Chatbots and Human Error
Businesses face a range of challenges related to data security.  The threats are ever-changing and evolving to offset our ability to recognize them easily. With human error at the top of the list of risk factors, employees giving away sensitive information is a challenge. The advent of large language models (LLM), chatbots, and other digital assistants like ChatGPT makes this concern particularly relevant. Especially for companies that deal with confidential client information or proprietary data. In those cases, the consequences of a data breach can be severe.
What is CIRCA?
The Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCA) is a mandate that requires companies to report any significant cyber incidents to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This aims to enhance the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure. This includes everything from power plants to financial institutions.
While the mandate is primarily aimed at large companies that operate critical infrastructure, it also affects small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The reason for this is that SMBs often provide services or products to these larger entities. SMBs may be less aware of the requirements and implications of CIRCA, but compliance is essential to ensure the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The Importance of Ongoing Engagement & Marketing
As a managed service provider (MSP), your clients rely on you to keep their systems secure and running smoothly. However, it’s not enough to just provide your clients with a set-it-and-forget-it security solution. You need to create ongoing engagement and marketing to educate them on the importance of cybersecurity. And you need to maintain their interest. But you’re busy running your business, and marketing is something you’ll ‘get to when you can get to it’ right? So how can you create awareness of cybersecurity for your clients while also keeping them engaged through ongoing marketing efforts?
Mental Health Data for Sale
Mental health is for many reasons, a deeply personal and sensitive topic. It is something that many people are not comfortable discussing with even their closest confidants. Finding a trusted professional to help navigate these waters is invaluable. Online resources that include on-demand options continue to expand. This provides individuals with new ways to access treatment that is life-changing.
With the advent of online offerings and the proliferation of digital technology, mental health data is collected in new ways.
Beware of Romance Scams
‘Tis the season for love. And with it comes the opportunity for cybercriminals to pitch their romance scams. Millions of people fall victim to these fraudulent schemes every year. In a romance scam, a person posing as a potential romantic partner uses online dating websites, social media platforms, or other online channels to build a relationship with their target, gain their trust, and ultimately trick them into sending money or personal information.
Data Privacy Week
This week marked the annual Data Privacy Week. And we know that cybersecurity is critical when it comes to protecting data privacy and the integrity of information systems. Personal and corporate data are constantly at risk from malicious actors. A strong cybersecurity program is essential for safeguarding this data and maintaining the trust of customers, employees, and other stakeholders.
Components
One of the most important aspects of a strong cybersecurity program is the regular monitoring and testing of systems.
The Responsibility of Cybersecurity
In the healthcare industry, HIPAA sets rules and regulations around the requirements of protecting patient data. But in the “rest of the world”, professionally speaking there are unspoken rules, but not the same type of enforcement program in place. A lawsuit might be considered the equivalent of a HIPAA fine – both damaging but perhaps in different ways.
Cybersecurity is (or should be) a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, it is more important than ever for businesses to maintain a robust cybersecurity program. This program should be an integral part of a company’s overall risk management strategy and should be taken seriously by all stakeholders.
Phishing: Targeted Attacks
The threat of phishing remains prevalent in all aspects of digital life. Both personal and professional. But a recent deep dive by Mandient into the details of a more specific kind of attack that is on the rise. This shines a light on the threat of industrial-themed email attacks and how they can affect operational technology.
What is Operational Technology?
Operational technology is the hardware or software that monitors and sometimes controls industrial equipment.
Human Error
Major Impact
Earlier this week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a nationwide ground stop of all flights. Approximately 9,000 flights were delayed, and over 1,000 flights were canceled. The reason why?  The NOTAM system (short for Notice to All Air Missions), which is designed to provide real-time information to pilots and air traffic controllers with critical information before takeoff, was down. This system is designed to alert you of such things as runway hazards or unsafe weather conditions and is therefore critical to safety.
New Year’s Resolution: Train More
Which resolutions have you set for yourself in 2023? Let me guess: get fit, eat healthily, and hit the gym on a regular basis. These are good choices, but how about another way to incorporate training into your schedule? And this one may pay off in dollars saved, not pounds lost.
Why Train?
Cybersecurity training should not be a negotiable part of any business structure.