Digital Transformation
Inside Pwn2Own Ireland 2024: The Future of Hacking Enterprise Systems, Servers, and IoT
Following several exciting years in Toronto, the Pwn2Own event is making its way to Trend Micro’s offices in Cork, Ireland, from October 22-25, 2024. The event promises to showcase some of the most advanced and cutting-edge cyberattacks. Each year, security researchers from across the globe gather to exploit vulnerabilities in popular software and devices, pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity. The upcoming event will focus on several key categories of hacks, each targeting a variety of platforms, including enterprise software, industrial control systems, and servers.
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Following several exciting years in Toronto, the Pwn2Own event is making its way to Trend Micro’s offices in Cork, Ireland, from October 22-25, 2024. The event promises to showcase some of the most advanced and cutting-edge cyberattacks. Each year, security researchers from across the globe gather to exploit vulnerabilities in popular software and devices, pushing the boundaries of cybersecurity. The upcoming event will focus on several key categories of hacks, each targeting a variety of platforms, including enterprise software, industrial control systems, and servers.
Enterprise Communication Systems
One of the primary targets will be enterprise communication software like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex. These platforms have become vital in the post-pandemic workplace, making them a lucrative target for hackers. Exploits in these areas can lead to remote code execution (RCE), enabling attackers to take control of a user’s system through a single vulnerability. Attackers will likely focus on vulnerabilities in real-time collaboration features and backend communication protocols.
SCADA/Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 will also feature attacks on industrial control systems (ICS), particularly those used in sectors like energy, water treatment, and manufacturing. These systems are critical to infrastructure, and breaching them can have severe consequences. Hackers will aim to discover sero-day vulnerabilities in popular ICS devices from brands like Schneider Electric or Siemens. The potential impacts of such hacks include manipulation of physical processes, system shutdowns, or even the creation of unsafe conditions in industrial environments.
Server-side Hacks
Server exploitation will be another prominent focus. This includes both cloud and on-premise server software from companies like Microsoft, VMware, and others. Exploits in this category typically lead to privilege escalation, data breaches, or service disruption. Server-side vulnerabilities are particularly attractive for cybercriminals because they can be leveraged to gain control over large amounts of sensitive data or initiate distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks.
Automotive and Enterprise IoT Devices
The competition will also challenge hackers to break into modern automobiles and IoT (Internet of Things) devices used in corporate environments. With the rise of smart offices and connected vehicles, these devices are a growing attack surface. Participants will likely focus on finding security flaws in vehicle control systems and IoT management platforms, which could lead to unauthorised access, data interception, or full device takeover.
Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 will highlight the ever-evolving nature of cyberattacks and the importance of securing critical systems, from communication software to industrial controls and IoT devices. It serves as a reminder that while technology advances, so too do the techniques used by those seeking to exploit it.
As always, the event will be live-tweeted and blogged, with real-time updates throughout the competition. Follow the latest developments using the hashtag #P2OIreland and be sure to follow @thezdi and @trendmicro on Twitter.