Cybersecurity – Stats and Tips from our recent Event

Jack Schniepp • October 16, 2018

Hosting an event at Deschutes Brewery in the downtown area of Bend is nearly assured of being at least a partial success! When combined with valuable information, good company (clients and friends that we enjoy and appreciate greatly!) and adding in the opportunity to support a fantastic non-profit, the Guardian Group, and you have the makings of an awesome gathering!

If you missed it I can’t make up for the dozen award winning beers we had on tap, moroccan beef skewers, or asiago stuffed mushrooms. But I can provide you with a summary of the valuable information regarding cybersecurity that we collected courtesy of Tyler Hardison, Chief Compliance Officer at Redhawk Network Security here in Bend.

internet cyber security

Tyler’s main advice was to utilize critical thinking skills with vigilance remaining the best tool for protection. One of his most simple suggestions – to not treat standard email as a reliable means of identification or a safe avenue to deliver sensitive information. This seemed to resonate with our guests.

Here’s a summary of additional information we gleaned from his presentation:

Cybersecurity Annual Stats:
• 53,308 security incidents
• 2,216 data breaches
• 76% of breaches were financially motivated
• Ransomware is the #1 variety of malicious software (39%)
• 87% of breaches took minutes, 68% went undiscovered for months

Know your Role:
• You are the keeper of secrets
• You have the tools (many free) available
• Protection need not be complicated
• Identify the data you keep, and know how to protect it

Available Technology for Windows:
• Anti-malware, and antivirus installed and working
• Malwarebytes – Free
• Windows Defender – Free
• BitDefender Antivirus Plus – paid
• Consider Cloud Based Email Services . . Google G Suite (Gmail) of Office 365
• Install Browser Protections – Chrome or Firefox
• Avoid use of Internet Explorer (Edge)
• uBlock Origin (Ad Blocker)
• Web of Trust

Available Technology for Mac:
• Anti-malware, and antivirus installed and working
• Malwarebytes – Free
• BitDefender Total Security – paid
• Consider Cloud Based Email Services – Google G Suite (Gmail) of Office 365
• Install Browser Protections – Safari, Chrome, Firefox
• uBlock Origin (Ad Blocker)
• Web of Trust

Tips for WIRELESS Access:
• Enable Operating System Firewall
• Avoid Public Wifi (Particularly Unencrypted)
• Use a Mobile Hotspot
• Utilize VPN Service

Maintain software updates:
• Printers
• Firewalls
• Antivirus Software
• Operating System
• Replace aging/discontinued hardware/software

GET STARTED WITH A COMPLIMENTARY PORTFOLIO IMPACT ASSESSMENT