The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast

The Inside Scoop on Using KQL for Cloud Data Security

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast host Sherrod DeGrippo is joined by the authors of the new book The Definitive Guide to KQL: Using Kusto Query Language for Operations, Defending, and Threat Hunting. Guests Rod Trent, Matt Zorich, and Mark Morowczynski discuss the significance of KQL (Kusto Query Language) in cloud data security and how it enables efficient data querying for threat detection in Microsoft products like Sentinel and Defender. They share insights from their own experiences, highlight key features of the book, and explain how both beginners and experts can benefit from KQL. Later in the episode Sherrod speaks with Senior Threat Hunter Lekshmi Vijayan about the growing trend of cyberattacks using malicious PowerShell commands. Lekshmi explains how attackers trick users into copying and pasting harmful code, often through compromised websites or phishing emails. They discuss how these attacks aim to install remote access tools like NetSupport RAT or information stealers, targeting sensitive data like browser credentials and crypto keys.

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Citrine and Onyx Sleet: An Inside Look at North Korean Threat Actors

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast host Sherrod DeGrippo discusses North Korean threat actors with one of our Microsoft Threat Intelligence researchers and Greg Schloemer focusing on two prominent groups: Onyx Sleet and Storm 0530. Onyx Sleet is a long-standing espionage group known for targeting defense and energy sectors, particularly in the U.S. and India. However, they’ve diversified into ransomware, using tactics like malware downloaders, zero-day vulnerabilities, and a remote access Trojan called D-Track. The conversation also touches on the use of fake certificates and the group's involvement in the software supply chain space.

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Black Basta and the Use of LLMs by Threat Actors

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast host Sherrod DeGrippo is joined by Microsoft security researchers Anna Seitz and Daria Pop to discuss the latest trends in ransomware and the evolving role of AI in cyber threats. Daria Pop provides insights into the shifting tactics of Black Basta ransomware, including their use of phishing, social engineering, and remote management tools. The discussion also covers the persistence of malvertising and its challenges for defenders. Anna Seitz explores how state-sponsored threat actors, including Forest Blizzard, Emerald Sleet, and Crimson Sandstorm, are leveraging large language models (LLMs) for various malicious activities.

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Disrupting Cracked Cobalt Strike

On this week's episode of The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, we discuss the collaborative effort between Microsoft and Fortra to combat the illegal use of cracked Cobalt Strike software, which is commonly employed in ransomware attacks. To break down the situation, our host, Sherrod DeGrippo, is joined by Richard Boscovich, Assistant General Counsel at Microsoft, Jason Lyons, Principal Investigator with the DCU, and Bob Erdman, Associate VP Research and Development at Fortra. The discussion covers the creative use of DMCA notifications tailored by geographic region to combat cybercrime globally. The group express their optimism about applying these successful techniques to other areas, such as phishing kits, and highlight ongoing efforts to make Cobalt Strike harder to abuse.

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Behind the Scenes at Blue Hat IL: Security Advancements and Challenges

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast host Sherrod DeGrippo is live from Blue Hat Israel in Tel Aviv. Igal Lytzki and Din Serussi discuss their presentation on advanced phishing and evasion techniques, highlighting the rise of QR phishing and custom-made captures, which involve interactive challenges to bypass security systems. Gal Niv and Jonathan Jacobi discuss their experience with the Web3 challenge they created, focusing on a smart contract vulnerability on the Ethereum blockchain. Ida Vass, the mastermind behind BlueHat IL, talks about the conference’s impact and her motivation, driven by the community's spirit and the desire to continually innovate and Wolf Goerlich the keynote speaker, discusses his approach to the keynote, focusing on positive advancements in cybersecurity rather than dwelling on the negative.

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