure out-of-band console and power management for Check Point security gateways - CyberTalk

Contributed by WTI as part of Check Point’s CPX silver-level partner sponsorship opportunity. WTI is an industry leader in out-of-band network management.

Nobody has time to drive to a site when an ISP drops service or you simply need to reconfigure and/or reboot a switch, router or firewall. Your time is too valuable not to have an out-of-band solution in place. WTI out-of-band solutions comes with a cellular connect and fallback option that gives you secure remote access to console ports as well as control of individual power outlets when your network services are disrupted.

WTI out-of-band management solutions

WTI engineers and manufactures secure out-of-band management solutions for local and globally deployed networks. WTI out-of-band products are designed to ensure uninterrupted access to network devices and services by providing solutions to quickly and effectively respond to problems at distant or hard to reach equipment sites. When a router, switch or security appliance becomes inaccessible and interrupts network services, WTI out-of-band solutions provide redundant, remote console port management and power switching/reboot control to regain access and restore services in mission critical applications.

Even when the network is down, WTI out-of-band console server solutions can provide secure connectivity over primary and secondary ethernet and cellular LTE connections, allowing remote access to console ports and power control functions.

In addition, WTI DevOps allows administrators to configure, deploy and orchestrate WTI out-of-band management solutions across your entire network for automated provisioning, monitoring and disaster recovery of critical infrastructure. Features such as RESTful API, Ansible Playbooks and Python Scripting are supported.

Check Point Software Technologies and WTI

WTI offers a comprehensive out-of-band management strategy for Check Point Security Gateways, allowing your NOC to deal with equipment outages and resulting interruptions of network communication without the need to dispatch support teams to remote branch offices and data centers.

During network outages, WTI’s console server products allow you to establish remote out-of-band connections to console ports on security gateways via secure, authenticated communication protocols.  If a reboot is needed, WTI Switched PDU products can provide remote out-of-band access to power switching functions at distant equipment sites. WTI also offers a combination console server plus switched PDU unit for applications that require both out-of-band console access and power reboot control.

WTI out-of-band centralized management provides access and control for all of your network devices, allowing for console data from multiple Check Point devices spread over a global network to be monitored, logged and available to administrators, simplifying the challenge of managing a large number of remote devices while minimizing resources.

With multiple connectivity options, WTI console servers including 4G LTE and/or dual Gigabit Ethernet ports can provide secure access to advanced DNS functions when primary and/or secondary ISP connections are switched or disconnected. WTI’s dual ethernet console servers allow you to remotely configure primary and secondary DNS settings and set up IP tables to maximize availability of security gateways during network outages, ensuring seamless transfers between primary and secondary ISPs. The optional 4G LTE internal modem provides a secure additional alternate path for out-of-band connectivity using security protocols such as IPSec and OpenVPN.

About WTI

WTI designs and manufactures Secure Out-of-Band Management Solutions for local and globally deployed networks. WTI provides redundant OOB console access and power control to mission critical infrastructure … even when the network is down.  WTI products can be purchased factory direct and through various channel partners worldwide.  Since 1964, WTI has maintained local in-house manufacturing, engineering and technical support. Learn more at www.wti.com.

About Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider protecting over 100,000 organizations worldwide. Check Point leverages the power of AI everywhere to enhance cyber security efficiency and accuracy through its Infinity Platform, with industry-leading catch rates enabling proactive threat anticipation and smarter, faster response times. The comprehensive platform includes cloud-delivered technologies consisting of Check Point Harmony to secure the workspace, Check Point CloudGuard to secure the cloud, Check Point Quantum to secure the network, and Check Point Infinity Core Services for collaborative security operations and services.

WTI out-of-band management solutions provide Check Point security gateways with:

In-band and out-of-band console access from anywhere.

Remotely reconfigure, revive and restore gateways via SSH.

Connect via ethernet or cellular 4G LTE with optional failover.

Power cycle and monitoring capabilities.

Faster network issue resolution.

Application example

Challenge: Provide secure, authenticated access to configuration parameters on console ports on Check Point security gateways during outages.

Answer: WTI console servers with dual gig ethernet ports ensure secure console port connections via primary and secondary ethernet as well as OOB access via optional LTE cellular modem.

Results: If the primary in-band network fails, admins can initiate secure SSH connections to security gateway console ports via out-of-band, allowing access to configuration parameters and other data used to troubleshoot unresponsive devices and revive network services.

In conclusion, WTI out-of-band management solutions empower your team to regain control quickly and reduce network disruptions. Are you ready to save time, energy and resources? Let’s discuss how WTI can help!

#000 #4g #ai #AI-powered #ansible #API #applications #challenge #channel #Channel partners #Check Point #Check Point Software #Cloud #cloud-delivered #CloudGuard #collaborative #communication #comprehensive #connectivity #CPX #critical infrastructure #cyber #cyber security #data #Data Centers #deal #devices #Devops #disaster recovery #DNS

[pebblemaninoff]

thinking about critical infrastructures today. oh boy

#infrastructure #transportation #critical infrastructure #housing #healthcare

[npi]

Multiple bridges on the Columbia River are vulnerable to ship strike, New York Times story notes

For the opening of our story here on The Cascadia Advocate about the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last week, I suggested that readers contemplate what would happen if there were a similar disaster on the maritime border between Washington and Oregon, writing: ���Imagine if one of the vitally important bridges linking Washington and Oregon was hit by a big cargo ship and…

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#Critical Infrastructure #Transportation

[pressnewsagencyllc]

Ukraine is at great risk of its front lines collapsing

“Don’t believe the hype about them just throwing troops into the meat grinder to be slaughtered,” he added. “They do that too, of course — maximizing even more the impact of their superior numbers — but they also learn and refine.” The officers said the shoulder-fired anti-tank missiles supplied by the U.K. and U.S. in the first weeks of the invasion came in time, helping them save Kyiv — and so,…

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#Aid and development #artillery #Critical infrastructure #Defense #drones #elon musk #EU27 #kremlin #military #missiles #negotiations #Russia #Ukraine #United Kingdom #United States #Unpacked #vladimir putin #Volodymyr Zelenskyy #War #war in ukraine #Weapons

[little-p-eng-engineering]

Little P.Eng.'s Comprehensive Seismic Structural Services Aligned with ASCE 7-22 and NBCC Standards

In an era where architectural ambition pushes the limits of engineering, safeguarding structural integrity against natural calamities, particularly seismic activities, becomes paramount. This detailed exposé delves into the sophisticated seismic structural engineering services provided by Little P.Eng., a firm renowned for its compliance with the latest American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7-22 standards and the Canadian National Building Code (NBCC). Their work spans across Canada and the United States, encompassing a diverse range of buildings and non-structural elements, reflecting the pinnacle of safety, reliability, and innovation in modern construction.

1. Introduction

The unpredictable nature of seismic activities has long posed a significant challenge to the realms of construction and civil engineering. Within this volatile environment, Little P.Eng. has emerged as a beacon of reliability, offering cutting-edge seismic structural engineering services across Canada and the United States. Their adherence to the ASCE 7-22 and NBCC codes ensures not only the structural integrity of vast construction undertakings but also the safety and longevity of non-structural elements, affirming their position at the forefront of seismic resilience in contemporary infrastructure.

2. Understanding Seismic Structural Engineering

2.1. The Science of Earthquake Engineering

Before delving into Little P.Eng.'s specialized services, one must understand the core principles of seismic structural engineering. This discipline focuses on making buildings and non-structural components resistant to earthquake shocks through specialized planning, design, detailing, and, subsequently, construction. It encompasses geological science, material engineering, and structural analysis to develop structures capable of withstanding seismic disturbances.

2.2. Evolution of Seismic Codes: From ASCE 7-10 to ASCE 7-22

Seismic building codes are dynamic, evolving in response to the continuous advancements in engineering research and catastrophic lessons learned from each seismic event. The transition from ASCE 7-10 to ASCE 7-22 is a reflection of this evolution, marking significant strides in risk reduction and structural robustness, emphasizing not just human safety but also post-earthquake functionality and rapid recovery for communities.

3. Little P.Eng.’s Integration of ASCE 7-22 in Seismic Structural Engineering

3.1. Innovations in Seismic Design Philosophies

Little P.Eng. employs a forward-thinking approach to integrate the innovations outlined in ASCE 7-22. These include state-of-the-art seismic design philosophies involving base isolation, energy dissipation devices, and performance-based seismic design (PBSD), allowing for structures that are more flexible, absorb and dissipate seismic energy, and maintain structural integrity during earthquakes.

3.2. Site-Specific Hazard Analysis and Geotechnical Considerations

One of the critical aspects of ASCE 7-22 is the emphasis on site-specific hazard analyses. Little P.Eng.'s engineers led by Meena Rezkallah carry out comprehensive geotechnical evaluations, considering soil-structure interaction, liquefaction potential, and site-specific seismic hazard assessments. By understanding the geological variances across different regions in North America, they ensure that each design is intrinsically aligned with its environmental context.

4. Adherence to NBCC Standards: Expanding Safety Parameters Across Canada

4.1. Bridging Policies between Countries

While their services in the United States predominantly adhere to ASCE standards, Little P.Eng. seamlessly bridges engineering policies between the U.S. and Canada by aligning their practices with the NBCC. This code compliance not only underscores their versatility in handling cross-border projects but also reflects their commitment to upholding the highest safety and professional standards in every geographical locale.

4.2. Understanding NBCC’s Seismic Provisions

The NBCC has distinct seismic provisions, necessitating specialized knowledge and an adaptive engineering approach. Little P.Eng.'s expertise in Canadian seismic codes ensures that structural and non-structural components comply with regional regulations, catering to Canada's unique seismic challenges, especially in high-risk provinces.

5. Comprehensive Services for Buildings and Non-Structural Elements

5.1. Diverse Building Typologies

Little P.Eng.'s portfolio encompasses a variety of buildings, from residential high-rises and expansive commercial complexes to critical facilities like hospitals and emergency response centers. Each building type presents unique challenges, and the firm’s nuanced, context-oriented approach to seismic retrofitting and sustainable design practices sets industry standards.

5.2. Protecting Non-Structural Components

Beyond the buildings themselves, Little P.Eng. extends its engineering prowess to safeguard non-structural elements. These components, often overlooked, can pose significant hazards during seismic events. From architectural elements to mechanical and electrical systems, the firm implements exhaustive strategies to enhance the safety of these components, thereby protecting human life and minimizing economic loss.

6. Future Directions and Continuous Advancements

6.1. Embracing Technological Innovations

As the field of seismic structural engineering advances, Little P.Eng. remains committed to incorporating new technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, for predictive analysis, design optimization, and risk management. Their continual investment in technology positions them as a leader in future-proofing structures against earthquakes.

6.2. Contribution to Global Seismic Safety Standards

Harnessing Advanced Engineering: Little P.Eng.'s Comprehensive Seismic Structural Services Aligned with ASCE 7-22 and CNBCC Standards in North America

7. Conclusion

Little P.Eng.’s comprehensive seismic structural engineering services, grounded in the latest ASCE and NBCC standards, represent a confluence of scientific mastery, innovative engineering, and a deep commitment to safeguarding human lives and investments. Their work across diverse building typologies and non-structural components in Canada and the United States cements their stance as a pivotal player in shaping resilient, sustainable, and safe urban landscapes. As seismic activity remains an unpredictable threat, the foresight and innovation of firms like Little P.Eng. are society's best bet for a safer tomorrow.

References

[1] American Society of Civil Engineers. (2022). Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE/SEI 7-22). ASCE.

[2] National Research Council Canada. (2020). National Building Code of Canada.

Tags:

Little P.Eng.

ASCE 7-22

design optimization

earthquake resilience

energy dissipation

building codes

seismic design

advanced materials

non-structural components

CNBCC

technological innovations

cross-border projects

geotechnical considerations

mechanical systems safety

base isolation

sustainable construction

electrical systems safety

Seismic structural engineering

critical infrastructure

artificial intelligence

urban resilience

construction techniques

seismic retrofitting

site-specific analysis

predictive analysis

professional standards

safety regulations

risk management

performance-based design

global seismic standards

Engineering Services

Structural Engineering Consultancy

Seismic Bracing Experts

Located in Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston Texas; Torrance, California; El Segundo, CA; Manhattan Beach, CA; Concord, CA; We offer our engineering consultancy services across Canada and United States. Meena Rezkallah.

#Little P.Eng. #ASCE 7-22 #design optimization #earthquake resilience #energy dissipation #building codes #seismic design #advanced materials #non-structural components #CNBCC #technological innovations #cross-border projects #geotechnical considerations #mechanical systems safety #base isolation #sustainable construction #electrical systems safety #Seismic structural engineering #critical infrastructure #artificial intelligence #urban resilience #construction techniques #seismic retrofitting #site-specific analysis #predictive analysis #professional standards #safety regulations #risk management #performance-based design #global seismic standards

[yodasecexpose]

Unveiling the Latest Updates on the Chinese Cyber Army's Targeting of the Texas Power Grid

Introduction: Understanding the Threat Posed by the Chinese Cyber ArmyChina’s cyber army, including state-sponsored hacking groups affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), such as “Volt Typhoon,” has been reported to target critical infrastructure and military installations in various locations, including Guam, Hawaii, and Texas[1]. The Chinese Ministry of State Security-affiliated…

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#China Cyber Army #China Hackers #critical infrastructure #Cyber Attacks #United States #US Government #YodaSec #YodaSec Blog #YodaSec Expose

[disasterriskreductionday]

Good governance and preparation are key to reducing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.

Of the 7 #SendaiFramework targets, Target D focuses on reducing disaster damage to critical infrastructure. Here's what that means:

#critical infrastructure #sendai framework #disaster risk reduction #undrr

[geopoliticalmatters]

#Critical Infrastructure #EU #Nato #defence #latest news #threat intel

[peoples-media]

American Spy Satellites Detect Explosion Prior to Ukraine's Kakhovka Dam Collapse

Introduction: Recent developments in Ukraine have captured global attention as an American official has revealed that U.S. spy satellites detected an explosion at Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam just before its collapse, leading to a catastrophic torrent of flood water engulfing the surrounding areas. The New York Times reported the official’s statements, highlighting the use of infrared sensors to…

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#affected regions #American official #analysis #attribution #challenges #collapse #covert actions #critical infrastructure #diplomatic measures #economic measures #evidence #explosion #flood #geopolitical tensions #heat signature #infrared sensors #intelligence analysts #international response #investigation #Kakhovka dam #military measures #prevention #ramifications #responsibility #Russia #spy satellites #support #suspicions #Ukraine

[gwydionmisha]

#FBI #China Hackers #U.S. #Critical Infrastructure #News

[jcmarchi]

The 2024 Cybersecurity Outlook: Key Takeaways from Pentera’s State of Pentesting Report

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/the-2024-cybersecurity-outlook-key-takeaways-from-penteras-state-of-pentesting-report/

The 2024 Cybersecurity Outlook: Key Takeaways from Pentera’s State of Pentesting Report

Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the threats have recently been amplified due to the ease of attacking critical infrastructure amidst the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs). Pentera’s 2024 State of Pentesting report sheds light on the pressing challenges and shifting paradigms in cybersecurity across global organizations.

Conducted among 450 CISOs, CIOs, and IT security leaders across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, the survey provides a comprehensive view of the current state of security validation strategies, revealing critical insights into how enterprises are navigating the complexities of cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving world.

A Snapshot of the Current Cybersecurity Landscape

A striking 51% of organizations reported experiencing a breach within the past 24 months, highlighting the persistent threats facing enterprise IT environments today. Despite the adoption of Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) frameworks, organizations are grappling with unexpected downtime, data exposure, and significant financial damages, with only 7% of respondents reporting no significant impact from these breaches.

Financial Realities: Budgets vs. Breaches

In a notable shift from the previous year’s optimism, 53% of organizations report their IT security budgets for 2024 are either decreasing or stagnating. This stark reality poses a significant challenge for security leaders, who are now tasked with doing more with less—maximizing operational efficiency and leveraging existing security suites to their fullest potential.

Leadership Engagement in Cybersecurity

The report also highlights a growing trend: over 50% of CISOs now share pentest assessment results with their Boards of Directors (BoDs), underscoring an increased interest from management teams and BoDs in understanding organizational resilience and the potential operational and business impacts of cyber incidents.

The Cost of Vigilance

Organizations are investing heavily in manual pentesting, with an average annual expenditure of $164,400, accounting for 12.9% of their total IT security budget. However, with 60% of organizations conducting pentesting only twice a year at most, this represents a significant investment in an activity that may not have an obvious ROI.

The Dynamics of Security Testing and Network Changes

The frequency of security testing still lags behind the rate of network changes, with 73% of organizations reporting changes to their IT environments at least quarterly, while only 40% report conducting pentesting with the same frequency. This discrepancy highlights a critical gap in security validation testing, leaving organizations vulnerable to extended periods of risk.

Prioritizing Security Efforts

With over 60% of organizations reporting a minimum of 500 security events requiring remediation per week, achieving “patch perfection” is increasingly unfeasible. In cybersecurity, “patch perfection” refers to the ideal state where all software security patches and updates are applied promptly and effectively.

This ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed as soon as fixes are available, minimizing the window of opportunity for cyber attacks. Security teams are thus focusing their efforts on addressing the most critical security gaps to preempt potential exploits by hackers.

Conclusion

Pentera’s 2024 State of Pentesting report underscores the complex and dynamic nature of cybersecurity in today’s digital world. As organizations navigate through these challenges, the insights from the report serve as a crucial resource for security leaders seeking to enhance their security validation strategies and build more resilient enterprises.

#2024 #accounting #ai #Americas #APAC #assessment #boards #breach #budgets #Business #challenge #cios #CISOs #comprehensive #continuous #critical infrastructure #cyber #cyber attacks #cyber security #Cyber Threats #cybersecurity #data #dynamics #efficiency #EMEA #enterprise #Events #exploits #financial #gap

[circuitrewired]

#critical infrastructure

[npi]

Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses after catastrophic overnight ship strike

Imagine if one of the vitally important bridges linking Washington and Oregon was hit by a big cargo ship and fell into the Columbia River. That is what happened last night in Baltimore, where a disabled ship slammed into the support structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a total collapse of its main section and blocking marine traffic to and from the Port of Baltimore. The…

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#Critical Infrastructure #Disaster Recovery #Transportation

[reportwire]

Who blew up Nord Stream?

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. Nearly six months on from the subsea gas pipeline explosions, which sent geopolitical shockwaves around the world in September, there is still no conclusive answer to the question of who blew up Nord Stream. Some were quick to place the blame squarely at Russia’s door — citing its record of hybrid warfare and a possible…

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#Baltic Sea #Baltics #Boris Pistorius #Critical infrastructure #defense #Denmark #Drones #Energy #Gas #Germany #Infrastructure #Intelligence #Jens Stoltenberg #joe biden #Kremlin #Mateusz Morawiecki #Panama #Pipelines #poland #russia #Sanctions #Security #Sweden #Transport #ukraine #United Kingdom #united states #vietnam #vladimir putin #Volodymyr Zelenskyy

[damonvanassecybersecurityblog]

White House looks to increase regulation of critical industries by adopting basic cybersecurity practices

The White House has released a new Cybersecurity strategy on Thursday. This new plan involves requiring critical infrastructure, such as water sanitation plants. This builds on previous guidance to regulate and require pipeline and rail industries to use basic cybersecurity measures to protect their infrastructure.

Having basic requirements and guidelines such as these is crucial in building public trust and support for our critical infrastructure. In the event of an attack on something as crucial as water supplies, there should be a swift and strong response that mitigates the damages as quickly as possible. As it can be seen from E Coli outbreaks from food processing plants, even if the response is quick, too many people can be affected by such an oversight. Preparing for potential bio terrorism attacks will hopefully prevent something similar from happening.

#cyberattack #cybersecurity #white house #critical infrastructure