**Main Points:**
– The FBI has issued a warning regarding Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) appliances.
– Despite recent patches for a critical security flaw, these machines are still at risk of compromise from suspected Chinese hacking groups.
– The Bureau brands the fix as “ineffective”, noting ongoing intrusions and considering all affected Barracuda ESG devices to be at risk.
The FBI Warning: ESG Appliances’ Persistent Threat
The FBI isn’t pointing fingers for no reason. They’re raising a red flag, specifically for Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) appliances. Despite recent patches aimed to secure a critical flaw in these systems, they’re about as secure as a fishnet in holding water. In other words, even with the patches, these ESG devices are still susceptible to compromise by suspected Chinese hacking groups. Kindly note, this is not a fortune cookie message you’d want to get.
The Ineffectiveness of The Patches
Everyone loves a good patch. It’s what keeps our jeans going and our systems secure. Or so we think. According to the spooks at the FBI, the patches designed to fix the crucial security flaw in the ESG devices evidently need a few stitches. They’ve deemed those patches “ineffective”. This conclusion is based on their observations of active intrusions that have continued despite the implementation of the said patches. So, apparantly, the coleslaw is still getting through the wrapper.
FBI’s Take on Barracuda ESG Devices
As far as the FBI is concerned, if your business uses an affected Barracuda ESG device, you might be swimming with sharks without knowing it. They consider all affected ESG devices to be at risk, so users better take their cybersecurity a bit more seriously than they take dad jokes. At least these threats aren’t subject to debate, unlike whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
Summary
Not all warnings come with neon signs, but this FBI alert comes close. It warns that the Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) appliances continue to be at risk from suspected Chinese hacking groups, despite the recent patches supposed to fix a critical security flaw. Comparatively, these patches are about as effective as a chocolate teapot, meaning definitely not good enough. The FBI insists on characterizing all affected Barracuda ESG devices as perpetually at risk. So it’s time to button up those security measures—assuming you don’t want your email system turned into phishing bait!
Original Article: https://thehackernews.com/2023/08/urgent-fbi-warning-barracuda-email.html
