Explore Microsoft Bing Chat

 

Explore Microsoft Bing Chat is a new feature that allows business users to interact with Microsoft Bing in a conversational way. You can ask Microsoft Bing questions, get insights, create content, and more in natural language. Microsoft Bing responds with informative, intuitive, logical, and actionable responses to help you get things done faster and easier.   In this blog post, we'll show you how to use Discover chat on Microsoft Bing and how it can benefit your work.

 

 Here are some steps to get started: 

• Go to https://www.bing.com and click  the chat icon in the lower right corner of the screen. 

•  Select your preferred language and mode from the options.You can switch between Balanced, Creative, and Precision modes according to your needs and preferences. 

• Type or speak your request or message to Microsoft Bing. 

• You can use voice input by clicking  the microphone icon next to the text box. 

• Microsoft Bing will respond with  relevant and engaging feedback, which can include web results, images, tables, lists, code blocks, LaTex expressions, and more. You can also see suggestions for the next user  at the bottom of the chat box.  

• You can continue the conversation by following the suggestions or by typing or speaking your own request or message. You can also click on the link or reference in the Microsoft Bing response to explore more information.
  

 

 

 

 

 

Chat on Microsoft Bing is a feature that allows you to interact with Bing in a conversational way. You can ask questions, get information, and even generate content using natural language. Chat on Microsoft Bing has three main components:

- Chat: This is where you can type your messages and see Bing's responses. You can also switch between different modes, such as Balanced, Creative, and Precise, to get different types of responses from Bing.

- Compose: This is where you can use Bing's creativity and intelligence to help you write or improve your own content. You can ask Bing to generate poems, stories, code, summaries, lyrics, and more. You can also ask Bing to rewrite, optimize, or enhance your content.

- Insights: This is where you can see additional information and details related to your chat messages. You can see web search results, question answering results, advertisements, and suggestions for the next user turn.

Microsoft Bing chat discovery is designed to help you find answers, create content, and complete tasks naturally and intuitively. Whether you need to research a topic, write a report, create a presentation, or just have  fun, you can use the Explore chat on Microsoft Bing to boost your productivity and creativity. Try it  today and let us know what you think.

Read More

Recommendations for Mitigating BianLian Ransomware Group attack

To enhance your organization's cybersecurity posture and counter the activities of the BianLian Ransomware Group, we advise implementing the following mitigations. These measures align with the Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs) developed by CISA and NIST (the National Institute of Standards and Technology). The CPGs outline a minimum set of practices and protections recommended for all organizations, based on existing cybersecurity frameworks and guidance that target common and impactful threats and tactics.

1. Reduce the risk of malicious actors using remote access tools by taking the following actions:

   - Conduct an audit of remote access tools on your network to identify authorized and currently used software.

   - Review logs to detect abnormal use of portable executable programs running remote access software.

   - Utilize security software capable of detecting instances where remote access software is loaded only in memory.

   - Allow authorized remote access solutions strictly from within your network, using approved methods like virtual private networks (VPNs) or virtual desktop interfaces (VDIs).

   - Block inbound and outbound connections on common remote access software ports and protocols at the network perimeter.

   - Implement application controls to manage and control the execution of software, including allowing only approved remote access programs.

   - Employ application allowlisting to prevent the installation and execution of unauthorized remote access software, including portable versions that evade traditional antivirus solutions.

For additional guidance, refer to the NSA Cybersecurity Information Sheet on enforcing signed software execution policies.

2. Strictly limit the use of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and other remote desktop services. If RDP is necessary, adhere to best practices such as:

   - Conduct network audits to identify systems using RDP.

   - Close unused RDP ports.

   - Enforce account lockouts after a specified number of failed login attempts.

   - Implement phishing-resistant multifactor authentication (MFA).

   - Log RDP login attempts.

   - Disable command-line and scripting activities and permissions.

   - Restrict the use of PowerShell to specific users who manage the network or Windows operating systems.

   - Keep PowerShell updated to the latest version and uninstall older versions.

   - Enable enhanced PowerShell logging to capture valuable data for monitoring and incident response.

3. Review domain controllers, servers, workstations, and active directories to identify any new or unrecognized accounts. Audit user accounts with administrative privileges and configure access controls based on the principle of least privilege.

4. Reduce the risk of credential compromise by implementing the following measures:

   - Place domain admin accounts in the protected users' group to prevent local caching of password hashes.

   - Implement Credential Guard for Windows 10 and Server 2016, or enable Protected Process Light for Local Security Authority (LSA) on Windows Server 2012R2.

   - Avoid storing plaintext credentials in scripts.

   - Implement time-based access for admin-level accounts using methods like Just-in-Time (JIT) access provisioning.

In addition to the above recommendations, the FBI, CISA, and ACSC suggest the following mitigations to limit the adversarial use of system and network discovery techniques and reduce the impact and risk of ransomware or data extortion:

1. Develop and maintain a recovery plan that includes multiple copies of sensitive data and servers stored in physically separate, segmented, and secure locations. Maintain offline backups of data, following the 3-2-1 backup strategy (three copies, two media types, one off-site).

2. Ensure that all accounts with password logins comply with NIST standards for password policies. Use longer passwords, store passwords in hashed format using recognized password managers, add password user "salts" to shared login credentials, avoid password reuse, implement multiple failed login attempt account lockouts, disable password hints, and limit

Read More

Are you ready to break into the exciting and dynamic world of cybersecurity?

Are you ready to break into the exciting and dynamic world of cybersecurity? It's not just a job, it's a lifestyle that attracts a passionate and innovative community of professionals. If you're eager to join their ranks, follow these 10 steps to cheat your way to success!

1.Build a Strong Foundation - turbocharge your career with a comprehensive education in cybersecurity, available through a variety of programs like bootcamps, online courses, degrees, or certifications.

2. Master Technical Skills - impress potential employers by developing a wide range of technical proficiencies, including hardware, software, Windows/Linux, networking, vulnerability scanners, packet sniffers, Nmap, and other cutting-edge professional tools.

3.Network Like a Pro - build relationships with cybersecurity experts by joining local or online groups, meeting like-minded individuals, finding mentors, and learning from the best.

4.Gain Real-World Experience - demonstrate your value by volunteering your skills to help your community and participating in Capture the Flag events to gain hands-on experience.

5.Choose Your Specialty - customize your career path by specializing in a specific area of cybersecurity, such as offense, defense, GRC, sales, or other specialties.

6.Stay Ahead of the Curve - stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends, techniques, and tools by attending security conferences, reading blogs, and constantly improving your skillset.

7.Build Your Reputation - establish your professional presence online through social media, websites, blogs, podcasts, and other outlets. Give back to the cybersecurity community by sharing your knowledge and expertise.

8.Get Involved - gain exposure by participating in cybersecurity events and workshops, and volunteering to speak or teach whenever possible.

9.Stay Ethical - maintain a sterling reputation by always adhering to industry standards and best practices, and never attempting to breach security systems without permission.

10.Hone Your Soft Skills - sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, which are essential to your success in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity.

By following these 10 steps, you'll be well on your way to building a successful and rewarding career in cybersecurity. Don't just dream about it – cheat your way to the top with these powerful tips and tricks!

Read More

Ransomware Response Plan

Here are the key steps for an effective response plan: 

 1. Don't Panic: 

- Stay calm and act purposefully when targeted by ransomware. 

- Seek help from security vendors or report the incident to your insurance company. 

 2. Isolate Your Systems and Stop the Spread:

 - Identify the range of the attack and implement network-level blocks or device-level isolation.

 - Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology to block the attack at the process level.

 3. Identify the Ransomware Variant: 

- Determine the specific strain of ransomware to understand its behavior and possible decryption options. 

 4. Identify Initial Access:

 - Determine the entry point of the attack to close security holes

. - Consult digital forensics teams and incident response experts if needed.

 5. Identify All Infected Systems and Accounts (Scope): - 

Identify active malware and persistent elements in systems communicating with the command-and-control server.

 6. Determine if Data Was Exfiltrated: 

- Look for signs of data exfiltration, such as large data transfers or unusual communications. 

 7. Locate Your Backups and Determine Integrity: -

 Ensure backup technology was not affected and scan backups for integrity.

 8. Sanitize Systems or Create New Builds: 

- Remove malware and incidents of persistence, or consider creating new, clean systems

. - Implement appropriate security controls to prevent reinfection.

 9. Report the Incident: 

- Report the incident and determine if law enforcement should be involved. Consider legal obligations regarding regulated data.

 10. Paying the Ransom? 

- Law enforcement advises against paying the ransom

. 11. Conduct a Post-Incident Review: 

- Evaluate the ransomware response and identify areas for improvement. 

- Simulate attack scenarios and consider proactive playbook building. 

- Consider external services if IT or security team staffing is limited.

Read More