Abstract: Authorities have found Cisco’s ASA (Adaptive Security Appliances) and Firepower devices, which many organizations use as part of their network security, to have critical weaknesses.
Body:
The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is warning the entities it regulates about a serious new cybersecurity threat affecting certain Cisco firewall devices. Many companies use them to protect their networks. Attackers are actively exploiting a “zero-day” vulnerability — a flaw that criminals are using before the vendor provides a fix — to break into systems and potentially steal data or disrupt operations.
The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is warning the entities it regulates about a serious new cybersecurity threat affecting certain Cisco firewall devices. Many companies use them to protect their networks. Attackers are actively exploiting a “zero-day” vulnerability — a flaw that criminals are using before the vendor provides a fix — to break into systems and potentially steal data or disrupt operations.What’s Happening
Authorities have found Cisco’s ASA (Adaptive Security Appliances) and Firepower devices, which many organizations use as part of their network security, to have critical weaknesses. Hackers are taking advantage of these flaws to:
• Sneak into networks remotely.
• Gain control over systems.
• Install malicious code that stays active even after reboots or upgrades.
Because these attacks are already happening “in the wild,” DFS and the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are urging businesses to act quickly.
What You Should Do
If your agency or your clients use Cisco equipment — especially ASA firewalls or Firepower security devices — it’s important to act right away:
1. Talk to your IT provider or internal tech team. Ask them to check if your business uses any of the affected Cisco products.
2. Look for signs of compromise. Your IT team may need to run special checks to see if attackers have already targeted your network.
3. Install updates as soon as they’re available. Cisco is working on patches to fix the issue. If a device is past its support date, replace it.
4. Document your steps. Keep a record of what actions you’ve taken and any risks you’ve identified.
If your agency experiences a cybersecurity incident, the New York financial services cybersecurity regulation may require you to report it.
Why This Matters
Cybercriminals are getting faster and more sophisticated — and they often target vulnerabilities like this before most businesses even know they exist. Staying ahead of threats means responding quickly, patching devices promptly, and working closely with trusted technology partners.
If you work with an IT consulting firm, give them a copy of the DFS letter for details on the nature of the problem. You may also want to contact your cyber insurance clients about the threat and offer to review their coverage with them.
For more information on the cybersecurity regulation and cyber threats, visit:
Published: 10/3/2025 4:50 PM
Author: Tim Dodge
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