UK Business Leaders Believe Data Breaches Are the New Normal

The majority of UK businesses have suffered some form of a data breach in 2019, and C-suite business leaders view this reality as the “new normal.” 

This information was derived from the latest Carbon Black study, which surveyed 250 C-level business leaders from the UK. In total, 84% indicated that they endured a data breach in the past year, and the same amount indicated that cyber attacks were becoming more sophisticated. 

This new reality is especially notable among smaller businesses, which reported a 57% increase in cyber attacks. While the financial repercussions varied significantly, 75% of executives noted that reputational cost is one of the most problematic results of a data breach.

Interestingly, two of the most prominent threats identified by executives, malware and phishing attacks, are defensible. By implementing comprehensive awareness training, companies of all sizes can neutralize a persistent and problematic threat group.

In a cybersecurity landscape that’s increasingly defined by continuous attacks, controlling some of the variables can give any organization a leg up on the best efforts of bad actors.
https://www.itpro.co.uk/cyber-attacks/34545/carbon-black-attacks-and-breaches-the-new-normal-for-businesses

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November Newsletter: You're Running Out of Time with Windows 7

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

U.S. Senate Passes Ransomware Response Law

Ransomware is making a devastating comeback in 2019, impacting SMBs, government agencies, and educational institutions with frightening regularity and at great cost. 

The scourge of attacks has been so profound that a bill governing ransomware response tactics actually elicited bipartisan support from a divisive U.S. senate. 

The new legislation calls for dedicated teams tasked with providing organizations with best practice advice for protecting against and responding to ransomware attacks. These resources will be available for SMBs, government agencies, and schools, which were specifically addressed by senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer.

The practical effects of such legislation are unclear, but the more prescient fact is that the law exists at all. It underscores the incredible need for more companies to adopt a best practice defensive posture and the chasm between those that are ready to defend themselves and those that remain vulnerable.

However, the law alone won’t solve SMBs problems. They need to understand the ways that their IT infrastructure might be vulnerable, and they need to make addressing those concerns a top priority.

https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/senate-passes-ransomware-law/

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

Multi Factor attacks on the rise!

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Consumers Will Stop Engaging with Brands Online After Data Breach

After years of high-profile data breaches, consumers are fed up with companies that can’t protect their data, and they are increasingly willing to cut off brands that fail in this regard. 

In a recent survey by Business Wire, nearly 50% of respondents are more concerned about data security then they were a year ago. Notably, 81% indicated that they would stop engaging with brands online after a data breach, and 63% of consumers believe that the company is always responsible for data security. 

These findings place a significant burden on companies to evaluate their cybersecurity posture. In today’s digital landscape, failing to protect customer data won’t just be inconvenient. It could be the beginning of the end for many businesses.

Rather than leaving it to chance, get the support that you need to ensure that your company is ready to address consumer demands as the costs of failing to meet the moment are incredibly steep.

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

Australian CEOs Fail to Appreciate Cyberthreats

Today, data breaches are top-of-mind for companies and consumers alike; however, those concerns appear don’t appear to have made it all the way to the C-suite. 

According to a recent survey of Australian executives, those in leadership positions significantly overestimate their company’s cybersecurity capabilities, exposing a serious disconnect between decision makers and those charged with securing a company’s data. 

For example, 63% of CISOs surveyed said that their company experienced a data breach in the past 12 months, but only 6% of CEOs shared this viewpoint. Similarly, 44% of CEOs thought that their company was prepared to respond to a cyberthreat, while only 26% of CISO’s were confident in this assertion.

This disparity doesn’t just relate to technological capabilities. 69% of CISOs view cybersecurity as an integral part of their business plan, and only 27% of CEOs saw it as a bottom-line issue.

Other surveys have shown that cybersecurity professionals are quickly becoming overwhelmed by their jobs, and many are considering leaving the field altogether. Without support from top-level executives, this problem will only get worse, which means that data security will become more problematic.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/australian-ceos-way-overoptimistic-about-cybersecurity-out-of-touch-on-privacy/

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

Ransomeware Stops a business!

This week, ransomware stops a business from shipping products, spear phishing campaign costs a local government thousands, and executives continue to ignore spooky cybersecurity risks. 

Dark Web ID Trends:

Top Source Hits: ID Theft Forums 
Top Compromise Type: Domain 
Top Industry: Education & Research
Top Employee Count: 11 - 50 Employees 

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