Issue #187 - February 23, 2026
- Feb 23
- 2 min read
Attackers Now Need Just 29 Minutes to Own a Network
Source: Dark Reading
Attack chains are compressing. This piece highlights how modern intrusions move from initial access to full environment control in under an hour by abusing stolen credentials, remote tools, and weak identity controls. For SMBs, the takeaway is clear: focus on MFA, credential hygiene, monitoring, and fast containment playbooks.
CISA: BeyondTrust RCE flaw now exploited in ransomware attacks
Source: BleepingComputer
CISA warns a critical BeyondTrust Remote Support and Privileged Remote Access bug is being exploited, with ransomware activity now observed. The article explains what the flaw enables and why exposed remote access tools are high-value targets. SMBs should patch immediately, hunt for exploitation signs, and tighten external access and admin controls.
Feds Scramble Amid Shutdown to Secure Cisco SD-WAN Systems
Source: Data Breach Today
A CISA emergency directive orders federal civilian agencies to secure and hunt for compromise in vulnerable Cisco SD-WAN systems amid active exploitation. The story connects real-world exploitation to operational strain and the urgency of rapid patching and detection. SMBs running SD-WAN should confirm exposure, patch, and monitor for lateral movement.
New ‘Sandworm_Mode’ Supply Chain Attack Hits NPM
Source: SecurityWeek
Security researchers uncovered a new supply chain attack dubbed Sandworm_Mode that targeted the npm ecosystem via 19 malicious packages. The campaign used typosquatting to trick developers and deploy code capable of harvesting CI secrets, modifying workflows, and spreading itself across systems. Developers are urged to audit dependencies and rotate tokens.
Texas sues TP-Link over Chinese hacking risks, user deception
Source: BleepingComputer
Texas filed a lawsuit accusing TP-Link of misleading consumers about router security and supply chain origins, arguing the company’s devices have been abused by China-linked actors and botnets. The piece highlights how insecure edge devices and firmware flaws can become mass-scale entry points, especially for small businesses relying on commodity routers.