by: Scarlett Huck
Have more questions? Want to learn more? Don’t miss our #AskTheExpert event with Cyber Security Strategist and Evangelist at Intel Corporation, Matthew Rosenquist! You can RSVP here.
2015 has certainly not been deprived of threats and successful hackings into cyberspace. With big business companies such as Home Depot, Target, Staples, and Sony under fire, it is hard to believe that anyone is safe.
Why does this continue to be a growing concern? Who are behind these attacks? Survey says that more than half of reported incidents were staff-related. These breaches included, but were not limited to: “unauthorized access to data, breach of data protection regulations, and misuse or loss of confidential information”. When dealing with staff-related issues, there are certain precautions that can be taken. The first is to make sure employers are informed of the risks and of the data protection laws and the consequences of breaking them. It is also important to make sure employers are not tricked into divulging secure information via over-the-phone scams.
But what about the other half of attacks that are not employee based? These are the attacks that tend to be more deliberate and malicious. For example, take the Impact Team. This is a group of hackers who are hacking for what they believe to be ‘good’. In a quote directly from the group they stated they plan to hack “[a]ny companies that make 100s of millions profiting off pain of others, secrets, and lies. Maybe corrupt politicians. If we do, it will be a long time, but it will be total.” The team is currently best known for their hack of the adultery-encouraging website Ashley Madison. The hackers demanded the site be taken down immediately or the personal information of Ashley Madison’s clients would be released in 30 days. When these terms were not met, a list of names and email addresses of the site’s users was released in order to expose them for their infidelity. Situations like this are becoming known as “hacktivism,” or the act of hacking for a politically or socially motivated purpose.
With attacks occurring every day, it is important to remember to protect yourself. The Department of Homeland Security offers many tips including using proper passwords and privacy settings, thinking before you post on social media and being cautious of what you download. It is also important to be cautious if you run a small business, which are commonly hacked due to lack of security. As far as big business is concerned, larger strides must be taken. Business Insider recommends the steps that must be taken to prevent future attacks, President Obama is currently requesting $14 billion in the 2016 budget proposal in order to tighten government cybersecurity and laws regarding cybersecurity and data protection are becoming stricter. Within the near future, there is hope for the decrease in cyber attacks.
Have more questions? Want to learn more? Don’t miss our #AskTheExpert event with Cyber Security Strategist and Evangelist at Intel Corporation, Matthew Rosenquist! You can RSVP here.
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