Hack Attack: Guiding Parameters for Preparedness in Cyber Security
By The Reschini Group
National Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds us that the need for constant vigilance and action against hackers and data breaches continues – in fact, it not only never ends, but it must be continuously updated as the threats keep changing in shape and scope. The nationwide hack of major web-based systems like Amazon, Netflix, and even The New York Times proves this on one of the largest scales to date.
The federal Department of Homeland Security recently issued a brief report explaining three of the more prolific cyber threats currently faced by American businesses:Ransomware – A type of malware that infects computers and restricts users’ access to their files or threatens the permanent destruction of their information unless a ransom is paid (www.fbi.gov/news/stories/incidents-of-ransomware-on-the-rise).Business E-Mail Compromise (BEC) – A type of payment fraud that involves the compromise of legitimate business e-mail accounts (often belonging to the CEO or CFO) for the purpose of conducting unauthorized wire transfers (www.fbi.gov/news/stories/business-e-mail-comporomise).Intellectual Property Theft – This entails robbery of individuals or companies of their ideas, inventions, trade secrets, proprietary products, and creative expressions, often stolen when computers and networks are accessed by hackers or unscrupulous competitors (www.fbi.gov/news/stories/countering-the-growing-intellectual-property-theft-threat).A helpful list of Dos and Don’ts related to security breaches can be found here: (https://iapp.org/resources/article/introduction-to-data-security-breach-preparedness-with-model-data-security-breach-preparedness-guide/).Do not assume, if your business is not a major national presence, that you are immune to cyber security threats. They occur at all levels of business. The professionals at The Reschini Group can help you get a handle on your exposure to, and protection in the event of, a cybersecurity issue affecting your organization. Contact us at 724-349-1300 to set up a time to discuss this important topic.The ways and means of being hacked continue to expand. So should your safeguards against them.
Copyright 2016 The Reschini Group The Reschini Group provides these updates for information only. To make decisions regarding insurance matters, please consult directly with a licensed insurance professional or firm.