October is National Cybersecurity Month here in the U.S. So, we wanted to take this important opportunity to release a public service announcement reminding you to protect your digital assets.
The truth is these are dark times for businesses. Just a few weeks ago, Yahoo announced over 500 million accounts were hacked back in 2014. It was the largest publicly-disclosed breach of all time.
Unfortunately, hacking is just one threat facing businesses today. New, sophisticated threats are proliferating across the Internet at a rapid pace.
Over the last 10 months, for instance, we have seen ransomware attacks increase exponentially. We have also watched ransomware grow from a top Web threat into a top mobile threat. In fact, ransomware today was called the biggest security threat on Android.
As a business leader, it can be difficult to know how to respond to these types of notfications. They make you feel vulnerable, and exposed online. And they also make you question every type of software you are using, or website you visit.
Case in point: Do you use Spotify? If so, there is a chance your computer could be infected with malware. Several users have recently complained that Spotify has been distributing malware-laden advertisements to their desktops.
No application, in other words, is safe.
We would love to tell you that there is a solution in sight for all of this, but there is not. The problem will continue to get worse. In fact, today Shawn Henry — former director of the FBI’s crime and cybercrime response unit — stated that he does not believe experts will put an end to cybercrime in our lifetimes.
Here’s the surprising part of all of this:
Many people still don’t care!
A recent study from NIST shows that many average computer users are experiencing “security fatigue.” In other words, they are becoming weary about the constant security threats they read about. And as a result, they are becoming reluctant to take action to protect themselves online.
“The finding that the general public is suffering from security fatigue is important because it has implications in the workplace and in people’s everyday life,” cognitive psychologist and co-author Brian Stanton explained. “It is critical because so many people bank online, and since health care and other valuable information is being moved to the internet.”
So, could you be suffering from security fatigue?
We’re here to remind you that you can’t get off that easily.
As a business leader, you have a responsibility to protect your company from cybercrime. So don’t let security fatigue stop you from doing your job. If you’re unsure about the steps you need to take to fortify your network, contact a managed services provider (MSP) like Apex Technology Services who can help streamline all of your security needs.
An MSP will montor and update your network infrastructure, fortify your business endpoints with anti-malware software, scan for advanced threats and more.
An MSP will even train your employees on how to stay safe online.
So as you reflect during National Cybersecurity Month, understand that it’s okay to ask for help. Contact Apex Technology Services for more information.
A new breed of hacktrepeneurs has awoken and they have little to fear and everything to gain by infecting as many companies as possible and extorting money from them. Apex Technology Services stands ready to protect your company regardless of whether it’s located in New York City; White Plains, New York; Connecticut; Australia; Europe; or anywhere else. Our full suite of cybersecurity and IT support services is at your disposal, enabling you to spend less time worrying about and more time growing your business.
In addition, our new Cybersecurity Compliance Certification for law firms will help keep your legal practice from becoming the next Panama Papers victim. This baseline cybersecurity audit for the legal industry should be considered seriously by all law firms.