software security Archives

The OWASP Top 10 (2021): Cryptographic Failures

11 January 202511 January 2025 by

Cryptographic failures occur when sensitive data is not adequately protected during storage, transit, or processing. These failures can arise from the use of outdated encryption algorithms, insecure storage of cryptographic keys, or improper implementation of encryption protocols. The vulnerabilities often stem from either a lack of awareness or neglect of best practices, leaving data exposed to unauthorised access. In the digital age, protecting sensitive data is not optional—it is a business imperative. Cryptographic failures are not merely technical flaws; they carry significant financial, legal, and reputational risks. By adhering to best practices, leveraging modern tools, and staying informed about evolving threats, software developers can safeguard data against adversaries and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

Logic Bombs: A Silent Threat to C-Level Executives

15 September 202415 September 2024 by

In cyber warfare, where the lines between offence and defence constantly blur, a particularly insidious threat looms large: the logic bomb. These malicious code snippets, embedded within legitimate applications, scripts, or systems, are designed to unleash destructive payloads under specific conditions or triggers. For C-level executives responsible for their organisation’s security and reputation, understanding the nature, implications, and countermeasures of logic bombs is paramount.

A logic bomb is a time bomb waiting to go off within a computer system. Code remains dormant until a predetermined condition matches, such as a specific date, time, event, or data input. Once the trigger is pulled, the bomb explodes, executing its malicious payload, which can range from data deletion or corruption to system shutdown or network sabotage.

Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) Side-Channel Attacks: A Deep Dive for C-Suite Executives

21 August 2024 by

Understanding the fundamental principles of SMT is essential to grasping the nature of SMT side-channel attacks. A processor’s physical core can be divided into multiple logical cores, each capable of executing a separate thread of instructions. This lets the processor handle various tasks simultaneously, improving overall system performance.