When two companies merge, the existing security risks multiply. In the climate of the COVID-19 global pandemic, it's more important than ever to assess cybersecurity early in the process of integration and merging of two separate companies.
Merging two companies' technology has always been a challenging and intricate integration, but in the face of the additional cybersecurity challenges related to COVID-19, it's proven more challenging than ever.
While there has been an increase in ransomware attacks as of late, one thing is essential to know: ransomware is getting smarter. What exactly does that mean? Essentially, ransomware developers are attacking computer backups to prevent recovery in the event of a ransomware attack.
Where are we in the world of cybersecurity? It’s easy to miss the cybersecurity threats and attacks happening right in our “backyard”. Our goal at PK Tech is to educate and offer proactive steps for cybersecurity safety. It’s important to be aware--without being afraid--of the cybersecurity threats that are real threats for your business.
Ransomware has been a popular topic on our blog in 2020, and for a good reason. It continues to affect businesses and be a highly relevant and growing threat amid COVID-19.
One industry that has been primarily targeted by ransomware: healthcare and the public health sector.
We’re not asking if your IT guy is “really nice” or “funny” or “pleasant to have in the office.” We’re asking: do they properly support your business? Do they get the job DONE?
We’re on a mission to do a fantastic job for our clients and help prospective clients recognize when they’re not getting the IT support they need (and deserve).
Enter.
First of all, what is Cybersquatting?
With the intent of profiting from user mistakes, cybercriminals take advantage of the essential role that domain names play on the internet by registering names that appear related to existing domains or brands. Cybersquatting in action will see attackers mimicking domains of major brands like Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, or Apple to scam consumers.
Ever since work-from-home (WFH) skyrocketed in March following COVID-19 pandemic lock-downs, corporate cybersecurity has taken a front seat in the growing conversation among IT leaders in businesses and organizations.
In June, Malwarebytes surveyed over 200 IT experts from companies of various sizes to determine how IT leaders had initially reacted to the pandemic and how they were planning their strategies moving forward.
A new global survey titled "Cybersecurity: The Human Challenge" (reference) essentially found that organizations are never the same after they've experienced a ransomware attack. In line with these findings, the survey also found that how IT managers anticipate and handle future cyberattacks also changed significantly based on whether the organization had previously experienced a ransomware attack.
To prevent a major data leak, the University Hospital New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey, paid $670,000 to dissolve a ransomware attack (source). Paying the ransom prevented 240 GB of stolen data (which included a large amount of patient data) from being publicly published.
With all this talk of increased cybersecurity measures and vulnerability to phishing attacks, you may be wondering: what are the most vulnerable departments and sectors to phishing attacks?
The entire motivation behind cyber attackers is to identify and pursue system vulnerabilities and illegally access sensitive data--whenever and wherever they can get their hands on it.
