Successful ransomware attack at the University of Utah Until a thorough and robust method to stop ransomware, this phenomenon is going to continue to flourish. This popular method to attack is simple, and profitable to the attackers. Once this was successfully monetized, there was no turning back for the attackers. Another glaring example occurred this July with the University of Utah. Attack The University of Utah has been added to the list of ransomware victims (e.g. Michig

Cryptocurrency Basics for Small Businesses Cryptocurrency is big news these days. Articles appear in economic news streams, technology blogs, and retail trade publications. On the same day you might find an article about how cryptocurrency is becoming legal tender for one country and an article on how a city is placing a moratorium on cryptocurrencies. Here are some basic findings and information on cryptocurrency to encourage more research and reflection on this dynamic topi

Cybercrime as an economy not just as a business A study sponsored by Bromium, takes the position that cybercrime is no longer just a business, following corporate business strategies, but should be viewed as an economy. An economy that parallels the legitimate world economy and often intersects with it. The study states that cybercrime now generates at an estimated $1.5 trillion annually. To put that in comparison, the annual GDP of US: $19.4 trillion, China: $11.8 trillion

Cybersecurity is a hot commodity in the last few years. There seems to be new firms popping up everywhere, all claiming to use the newest tools and a few even claim to have AI built in! While these claims may be mostly generated by the marketing department and the AI is really ML with a nuance, there are a few legitimate firms. One of the newer firms is Data Viper, based in St. Louis, MO. This firm was founded by Vinny Troia, a cybersecurity subject matter expert. Data Viper

The computers and systems we use at work and at home have to be secure. We work on confidential, sensitive projects, and have PII on these every single day. This data being released into the wild or for sale on the dark web would be a truly bad thing for everyone involved. For business, there is also liability and fines which may be a concern. These can be rather significant with certain industries (e.g. healthcare). There is not a way around this. With the systems, cybersecu

Tips Small Businesses on Printer Security A new printer comes with so many fabulous features. It is like a mini-computer into itself. And there lies a problem. Like a mini-computer or Internet of Things device, it can be hacked. And hackers are finding printers an attractive option for penetrating computer networks. In one study of over 200 companies, more than half had a data breach linked to a printer security gap. Some security experts believe that printer cyber-attacks wi

New FTC Small Business Online Resources Small businesses have an online resource center, provided by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that focuses on cybersecurity tips and advice. The FTC has two primary focuses 1) protect consumers and 2) promote competition. Strong cybersecurity measures adhered to by small businesses can help do both. The FTC collaborated with the U. S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards (NIST), U. S. Small Business Administrat

Healthcare is in a difficult position during these times. In between the pandemic, budgetary constraints, union negotiations, and other issues, their road is, to say the least, tough. Now add in cybersecurity issues, and the risks increase exponentially. All it takes is one person in the right department to click on the right link or icon, and BAM, a compromise is just around the corner. Goshen Health was unfortunate enough to learn this from their own experience. In this exa