As the Internet of Things continues to grow, so do opportunities for devious hackers. A multi-national warning has been issued regarding our home and business network devices—think modems, WiFi routers, and repeaters. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has noted a large-scale attack launched against specific network devices. So together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), they’ve issued a Technical Alert warning everyone about ongoing cyber exploitation.
Entrepreneurship has long been the golden egg for hard-pressed nine to fivers. But now it’s seriously trending. Still, dangers lurk in uncharted terrain. How can you prepare and stay protected on the road to being your own boss?
If you follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds then you’ve got a leg up—you know all about the growing phishing epidemic. Well-worded emails from supposed IRS workers or company execs have mislead many a dutiful employee. We’ve warned about this scamming method in the past, and the widespread threat continues to morph.
Take caution: just as sure as you want to aid in properly handling your company’s tax filing, cybercriminals hope to exploit that eagerness. And they do, every year, prompting the IRS to disseminate advisories and PSAs. One specific fraudster tactic that continues to claim its proverbial pound has seen astronomical increase. Phishing attacks on U.S. taxpayers have skyrocketed some 400% in recent years, and there’s good reason why.
The opposing forces of privacy and safety are at it again. This time, it’s Apple v. The Feds—heels in the mud, each hoping for victory. On the sidelines, fans make known their stake in the game. But in this tug of war, maybe the real win is when both sides keep their jerseys clean.
PCI compliance: Don’t let the snore-bore of a name fool you: PCI compliance standards could be your company’s lifeline, packing a solid punch in fighting cybercrime, protecting data security. PCI compliance is more than “just good business”— it’s a way to show clients some love, proving that you value the trust they’ve placed in your company.
Vicarious liability: Put simply, liability for employee actions comes down on employers’ shoulders—and it can do some damage. Whether it’s through your general liability, professional liability or worker’s compensation policy, you’ll keep exposed risk at bay with just a bit of forethought, and a healthy dash of attention to detail.
Ironically versatile, this jargon-y noun/verb/adjective hurts both sides of the IT/C-suite aisle. The dangers are obvious, and business leaders are moving to steer clear. So let's encourage progress—get those silos gone and let ideas flow free.
For today's business, things have reached critical mass. Not only are we seeing data breaches at every turn, but we're also finding fractured camps at their root—'civil war' within an already raging 'cyber war.' If this sounds familiar, take heart—big problems, both real and perceived, can be worked through and neutralized. It comes down to communication, to going beyond department lines, and focusing on common goals. After all, we're talking about the success not just of a company, but of each and every member.
Just another cheap hat trick, goldbricking sure can sell the goods. A facade of the shiny stuff can fool a trusting audience and a distracted employer alike. Paint it any way you like—when it comes to affecting your business, goldbricking is as subtle as a lead balloon.
From birth to retirement, and everything in between, we plan. Unfortunately though, we tend to downplay the negatives. You know—those pesky 'what-ifs' and disasters we hope to keep at bay. Ironically, it’s in this world of unknowns that a solid plan is most vital. Take, for instance, your business. It wants to grow, and with that growth come natural growing pains. For one, it gets harder to stay close to those at the heart of your company. But practically speaking, is there really any harm in that?
As we round January’s corner into the new year, there’s so much to think about, from ambitious goals and adventurous plans, to lingering concerns. One thing’s for sure, with a slew of unprecedented data breaches, 2014 did what it could to keep cybersecurity on the brain. So whether it’s still taxing our nerves, or if we’re in transition, let’s build on what we know, get out in front, and leave this worry behind.
