Hey there, folks! Let’s talk about a critical issue that researchers have uncovered recently. They’ve found thousands of access management systems (AMS) that are not configured properly, putting sensitive data at risk. These misconfigured AMS are exposing staff details and other confidential information, which could jeopardize the security of important buildings worldwide.
What’s the Big Deal with Misconfigured AMS?
Recently, cybersecurity experts at Modat shared a detailed report on the alarming number of exposed AMS that are creating major security vulnerabilities. They discovered numerous misconfigured AMS installed globally, posing a significant threat to the physical security of crucial buildings.
The researchers emphasized the gravity of the situation, as these misconfigured AMS are accessible via the internet on a global scale. This means that the security risks are not confined to specific regions but extend across continents. The potential threats include data breaches, unauthorized access, information leaks, and identity theft, impacting various sectors like education, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, oil industries, and government systems.
During their investigation earlier this year, the researchers identified over 49,000 misconfigured AMS in non-residential buildings worldwide. They were able to access sensitive information such as employee details, biometric data, access logs, and even vehicle access records. This kind of exposure could seriously compromise both digital and physical security.
How Can We Address This Threat?
After uncovering these risks, the Modat team reached out to organizations at risk of potential attacks through vulnerable AMS. To mitigate these threats, they recommend placing access systems behind firewalls and VPNs, ensuring regular security updates, changing authorization credentials frequently, and conducting routine vulnerability scans.
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