In today鈥檚 fast-paced business environment, digital engagement is an integral part of daily operations. However, this reliance on technology has led to a rise in cybersecurity incidents targeting sensitive personal information, proprietary data, and financial transactions, including insurance premium payments. Recent reports indicate that U.S. businesses to cybercrime in 2023鈥攁 22% increase from the previous year.

At 91黑料网, safeguarding your information is a top priority, especially during Cybersecurity Month. To support you in navigating these challenges, we鈥檝e compiled key cybersecurity insights, common threats, and essential reminders to help mitigate risks.

Email Phishing: A Gateway for Cyber Attacks

Every day, countless businesses fall victim to 鈥攐ne of the most effective tools in a cybercriminal鈥檚 arsenal. These deceptive emails are designed to trick you into clicking on malicious links, downloading harmful attachments, or sharing sensitive credentials. Once they gain access, attackers can steal data, install malware, or even initiate fraudulent transactions that cost companies millions.

How You Can Stay Ahead:

• Always the sender鈥檚 email address, especially for unexpected messages. Look out for red flags like urgent requests, poor grammar, or unfamiliar links.
• Use advanced email filtering tools to block suspicious messages before they even reach your inbox.
• Regular employee training is critical. Organizations that prioritize phishing education significantly reduce their vulnerability.

Ransomware: Holding Data Hostage

Imagine losing access to your most critical files鈥攁nd then being told you need to pay to get them back. That鈥檚 the devastating power of . Attackers not only encrypt your data but now often threaten to release it publicly if you refuse to pay. By having strong recovery processes in place, you can minimize downtime, protect sensitive data, and avoid paying ransoms altogether.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Data:

• Regularly back up your data and store it securely, whether offline or in a secure cloud environment.
• Cybercriminals exploit outdated software, so make a priority.
• Only grant employees to the files and systems they absolutely need. This way, even if attackers gain entry, the damage is limited.

Business Email Compromise (BEC): Sophisticated Scams

BEC attacks are like phishing鈥檚 more sophisticated cousin. Instead of casting a wide net, these scams target specific employees鈥攐ften those responsible for authorizing payments or handling sensitive information. Cybercriminals might impersonate a company executive or use a look-alike domain, such as “@arnerisure.com,” to trick employees into transferring funds or revealing confidential information.

What You Can Do to Outsmart BEC:

• Before approving transactions, confirm requests via a different communication method, like a phone call. Even a quick check can prevent costly mistakes.
• Add an extra layer of to your email accounts, making it harder for attackers to gain access. The Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective safeguards.
• email accounts and financial activity for unusual behavior.

Partnering for a Secure Future

At 91黑料网, we are committed to protecting your data and supporting you in navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape. By staying informed and proactive, we can work together to mitigate risks and maintain trust in our digital interactions.

For additional resources and strategies to protect your business, visit our Risk Management page and explore how we can support your efforts to stay secure.

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The materials and information found here are informational resources and do not and should not be construed as direct processional, legal or other advice as to specific facts and circumstances. It is recommended you always seek appropriate professional advice as to your particular circumstances. 91黑料网 disclaims any and all liability for actions taken by you based on the content of these resources.

Now in its 19th year, the month-long campaign has chosen See Yourself in Cyber as its theme. It demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it鈥檚 about people. This October will focus on the 鈥減eople鈥� part of cybersecurity, providing information and resources to help educate the public and ensure all individuals and organizations make smart decisions now and in the future.

CISA recommends four easy things people can do right away at work and at home to enhance their security practices:

1. Enable multi-factor authentication
2. Use听strong passwords
3. Recognize and report phishing
4. Update your software

Visit these resources to learn more about cybersecurity and protect your business today:

• Keep the sight well-lit
• Install fencing
• Designate only one entrance and exit point
• Record every employee and visitor鈥檚 arrival and departure times
• Move all portable tools and equipment to locked storage at the end of each day
• Engrave or place other permanent identification on all materials
• Hire a security guard
• Require daily inventory

But construction today has other threats you should be considering.

As the industry adds more and more technology to building processes, it鈥檚 become an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals, who often are more sophisticated than we give them credit for. Although not considered true 鈥渃onstruction equipment,鈥� a contractor鈥檚 computers, laptops and mobile devices are the easiest points of entry to employee records and confidential client or financial information.

And it鈥檚 not the 鈥渕ega builders鈥� who can prove most lucrative for a thief鈥攕mall and midsize construction companies frequently have less extensive cybersecurity protection in place, so they provide easy-in, easy-out access. Also, it often takes longer for those same companies to detect and close a data breach.

Categorizing construction as a lucrative, high-cash-flow business, Percipient Networks CTO Todd O鈥橞oyle the industry鈥檚 small and midsize businesses tend to be prime targets “because many don’t believe it will happen to them.”

Equally appealing to criminals is the increasing volume of 鈥渟mart鈥� equipment being installed in construction projects. What could someone possibly have to gain from hacking these types of items? How about corporate and client secrets, as well as the ability to hold a project hostage until 鈥渞ansom money鈥� is paid. As Alexander Heid, chief research officer at SecurityScorecard, : “The focus of malicious actors on the construction industry is expected to increase significantly within the coming years as construction firms begin standardizing the integration of 鈥榮mart鈥� devices and IoT [Internet of Things] devices such as thermostats, water heaters, and power systems. These new IoT devices will create a larger attack surface that previously did not exist.鈥�

As is typically the case, the best offense against these risks is a good defense. Some tactics to consider:

• Train employees. Phishing, which occurs when e-mailing thieves pose as innocuous information seekers鈥斺�淚鈥檓 from client ABC and I lost the last invoice you sent, but I鈥檓 working from home today. Could you just send it to my personal email?鈥� It鈥檚 human nature to trust, so encourage your staff to thoughtfully consider every request before providing any sensitive information.
• Compartmentalize data. Store confidential information on off-site servers. That way, if someone hacks a laptop or computer, they can鈥檛 delve too far into restricted content.
• Update firewalls, malware and anti-virus programs. You must stay current to stay protected.
• Hire outside security experts. Your expertise is construction. Theirs is technology. Let them do their jobs, so you can focus on yours.
• Maintain adequate cybersecurity protection. There are a variety of insurance options you can consider. Depending on your policy selections, you may be protected from not only the initial breach, but any business interruption costs or subsequent legal issues and recovery. Your insurance agent also can review potential breach points, and provide ideas for risk management and insurance safeguards.

Make no mistake, construction today is about more than bricks and mortar. As with most businesses, you have financial records, personal data and information as valuable as that found in any bank. Make sure it remains secure.