Impact of MOVEIt file
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
The impact of a recently patched security flaw in a widely used file-transfer tool will likely linger across North America for months to come.
Why it matters: Since Progress Software Corp. first uncovered a flaw in the popular file-transfer program MOVEit Transfer, a handful of high-profile organizations — including the BBC, British Airways and the government of Nova Scotia — have publicly warned that hackers have used the flaw to target their systems.
Catch up quick: Last week, Progress warned it had uncovered a critical security flaw in the file-transfer tool that would allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to customers' networks.
The big picture: The attacks uncovered in the last week are likely only a small fraction of what's to come.
What they're saying: "This is one that you can think of more as a tornado than a hurricane," Christopher Budd, head of Sophos' X-Ops team, told Axios. "It's not going to hit everyone, but where it is hitting, it's having a significant impact."
Between the lines: One of the biggest obstacles with the MOVEit incident is understanding how attackers exploited the flaw before it was publicly reported.
The intrigue: Some organizations might not even know whether they're running the program, Budd said.
Zoom out: The Cl0p ransomware gang, in particular, has made targeting vulnerable file-transfer tools a go-to part of its strategy, the government advisory noted.
Be smart: All organizations should study their systems to see whether MOVEit is running on their network — and ask their tech vendors to do the same, Budd said.
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Why it matters: Catch up quick: The big picture: What they're saying: Between the lines: The intrigue: Zoom out: Be smart: