Cybersecurity Risk Management: Predict, Prevent, Protect

Cybersecurity is the process of protecting your networks, systems, devices, and programs from cyber-attacks. In a nutshell, Cybersecurity is your organization’s way of protecting the company, employees, and customers from the plots that hackers are trying to implement.

The type of data can vary by the hacker, and by cyber-attack, however, hackers are typically after data that they can make money off of or leverage in other attacks. A few examples of data that hackers may be interested in are:

• Customer information including both personal and company level details
• Users of your software, and their account information
• Credit and debit card information
• Bank account information of organizations and individuals
• Employee information including social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, birth dates, addresses, and medical details

Benefits are often viewed as tangible elements. The benefits of a strong Cybersecurity program, however, are intangible. Cybersecurity is all about prevention – stopping a hacker from accessing company, customer, and employee data. And this prevention equals a level of protection for your networks and data. It also means peace of mind for your employees and customers because they are confident that the data and information that they have shared with your organization is safe. And, let’s face it, some of that data is valuable – credit card information, social security information, medical information, billing information, and access to products are just a few examples. That prevention also equates to confidence in your business from customers, employees, and stakeholders. And, lastly, it means that if a cyber attack were to occur, your organization is prepared to swiftly handle the situation and minimize the impact.

Yes! In fact, approximately 58% of data breaches happen to small businesses. And, two-thirds of SMB’s have suffered a cyberattack within the past 12 months! Why? Because hackers look for the path of least resistance, the easy route. And small businesses that have the “it won’t happen to me” thought are a dream for hackers. Even those small businesses that have anti-virus software are at risk. One report indicated that 82% of those attacked said that malware was able to get through their anti-virus software. The bottom line is that no business, large or small, should consider themselves safe. Take the proper precautions and implement a Cybersecurity program for your organization.

Thieves steal and sell databases, credit card information, financial transactions, leaked emails, user logins and credentials, and company secrets that can financially harm your business. They profit after committing theft through phishing attacks or by using compromised employee login credentials.

They use the Dark Web to do this.

Dark web monitoring is an identity theft prevention product that lets you monitor your confidential business information on the Dark Web and receive notifications if it’s found online.

You’ll be in control of the information you want to be monitored. You’ll receive alerts via email if any of this information is found on the Dark Web. Your service will let you know any next steps you should take if this happens.

CMMC is required for businesses interested in bidding on government contracts. CMMC is designed to protect two specific kinds of information:

• Federal Contract Information (FCI). The federal government protects information regarding its contracts—both details generated by the government and those provided by contractors.
• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CUI encompasses any data that is sensitive in nature but that does not require federal clearance to access. This includes personally identifiable information, technical drawings, legal documents, and other intellectual property.

After CMMC goes into effect in Fall 2020, all businesses contracting with the DoD will be required to have certification to a certain level depending on the nature of their contract. Level 1 is equivalent to FAR 52.204–21, so businesses that have already achieved this standard independently will have a head start on those just beginning the process.

ITS provides cybersecurity services to businesses across the United States. With a strong presence in key locations, you can easily connect with a local team to discuss your cybersecurity needs. Our main service areas include: 

• Chicago
• Detroit
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Oakland
• Olympia
• Phoenix
• Portland
• Reno
• Sacramento
• San Francisco
• Seattle 

No matter where you are located in the US, ITS can provide the security expertise you need to grow your business.