Source URL: https://blog.talosintelligence.com/link-up-lift-up-level-up/
Source: Cisco Talos Blog
Title: Link up, lift up, level up
Feedly Summary: This week, Joe encourages you to find your community in cybersecurity and make the effort to grow, network and hack stuff together.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text provides a reflective overview of community networking within the cybersecurity profession, particularly highlighting the experiences at the Black Hat USA 2025 and DEF CON 33 conferences. It discusses the evolving threat landscape, especially ransomware targeting small to medium-sized businesses, and current security headlines.
Detailed Description:
The content delineates numerous crucial points regarding the cybersecurity community, ransomware threats, and recent security developments:
– **Community Importance**: Emphasizes the necessity of community and networking among cybersecurity professionals, as it fosters knowledge sharing and support.
– **Conference Insights**: The author shares personal experiences from attending significant conferences—Black Hat USA and DEF CON—labeling them as “hacker summer camp” where new connections are made, and valuable skills are learned.
– **Accessibility Challenges**: Highlights the financial barriers to attending major cybersecurity events and the resultant FOMO (fear of missing out) for newcomers in the field.
– **Alternative Learning Opportunities**: Suggests that there are many smaller, local information security events and organizations available for individuals who may not have access to major conferences. Suggestions include:
– Local Bsides events and clubs aimed at promoting cybersecurity engagement.
– Opportunities for students and new professionals in the field.
– **Evolving Threat Landscape**: Alerts readers to the surge in ransomware attacks in Japan, detailing that small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in manufacturing, are notably vulnerable. The emergence of new ransomware groups, such as Kawa4096, signifies evolving threats in the cybersecurity arena.
### Key Points:
– **Networking and Community**: Vital for personal growth in cybersecurity, preventing burnout, and knowledge acquisition.
– **Ransomware Threats**: Increased incidents in specific sectors (e.g., Japanese manufacturing) underline the importance of vigilance and threat education.
– **Accessibility of Information**: Despite high costs of major conferences, there are numerous smaller-scale events available to foster learning.
– **Ransomware Insights**: Awareness of emerging ransomware technologies (e.g., PromptLock) highlights the need for constant vigilance and adaptation in security measures.
Overall, the text serves as a reminder of the collaborative spirit within cybersecurity, the significance of continuous learning, and the importance of addressing emerging threats, particularly in terms of ransomware’s impact on various industries.