Introduction
After my third trip to LAX in a single day to drop off a friend battling endless flight delays and cancellations due to the global CrowdStrike outage, my mind began to wander. First, will my repeated treks through LAX’s notorious traffic to save my friend cab fare earn me some angelic wings in the afterlife? And second, how would the world respond to a genuine coordinated attack on our critical infrastructure? The latter question weighs heavily, especially after navigating the chaos sparked by a mere software outage.
On Friday, July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike pushed out a faulty update to their Falcon Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) causing an estimate of 8.5 million devices to crash:
“July 20 (Reuters) – A global tech outage that was related to a software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike (CRWD.O), opens new tab affected nearly 8.5 million Microsoft (MSFT.O).” (https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-says-about-85-million-its-devices-affected-by-crowdstrike-related-2024-07-20/) Microsoft further amplifying this in a blog post on the same day that, affected Windows devices [equated to] less than one percent of all Windows machines. “A software update by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, one of the largest operators in the industry, triggered systems problems that grounded flights, forced broadcasters off air and left customers without access to services such as healthcare or banking.”
Due to the massive scale of the outage, many of these affected industries are still not running at full capacity, causing a major strain in the global population’s day-to-day affairs. Some of the major concerns experienced by Redbot Security’s clients; and witnessed first-hand while senior testing consultants were onsite for penetration testing of Critical Services with Industrial Control Systems and SCADA environments, concluded that the media only mentioned the main industries, such as travel, shipping, and financial, but failed to mention or highlight any impact to power, water, electricity, waste treatment facilities, etc., which could have had incredibly alarming effects on the global population.
As of writing this blog post, the CEO of CrowdStrike released a statement addressing the incident and providing guidance on how to mitigate the corrupted update: https://www.crowdstrike.com/falcon-content-update-remediation-and-guidance-hub/. However, due to the scope of the damage, the need for manual intervention to correct these devices may be another factor in why the world will be feeling the sting from this event for days to come. Yes, you read that correctly, AI and automation did not save IT and security teams from a loss of sleep and exhaustion as they manually went machine-to-machine to issue repairs. These are our unsung heroes and heroines; for which, we salute you.
Interestingly enough, sighs of relief were expressed on the news and the tech blog-o-sphere because the outage wasn’t from the actions of malicious actors. I think this cautionary tale should illicit great concern for what our ever-growing technological futures look like when facing real and potentially damaging cyber threats.
Here at Redbot Security, we specialize in performing penetrations tests against Operational Technology (OT) Networks, targeting SCADA and Industrial Control System (ICS) environments. Our team has had remarkable success compromising these networks due to outdated software in use, lack of proper network segmentation between the IT network to the OT network, default admin credentials for SCADA devices, and lack of endpoint security solutions to detect and prevent malicious threats. Take into consideration, these have been assessments for organizations that have the time and resources to include third-party penetration tests in their security program. Globally, many ICS and SCADA environments do not have the budget or personnel to ensure a robust security posture to defend against Advance Persistent Threats (APTs), especially those funded by nation-state threat actors.
In March 2024, The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Chinese company Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology, and individuals Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, for cyberattacks targeting U.S. critical infrastructure. These actors were linked to the Chinese state-sponsored APT 31 hacking group.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2205
Even abroad we see similar attacks taking place. An article from UC Santa Cruz details malware attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, specifically Industroyer One and Two, which caused significant blackouts in 2016 and 2022. These attacks, attributed to Russian military intelligence, highlight the evolving threat of cyberattacks on physical infrastructure.
https://news.ucsc.edu/2024/05/ukraine-cybersecurity.html
It does not come as a surprise, that most successful attacks against Industrial Control Systems often originate from social engineering tactics, where attackers manipulate individuals to gain initial access. This could involve phishing emails, pretexting, or baiting to trick employees into revealing sensitive information or granting access to the network. Once the initial foothold is established, attackers can move laterally within the network, exploiting vulnerabilities and escalating privileges to reach and compromise critical systems. The human element remains a significant vulnerability, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security awareness training and robust phishing defenses in ICS environments.
As global conflicts intensify, the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks against Industrial Control Systems are poised to rise. Critical infrastructure, such as power grids and water supplies, are increasingly at risk, exacerbated by the shortage of cybersecurity professionals and limited resources dedicated to defense. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to safeguard essential services from disruptive and potentially devastating cyber incidents. Proactive investment in cybersecurity talent and technology is crucial to counter these growing threats.
Protecting Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA systems from cyberattacks is critical for maintaining the integrity of essential services. Organizations can take the following steps to safeguard their critical assets, tailored to their budget and personnel capabilities:
For Organizations with Sufficient Budget and Personnel:
For Organizations with Limited Budget and Personnel:
Defending your network from cyber threats is more crucial than ever, and having the right team to navigate through the myriads of roadblocks is the perfect start. At Redbot Security, we specialize in providing expert consultation and guidance on the best practices to secure your infrastructure. Our team of seasoned professionals can help identify vulnerabilities, fortify defenses, and ensure your systems are resilient against attacks. Do not wait for a breach to happen—contact us today for a comprehensive security consultation and request a quote for a penetration test to uncover and address potential weaknesses before they can be exploited. Your security is our priority.
Reflecting on the CrowdStrike blackout, we can see it as a mild preview of potential cyber disasters. Flight delays and cancellations are inconvenient, but they pale in comparison to the havoc a cyberattack on critical infrastructure would wreak. People lose their collective minds every time popular social media platforms go down for an hour. Imagine a national blackout or a crippled water plant: transportation, healthcare, and communication systems would collapse, leading to chaos and life-threatening situations. The risk to public health and safety is immense. This underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. Hopefully, my frustration from wasted trips to the airport is just fuel for awareness, because we still have time to act!
Keith’s 8-plus years as a security professional has bolstered his ability to effectively demonstrate risk to clients, covering a diverse range of assessment types. Learning new techniques and new technologies is a passion and Keith loves to share knowledge, helping to mentor new cybersecurity engineers.
Keith has worked as an expert Penetration Testing Engineer for CynergisTek, Inc. and Rapid 7. Keith Attended the University of California and takes pride in Mentoring junior Security Associates and Security Analyst team members, distributing knowledge to peers about newly created or discovered tools, techniques and procedures.
Senior Level Hands-on-Keyboard
Manual Testing
Get a Project Quote
While penetration testing is valuable in identifying technical vulnerabilities, red teaming provides a more holistic assessment by simulating realistic threat scenarios. By embracing red teaming, organizations can bolster their defenses, uncover weaknesses, and stay one step ahead of sophisticated adversaries.
Becoming proficient in Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network testing can appear daunting as there are fewer learning resources.
Today, cybercriminals have plenty of entry points to exploit. Therefore, it has become crucial for organizations to improve their attack surface visibility to have more effective protection. This is where attack surface management (ASM) comes into play. This article will explore all about attack surface management (ASM), including its importance, working principle, and benefits.
Cybercriminals are ditching malware and exploiting trusted tools already inside your systems. Learn how Living off the Land (LotL) attacks work, and how to stop them.
From API-server exploits to supply-chain threats, this checklist shows how the best penetration testing companies harden Kubernetes. Boost resilience now.
The FBI released its FY 2024 IC3 Annual Report on April 24, 2025, detailing 859,532 complaints and a record $16.6 billion in losses. In this post, we highlight how phishing, BEC, and cryptocurrency fraud continue to surge, why ransomware remains a top threat to critical infrastructure, and which demographics are most at risk. Plus, discover Redbot Security’s proven strategies,from manual penetration testing to red teaming, that can help you turn IC3 data into actionable defenses.
Malicious actors prey on weak configurations like locusts. Microsoft, despite knowing that their operating systems, have inherent weaknesses have done little to enhance their initial security outside of remediation for publicly known vulnerabilities.
The following article is a discussion about helping you to best utilize your military skills to successfully transition into the commercial space.
The following article is a discussion that explores JavaScript Web Tokens
The following article is a discussion that explores Wave Behaviors to Locate Wireless Access Points and Devices
Should an Employee Report Security Incidents Involving Family Members? Is your business or job at risk if a bad actor gets access to your family. Will they gain access to you?
The likelihood of a cyber attack on a mobile platform is significantly high, but how difficult is it for a malicious actor to generate malware? You might be surprised.
Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to the security of web applications, allowing attackers unauthorized access to sensitive data and functionalities. By understanding the implications of IDOR and adopting secure coding practices, web developers can protect their applications and users from potential exploitation.
Mass Assignment Vulnerability occurs when a web application allows users to submit a more extensive set of data than is intended or safe. The potential consequences of this vulnerability can be severe
Attackers can manipulate the serialized data to execute malicious code, compromise the application, or gain unauthorized access.
Kerberos Authentication Service Response (AS-REP) Roasting, a technique similar to Kerberoasting, has gained prominence as a method for attackers to compromise Active Directory (AD) authentication systems.
Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI, and, more than likely, closely aligns with what we consider to be AI in the media.
Recent reports of significant cybersecurity layoffs in the United States have raised concerns about the nation’s preparedness to defend against cyber threats
While plenty of articles cover the Modbus protocol with varying degrees of detail and usage, this article aims to examine the Modbus protocol with an offensive security lens.
What is an API? APIs, including local and remote, come in various forms and are fundamental to modern software development. They serve as the bridge between different software components, enabling them to work together seamlessly.
Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) presents various security risks for organizations. This article will help you understand a Relay Attack.
Client-side desyncs are a class of browser-powered HTTP smuggling attacks. What you need to know and how to prevent a malicious actor from taking advantage of this vulnerability.
As a Senior Penetration Tester, I’ve witnessed firsthand how OSINT can be the linchpin in the security posture of an organization.
Through repeated random sampling, allows us to simulate a wide array of social engineering attacks with a depth and breadth previously unimaginable.
Is your security team sharing sensitive data unknowingly?
Our nation is under attack and overwhelmed. Modern Security teams face numerous challenges in managing network and application security effectively.
Our nation is under attack and overwhelmed. Modern Security teams face numerous challenges in managing network and application security effectively.
Increasingly, investors see proactive cybersecurity spending as a hallmark of strong corporate governance. It can be factored into how they value a company’s resilience and risk profile
With data breaches surging by 68% last year alone, cybersecurity has evolved from a low-key technical matter into a defining issue demanding top-level attention.
Cymbiotic Hive: The Simple, Rapid-Deployment Solution to Access Management
Redbot Security’s senior-level cloud security team brings years of expertise in AWS, GCP, and Azure security. Our approach is rooted in manual-controlled testing and deep-dive security analysis, ensuring that we uncover hidden vulnerabilities that automated tools often miss.
Internal network penetration testing is essential for identifying security gaps within an organization’s infrastructure. Attackers exploit misconfigured permissions, weak credentials, and unpatched vulnerabilities to escalate privileges and move laterally within networks. A thorough penetration test helps uncover these risks before they are exploited, ensuring stronger security controls, improved access management, and compliance with industry standards. Redbot Security’s expert-led penetration testing provides in-depth assessments to fortify your internal network against evolving threats.
Understanding NIST 800 and Its Impact on Penetration Testing Requirements.
From pipelines and water systems to power grids and transit networks, U.S. critical infrastructure is under siege. With CISA budget slashed, is a national cyber disaster inevitable?
Our expert team will help scope your project and provide a fast and accurate project estimate.
Contact Redbot Security
Redbot Social