New Yorkers are a pretty tough bunch. The weather is unpredictable. Traffic jams happen around the clock. And as for affordable rent, you can fuggedaboutit!

But now, there’s another rising challenge impacting both consumers and businesses in New York: Cybercrime.

This week, the office of New York State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman published a review of 2016’s data breaches, and found that breaches increased by more than 60 percent last year.

Hacking accounted for more than 40 percent of attacks. And employee negligence (from data loss and exposure) accounted for 37 percent of attacks.

“In 2016, New Yorkers were the victims of one of the highest data exposure rates in our state’s history,” stated Schneiderman. “The total annual number of reported security breaches increased by 60% and the number of exposed personal records tripled… It’s on all of us to guard against those who try to use our personal information for harm — as these breaches too often jeopardize the financial health of New Yorkers and cost the public and private sectors billions of dollars.”

While it’s encouraging to see the State Attorney General getting involved to help combat the problem, the fact is that government can only do so much to protect businesses and consumers from online threats. Businesses must accept responsibility to protect their own digital assets from cybercriminals.

Of course, this is easier said than done — especially for smaller businesses in New York that operate on tight budgets. It’s difficult to find reliable cybersecurity help when you have other workers to pay, hefty rent to make, taxes and infinite other expenses. 

Apex Technology Services is a local managed services provider offering flexible — and affordable — cybersecurity help. Working with Apex is an easy way to obtain the network security that you need at a price that you can handle.

To learn more, click here.

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.

To ensure your security, consider one of our most popular services — Auditing & Documentation — which pinpoints vulnerabilities in your infrastructure, process flow and internal security procedures.