Introduction
Cybersecurity remains top of mind for businesses across Pennsylvania, especially as new alerts resurrect concerns over older vulnerabilities. Recently, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added a long-known vulnerability in ASUS Live Update software to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog—despite the fact that the attack itself dates back several years. While this may seem like old news, the implications are still very relevant for companies in Pennsylvania communities like Allentown, Bethlehem, and Philadelphia, where small and mid-sized businesses often rely on hardware and software with default settings unchanged for years.
What Happened with the ASUS Live Update Vulnerability?
The vulnerability in question, tracked as CVE-2018-18535, allowed attackers to inject malicious code into the official update mechanism used by ASUS computers. Known as the “ShadowHammer” campaign, malicious actors were able to spread malware through what appeared to be legitimate ASUS software updates. This highly targeted attack impacted over a million users globally—including potential victims in Pennsylvania’s tech and education sectors.
Though this vulnerability was exploited back in 2018 and patched shortly after, CISA’s recent inclusion of the CVE in their KEV list acts as a reminder: old vulnerabilities can still present new risks when systems remain unpatched.
Why It Still Matters for PA-Based Organizations
Legacy Systems Still in Use
Schools and businesses in regions like Lehigh Valley and Reading often hold on to hardware for extended periods due to budget constraints. While cost-effective, this increases the likelihood of unpatched systems being connected to active networks.
Construction and Industrial Use Cases
On construction sites from Harrisburg to Easton, laptops and inventory management systems often run older operating systems and firmware. These environments frequently undervalue cybersecurity, assuming closed networks offer immunity—which is no longer a safe bet.
Pennsylvania SMBs and Supply Chain Risks
Many small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) in the Philadelphia and New Jersey border areas source parts and software from a global supply chain. If just one supplier used an infected update from ASUS during a critical period, it could have introduced persistent vulnerabilities into local infrastructure. This makes it essential to perform retrospective risk assessment audits, even for issues considered “resolved.”
What Pennsylvania Organizations Should Do Now
- Audit Your Assets: Review current systems and devices in use, especially older ASUS machines that may still harbor unpatched software.
- Educate Staff: Train personnel at schools, manufacturing sites, and office environments on the risks of outdated software—even when it appears to function correctly.
- Partner Locally: Collaborate with cybersecurity firms based in Pennsylvania for deeper assessments. Specialists in Philadelphia or Allentown can offer localized recommendations that reflect regional infrastructure nuances.
- Install Endpoint Monitoring Tools: Businesses from Bethlehem to the New Jersey border can benefit from solutions that detect anomalies stemming from outdated applications.
Lessons for PA’s Business and Education Communities
This rediscovered vulnerability emphasizes a recurring cybersecurity truth: threats are not always new—sometimes they’re just forgotten. For educational institutions in Harrisburg or municipalities in Lehigh Valley, this means cybersecurity policies must account for ongoing maintenance, not just reactive cleanups after high-profile breaches.
Additionally, tech vendors that serve Pennsylvania’s manufacturing corridors or remote learning platforms should reevaluate their update delivery mechanisms. A secure update system is just as crucial as the software it supports.
Final Thoughts
For businesses across Pennsylvania and neighboring New Jersey, taking proactive steps—even on older threats—can be the difference between resilience and exposure. Whether you’re running a construction firm in Reading, a family-owned auto shop outside Bethlehem, or a growing manufacturing plant in Allentown, don’t assume old vulnerabilities no longer matter.
Stay informed. Stay updated. Secure your systems today.
Looking for cybersecurity support tailored to your region? Companies in the Lehigh Valley and beyond can contact local IT security firms to schedule a vulnerability scan and system review.