Disguised Executable Files in Spear-Phishing Emails: Detecting the Point of Entry in Advanced Persistent Threat

In recent years, cyber attacks have caused substantial financial losses and been able to stop fundamental public services. Among the serious attacks, Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) has emerged as a big challenge to the cyber security hitting selected companies and organisations. The main objectives of APT are data exfiltration and intelligence appropriation. As part of the APT life cycle, an attacker creates a Point of Entry (PoE) to the target network. This is usually achieved by installing malware on the targeted machine to leave a back-door open for future access. A common technique employed to breach into the network, which involves the use of social engineering, is the spear phishing email. These phishing emails may contain disguised executable fi les. This paper presents the disguised executable le detection (DeFD) module, which aims at detecting disguised exe files transferred over the network connections. The detection is based on a comparison between the MIME type of the transferred fi le and the fi le name extension. This module was experimentally evaluated and the results show a successful detection of disguised executable files

Candida vaginitis in non-pregnant patients: A study of antifungal susceptibility testing and virulence factors

PubMedID: 23654320Vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) is a major problem for the female population worldwide, and considerably little is known about the difference between acute VVC (AVVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC). We investigated the susceptibility to six antifungal agents and boric acid of Candida spp. isolated from vaginal cultures, as described in the CLSI document M27-A3, from 228 non-pregnant sexually active women (aged 18-49 years), and the virulence factors of these isolates. The isolates were derived from patients with AVVC (n = 64), those with RVVC (n = 125) and those without signs or symptoms (n = 39). In total, C. albicans was the most commonly isolated species (50%), followed by C. glabrata (35.5%) and other Candida spp. (14.5%). We observed slightly different minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) for various antifungals among the species and study groups that could have potential therapeutic benefits for the treatment. Analysis of the virulence factors revealed that haemolytic activity is not involved in VVC pathogenesis but that germ-tube formation, adhesion to VECs, and proteinase and phospholipase production may be important in the pathogenesis of VVC. © 2013 Informa UK, Ltd

Experimental VLC transmission employing cap modulation with low-cost components under illumination constraints

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Combined treatment of dexamethasone mouthwash and low‐level laser therapy in the management of aphthous‐like ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs: A case report

Key Clinical Message A case of major aphthous‐like ulcer was described in a 50‐year‐old patient. The patient showed the main signs of aphthous stomatitis painful ulcer, 1–2 cm in diameter, located on the ventral of the tongue, buccal mucosa, and the palate. These ulcers persisted for more than 3 weeks. The patient's self‐administration of a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) was suggested as the leading cause of aphthous‐like ulcers in this case. ulcers were treated with dexamethasone mouthwash and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT)

The use of advanced‐platelet rich fibrin (A‐PRF) in the management of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ): A case report

Abstract Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a serious debilitating disease resulting from long‐term treatment with Antiresorptive drugs such as Bisphosphonates or Denosumab, which significantly affects patients' quality of life. A 43‐year‐old female patient with stage 4 breast cancer and treated with Zoledronic Acid for bone metastases was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine at the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University. The main complaint was pain in the right maxilla. Intraoral examination showed an exposure of necrotic bone in the right maxillary region with presence of purulent exudate. The treatment plan was discussed with the patient. Treatment included resection of all necrotic bone and application of Advanced platelet‐rich fibrin (A‐PRF) clots and membranes. Follow‐up and outcome were conducted by clinical measures to assess healing and recurrence (6‐month follow‐up). Topical treatment with A‐PRF demonstrated a reduction in pain and resulted in complete wound healing within 30 days. A‐PRF stimulates the release of growth factors and chemotaxis involved in tissue repair mechanisms. This method seemed to be effective in the treatment of MRONJ