Cyberattacks

March 20, 2019 - Every year recently seems to be the year of the cyberattack, and 2019 will be no exception. We no sooner figure out how to fend off one cyberattack than a new one is on the horizon. This week's articles focus on what types of attacks you need to look out for, how to strengthen your defenses, and even writing a cyberattack playbook. We think you'll find some helpful information here.

To better prepare one's company and employees for cyberattacks in this article, look to implement cybersecurity processes and strategies that are both layered, automatic and dynamic. (Item #1)   Threat-based cybersecurity is a journey spanning the entire corporate lifecycle and requiring an ongoing commitment to cyber defense. (Item #2)   There are ways to strengthen your systems against hackers, but first, you've got to know your threats. (Item #3)

If 2018 was the year of the ransomware attacks, 2019 will likely be known as the year our over-reliance on technology was tested. (Item #4)   Business owners and web developers must prepare for the worst and take steps securing their web sites from the smartest hackers out there. (Item #5)   The sort of cyber incident playbooks should be written for are the basic attacks including ransomware, DDoS attacks and data loss (this might want to be segregated into the different types of data the organization holds). (Item #6)

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Testing and Training

March 6, 2019 - A recent survey indicated that about 2/3 of the businesses that have continuity plans do not test them. Are you one of these businesses? If you don't test the plan, you will never be sure it will work as expected. There don't have to be elaborate scenarios or schemes; even simple tabletop testing will help you determine if things will go as planned. This week's articles provide some help with testing and training.

How will your business respond if faced with a natural disaster, a cyberthreat or an active shooter scenario? (Item #1)    There are a variety of methods you can utilize to test the usability and effectiveness of your Business Continuity Plan. (Item #2)    This article looks at the objectives, format, and scenario of business continuity exercises, and explains why scenarios are not the most important factor when planning an exercise. (Item #3)

Business continuity planning must be a process---not a one-time task. (Item #4)    This article addresses several issues in an attempt to provide some guidelines for developing and administering employee awareness training programs in organizations. (Item #5)   Without training, employees cannot be expected to know what is written in your plans, which hazards they could face, or how to respond to emergency situations. (Item #6)


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