Are you really double checking you're emails?? You should!!

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com

Are you feeling the heat?

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com

A Divide in Ransomware Response Ethics

Local governments and municipalities are frequently targeted with ransomware attacks by cyber criminals who view government agencies as soft targets with potentially significant rewards. While leaders are unified in their abhorrence of this behavior, disparities exist when aligning on response plans. 

Some governments choose to pay the ransom, seeing it as the least expensive option available. Of course, this behavior makes other governments more vulnerable to a similar attack because it indicates that authorities are willing to pay criminals to restore access to their systems. 

In contrast, some local governments refuse to pay, a principled stance that can be more expensive in the long run. For instance, Baltimore authorities refused to pay a $75,000 ransom to regain access to its network, but full system restoration is estimated to cost $10 million, and other ancillary disruptions may cost $8 million more. 

The message is clear and simple: all organizations need to do everything they can to prevent a ransomware attack in the first place. Contingency plans like backups and cyber insurance are critical for responding to an attack, but employee awareness training and threat analysis services offered by cybersecurity experts can prevent ransomware attacks before placing your company in the precarious position of deciding on ransom payments. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/05/technology/cities-ransomware.html

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com

What We’re Listening to:

Know Tech Talks
Security NowDefensive Security Podcast Small Business, Big Marketing – Australia’s #1 Marketing Show!IT Provider Network – The Podcast for Growing IT Service
TubbTalk – The Podcast for IT Consultants
Risky Business
CHANNELe2e

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com

In Other News:

Company Cut Off from Government Contracts After Data Breach 

Last month, Perceptics, a maker of license plate readers used by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CPB), endured a significant data breach that resulted in 65,000 files published to the Dark Web. 

As a result, the company has been placed on a veritable government black-list, suspending Perceptics from procuring government contracts. Although the suspension is technically limited to the CPB, the notice, which cites “evidence of conduct indicating a lack of business honesty or integrity,” could shun the company from doing business with other government agencies. 

Before the suspension, Perceptics had a 30-year working relationship with CPB, and their dissolution indicates the weight of unimpeachable cybersecurity standards for companies handling sensitive personal information on behalf of the government.

What’s more, Perceptics will still face administrative proceedings that will determine the company’s fate as it pertains to future work with the U.S. Government. 

The incident is a warning to all companies: cybersecurity is an obligation, not just a suggestion. Data breaches place people’s data at risk but are increasingly becoming capable of compromising an organization’s financial stability. Rather than leaving it up to chance, coordinate with a trusted third-party to ensure that your cybersecurity posture is ready to meet the moment. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/07/02/border-surveillance-subcontractor-suspended-after-cyberattack-misuse-traveler-images/

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com

Awareness Tops Readiness in UK Cybersecurity Preparedness

Awareness Tops Readiness in UK Cybersecurity Preparedness 

UK organizations are well-aware of their cybersecurity threat landscape. Unfortunately, that has not enhanced their ability to improve their defensive posture. According to a recent survey, only 42% of organizations are confident in their data security, 10% fewer than companies in other countries. 

While 90% of survey respondents indicated that adopting cybersecurity best practices is more important than increasing profits, less than 60% of these companies have a formal security policy, a number that has not changed since last year. 

Indifference may not be the only factor in their lack of preparation. Many companies cite budgetary and personnel constraints as a significant barrier to improving cybersecurity posture. 

Even so, the cost of a data breach is more expensive than ever before. The survey found that organizations will dedicate 12% of their revenue to recovering from a data breach, an all-time high. With companies like ours equipped to fortify your cybersecurity defenses, now is the perfect time to prepare your company for today’s evolving threat landscape. 

https://www.scmagazineuk.com/uk-cyber-security-preparedness-lags-behind-awareness/article/1589030

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com

Top Ransomware Delivery Methods

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com