Tag Archives: Cybersecurity

COVID-19 to test technology for working remotely – and securely

March 15, 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has sharply focused attention on working remotely. Dozens of articles now offer advice on how to stay focused, how to battle feelings of isolation. Just a few discuss the technology needed to do this. Many of our clients work with protected data, so it’s not as simple as setting aside some space … Continue reading "COVID-19 to test technology for working remotely – and securely" Read More

Federal allegations against Huawei could disrupt 5G development in U.S.

February 17, 2020 The controversy over a leading 5G technology firm, Huawei of China, intensified last week whenthe U.S. Department of Justice accused it of racketeering and stealing trade secrets. The federal indictment accuses Huawei and several of its subsidiaries of a decades-long effort to “misappropriate” intellectual property, such as source code and user manuals for internet routers, … Continue reading "Federal allegations against Huawei could disrupt 5G development in U.S." Read More

Equifax indictments a reminder to freeze your credit

February 11, 2020 The U.S. Justice Department’s indictment of four members of China’s military for the historic Equifax breach should serve as a reminder: Do all you can to protect your personal information. The FBI, in reporting the indictments yesterday, said it’s found no evidence to date that that Chinese sold the data or “used” it to date. … Continue reading "Equifax indictments a reminder to freeze your credit" Read More

IRS steps up data security expectations for tax preparers

February 3, 2020 The Internal Revenue Service expects tax professionals to safeguard their clients’ financial and personal data this tax season. The agency held a Security Summit in December to remind firms and individuals doing tax returns to take steps to protect client tax data. The effort seeks to prevent identity fraud – and fraudulent returns – especially … Continue reading "IRS steps up data security expectations for tax preparers" Read More

Need a CISO? Consider outsourcing when cyber talent scarce

February 1, 2020 Are you planning to hire someone to meet the increasing demands for strong data privacy and data protection measures? Good luck. You’re wading into a battle for scarce, experienced talent and the six- to seven-figure salaries they command. Cybersecurity Ventures last fall predicted that 3.5 million cybersecurity positions would be open globally by 2021. There … Continue reading "Need a CISO? Consider outsourcing when cyber talent scarce" Read More

Iranian hackers deploying destructive “wiper” malware

January 3, 2020 An Iran-based hacking group has been deploying a new “wiper” malware that destroys computer systems and the data housed on them. While the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned of Iranian wiper malware last June, IBM researchers announced last month that a new version of wiper malware attributed to an Iranian hacker group … Continue reading "Iranian hackers deploying destructive “wiper” malware" Read More

Don’t pay ransom to cyber criminals, Microsoft advises

January 1, 2020 Don’t pay ransom – it only spurs more ransomware attacks, according to Microsoft. In a recent blog post by Microsoft’s Detection And Response Team, organizations are urged to maximize their security efforts instead. “Paying a ransom is often expensive, dangerous, and only refuels the attackers’ capacity to continue their operations,” the post says. “(B)ottom line, … Continue reading "Don’t pay ransom to cyber criminals, Microsoft advises" Read More

Make sure you’re using 2-Factor Authentication with your Ring, Nest

December 30, 2019 Did you get a Ring or Nest home security system for Christmas? When you set it up, be sure to enable two-factor authentication. This means not only establish a password, but also require a second factor, such as a code texted to your phone, or a physical token you plug into the device. The home … Continue reading "Make sure you’re using 2-Factor Authentication with your Ring, Nest" Read More

Ransomware attacks: Likely to go “from bad to worse”

December 29, 2019 This year’s trends in ransomware attacks have left IT Security researchers worried about what’s coming in 2020. Dark Reading cites “growing collaboration between threat groups on ransomware campaigns; the use of more sophisticated evasion mechanisms; elaborate multi-phase attacks involving reconnaissance and network scoping; and human-guided automated attack techniques.” Hackers also have developed ways to research … Continue reading "Ransomware attacks: Likely to go “from bad to worse”" Read More

Maze hackers using blackmail – while claiming moral high ground

December 18, 2019 The hackers behind Maze ransomware are really something. They are currently in the news for blackmailing victims that refuse to pay their ransom demands. They have released a list of victim names and sample files locked up by their ransomware. Maze Ransomware also hit the city of Pensacola, Fla., Dec. 7, a day after a … Continue reading "Maze hackers using blackmail – while claiming moral high ground" Read More

Malware disguised as party invites, holiday hours makes the rounds

December 17, 2019 More ongoing proof that hackers try anything: New emails about a Christmas party or holiday hours could bring disaster. Hackers invite unsuspecting victims via an email that talks about a holiday party or holiday hours in the body of the email. It comes with an attachment the victim believes lists a party menu, or a … Continue reading "Malware disguised as party invites, holiday hours makes the rounds" Read More

IT Compliance Goes Beyond Your Systems

December 17, 2019 Your 2020 IT compliance plan can not stop at your servers and systems. Instead, you have to check — and double-check– that your vendor downstream is as digitally diligent as you are.You have spent thousands of dollars and countless hours training your employees on IT security best practices. Everyone from the C-suite to the bookkeeper’s … Continue reading "IT Compliance Goes Beyond Your Systems" Read More