Lessons learnt from the IT and security news
This week, there are some interesting lessons we can learn from the IT and security headlines. Learn from other businesses mistakes so you you don't...
2 min read
The best way to learn is often by benchmarking. This week we learn from the IT headlines. I bring valuable lessons in securing your third party suppliers, free image editing tools, importance of proactive messaging around security and how to work with hackers:
Hack on payroll software compromises employee bank details
Paint is back!
Consumers worried about connected and automated vehicle security
Microsoft invites hackers to show them their flaws
Hack on payroll software compromises employees bank details
Payroll-services provider, Symatrix, has been victim to a cyber-attack. But it seems hackers targeted their customers, including ARUP, using ransomware.
Thousands of staff at Arup had their bank details, names and addresses exposed. It demonstrates the vulnerability of third party supplier cyber-attacks. Do you check the security of your supply chain? While your security might be good, we all need to be asking what our suppliers are doing to secure our data.
In years to come, I see security of third party suppliers taking a much higher priority. Security should be a significant part of a tender process - certainly for services where significant amounts of sensitive/personal data is saved and processed by the third party.
I would encourage every business owner to contact suppliers holding your most sensitive data. Ask how they secure/back-up your data. Solicitors, accountants, banks, payroll, IT businesses are obvious suppliers for starters.
Get in touch with me if you are unsure what questions to ask your suppliers or to secure your own business.
Source: BD online
Paint is back!
Three years ago Microsoft threatened to shut down the old trusty Paint app for good. But we are pleased to report that it is back in Microsoft's Store! It looks like they are adding more functionality too.
Not quite competing with the likes of Photoshop, we still like the nostalgia of Paint and are backing it's unexpected comeback!
For anyone looking to create quick graphics, but have limited design skills, Adobe Spark and Canva are great tools to create aesthetically pleasing images/graphics, suitable for social media posting.
Consumers worried about connected and automated vehicle security
Cars are a big investment. The automotive industry is changing dramatically. Ten years ago, we would not have considered leaving car keys close to your car (inside your home) could lead to it being stolen.
As if range anxiety wasn't enough, the future connected and automated vehicle (COV) car may not start at all, should you fall victim to a cyber-attack. A study by HSB has put a figure to this, with 35% of us worried that a virus, hacking or other kind of cyber-attack could damage or destroy a vehicle’s data, software or operating systems.
How do your customers feel?
Consider the implications to your own business. Are your customers worried that your product/business could become victim to a cyber attack now or in the future? Communicating how you are protecting their data, particularly when using new technology, implementing IOT and IT systems, is a worthwhile activity. Being proactive rather than reactive in your approach to security can become a competitive advantage too.
How do you communicate this to your customers? Contact me if you need help.
Source: Insurance Journal
Microsoft invites hackers to submit their security flaws
Microsoft has created a method for hackers to submit security vulnerabilities, found in Microsoft products, directly back to them. There are hackers that hack for good! Microsoft are handsomely rewarding those that tell them of any ‘holes’ in their software.
Tech companies and corporates - it is worthwhile setting up a similar process for your business. For SMEs - probably not so much. However, today, this is considered one element of the wider cybersecurity multi-layered approach.
The reporting process should be open and readily available. Hackers do sometimes offer advice, working with hackers can sometimes benefit your business - but this is definitely not the general rule!
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