During the assessment, the CISA Red Team exploited a previously existing web shell to gain initial access to the organization’s network. From there, they infiltrated the demilitarized zone (DMZ), moved laterally, and ultimately compromised sensitive business systems and the organization’s domain controller. Although the organization detected some early malicious activity, it failed to address the threat promptly, leaving critical systems exposed. The red team uncovered deficiencies in network segmentation and overreliance on host-based Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, which failed to detect several malicious payloads.
The assessment revealed systemic weaknesses, including a lack of robust network-layer protections, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Legacy systems, insecure configurations, and inadequate identity management were additional factors that allowed the red team to maintain persistence and escalate privileges undetected for extended periods. Staff training and resources were also highlighted as areas requiring improvement, with many employees lacking the technical expertise needed to respond effectively to cyber threats.
Leadership decisions further exacerbated the vulnerabilities, as the organization deprioritized addressing known risks identified by its cybersecurity team. These gaps highlight the importance of proactive management and investment in cybersecurity measures to mitigate evolving threats.
To address these issues, CISA recommends implementing a zero trust architecture, which includes secure identity and access management practices, phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA), and centralized monitoring for detecting anomalous activities. Regular training for employees, particularly around phishing threats, is also essential to reduce the risk of credential compromise.
The advisory emphasizes aligning cybersecurity measures with the Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) developed by CISA and NIST. These guidelines provide a baseline for organizations to protect against common threats and improve network defenses. Additionally, CISA recommends modernizing infrastructure to support advanced defensive measures, such as secure cloud services and enhanced endpoint monitoring, to combat increasingly sophisticated attacks.
Source: Industrial Cyber
The European Cyber Intelligence Foundation is a nonprofit think tank specializing in intelligence and cybersecurity, offering consultancy services to government entities. To mitigate potential threats, it is important to implement additional cybersecurity measures with the help of a trusted partner like INFRA www.infrascan.net, or you can try yourself using check.website.