Each business day, MSSP Alert broadcasts a quick lineup of news, analysis and chatter from across that managed security services provider ecosystem.

  • The Content: Written for MSSPs, SOC as a Service (SOCaaS), Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and MSP security providers — and those who need to partner up with such companies.
  • Frequency and Format: Every business morning. Typically one or two sentences for each item below.
  • Reaching Our Inbox: Send news, tips and rumors to [email protected].

A. Today’s MSSP Alerts

1. M&A - Zero Trust Security: Palo Alto Networks has completed the Aporeto acquisition for roughly $150 million.

2. Pensacola Florida Ransomware Attack - Data Released?: The actors behind the Maze Ransomware have released 2GB of files that were allegedly stolen from the City of Pensacola during their ransomware attack, BleepingComputer reports.

3. Ransomware Attack  Triggers Layoffs: A telemarketing company in Arkansas laid off 300 employees after a ransomware attack crippled the company's servers and choked business operations, Security Boulevard reports.

4. DNA Kits - Pentagon Security Warning: As more and more people are swabbing their cheeks for saliva samples in hopes of discovering their roots, the Pentagon is warning members of the military not to buy or use direct-to-consumer DNA kits, CBS reports. The office of the Secretary of Defense sent a memo on December 20, citing its concern that the tests are “largely unregulated and could expose personal and genetic information, and create unintended security consequences and increased risk to the joint force and mission," the report notes.

5. Security Breach Settlement: Banner Health of Phoenix, Arizona, has agreed to settle a lawsuit over a computer data breach that may have compromised health and personal data of about 3 million patients, employees, health insurance customers and others, Insurance Journal reports. The settlement's price tag could reach up to $6 million, the report says.

6. Citrix Software Vulnerability: A vulnerability in two Citrix Systems network appliances extends to an estimated 80,000 customers worldwide. The vulnerability could be exploited to allow an attacker to gain access to a firm's local network from the Internet, according to Citrix advisories, DarkReading reports.

7. All Partner Programs: Search the comprehensive ChannelE2E Partner Program Database here. Also, submit your company information here and your partner program can be listed in the database.

B. Next Five Cybersecurity Conferences

  1. CPX 360: Check Point 2020 Conference (January 27-29, New Orleans)
  2. PerchyCon 2020 MSP Security Conference (January 29-31, Tampa, Florida)
  3. RSA Conference 2020 (February 24-28, San Francisco)
  4. Women in CyberSecurity (WiCys) Conference 2020 (March 12-14, Aurora, Colorado)
  5. OKTA Oktane 2020 Cybersecurity Conference (March 30-April 2, San Francisco, California)
  6. Bonus: The complete MSSP Alert calendar

Email me your news, rumors and tips for potential coverage here on MSSP Alert.