From Reactive to Proactive – Empowering Federal Agencies to Modernize Their Approach to Cybersecurity

by John Fraser, Director of Federal Operations, Trinity Cyber

Navigating the intricate landscape of digital security is no simple task, particularly with the constant evolution of cyber threats. As the Director of Federal Operations, one topic I'm eager to delve into is Trinity Cyber’s strategic approach to cybersecurity, especially in relation to the known exploited vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog highlighted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Our flagship TC:Edge technology isn't merely a tool; it's a powerful service that empowers agencies to employ a dynamic strategy aimed at proactively addressing potential security breaches. By meticulously analyzing complete Internet traffic sessions, including protocol fields and file transfers in both directions, we've developed a context-driven approach that enables us to identify and neutralize potential threats before they escalate into significant incidents.

This becomes especially relevant when considering the top routinely exploited vulnerabilities listed by CISA. Our first of its kind technology is geared towards the automation of defense mechanisms, allowing us to autonomously counter a diverse range of attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). In essence, it's a real-time defense that anticipates and counteracts emerging threats. This strategic approach aligns seamlessly with CISA's efforts to address vulnerabilities in a timely and proactive manner.

However, what truly sets TC:Edge apart is its ability to shift the power dynamic from attackers to defenders. By providing a real-time edge against threats, we're enabling security teams to maneuver the evolving threat landscape more effectively. This transformation isn't just theoretical; it's a tangible shift that is beginning to redefine how organizations approach cybersecurity.

Our partnership with GreyNoise further strengthens our proactive stance to keep our customers protected from sophisticated threats and vulnerabilities. We are dedicated to addressing actively exploited Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) highlighted by CISA. This collaboration and information sharing allows us to identify and mitigate threats before they manifest into potential breaches, significantly reducing exposure risks.

Let's consider a real-world example. Recently, we detected anomalies linked to a PaperCut exploit, effectively thwarting a potential ransomware attack orchestrated by the APT group FIN11 (TA505). This timely intervention safeguarded not only our immediate client but potentially averted a larger threat across our entire customer base. This response aligns with CISA's emphasis on addressing vulnerabilities to prevent widespread threats.

Another solid recent use case involves ParrotTDS, a malicious JavaScript framework that is being embedded on millions of vulnerable websites running WordPress. Its goal is to send users of legitimate sites to malicious “fake updates” pages to install malware in place of legitimate programs such as Chrome, FireFox, and others. Trinity Cyber prevents multiple stages of ParrotTDS by removing the actual malicious scripts from websites, so that users can continue to browse without worry of infection.

Even in the face of persistent threats like these, along with other recent vulnerabilities such as Log4j, Qakbot, Acropalyse, Magecart, our proactive measures ensure that our clients remain protected from exploitation. This proactive approach complements CISA's focus on mitigating vulnerabilities before they can cause significant damage.

Considering file transfer vulnerabilities, our technology has shown its efficacy. In a global hacking campaign targeting numerous organizations, Trinity Cyber's proactive approach shielded clients from vulnerabilities in MOVEit file transfer sharing software.

CISA BOD 22-01 requires all federal civilian executive branch agencies to remediate against vulnerabilities in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. TC:Edge automatically mitigates all vulnerabilities in the catalog for which there is an active exploitation or proof of concept (POC).

Trinity Cyber is committed to a strategic and proactive approach to cybersecurity, one that resonates deeply with CISA's focus on addressing vulnerabilities. As the Director of Federal Operations, my aim is to provide insights beyond the marketing rhetoric, offering a transparent view of our innovative strategies in relation to CISA and the broader federal government’s concerns.

To learn more about how Trinity Cyber can help your federal agency achieve superior security results or to see TC:Edge in action, reach out today at info@trinitycyber.com.

John Fraser, Trinity Cyber

John Fraser, Director of Federal Operations, Trinity Cyber