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Worst Network Security Breaches of the 21st Century

With advancing technology creating a world where almost everything we do is online, network security is becoming more and more important. Therefore, security breaches can be frightening to deal with. However, it is important to act calmly when finding a way to resolve them. Here are examples of some of the worst security breaches in recent years.

In 2011, Epsilon was involved in a security breach that exposed the names and emails of many customers that were stored in over 100 stores, as well as huge financial firms such as CitiGroup Inc. It is still uncertain how the security was breached, but experts say that whatever was used could lead to later phishing scams and identity theft cases, which makes this one even worse than just the initial problem.

In the same year, RSA Security had a breach that involved over 40 million stolen employee records. There is still debate on exactly what impact this breach had on the company. However, it was a way to show that network security still needed to grow.

Further back, in 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs also experienced security issues. An extensive database was stored on a laptop, and external hard drive that was stolen then brought back later. This database had vital information for over 26 million veterans, such as their names, social security numbers, dates of birth and disability ratings. Even information about active-duty personnel and spouses of that service was open to being stolen.

These are just a few of the many examples of horrific security breaches that the world has experienced in the 21st century, and with each additional issue we are still learning how best to guard against attacks, but establishing foolproof network security will still be tough for years to come. Find the best security system for your company in the meantime to keep your assets safe.

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How to Deal With Different Types of Threats

In today’s fast-paced world, it is hard not to be concerned with threat management. One of the ways that you can best begin to keep yourself, your family and your employees safe is by learning the different types of threats. All threats can be defined as falling into one of the following four main categories.

Indirect

Vague or masked intimidation is known as an indirect threat. It may be unclear to some people whether this type of threat is something to worry about. Even though the violence or the perpetrator’s intentions may not be stated openly, these are nonetheless threats.

Veiled

A veiled threat can be harder to tell from the other types of threats. That’s because violence is not directly stated, though it is usually clearly suggested. Veiled threats can be more difficult to deal with in threat management because actually proving that violence has been alleged is difficult.  

Direct

The most obvious type of threat is known as a direct threat. This type involves someone stating in an open and explicit way his or her intentions to harm another individual. The victim is clearly informed of the perpetrator’s objective when this kind of threat is made.

Conditional

A conditional threat can be a combination of any number of the previous types of threats. Conditional threats are made when someone says that he or she will harm another person if certain requests are not fulfilled. That is why this term is often used in extortion cases.

What to Do With Your Knowledge of Threats

A comprehensive knowledge of these different types of threats can certainly be an asset when trying to mitigate risks from threats. It may be helpful to keep these definitions in mind so it is easier to figure out whether someone may have threatened you—and more importantly, how they have done so.

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What Are Digital Forensics

What is a digital forensic investigation? Moreover, why should a business owner or administrator take time out of their busy schedule to answer this question? The answer to the second question is simple: knowing something about digital forensics will keep you on the right track should you need to investigate an employee. The right processes will ensure that your evidence is complete and admissible in court when the time comes to present your case.

Preservation

The first step involves preserving the digital media exactly as it was when the policy violation or crime was discovered. The way you execute and document this stage has a lot to do with how reliable the evidence you find will be. Practiced criminals leave booby traps at every stage of the investigation process but especially this one, so security firms like Risk Control Strategies have to stay one step ahead of the bad guys in terms of techniques and technology.

Overview

The next step a risk mitigation and investigations company will perform is a primary scan of the evidence. This is often performed on a specially prepared version of the original media. The search at this stage is very simple, and just looks for the most likely signs of wrongdoing. When it's complete, the evidence will hopefully give hints as to where to conduct a more detailed digital forensic investigation.

Analysis

In the final step, evidence gathered is analyzed in detail. The context of the evidence is also collected and recorded. One example is when a file's history is examined to make sure the transmission and ownership can be attributed correctly.

Repeat

A digital forensic investigation involves many repetitions of steps two and three, and even repetitions of the entire process if multiple devices or media are being searched. It's a painstaking process that requires quite a bit of technical expertise, all to the end of making sure that culpability is proven in a way that stands up in a court of law.

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Why Cyber Security Matters

No business owner would ever forget to lock their business doors. But are you providing as much security for the online elements of your business as you do for the brick and mortar business? Experts estimated at least 1.5 million cyber-attacks occurred in 2015, ranging from denial of service attacks to frank theft of data. These types of things can cost your business in expensive penalties not to mention damage to your reputation. Here are a few reasons why ignoring cyber security is a bad idea.

It Can Be Expensive

One of the most commonly known cyber security challenges involves data breach. Hackers may harvest sensitive customer information, such as credit card information or social security numbers, which are then used to steal identities and incur debt. Laws exist to penalize hackers, but many states also have extensive data breach legislation designed to financially penalize businesses for failing to protect customers.

It Can Ruin Your Reputation

We’ve all heard of some of the bigger data breaches involving well-known corporations like Target. Learning that your credit card information may have fallen into the wrong hands can be enough to discourage many consumers from using your services. Once those customers are lost, it can be hard to get them back, let alone gain new ones.

It Can Be Hard to Fix

One of the toughest things about cybercrime is the difficulty of tracking down the criminals. Hackers often work in large networks that may be spread across numerous countries. It can take months to source a cyber-attack on your business. By the time the criminals are found, a new batch may be exploiting your website.

Firewalls and secure servers are a first line of defense in cyber security. Take things a step further by partnering with a cyber-security services firm offering a full gamut from breach response to forensic investigations. If it prevents even one major breach, it will be well worth it.

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Consult With an Expert for Your Security Solutions

Security solutions can mean any number of things these days, as there is threat to a person’s physical wellbeing as well as their cyber wellbeing. Whether you are an individual, business or public servant, taking your protection into your own hands might not be enough. You cannot afford to have your person or business placed in danger, which is why Risk Control Strategies offers comprehensive security plans designed to meet all of your protection needs.

Your first concern is your physical well-being, and this can be compromised due to many reasons. Whether you are controversial public figure yourself, or you have disgruntled employees who are trying to bring in a union, or you have just accepted political office, you must remain safe. You, your assistants and/or your human resources department do not likely have a handle on things such as adverse media containment, behavioral analysis, crisis containment and threat evaluation.

Comprehensive security solutions can help you with all of these things, in your daily life and during special events you might host or attend. These experts can also present you with an understanding of the best way to liaise with the proper law enforcement agencies for your immediate needs. This knowledge prevents the worse from happening, but should something happen, you or your assistant will know who to call exactly for appropriate help and intervention.

Of course, this protection extends to executives and homes or estates where an all-encompassing security system is needed. You cannot run the risk of losing the owners and officers of your company, nor should you or they feel at danger at the end of day when you return to your residence for the evening. How will know what you need and what you don’t need? You request a vulnerability assessment that will look at you, your business and your lifestyle to assess your security solutions needs.