The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a non-profit organization that minimizes and mitigates the risks of identity threats. Their role as a reputable security solution enables them to collect and analyze data from survey respondents; this report asked questions of small business (SMB) owners and employees to assess the state of identity threats better.

We don't think about it much, but moving data from our devices to various online locations is a complex process. It's just a single click for us but involves countless communications between servers. All these steps mean that there are countless places for a malicious actor to intervene and steal data. Transport Layer Security (TLS) stands at the forefront of data transmission defense and ensures that your information remains private as long as it travels across secure connections.

Effectively responding to cyber threats is all about speed and information. Defense specialists must react quickly to repel attacks and mitigate damages. However, cybercriminals are playing a different game. Bad actors try to sneak in undetected, hide their tracks, and leave the good guys scratching their heads. Luckily, it's exceptionally challenging to eliminate the indicators of attack (IOA) and the indicators of compromise (IOC).

Zero-day vulnerabilities have transformed into something of a boogeyman for business owners. They represent a significant threat to sensitive information and assets but are extremely challenging to respond to. Learning the importance of preemptive strategies for zero-day attacks is vital for individuals and organizations wanting to remain safe from threat actors.

Nowadays, digital transactions and virtual interactions aren’t exactly optional. People can’t keep their information off the web due to professional reasons, and many processes are exponentially more convenient through an online profile. With the influx of data stored on the web, it’s a veritable treasure trove for malicious hackers. Bits and pieces of the personal details we nonchalantly put in online profiles can lead to severe identity theft cases.

A Californian insurance brokerage offering insurance and budgetary solutions for schools, community agencies, and healthcare organizations—Keenan & Associates, has announced a significant data breach. The organization provides services to many industries and retains some data on behalf of its clients during its work.

First Financial Security, Inc. (FFS) is a nationwide insurance brokerage agency that assists insurance representatives in training, equipment, and licensing. They offer clients solutions for sustaining retirement funds and financial protection against untimely death, illness, and injury. They partner with other nationally recognized brokers, including Gerber Life Insurance and National Life Group. In October 2023, FFS faced a ransomware cyberattack; months later, the outcome was bittersweet.

Deli Management, Inc. does business as Jason’s Deli. It is an organization with over 250 deli shops located in 28 states. Since 1976, Jason’s Deli has been a popular solution for sandwiches and soups in the south and mid-eastern US. They offer various options for individuals and catering, including a rewards program called “Deli Dollars” and a website from which users can create an account and order food.

The Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS) spans ten counties in southeastern Indiana. The network includes over 2,400 employees, 200 physicians, and many volunteers. CRHS offers emergency and surgical solutions, primary and specialty care programs, and endless inpatient and outpatient service options. CRHS recently notified the Maine Attorney General’s Office of a breach within their systems; the event happened in May 2023—and has potentially compromised the data of 132,887 individuals.

Based in Irvine, California, LoanDepot is a nationwide mortgage lender. Their solutions assist homeowners in purchasing land and obtaining reasonable equity costs. They are licensed in 50 states and, in 14 years, have become the most significant nonbanking lender in the US. In the second week of January, we featured a piece on LoanDepot; at the time, they were in the throes of a cyber skirmish, fighting for control of their discombobulated systems.