2025 Cybersecurity Predictions: What To Expect And How To Prepare

2025 Cybersecurity Predictions: What To Expect And How To Prepare

by | Dec 9, 2024 | Newsletter

 


Cyberthreats have evolved so quickly that what once seemed like science fiction is now reality. From AI-driven cyber-attacks to the power of quantum computing, the cybersecurity challenges of 2025 are shaping up to be both innovative and unnerving. Here’s a look at some of the biggest threats on the horizon and what small and medium-sized businesses can do now to prepare.

1. AI-Driven Attacks: Smarter, Faster And Harder To Detect
Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword in cybersecurity. While it powers sophisticated defenses, it’s also supercharging cybercrime. In 2025, expect to see AI do the heavy lifting for hackers, creating highly targeted phishing scams, developing malware that adapts in real time and automating attacks that evolve faster than traditional security defenses.
How To Prepare: Invest in advanced detection tools that use machine learning to spot these smarter attacks. Educate your team on recognizing AI-enhanced phishing e-mails that are eerily personalized and authentic. Staying one step ahead of AI requires your own tech arsenal, combined with human vigilance.
2. Quantum Computing: The End Of Encryption As We Know It?
Quantum computing, once just a theory, is progressing fast, and it has the potential to break many of today’s encryption standards. Unlike traditional computers, which process data in bits (ones and zeroes), quantum computers use qubits that can represent multiple states at once, allowing them to solve complex calculations far faster. This isn’t happening tomorrow, but by 2025, quantum advancements could already be chipping away at our data-protection defenses. Imagine hackers suddenly having the tools to crack even the most robust encryptions – it’s a game-changer.
How To Prepare: If you haven’t already, start researching quantum-resistant encryption. This might seem early, but early adopters will be better positioned as quantum tech accelerates. Make this part of your long-term cybersecurity strategy to avoid being left scrambling when the time comes.
3. Social Media Exploitation And Deepfakes: The Misinformation Machines
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool – for good and for bad. In 2025, we’re looking at an escalation in the use of social media to spread misinformation and carry out sophisticated social-engineering attacks. And let’s not forget about deepfakes, the realistic yet fake audio and video content that can be used to impersonate executives, customers or anyone else you trust.
How To Prepare: Build and promote a culture of verification within your business. Encourage employees to be cautious with unexpected requests – even those that look or sound legitimate. Training and awareness are your best defenses here, helping your team recognize the signs of manipulated content and social media scams before they fall for them.
4. The Evolution Of Ransomware: It’s Getting More Personal
Ransomware attacks are no longer just about encrypting your data – they’re also about leaking it. In 2025, double extortion is the new normal: cybercriminals not only lock down your systems but also threaten to publish sensitive information if you don’t pay up. And they’re targeting new sectors – think critical infrastructure, health care and supply chains, where the impact of a breach could be catastrophic.
How To Prepare: Double down on incident-response planning and invest in backup solutions that allow you to recover quickly without paying a ransom. Regularly test your backups and keep them off-network when possible to prevent attackers from compromising them too. Ransomware may be unavoidable, but being prepared will keep it from taking your business down with it.
5. Regulatory Changes And Compliance Headaches: It’s Time To Step Up
With cyberthreats mounting, governments around the world are tightening data protection and cybersecurity regulations. By 2025, businesses will likely be facing stricter requirements for data handling, privacy and incident response. Navigating these regulations won’t be easy, especially for businesses operating internationally, where compliance demands can vary widely.
How To Prepare: Stay on top of regulatory developments in your industry and region. Designate a team member or hire a consultant to track these changes and ensure your business remains compliant. Integrating compliance into your cybersecurity strategy not only helps avoid legal issues but also strengthens your overall security posture.
Conclusion: Get Ready For The Future Of Cybersecurity
Cyberthreats aren’t slowing down – they’re advancing, adapting and becoming more sophisticated by the day. The best way to prepare? Start now. Equip your business with AI-driven defenses, explore quantum-resistant encryption, train your team on deepfake detection, fortify your ransomware response plan and ensure your compliance efforts are up-to-date.
If these predictions have you rethinking your cybersecurity strategy, now’s the time to act. Reach out for a FREE Security Risk Assessment, and we’ll help ensure your business is ready to face the future of cybersecurity head-on. Click here or call us at (216) 800-7800  to schedule now!

Cyber Insurance For Small Business: Why You Need It And How to Get Covered In 2025

Cyber Insurance For Small Business: Why You Need It And How to Get Covered In 2025

by | Dec 2, 2024 | Newsletter

 

In 2024, cyberthreats are no longer just a big-business problem. In fact, large corporations with deep pockets are not the primary target for most cybercriminals. Less well-defended small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly at risk, with the average cost of a data breach now totaling over $4 million (IBM). For many smaller businesses, an incident like this could be devastating. This is where cyber insurance comes in. Not only does it help cover the financial fallout of a cyber-attack, but it’s also a safeguard to help your business recover quickly and keep moving forward in the event of an attack.

Let’s break down what cyber insurance is, whether you need it and what requirements you’ll need to meet to get a policy.

What Is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance is a policy that helps cover the costs related to a cyber incident, such as a data breach or ransomware attack. For small businesses, this can be an essential safety net. If a breach happens, cyber insurance can help cover:

  • Notification Costs: Informing your customers about a data breach.
  • Data Recovery: Paying for IT support to recover lost or compromised data, such as restoring computer systems.
  • Legal Fees: Handling potential lawsuits or compliance fines if you’re sued because of an attack.
  • Business Interruption: Replacing lost income if your business shuts down temporarily.
  • Reputation Management: Assisting with PR and customer outreach after an attack.
  • Credit Monitoring Services: Assisting customers impacted by the breach.
  • Ransom Payments: Depending on your policy, cyber insurance will cover payouts in some cases of ransomware or cyber extortion.

These policies are typically divided into first-party and third-party coverage.

  • First-party coverage addresses losses to your company directly, such as system repair, recovery and incident response costs.
  • Third-party coverage covers claims made against your business by partners, customers or even vendors who are affected by the cyber incident.

Think of cyber insurance as your backup plan for when cyber risks turn into real-world problems.

Do You Really Need Cyber Insurance?

Is cyber insurance legally required? No. But, given the rising costs of cyber incidents, it’s becoming an essential safeguard for businesses of all sizes. Let’s look at a couple of specific risks small businesses face:

  • Phishing Scams: Phishing is a common attack targeting employees, tricking them into revealing passwords or other sensitive data. You would be shocked at how often we do phishing tests in organizations and multiple people fail. Your employees cannot keep your business safe if they don’t know how.
  • Ransomware: Hackers lock your files and demand a ransom to release them. For a small business, paying the ransom or dealing with the fallout can be financially devastating. Not to mention, in most cases, once the payment is received, the data is deleted anyway.
  • Regulatory Fines: If you handle customer data and don’t secure it properly, you could face fines or legal actions from regulators, especially in sectors like health care and finance.

While having strong cybersecurity practices is critical, cyber insurance acts as a financial safety net if those measures fall short.

The Requirements For Cyber Insurance

Now that you know why cyber insurance is a smart move, let’s talk about what’s required to qualify. Insurers want to make sure you’re taking cybersecurity seriously before they issue a policy, so they’ll likely ask about these key areas:

  1. Security Baseline Requirements
    • Insurers will check that you have basic security measures like firewalls, antivirus software and multifactor authentication (MFA) in place. These are foundational tools to reduce the likelihood of an attack and show that your business is actively working to protect its data. Without them, insurers may refuse coverage or deny claims.
  1. Employee Cybersecurity Training
    • Believe it or not, employee errors are a major cause of cyber incidents. Insurers know this and often require proof of cybersecurity training. Teaching employees how to recognize phishing e-mails, create strong passwords and follow best practices goes a long way toward minimizing risk.
  1. Incident Response And Data Recovery Plan
    • Insurers love to see that you have a plan for handling cyber incidents if they occur. An incident response plan includes steps for containing the breach, notifying customers and restoring operations quickly. This preparedness not only helps you recover faster but also signals to insurers that you’re serious about managing risks.
  1. Routine Security Audits
    • Regularly auditing your cybersecurity defenses and conducting vulnerability assessments help ensure your systems stay secure. Insurers may require that you perform these assessments at least annually to catch potential weaknesses before they become big problems.
  1. Identity Access Management (IAM) Tools
    • Insurers will want to know that you’re monitoring who is accessing your data. IAM tools provide real-time monitoring and role-based access controls to make sure that only select people have access to the data they specifically need when they need it. They’ll also check that you have strict authentication processes like MFA to enforce this.
  1. Documented Cybersecurity Policies
    • Insurers will want to see that you have formalized policies around data protection, password management and access control. These policies set clear guidelines for employees and create a culture of security within your business.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. They’ll also consider if you have data backups, enforce data classification and more.

Conclusion: Protect Your Business With Confidence

As a responsible business owner, the question to ask yourself isn’t if your business will face cyberthreats – it’s when. Cyber insurance is a critical tool that can help you protect your business financially when those threats become real. Whether you’re renewing an existing policy or applying for the first time, meeting these requirements will help you qualify for the right coverage.

If you have questions or want to make sure you’re fully prepared for cyber insurance, reach out to our team for a FREE Security Risk Assessment. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity setup, identify any gaps and help you get everything in place to protect your business. Click here or call our office at 216-800-7800 to book now.

 

6 Ways Your Phone Is Tracking You

6 Ways Your Phone Is Tracking You

by | Nov 25, 2024 | Newsletter

 

Have you ever casually talked about a product or service while your phone was nearby and then suddenly started seeing ads for it on your social media feed? Your phone is listening. If that concerns you, this should really worry you: your devices are tracking you too! From the phone itself to the apps you download and access, there are multiple ways that your device can ping your location.

Luckily, there are ways around allowing your phone to spy on you. In today’s article we’ll share why it’s so dangerous, the top six ways your phone is tracking you and how you can shut it down.

Why Is It Dangerous?

This data is a hot commodity for Internet marketers. The collected data is used to target you with the local and interest-based ads you’re most likely to be interested in. This digital “stalking” is legal as long as they give you the option to opt in or out. However, marketing execs aren’t the only ones interested in your data. Cybercriminals are too. Here are the reasons allowing your phone to track you is a no-go:

1. Privacy Invasion: Phone tracking allows apps, websites and third parties to collect extensive information about your location, habits and behaviors without your full knowledge. This constant surveillance can lead to a significant invasion of privacy, making users vulnerable to targeted advertising, data harvesting or even malicious tracking for more harmful purposes.

2. Identity Theft And Fraud: If your phone’s tracking data falls into the wrong hands – such as hackers or cybercriminals – it can be used to gather personal details and patterns. This data can enable identity theft, financial fraud or unauthorized access to sensitive accounts, causing financial and emotional harm.

3. Physical Security Risks: By sharing your real-time location data, phone tracking can expose you to physical security threats. For example, stalkers or criminals can exploit this information to track your whereabouts, compromising your safety. Publicizing your movements can also make it easier for bad actors to predict your routines or target you when you’re most vulnerable.

How Your Phone Is Tracking You

1. Location Services: Your phone’s GPS and location services track your whereabouts in real time, recording where you are and how long you stay there. Using “Frequent Locations,” your phone makes assumptions about where you work and live based on when you visit and how long you stay. While this is helpful for finding directions or nearby restaurants, constant tracking can also reveal your movement patterns, leaving you vulnerable to privacy invasion.

Both Apple and Android give you the option to turn this feature off. Exact instructions will vary by specific model and operating system; however, here are basic instructions:

How to turn it off:

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Toggle off Location Services or manage individual app permissions. Scroll down to System Services. Select Significant Locations to see the logged record of where you’ve been and toggle it off. You can also clear your history by clicking Clear History.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Location > App Permissions, and either disable location tracking for specific apps or turn off Use Location To delete your device’s location history, tap Delete Location History at the bottom of the screen under Location History.

2. App Permissions: Many apps request access to your contacts, photos, microphone and camera, allowing them to track your activity, even when you’re not actively using the app, and collect more information than necessary. You can adjust this and should review it regularly to make sure you aren’t compromising your privacy.

How to turn it off:

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. From there, check categories like Camera, Microphone and Contacts to review and adjust app permissions.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Permissions. Here you can manage which apps have access to sensitive data like contacts, microphone and camera.

3. Wi-Fi And Bluetooth Connections: Your phone constantly scans for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, allowing third parties to track your location based on the networks and devices you’ve interacted with.

How to turn it off:

  • iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen and toggle off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For full control, go to Settings > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth to disable scanning.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Location > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Disable these options to prevent your phone from constantly searching for networks and devices.

4. Browsing Activity: Web browsers and apps monitor your search history and the websites you visit. This data is used to build profiles about your preferences, feeding you targeted ads and potentially selling your behavior patterns to third parties.

How to turn it off:

  • iPhone & Android: Use your browser’s private or incognito mode for safer browsing. In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy & Security and turn off Web & App Activity. Additionally, clear your browsing history and cookies regularly.

5. Ad Tracking: Your phone assigns you a unique advertising ID that companies use to track your behavior across apps and websites. This ID follows your activity, providing advertisers with insight into your interests to serve personalized ads.

How to turn it off:

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track. You can also go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising to disable personalized ads. *This does not mean you won’t still see ads; you just won’t see personalized ads.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Privacy > Ads, then toggle on opt out of Ads Personalization.

6. Social Media And Search Engines: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Google track your online interactions, searches and location to create detailed profiles of your habits and interests. They use this data for advertising and content recommendations, which can feel invasive.

How to turn it off:

  • Social Media: Go to each platform’s settings (e.g., Facebook > Settings & Privacy > Privacy Shortcuts) to review what data is being collected and manage ad preferences.
  • Google: Go to Google Account > Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity to control how Google tracks your search and activity history. You can also adjust Ad Settings to limit ad tracking.

By adjusting these settings, you can significantly reduce the amount of personal information your phone tracks, giving you more control over your privacy.

Why This Matters For Business Owners:

For a business owner, protecting your personal privacy is just as crucial as securing your company’s sensitive information. The same tracking methods that follow your every move can also expose your business to risks. Hackers, cybercriminals and even competitors can exploit these vulnerabilities to gather valuable data about your business activities, customer interactions and confidential communications.

By taking steps to limit how your phone tracks you and adjusting your privacy settings, you’re not just protecting yourself – you’re also safeguarding your business from potential data breaches, identity theft and targeted cyber-attacks. In today’s world, cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue, it’s a strategic one, and staying ahead of threats starts with being informed and proactive.

If you’re concerned about your business’s overall security, don’t wait for a problem to occur. Schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment with our team today, and let’s ensure your entire network is protected from top to bottom. Our experts will identify vulnerabilities and recommend tailored solutions to keep your business safe. Click here or call us at 216-800-7800 to get started.

 

5 Options If Your Windows 10 PC FAILS The Windows 11 Compatibility Test

5 Options If Your Windows 10 PC FAILS The Windows 11 Compatibility Test

by | Nov 20, 2024 | Newsletter

 

As you likely heard, Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025. This means Microsoft will no longer offer free security updates, non-security updates and technical support on this version. That does not mean the PCs will no longer work; it simply means you are on your own to keep your device secure and functioning efficiently.

If you’ve already attempted to upgrade to Windows 11 but your PC failed the pesky compatibility checker and received an error message, don’t worry – you still have options.

Here are the 5 options available to you:

  1. Ignore the deadline – We do not recommend this one, but it is still an option. When Windows 10 support ends, you will no longer have ongoing security updates to shield your business from cyber-risks and viruses. You will have to find another solution to protect your device, which may not be as comprehensive as it should be. Security aside, technical support and non-security updates that keep your computer running efficiently will also end, which could further hinder operations.
  1. Switch from the Windows operating system to Linux – If you aren’t ready to ditch your PC quite yet and are a techie with the experience and knowledge to do it, you can remove Windows 10 and install the Linux operating system.

Moving everything over to a new operating system will bring its own set of headaches, so make sure you only take this option if you’re willing to deal with any issues that arise.

  1. Try to upgrade “incompatible” PCs using a technical loophole – If you attempted to upgrade your PC but received an error message, you might still be able to upgrade it anyway.

ZDNET walks you through the process, but, in a nutshell, you can upgrade your PC that was initially designed for Windows 10 by making a minor registry edit and then making sure your PC is configured to use Secure Boot with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

They go on to suggest that you shouldn’t worry if you receive a message saying, “If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren’t covered under the manufacturer warranty.” This doesn’t mean your information will be deleted on the spot; it simply prevents the company from being legally responsible if something happens because the device is no longer supported.

  1. Pay for Microsoft’s Windows 10 security updates – While Microsoft will no longer offer free security updates, they announced in December 2023 that they’ll offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10. These will consist of subscription-based updates that will be available for users for up to three years. Before you sign up, there are a few details to consider:

If you choose this option, know that it’s not inexpensive. For business owners, the subscription cost for the first year is $61. The price doubles in year two, costing $122, and again in year three, costing $244. This comes out to an astounding $427, nearly 50% higher than when they offered this solution for Windows 7 in 2020.

Educators, fortunately, get a price break. The pricing structure is the same, but the cost for the first year is only $1. It doubles to $2 in the second year and doubles again to $4 in the third year.

It’s important to note that these updates are cumulative and do not include technical support. This means you can only get a year-two subscription IF you already purchased year one, and you’re on your own for the technical assistance you need.

It is clear the ESUs are not meant to be a long-term solution and are priced to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11.

  1. Purchase a new PC – If your device is old and on the verge of being outdated, buying a new PC compatible with Windows 11 is a great option. New computers typically run faster, have better security protection and aid productivity.

Before making a decision, make sure you back up your data thoroughly and regularly. Losing all your information is not a problem you want to take on.

Do not wait until the last minute to start thinking about your options. Time will pass quickly, and you want to have this handled before October 2025. If choosing what to do feels daunting, our team of experts can help. We can guide you in making the best decision for your unique situation. If you choose to upgrade, our team will work to create a seamless transition that avoids unnecessary costs or downtime. To get started, give us a call at 216-800-7800 or click here to book now.

 

Avoid A Holiday Tech Meltdown With Better IT

Avoid A Holiday Tech Meltdown With Better IT

by | Nov 11, 2024 | Newsletter

Ah, the holiday season – when everything gets festive, sales go up and your to-do list grows longer than your wish list. For businesses, this time of year can be make-or-break, but while you’re decking the halls, your IT infrastructure might be decking you with unwanted downtime and cyberthreats. The last thing you need during the holiday rush is a tech meltdown. So, how can you make sure your business technology keeps up with the festive pace? Proactive IT support is the answer.

Why The Holiday Season Puts Your IT Systems To The Test

During the holidays, your business faces unique pressures that can turn minor IT problems into major crises. Here are some common issues you might encounter:

  • Increased System Load: With more customers shopping, visiting your website or using your online services, your IT systems face more strain than usual. Without proper optimization, this can lead to frustrating slowdowns or, worse, full-blown outages. And as we all know, downtime during peak season is a surefire way to lose revenue.
  • Cybersecurity Threats: Cybercriminals know that businesses are distracted by the holiday hustle and bustle. They take advantage by launching phishing attacks, ransomware and other exploits during this time. A single data breach could cost you not just money but your reputation too.
  • Outdated Systems: Many businesses put off IT updates until it’s too late. While you might get away with it during quieter months, outdated tech during the holiday rush is a recipe for disaster. Slow performance or unexpected failures can grind your operations to a halt.

The Case For Proactive IT Support

Rather than playing catch-up when things go wrong, reliable and proactive IT support helps you avoid these problems before they happen. Here’s how it works:

  1. 24/7 Monitoring: Proactive IT services monitor your systems around the clock, identifying and resolving issues before they can disrupt your business. Imagine catching a potential server overload before it crashes during Black Friday – priceless, right?
  2. Scheduled Maintenance: With proactive IT support, your systems are regularly updated, patched and maintained. This ensures your technology is always in tip-top shape, so you’re not scrambling to fix things when you should be focusing on sales.
  3. Load Testing And Optimization: Before the holiday rush, your IT provider can perform load testing to see how your systems handle increased traffic. They can then optimize performance to make sure your network doesn’t crumble under pressure.
  4. Cybersecurity Defense: Proactive support means staying ahead of hackers. From implementing multifactor authentication to setting up firewalls and monitoring for suspicious activity, an IT provider helps ensure your business isn’t a sitting duck for cyber-attacks.

The Financial Upside Of Proactive IT

The benefits IT services provide are ones that pay for themselves in the long run. Here’s why:

  • Reduced Downtime Costs: Downtime during the holiday season could cost your business thousands of dollars per minute in lost revenue. By staying ahead of IT problems, you minimize downtime and keep the cash flowing.
  • Increased Productivity: Your employees will thank you when they don’t have to spend their time troubleshooting tech issues. With fewer disruptions, they can focus on doing their jobs, which boosts overall productivity.
  • Lower Long-Term Costs: Emergency fixes, lost data and hardware failures are expensive to deal with on the fly. By investing in regular maintenance and monitoring, you avoid costly surprises down the road.

Are You Ready For A Tech Refresh?

So, how do you get started with better, more reliable IT support? It’s time to partner with a trusted IT team. We’ll audit your IT infrastructure to determine what is outdated or slowing you down and where you’re at risk. Once we complete the audit, we’ll help you optimize your systems and keep things running smoothly all year long.

And the best part? You don’t have to do this alone. We’re offering a FREE Network Assessment to help you identify vulnerabilities in your current setup. Our experts will evaluate your entire network and recommend solutions that will keep your business humming through the holidays and beyond.

Get Your FREE Network Assessment Today!

Don’t wait until a tech meltdown ruins your holiday season. Get proactive with your IT support now! Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today, and let’s ensure your business stays on top of its game when it matters most.

The Top 5 Data Breaches Of 2024 And What You Need To Know About Them

The Top 5 Data Breaches Of 2024 And What You Need To Know About Them

by | Nov 5, 2024 | Newsletter

 

This year has been a busy one for cybercriminals, with some massive data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From health care giants to project management platforms, no industry is immune to the risks. But what do these breaches mean for small to midsize businesses? The same vulnerabilities exist for you, and the consequences of not addressing them can be catastrophic.

Let’s recap five of the most significant breaches of 2024 so far and discuss how your business can stay protected.

1. National Public Data

A couple of months ago, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records from a background checking and public data-brokering site. The data includes sensitive information like Social Security numbers, addresses and more. Portions of the data have been released on the dark web, though experts are still evaluating its accuracy, as the combined populations of the countries listed amount to only about half a billion. However, it’s likely that many Social Security numbers have been compromised.

Since this breach affects so many people, everyone now has an incentive to monitor their financial and online identities closely, and it’s imperative that they do so immediately. A practical step is freezing your credit to protect against identity theft and unfreezing it when needed for activities like applying for loans or credit cards. Find out if you were exposed here!

2. Ticketmaster

A significant data breach at Ticketmaster exposed the personal and financial information of over 560 million customers. Hackers accessed the company’s database during April and May, stealing sensitive details such as names, e-mails, phone numbers and payment information. This breach exposed serious flaws in Ticketmaster’s security, raising concerns among consumers. Many victims reported unauthorized transactions and identity theft following the incident. Additionally, this breach added to the legal troubles of Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, which was already facing a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice for anticompetitive practices.

3. Change Healthcare

In February 2024, Change Healthcare was hit by a massive ransomware attack that exposed the personal information of over 145 million people. This breach, one of the largest in health care history, compromised sensitive data, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers and medical records. The incident had far-reaching effects on patients, health care providers and insurance companies, prompting many in the health care industry to reconsider their cybersecurity strategies to prevent similar attacks in the future.

4. AT&T

In March, AT&T was the victim of a data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 73 million current and former customers. This giant breach included sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, account details and passcodes. The breach was linked to data from as far back as 2019, which surfaced on the dark web in March 2024. This incident is part of a series of attacks on AT&T, following a 2023 breach that impacted 9 million users. In response, AT&T launched an investigation to contain the malware while maintaining services for current customers. The breach has also opened the company up to the possibility of multiple class action lawsuits.

While you may not manage millions of customers like AT&T, your business can still fall victim to cyber-attacks. It’s crucial to protect your network by implementing robust security measures, training employees on password and phishing prevention, and maintaining an active cybersecurity strategy.

5. Dell

In May, Dell experienced a security breach when a hacker known as Menelik used a brute-force attack to infiltrate one of their resellers’ client portals. This breach exposed 49 million records containing sensitive data, including customer names, e-mail addresses, payment information and account details. The incident sparked significant concerns about Dell’s cybersecurity practices, leading the company to issue a public apology and pledge to enhance its security protocols. In response to the breach, Dell has faced increased regulatory scrutiny and may encounter legal challenges as more details about the impact emerge.

What Does This Mean For You Personally?

We have several blogs on what to do if you’re affected by a data breach, but the most important action is to freeze your credit and check your bank account. Websites like www.haveIbeenpwnd.com can tell you if your e-mail has been exposed in a breach.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

While these breaches happened to major players, small to midsize businesses are far from off the radar. In fact, SMBs are increasingly targeted because they often lack the robust security measures that larger companies have. Cybercriminals know this, and the stakes couldn’t be higher: a single breach could cost your business thousands in downtime, lost data and damaged reputation.

Protect Your Business With A FREE Security Risk Assessment

If these stories have you thinking about your own vulnerabilities, that’s a good thing. The best defense is a proactive one. We’re offering a FREE Security Risk Assessment to evaluate your network for potential risks. Our experts will assess your system’s vulnerabilities, help you patch the holes and ensure your business is fortified against attacks.

Don’t wait until you’re the next headline – get your FREE Security Risk Assessment today! go.scheduleyou.in/wdnrAuv?cid=is:~Contact.Id~ to schedule or call our office at 216-800-7800