Microblogging technologies are online platforms that allow users to create and share short messages, images, or videos. Famous examples include Twitter, Tumblr, and Mastodon. These platforms are often used for personal expression, news updates, or marketing purposes.

Importance of Knowing If Your Organization Uses these Technologies:

It is essential to know if these technologies are being used within your organization, both sanctioned and unsanctioned, especially from a cybersecurity perspective. Here's why:

• Data Leaks: Employees may inadvertently share sensitive or confidential information on microblogging platforms. This can lead to data breaches, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

• Social Engineering Attacks: Cybercriminals can use information gathered from microblogging platforms to launch targeted social engineering attacks, such as phishing scams or impersonation.

• Account Takeovers: If employee accounts on microblogging platforms are compromised, attackers can use them to spread misinformation or launch other attacks.

• Brand Hijacking: Unauthorized accounts can be created to impersonate your organization, spreading false information or damaging your brand reputation.

• Compliance Violations: Organizations may be subject to regulatory requirements regarding using social media and microblogging platforms. Unsanctioned use can lead to non-compliance and potential fines.

Tumblr and Cybersecurity Concerns:

Tumblr is a popular microblogging platform known for its creative and diverse community. However, like any online platform, it comes with cybersecurity risks:

• Content Moderation: Tumblr has faced criticism for handling harmful content, such as hate speech and explicit material. This can pose a reputational risk for organizations associated with the platform.

• User Privacy: Tumblr collects and processes user data, including personal information and browsing behavior. Organizations must ensure that Tumblr's data privacy practices align with their policies and comply with relevant regulations.

• Security Vulnerabilities: Tumblr, like any software platform, can have vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Organizations should stay informed about security updates and patches for Tumblr.

ThreatNG: Identifying and Managing Risks from Microblogging Technologies

ThreatNG can be crucial in identifying and mitigating the risks associated with microblogging technologies like Tumblr used by your organization, third parties, and supply chain.

• External Attack Surface Management (EASM): ThreatNG continuously scans the internet to discover all externally visible digital assets associated with your organization. This includes identifying any official or unofficial accounts on microblogging platforms like Tumblr. By discovering these accounts, ThreatNG can help you assess potential risks, such as unauthorized use or exposure of sensitive information.

• Digital Risk Protection (DRP): ThreatNG monitors the dark web, social media, and other online channels for mentions of your organization, brands, or sensitive data. This includes detecting leaked credentials, discussing potential security flaws in microblogging platforms, or instances of brand impersonation on Tumblr.

• Security Ratings: ThreatNG provides a comprehensive risk score based on an analysis of your organization's external attack surface and digital risk profile. This score includes an assessment of the risks associated with your organization's use of microblogging platforms.

Example Workflow with Complementary Solutions:

1. ThreatNG Discovery: ThreatNG identifies an unauthorized Tumblr account impersonating your organization and spreading false information.

2. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Integration: ThreatNG sends an alert to your SIEM platform, triggering an incident response workflow.

3. Social Media Monitoring/Management Tool Integration: ThreatNG alerts your social media management tool, enabling you to quickly report the impersonating account to Tumblr and take action to mitigate the damage.

Overall Benefits:

By implementing ThreatNG, organizations can:

• Gain Visibility: Discover all instances of microblogging technologies your organization and partners use.

• Mitigate Risks: Identify and address security vulnerabilities, data leaks, social engineering attacks, and brand impersonation.

• Protect Brand Reputation: Ensure your organization's presence on microblogging platforms is controlled and aligned with your brand values.

• Enhance Security: Continuously monitor and improve the security posture of your social media presence.

• Ensure Compliance: Comply with data protection regulations and internal policies regarding the use of social media.