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User Security
Application Cyber Security Open Source Open Source Software Security threats User Privacy User Security

Securing Open Source: A Comprehensive Guide

Open-source software has become the backbone of many modern applications, providing cost-effective solutions and fostering collaborative development. However, the open nature of these projects can sometimes raise security concerns. Balancing the benefits of open source with the need for robust security measures is crucial for organizations leveraging these resources.

In a comprehensive guide by CIO.com, strategies are outlined to ensure organizations get the most out of open source without compromising security. The emphasizes on the importance of proactive measures, such as regular security assessments, vulnerability monitoring, and code analysis. By staying informed about potential risks, organizations can mitigate security threats effectively.

One key aspect highlighted in the guide is the need for a well-defined open-source governance policy. This involves establishing clear guidelines for selecting, managing, and monitoring open-source components. Organizations can reduce the likelihood of introducing vulnerabilities into their systems by implementing a structured approach to open-source usage.

Snyk, a leading security platform, contributes to the conversation by emphasizing the significance of managing open-source components. Their series on open-source security delves into the intricacies of handling these components effectively. The importance of continuous monitoring, regular updates, and patch management to address vulnerabilities promptly.

Furthermore, the guide points out the value of collaboration between development and security teams. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that security considerations are integrated into the development lifecycle. By fostering communication and shared responsibility, organizations can build a culture where security is not an afterthought but an integral part of the development process.

Drift offers a unique perspective on enhancing security through intelligent communication to complement these insights. Their platform enables organizations to streamline interactions, facilitating quick responses to potential security incidents. In a landscape where rapid communication is key, tools like Drift can enhance incident response times, minimizing the impact of security breaches.

It takes careful balance to maximize the benefits of open source while upholding strict security guidelines. The tools offered by Drift, Snyk, and CIO.com address this issue comprehensively. Organizations can optimize the advantages of open source without compromising security by implementing proactive security measures, clearly establishing governance standards, and encouraging team cooperation.






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Security
Application Cyber Security Data Location data Messaging Apps Safety Security

Can Messaging Apps Locate You? Here's All You Need to Know

 

If you're worried about cybersecurity, you might question whether texting apps can follow you. Yes, but it's not as big of a deal as you believe. Understanding how location monitoring works on major messaging applications, as well as the risks associated with it, is critical. Many social media apps require location information in order to streamline the services they provide. Road directions, food delivery, and other features that require access to your location to serve you better are examples of these services. So messaging applications can easily and precisely follow you, and they collect this information from you in a variety of ways.

One of the most typical methods is to simply ask you to enable your location and grant the app permission to access it. The GPS technology allows the programme to access your latitude and longitude coordinates, pinpointing your location, after you grant it permission. For example, several free messaging programmes, including your standard SMS app, iMessage, and WhatsApp, provide a live-location function that allows you to share your current location if necessary.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals from your phone can also provide location information. Apps that monitor the signal strength of adjacent Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth devices can track your whereabouts. However, this technology is less dependable than GPS tracking and can only provide an estimated location.

Some photo-sharing social networking apps, such as Instagram and Snapchat, leverage location-based functionality on your device, such as geotagging photos or providing more accurate search results. Then there's Twitter, which uses algorithms to serve your feed items based on location.

Another culprit is your IP address. When a device connects to the internet, it is assigned a unique IP address. This address may expose your general location, such as your city or area. Location history (a record of where your phone, i.e. you, has been) can be stored on the servers of apps like Snapchat.

Most messaging apps provide thorough information about their privacy policies and how they track your location and keep your data. So, rather than skipping them without reading the material, you should go into them. If you are uncomfortable with their practices, you can restrict their access through your device settings. However, doing so may result in inconsistencies and inaccuracies with the app's location-based functionality. The most serious hazards linked with location tracking by messaging media apps are invasions of privacy and data breaches.

How to Prevent Messaging Apps from Tracking You

Using airplane mode is the best approach to prevent your location from being tracked. However, doing so would disable incoming calls as well as your data connection. Fortunately, there are less restrictive methods for preventing messaging apps from seeing your location data.

You can always disable your location. Most phones feature a button in the quick panel for this. However, if yours does not, you can do so using a Samsung Galaxy phone:
  • Go to your phone's Settings.
  • Head over to Apps.
  • Select the app you want to turn on/off privacy access.  
  • Tap on Permissions, and then Location.
  • Tap Deny, and WhatsApp won't have access to your location anymore.
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks: They protect your privacy by routing your internet traffic through a remote server operated by the VPN operator. A VPN uses a variety of approaches to prevent tracking. First, it switches your IP address to that of the VPN server in another location, which is usually far away. Any programme that attempts to trace your location using your IP address will be unable to do so because it has been changed to that of the VPN server.

Premium VPNs also encrypt your data, disguising the data transmitted between your device and the VPN server. Any third party attempting to intercept it will find it illegible as a result. They frequently feature firewalls and ad blockers that they can employ to avoid any problems.

Utilize Private Browsers: Some web browsers include firewalls and ad blockers that restrict third-party cookies and delete your browsing history when you close the app. So, if you use these private browsers to access social media, you can be confident that your location is hidden from prying eyes.

One must also study the privacy policies of these apps and take steps to limit the location sharing to trusted contacts only.
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Supply Chain
Application attackers Cyber Attacks Data Safety Security Software Supply Chain

Feds, npm Issue Supply Chain Security Alert to Avoid Another SolarWinds

 

The lessons learned from the SolarWinds software supply chain attack were turned into tangible guidance this week when the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and the National Security Agency (NSA) released a joint best practises framework for developers to prevent future supply chain attacks.

In addition to the recommendations from the US government, developers received npm Best Practices from the Open Source Security Foundation in order to establish supply chain security open-source best practices.

"The developer holds a critical responsibility to the security of our software," the agencies said about the publication, titled Securing the Software Supply Chain for Developers. "As ESF examined the events that led up to the SolarWinds attack, it was clear that investment was needed in creating a set of best practices that focused on the needs of the software developer."

Meanwhile, OpenSSF announced that the npm code repository has grown to encompass 2.1 million packages.

Developers like Michael Burch, director of application security for Security Journey, praise the industry's proactive framework, but Burch adds that it is now up to the cybersecurity sector to put these guidelines into action, particularly a recommendation to implement software bills of materials (SBOMs).

Burch  concluded, "What we need now is the AppSec community to come together on the back of this guidance, and create a standard format and implementation for SBOMs to boost software supply chain security." 
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