Strong Cybersecurity Pays for Itself – Data Breach Costs Exceeded $1.2 Trillion for US Companies in 2019

     

Data breaches have enormous consequences for companies, including recovery and repair expenses, reputational damage, potential regulatory penalties – all of which spell financial loss. This week, a new report illustrates just how significant the financial consequences of a data breach can be. In 2019, some major data breaches spelled disaster for heavyweight firms. With more than five-billion records compromised in 2019, breaches are estimated to have collectively cost companies $1.2 trillion, nearly double the sum from 2018. 

Healthcare was the most targeted sector in 2019, with 382 total breaches, a startling 100% year-over-year increase. It’s shaping up to be number one in 2020 as well. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has incited cybercriminals to increase their attacks on the healthcare sector, which will certainly increase risks in the year ahead. In addition to healthcare, banking, insurance, education, government, and retail were among the top targets of cybercriminals.  

Taken together, personally identifiable information was the most sought after commodity. In response, it’s clear that companies need to take action to secure their systems and data now, especially as remote work compounds the risk of a cybersecurity incident. While today’s threat landscape is expansive and pervasive, every organization can improve its defensive posture by addressing the most prominent risks, including unauthorized access, phishing scams, and malware. 

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/data-breaches-cost-us-companies-more-than-1-2-trillion-last-year/ 

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

460 Million Records Reported Stolen in May

A tally of May cybersecurity instances found that 460 million records were compromised last month, marking another staggering total in an already-historic year for cybersecurity. However, the sum only represents the beginning of the problem, as many data breaches are going unreported as companies fear regulatory repercussions and customer blowback. In addition, many data breaches also expose reams of sensitive personal data, making it difficult to quantify the full scope of the problem. 

Find out how records sold on the Dark Web can endanger your data in unexpected ways. 

For businesses, this information has two prominent implications. First, there is a growing need to identify compromised data on the Dark Web. As more records are stolen and distributed in the dark corners of the internet, companies need eyes and ears to know if their information is among the mountain of stolen data. 

What’s more, the sheer number of compromised records makes it more important than ever for organizations to put additional barriers between their IT infrastructure and bad actors. If your staffer is reusing a password from a compromised retail account or using their pet’s name to log in, that can put you at risk for a breach by making it easy for cybercriminals to find a way into your systems.

Dark Web ID can help keep accounts secure by alerting you when your staff’s compromised information hits the Dark Web. This cost-effective solution gives you peace of mind and gives you an opportunity to mitigate threats (like your staffer’s unwittingly compromised login credentials) before they become disasters. 

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-460-million-records-exposed-in-breach-incidents-reported-in-may/

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Business Leaders Series Online hosted by the Latino Business Group

Make sure to tune in on our Facebook page at 1PM tomorrow, Business Leaders Series Online hosted by the Latino Business Group.

Thursday, July 9 - Resiliency through Covid-19 –Join Deputy Fire Chief Pedro Arevalo and Dr. Victor Portillo, MD as they discuss what the pandemic has been like through their perspective and how the community has rallied around them.

https://www.facebook.com/GreaterArlingtonTX/live

Deputy Fire Chief Pedro Arevalo has worked for the Arlington Fire Department for 20 years and is the first Hispanic Chief in the department.  He is a native of Arlington and resided here since he was a child, graduating from Bowie High School.  He has assisted with the development if the AISD High School Fire Academy, oversees special events, and currently working with the State of Jalisco, Mexico to donate PPE Equipment and training their fire fighters.  He has seen first-hand the effect of the virus and the impact on our community and will share his perspective on his experiences.

Dr. Victor Portillo, MD with Medical Center Arlington, is an acute care/trauma surgeon.  Dr. Portillo graduated from Baylor College of Medicine and New York Medical College and will be sharing with the listeners his experiences in the emergency operating room and other areas of treatment, specifically during this pandemic and his experiences.

Sherry Jackson Chief of Staff sjackson@arlingtontx.com | 817-543-4287 Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce 505 E. Border Street, Arlington, TX  76010 Learn more at ArlingtonTX.com

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

RightFax integrations for Healthcare - Bit by Bit Webinar Showcase

RightFax Integrations for Healthcare Enhancing Patient Care & Efficiency Through the Power of Fax

Wednesday, July 22, 2020  2:00 - 2:30 p.m. EST

Fax. Gold standard. Healthcare. It's safe, secure, and it just works. And, with the growth of EMR platforms such as Epic and Allscripts, the need for a powerful, integrated fax platform is even more important.  That's where RightFax comes in. An industry giant, it addresses the evolving challenges of providing more efficient patient care, at lower costs, all while meeting HIPPA regulations.  Join us for this informative webinar about the power of RightFax and learn: Fax in the age of COVID-19 Integration options for EMR systems including EPI Security innovations that mitigate the risk of data breaches Virtualization & secure FOIP solutions Whether you currently use RightFax, an electronic fax service, or traditional fax machines, we are confident you will find this session to be time well spent.

Join Us

Bit by Bit, 115 West 29th Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10001

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

River Legacy Clay Shoot

Our River Legacy Foundation Sporting Clay Shoot is one of four annual fundraisers to benefit environmental education at River Legacy Nature Center, River Legacy Park, and now online! Enjoy the outdoors safely while supporting a good cause: helping children fall in love with nature. Learn More & Register Your Team Become a Sponsor  ‌  ‌  ‌

703 NW Green Oaks Boulevard, Arlington, TX 76006

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

Can you spot the clues to this phishing email?

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863

4 Reasons Your Business Needs Managed IT Services

4 Reasons Your Business Needs Managed IT Services

By Robert Blake

Technology plays a vital role in today's work environment and managed IT services are an excellent choice for any business to unlock its full potential. A managed service provider gives your company access to the latest technology at a fraction of the cost of trying to purchase everything on your own. You will also gain access to IT support that is available at any time of the day or night. If you are still undecided, here are a few of the main benefits of using managed IT services.

#1 Competitive Edge

Managed IT services give your business a significant advantage over other companies that do not have access to an IT provider. Small to medium-sized businesses will gain access to the latest tech and IT expertise without worrying about the expensive costs of hiring an in-house IT department. These technology services will allow employees to work more efficiently and improve the bottom line of your company.

#2 Ultimate Cybersecurity Protection

A managed service provider will give your business the ultimate protection against cyber threats in the workplace. These IT security threats can create many hours of downtime and ruin the reputation of your company. However, working with an IT provider will give you access to state of the art security to ensure that you experience no interruptions in your day to day business operations.

#3 Cost-Effectiveness

An in-house IT department doesn't have the resources and is much more limited in helping your business. On the other hand, a managed IT service provider offers small businesses extensive levels of service at a fixed cost each month. The cost-effectiveness of an IT provider will save you money in the long-term, and it is just one of the many advantages of using a managed service provider. Working with an IT support company is a great way to reduce overall costs and is much more affordable than hiring an additional staff member.

#4 Access to the Cloud

Cloud computing allows your employees to work from any location and collaborate on multiple projects. An IT company will handle all of your cloud management to enable you to take advantage of this innovative technology. All of your information is stored at an offsite data center, as you will never be concerned about losing your information due to hardware failure or giving in to the demands of a ransomware attack. Cloud-based technology will only continue to evolve and make a significant impact in the workplace.

Technology will continue to change and influence business models at a rapid pace. However, an IT provider can help your business utilize the latest technology while also giving you access to state of the art cybersecurity protection. Managed IT services are a great investment for small business owners and can play a key role in giving you a competitive edge. Keeping up with the latest tech trends isn't an easy task for most small business owners. However, a managed service provider is an excellent long-term partnership to help your company reach even higher levels of success.

Robert Blake   Director, Bit by Bit Computer Phone: 877.860.5831 x190 Mobile: 9723657010 Email: Robert.Blake@bitxbit.com Website: www.bitxbit.com/texas Address: 721 N Fielder Road, Suite B Arlington TX 76012 Blog: www.3boffice.com Request meeting: https://calendly.com/robertblake

"A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success!" - Doug Larson.

Bit by bit helps client networks run smooth and secure.. visit our website at www.bitxbit.com/texas 877.860.5863