The two biggest hacker conferences of the year concluded last week, in Las Vegas, DEF CON 21 and Black Hat, and if there was one theme on display that should re-energize the fear factor concerning cyber security, it’s this; “The more we allow our everyday lives to interface with and rely on technology, the more at risk to outside forces we inevitably become, especially where yesterday’s technologies meet today’s threats,” says Bob Knudsen, Northeast Regional Manager for Global Digital Forensics.
The risks are real and coincide with MI5 and GCHQ beginning their audit of UK FTSE-350 chairmen about their companies’ cyber security. IT Governance has released an infographic to help all businesses understand the 10 steps they must take to protect themselves from online threats. Back in April IT Governance is launched the UK’s first course to provide practical knowledge of risk management in the field of information security management systems and ISO27001 implementation.
There has also been a recrudescence of degrees specialized in cyber security, like a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information. It reviews methods of monitoring and defending networks and businesses devices, as well as incorporate new protective solutions in older
system. These courses will allow you to learn about cyber-crime law and investigations, the information system threats, attacks and defenses as well as computer science and programming. These programs will provide you knowledge and help you develop the skills you need to be successful and find a position in a really high demand industry.
Allan Boardman international vice president at ISACA, the global security and data efficiency organisation wrting in a bobsguide article made this point:
“The financial and wider social impact of cyber-crime is very real and growing. Incidents and attacks attributable to cyber-crime are increasingly expensive and damaging to organisations in terms of regulatory fines and reputational damage. A quick scan of major global security breaches shows that an alarming number of these incidents are due to sophisticated hacking attacks. The numbers are staggering, as the accounts being compromised often run into tens of millions for each individual incident.
Stolen computer equipment and data also account for many of these incidents. The reality is that cyber-criminals are being very successful at their business”.
IT Governance, a cyber security services business, has issued an infographic as part of its campaign to encourage leaders of all sizes of business to take appropriate action against the risk of cyber attacks and associated data breaches and business interruption.
The infographic, which accompanies this release quantifies the reality of today’s cyber threat with hard-hitting statistics. It then sets out a risk-assessment process that businesses should perform without delay to foil potential cyber attackers.
Alan Calder, Founder and Executive Chairman of IT Governance, says: “We welcome the fact the Government and its security agencies are trying to raise awareness of cyber security, but the risks also face the millions of businesses outside the FTSE-350. With this infographic, we have distilled into an easily digestible format the steps businesses need to take to protect themselves. We thereby hope to encourage more leaders to take pre-emptive action now, rather just keeping fingers crossed in the face of a rising tide of attacks.”
IT Governance recently conducted an international survey of senior executive opinion about cyber security and found 25% of bosses said they have received a ‘concerted attack’ in the past 12 months. However, the true total may be higher, as more than 20% were unsure if their organisation has been subject to attack. The study, ‘Boardroom Cyber Watch 2013’, was conducted as an online survey in April and May 2013. The 260 respondents are board directors, IT directors and other technology professionals. They represent organisations of all sizes, with revenues ranging from less than US$5m to more than US$500m.
The sample is truly international: while the majority are from organisations based in the UK and United States, respondents from South America, Central Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand have also contributed. The report may be downloaded from the following link.
Hayden Richards is Contributor of IntelligentHQ. He specialises in finance, trading, investment, and technology, with expertise in both buy-side, sell-side. Contributing and advising various global corporations, Hayden is a thought leader, researching on global regulatory subjects, digital, social media strategies and new trends for Businesses, Capital Markets and Financial Services.
Aside from the articles, interviews and content he writes for IntelligentHQ, Hayden is also a content curator for capital markets, analytic platforms and business industry emerging trends. An avid new media explorer Hayden is driven by a passion for business development, innovation, social business, Tech Trading, payments and eCommerce. A native Trinidadian, Hayden is also a veteran, having served with the Royal Air Force Reserves for the past 10 years.
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