All news with #vmware tag

🔐 Chinese state-linked actors deployed a custom Linux/BSD backdoor called BRICKSTORM on network edge appliances to maintain persistent access into U.S. legal, technology, SaaS and outsourcing firms. These implants averaged 393 days of undetected dwell time and were used to pivot to VMware vCenter/ESXi hosts, Windows systems, and Microsoft 365 mailboxes. Mandiant and Google TAG attribute the activity to UNC5221 and have released a scanner and hunting guidance to locate affected appliances.

🌐 Amazon EVS now supports VMware HCX migrations over the public internet using Elastic IP Addresses (EIPs) to provide stable endpoints and faster setup. This option supplements existing private connectivity methods such as AWS Direct Connect and VPN, enabling secure layer‑2 network stretch and workload migration when private links are unavailable. Public HCX connectivity is available in all AWS Regions where EVS is offered and can be a cost‑effective alternative for workloads that do not require private connection performance.

🔍 Cyber threat group Scattered Spider has been linked to a new campaign targeting financial services, according to ReliaQuest. The attackers gained access by socially engineering an executive and abusing Azure AD self-service password reset, then moved laterally via Citrix and VPN to compromise VMware ESXi. They escalated privileges by resetting a Veeam service account, assigning Azure Global Administrator rights, and attempted data extraction from Snowflake and AWS. The activity contradicts the group's retirement claims and suggests regrouping or rebranding.

🔐 Team-wide VMware certification acts as a force multiplier for security, operations, and talent retention. Certified teams share a common language around architecture, reduce misconfigurations, and respond to incidents faster. Expertise in vSphere, NSX, vSAN, and cloud foundations teaches not just deployment but secure, scalable configuration. Programs like VMUG Advantage make broad certification practical with labs, exam vouchers, and personal-use licenses.