Socium Solutions: May 2023

Should your company be concerned about cybersecurity?

You (and your company) should be concerned about cybersecurity at all times. This doesn’t mean you should be pulling your hair out about imminent risk. It does, however, mean that you should be aware of the looming risk of cyberattack and have plans in place to thwart even the most advanced cybercriminals. How can you start? Work with cybersecurity professionals to conduct a risk assessment which will determine if the plans you currently have in place are sufficient in protecting your company. Then, fill in the gaps! It sounds simple, but having an experienced cybersecurity professional is crucial during this process. Are the cybersecurity plans you currently have in plan enough?

Are you up-to-date with current news in the cybersecurity industry? We have compiled some of the top industry news. Click the links below to read more.

• The United States has imposed sanctions on two North Korean hackers for their involvement in cyber attacks on financial institutions and virtual currency exchanges. Learn more in this article.
• The RSA Conference 2023 showcased 10 cool new cybersecurity tools to help businesses stay ahead of evolving threats. Check out the full list of tools in this article.?
• Do your kids know how to stay safe online? Children's author Zinet Kemal has released an exciting new series of books that teach kids about cybersecurity in a fun and engaging way. Check out this article to learn more.?
• A recent article in Harvard Business Review explores the new cybersecurity risks posed by ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI. Check out this thought-provoking piece here.

Read our latest blogs to enhance your knowledge of cybersecurity.

The short answer to that question is yes, everyone should be wary of ransomware and take steps to prevent attacks. Cybercriminals do not discriminate; they not only target companies of any size, but they even target individuals in their attacks.

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A Security Operations Center, or SOC (pronounced “sock”), is a set of security tools and protocols designed to monitor and protect an organization's networks and data. SOCs are typically manned by security professionals who have the training and expertise to work concurrently with highly developed software and AI to detect and prioritize potential security threats.

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There are small things you can do routinely to help decrease your risk of cyberattacks. This month our cybersecurity experts have compiled some of the most overlooked aspects of cybersecurity. Did any of these surprise you?

1. Cybersecurity is only as secure as your physical security. We know that sounds cliche, but security breaches in your physical environment can be just as catastrophic as remote breaches. Ensure that your office space is safe from unauthorized access and that nobody has access to tamper with your materials.
2. Third-party risk management: Your employees may be well-versed in their cybersecurity training, but are the third-party companies you work with? It is key to assess the security processes of any company you are working with to avoid both cyberattacks and physical tampering.
3. How are you offboarding your employees? Offboarding is usually a tedious process, especially if an employee is not leaving on good terms. In any instance, good or bad, it is key to ensure that the offboarding process includes steps to promptly revoke access and recover company property.
4. Device security: What types of devices are your employees using? Are they taking them home? Using personal devices? Even if you are working on the most secure network, accessing information on unsecured devices is a great way to invite cybercriminals into your workspace. Make sure that there are clear guidelines and security measures in place to regulate the use of personal devices and accessibility to sensitive information.

If you have overlooked any of these items, it isn’t too late to put measures in place that will keep your company safe. They not only protect your personal data, but they decrease the likelihood of cyberattack. Learn more about cybersecurity and your business on our website.

Have you been following along with our LinkedIn posts? We've gathered a few of our favorites below.

Let's play a quick game: Comment the name of your first pet, your birthday, and your mother's maiden name. ?? STOP: If you were about to comment (and even if you weren't), keep reading to learn why sharing this information could be detrimental to your company. ??

Posts that require you to share personal information are all over social media, however many people (and businesses) underestimate their danger. If your employees are publicly sharing the answers to these questions, they are opening both themselves and your business up to cyberattacks. Click the link to read why, and learn some methods to combat your cyber risk.?

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AI is everywhere and it continues to change and adapt. With the influx of artificial intelligence, and its ability to assist in the business process, the question of its security continues to come up.

Unfortunately, with the constant advancements, there is no easy answer to the security of using artificial intelligence. We can, however, continue to be diligent; it is crucial for companies to be able to adapt their cybersecurity measures based on their ever-changing cyber risk.

Are you wondering how AI can make cybercriminals more efficient?

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In today's digital world, the internet has become a crucial part of our lives, making connecting, learning, and conducting transactions easier.?

With the ease of access to the internet, there is also a corresponding increase in cyber threats and malicious activities.

To protect your personal data, it's essential to be vigilant and follow trustworthy cybersecurity practices. One of the most effective ways to protect your data is by verifying the legitimacy of websites and platforms before inputting any sensitive information. Cybercriminals often create fake websites or platforms that look like legitimate ones to trick users into giving out their personal information. Hence, it's essential to review the website carefully before entering any sensitive information.?

? Here are a few tips to determine if the website you are looking at is legitimate: Read More