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Well another tool in my inventory that has garnered my attention is Cyber Triage. If i start with overview Cyber Triage provide cybersecurity professionals with quick and comprehensive answers to intrusion-related queries. Developed by Brian Carrier, renowned for his work on filesystem forensic analysis, Autopsy, and The Sleuth Kit (TSK). What I Like About Cyber Triage: --The tool provides a user-friendly interface with straightforward options. --It covers a wide range of artifacts, including processes, network activity, user logins, and more, simplifying the investigation process. --Ability to create timelines, identify network connections. --Ability to flag Bad/suspicious items with recommendations, allowing the analyst to focus on potential threats and investigate further. Functionality of this tool which I used a lot: --Disk Image Analysis Cyber Triage excels in images. It conducts a thorough scan, collecting volatile data, encompassing running processes, open ports, logged-in users, network connections, DNS cache, and more. Notably, it identifies suspicious items, streamlining the investigative process. --Memory Image Analysis In the memory analysis, Cyber Triage shines by utilizing the powerful Volatility framework (Which is the best framework till now in term of memory analysis according to me for example tool volatility 3). It provides intricate details about running processes, user accounts, execution history, and network connections from memory artifacts. The tool adeptly flags suspicious items, aiding in the identification of potential threats Lets talk about Usage: --Cyber Triage offers two main modes: live (automatic or manual) and file analysis (disk or memory images). --It can be deployed on endpoints through a collection tool, manually run from removable media, or process disk and memory images.. --Users can perform quick and effective incident response by leveraging the automated analysis process. My Point of view: Cyber Triage is valuable tool for automated incident response and forensic analysis. I used this tool a lot because of multiple reasons like ease of use and comprehensive analysis. and this tool is a beneficial addition to my cybersecurity toolkit. Wanna check out (Link given) :- https://www.cybertriage.com/ Akash Patel

One tool stands out remarkably from my inventory list is : OS Forensics by PassMark. OS Forensics is a comprehensive, non-free digital forensics tool that has established itself as a game-changer in the field. Its versatility and profound capabilities make it a dream come true for professionals delving into forensic investigations. The tool's prominence extends to law enforcement agencies, signifying its reliability and credibility in critical investigations. Comprehensive Capabilities: Memory Analysis: Utilizing the Volatility framework, it provides memory analysis with precision and efficiency. Disk Imaging: Seamlessly create images of entire disks or endpoints, crucial for preserving evidence. Artifact Collection: Gather system artifacts, hash files, and identify file hashes effortlessly. File Search and Indexing: OSForensics allows for rapid searching of files, including deleted files, within a computer system. It creates an index of file metadata for quick and efficient searches. File Analysis: OSForensics allows deep analysis of files, including metadata examination, hex viewer, and hash identification, providing detailed information about file attributes and contents. Registry Analysis: It enables investigators to analyze Windows registries, extracting information about user activities, installed programs, and system configurations. Password Recovery: The tool includes features to recover passwords from various applications, aiding in accessing encrypted or password-protected files. Internet History Examination: It helps in analyzing internet browsing history, cookies, cache, and download history to trace online activities. Ease of Use: 1. User-Friendly Interface: Despite its powerful capabilities, OS Forensics maintains a user-friendly interface, allowing for easy navigation and operation. 2. One-Click Functionality: The tool's standout feature lies in its ability to perform multiple tasks with a single click, streamlining processes and saving time. The Magic of Report Generation: Exceptional Reporting: Perhaps the pinnacle of OS Forensics is its report generation feature. The tool's ability to create detailed, comprehensive reports is simply awe-inspiring. All-In-One Solution Imagine having every essential function required for forensic analysis at your disposal within a single platform. OS Forensics Tools offer precisely that. From file analysis to memory examination, registry inspection to timeline creation, the tools encompass a wide array of functionalities, eliminating the need for investigators to navigate between multiple applications. Conclusion: OS Forensics by PassMark isn't just another tool in the realm of digital forensics; it's a catalyst for efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in investigations. Its capabilities to analyze memory, create disk images, collect artifacts, and generate detailed reports are invaluable assets for any forensic professional. Link:- https://www.osforensics.com/ Akash Patel

-- Promote use of strong, unique passwords and MFA to protect accounts -- Emphasize the importance of keeping system and software up to date to address vulnerabilities -- Prioritize ongoing security awareness training to educate employees about recognizing and responding to threats like phishing. -- Limit data access to authorized individuals and classify sensitive data for appropriate security measures. -- Stress the need of monitoring and periodic internal and external security audits to detect and address weakness. -- Regular data backups for effective mitigations and recovery in the event of security breach.

"I have identified a series of strategic actions that can be effectively employed across diverse incident scenarios after attack or while investigating attack." Auditing all AD accounts, especially any Administrative or Domain admin accounts, check for new additions, remove any unrecognized accounts or stale accounts. (Specifically check things like scanning accounts or any other service accounts https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns) Checking for startup items, registries, scheduled tasks or WMI objects that may be added to achieve persistence. Checking for the path "‎\Device\HarddiskVolume*\Windows\System32\" and delete anything suspicious. Reseting the account for all the AD users and also reset the Kerberos account - Krbtgt Make sure to reset it twice. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/manage/ad-forest-recovery-resetting-the-krbtgt-password Auditing all firewalls and ensure there are no rules allowing RDP (3389 default) or Remote Access externally facing from the internet. Checking firewalls as well for non-standard remote access ports being allowed and ensure these are disabled from being internet facing if at all possible. Auditing accounts with administrative permissions, and ensure they are limited based on least privilege needed to perform required functionality. Requesting clients to the autoruns tool from Microsoft and verify there is nothing suspicious in the startup items, scheduled tasks, or WMI objects: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns Verifying integrity of OS files using command "sfc /scannow" Akash Patel

A topic that frequently surfaces is the comparison between Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions. While people mostly say that SIEM is better than EDR. For me, the two serve different, yet complementary, functions within the security landscape. EDR: EDR solutions are the guardians of endpoints. The most important benefits I can think of are: Threat Detection: As it uses AI and behaviour and multiple engines. It becomes very effective to detect threats and malicious activities on endpoints. Incident Response: Very best benefit, EDR provide enabling quick actions to contain and mitigate security incidents. (for example Sentinel One is its ability to capture snapshots at regular intervals, such as every four hours, as a proactive measure against threats like ransomware. These snapshots serve as crucial checkpoints in the event of a security incident, allowing for a potential rollback action to restore the endpoint to a previous, uncompromised state) On other hand SIEM: SIEM, on the other hand, acts as the central intelligence hub for network-wide security. It collects and analyzes data from diverse sources, including network devices, applications, and systems. The most important benefits I can think of are: Centralized Data Analysis It correlates data from multiple sources, helping organizations understand the full context of the threat. Now for me where Defense-in-Depth Approach comes into place: In truth, EDR and SIEM are not adversaries; they play complementary roles in your cybersecurity strategy. EDR acts as the frontline protector of endpoints, ensuring real-time monitoring and incident response. SIEM serves as the network-wide guardian, offering comprehensive incident management, compliance adherence, and historical data analysis. In Conclusion: (I have seen multiple hiring Companies neglect experience in EDR, I still don't understand why) For me EDR plays an indispensable role in cybersecurity. Neglecting EDR in favor of SIEM can leave an organization vulnerable to endpoint-focused threats.

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, posing a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. In this blog, we'll delve into My view and steps follow by me while working on ransomware. Understanding Ransomware Before dive into the strategies to combat ransomware, it's essential to understand what ransomware is. Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files and demands a ransom for the decryption key. Once infected, victims face the agonizing choice of paying the ransom or losing their data forever. The Role of an IT Professional As an IT professional, I had the opportunity to assist a client who fell victim to a ransomware attack. In this blog, I'll share my experience and the steps taken to help the client recover their data and prevent future attacks. Step 1: Initial Investigation Detection and Assessment: The journey begins with detecting a ransomware incident. Identifying the attack's origin, affected systems, and the ransom note is crucial. Blocking IOCs (Indicators of Compromise): In the initial response phase, I quickly identified and blocked any known IOCs, including IP addresses, URLs, and file hashes. This limits the ransomware's ability to communicate with its command and control servers. Step 2: Isolation Network Segmentation: To prevent further spread of the ransomware, I isolated the affected systems and segments of the network, containing the threat. User Education: I communicated with the client's employees to raise awareness about the ransomware incident, advising them to report any suspicious activities. Step 3: Comprehensive Analysis Scheduled Task Examination: I thoroughly examined the affected systems' scheduled tasks to identify any rogue tasks set by the ransomware. Removing these tasks prevents the ransomware from reinfecting the system. Registry Analysis: A deep dive into the Windows Registry helped me identify and clean any malicious entries added by the ransomware. Event Log Inspection: Reviewing event logs provided insights into the ransomware's activities and the scope of the compromise..........and more Step 4: Recommendations Security Audit: I conducted a comprehensive security audit to identify vulnerabilities that allowed the ransomware to infiltrate the network. These vulnerabilities were then addressed. Policy and Procedure Enhancements: I recommended policy changes and security procedure enhancements to prevent future incidents, including stricter access controls, email filtering, and regular security training for employees. Step 5: Client Remediation Data Restoration: Working closely with the client, we initiated a data restoration process from clean backups. This was a crucial step in ensuring that no data loss occurred, without resorting to paying the ransom. Rollback Strategy: We developed a detailed rollback strategy to ensure that the client's systems were returned to their pre-infection state, including necessary updates and patches. Conclusion In the face of a ransomware attack, a swift and coordinated response is essential. This experience highlights the significance of preparedness, including robust backups, employee training, and proactive security measures. Remember, prevention and preparation are your best defense against ransomware.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's crucial to find those moments of reprieve, those little escapes that transport us far away from deadlines, responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do lists. For many, including myself, one of the most cherished ways to blow off steam and rejuvenate the soul. There's something incredibly therapeutic about sinking into your favorite spot, wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, and queuing up the next episode of a gripping series. It's like a mini-vacation for the mind, a mental massage, if you will. As you surrender yourself to storytelling, the weight of the world gradually lifts from your shoulders. The worries of the day begin to fade into the background, and you find yourself immersed in a captivating alternate reality. It's an escape that doesn't require packing a suitcase or booking a flight. All you need is a screen and a bit of time to spare. ISo, the next time you find yourself in need of some well-deserved downtime, don't hesitate to turn on your favorite series, unwind, and let the outside world slip away. After all, it's your passport to relaxation, and it's always just a click away.

Have you ever felt a burning desire to explore the world, immerse yourself in different cultures, and kickstart a career on foreign soil? Well, that's exactly where I found myself not too long ago. Armed with dreams of working abroad, I embarked on a journey that would test my determination and resilience. My first significant step in this journey was taking the IELTS exam, a widely recognized English language proficiency test. I put in the effort, committed to hours of practice, and took the test with hopes of securing a score that would open doors to international opportunities. When the results arrived, I had achieved a respectable score of 7 bands. It was a great start, but I knew that my aspirations required more. With the determination to raise my prospects, I decided to take the plunge and prepare for the IELTS exam once again. Why the relentless pursuit of improvement, you ask? The answer is simple: the world is full of opportunities, and I refuse to let language proficiency be a barrier. I aspire to work in diverse environments, interact with people from different corners of the globe, and contribute to projects that have a global impact. So, my journey continues. I'm preparing for the IELTS exam once more, with a commitment to enhancing my English language skills until they shine brightly on my scorecard. This journey is not just about achieving a higher score; it's about pursuing a future filled with new experiences, personal growth, and professional success. Embark on your journey with determination and let the world be your oyster. Best of luck

Job hunting is never an easy task, but when you decide to take your career to an international level, the challenges can become even more daunting

"India stops processing visas for Canadian citizens" If Canada does the same, than it will be trouble for lot of people. India has long been a significant source of immigrants to Canada, with thousands of individuals seeking opportunities for education, work, and permanent residency. The Indian community in Canada has grown to over one million strong, and many have close ties to their homeland, where relatives and loved ones still reside. 1. Impact on Current Applications: Individuals who have already applied for visas to Canada, whether for study or permanent residency, may face delays and uncertainties. The processing halt could have a profound impact on their plans and aspirations. 2. Families Separated: The Indian diaspora in Canada is extensive, and many have family members back in India. Any disruption in visa processing could lead to prolonged separations, causing emotional and logistical challenges. 3. Human Stories: Behind every visa application is a human story—a dream, a pursuit of education, a search for better opportunities, or a desire to reunite with family. These stories are now intertwined with uncertainty. Lets hope everything will get sorted out untill than....................lets wait

On 15 September. A women asked me a question As you are working in Cyber security "Do college students need to have a career plan while they are in college? Do you had a career plan when you were in college?" Well, Question was interesting and the answer I gave was. In my perspective, life can be highly unpredictable. During my college years, I did have certain plans in mind. However, unforeseen events occurred that disrupted those plans. Therefore, creating an exhaustive career plan during college years may not always be feasible. Instead, students can aspire towards particular goals and objectives. For instance, I aimed to transition into the IT sector, and I successfully achieved that goal. While it's essential to have aspirations and a general direction in mind, the ever-changing nature of life often necessitates adaptability rather than rigid planning.