In a few short weeks, the global loss attributable to cybercrime is expected to surpass $6 trillion.* Therefore, in an effort to protect financial institutions and consumers from further loss, agencies including the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (A Cybersecurity Wake Up Call: SEC Sanctions Eight Firms for Cybersecurity Deficiencies) and the United States Department of
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Cyber Security
A Cybersecurity Wake Up Call: SEC Sanctions Eight Firms for Cybersecurity Deficiencies
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) recently identified cyberthreats as an enforcement priority (see 2021 Examination Priorities). Within months of the Commission’s announcement, the Commission brought three enforcement actions* which resulted in sanctions against eight investment advisory firms who failed to report cyber related attacks, failed to adopt, or failed to implement proper cybersecurity policies in…
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The Invaluable Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication
The need to input a username and password when logging into a computer is a “single factor” authentication. But, from a security perspective, that single factor authentication only goes so far. Consider, for example, the ramifications if a hacker steals or guesses your username and password. What information could be compromised?
For law firms, cybercrime and data breaches have become…
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Rise of Mobile Phishing Scams
In the span of a few short months, the number of phishing attacks targeting smartphones as the entry point to enterprise networks has risen by more than a third. Indeed, one cybersecurity company found a 37% increase in mobile phishing attacks worldwide between November 2019 and early 2020.*
As previous blog posts have observed,** phishing emails have long…
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Hey Google: Are You Alone?
Smart speakers – like Google Home and Amazon Echo – have changed the way our homes/offices function. Indeed, these voice-activated speakers execute simple commands provided by voice or smartphone application. With nothing more than a question, one can direct the smart speaker to, among other things, play music and podcasts, provide a weather forecast, or set an alarm.
The technology…
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Opportunist Hackers “Zoom-Bombing” and Infiltrating Videoconferences Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
With much of the American workforce (and educational systems) working remotely, reliance upon videoconferencing software for workplace and educational collaboration has increased significantly. One of the more widely embraced platforms during the pandemic is Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (“Zoom”). According to the New York Times, around 600,000 people downloaded the Zoom application on March 15, 2020. And, for anyone…
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Cyber Threats on the Rise During COVID-19 Pandemic
As the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) causes countless companies and employers to implement remote working environments, millions of Americans will be working from home. It is, therefore, critically important to remain vigilant about cybersecurity best practices.
As observed in recent news alerts, cybersecurity threats, perpetuated by opportunistic cyber-criminals preying on a vulnerable virtual workforce, are on the rise. In fact, hackers around…
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Industry Forecast for Data Breaches 2020: What All Smartphone Users Should Know
As we become increasingly reliant upon our phones, we make ourselves more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Indeed, Experian’s 2020 edition of its annual Data Breach Industry Forecast details five predictions for data breach trends, including three that are likely to impact the smartphone user.*
One of Experian’s predictions is that cyber criminals will move to “smishing” attacks. What the heck…
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The Department of Homeland Security Reminds us of the Importance of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity remains a real concern for businesses and individuals alike. We are reminded of this by a recent Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) warning wherein the DHS indicates there will likely be an increase in cyber threats due to heightened tensions with Iran. In addition to advising that we should be prepared for increased phishing attacks, the DHS also recommended…
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Seven Simple (Cyber) Security Suggestions for September
In my search for ESI-centric information that would pique my readers’ interest, I came across an interesting article/blog about digital privacy written by Thorin Klosowski, in which he details seven (i.e., one per day) simple ways to secure your digital life.* Because I found the plan easy to implement and steeped in wisdom, I decided to share Klowoski’s recommendations. While…
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