Supply Chain Security Tips: Hear from South Florida’s Top Cybersecurity Consultants

Did you know a supply chain cyber attack could cost you millions?

 

Even if your supply chain operates through a third party vendor, you will be responsible for compromised data. As a result, you could face hefty fines and messy lawsuits if you don’t maintain supply chain compliance.

 

The Importance of Supply Chain Compliance

 

That’s why it’s so important for your business’ cybersecurity posture to prioritize detection, evaluation and mitigation of supply chain risks.

 

If you want to avoid a costly cybersecurity mishap, we advise that you practice ongoing supply chain risk management.

 

Below you’ll find top tips for supply chain cybersecurity from Third Power IT, providing the best cybersecurity services in Miami.

 

Supply Chain Risk Management Best Practices

 

Prevention is key when you are managing data, systems, software and networks.

 

By proactively adopting risk management practices, you will help enhance your supply chain’s security. Keep reading to learn some of these practices right now.

 

  • Security Awareness Training: Educate employees on cybersecurity so they know the mistakes to avoid. Draft an effective security awareness training program, and implement it regularly to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page.

 

  • Data Classification: Identify data, segment it according to its worth and assign security to each type of data. This will help you know your data thoroughly, which makes it easier for you to secure it.

 

  • Access Control: Grant data access to select users. With robust authentication and authorization protocols in place, you can minimize the chances of sensitive data getting compromised.
  • Authentication verifies whether the user is who they claim to be
  • Authorization verifies whether a user has access to a particular type of data

 

  • Monitoring: Monitor data consistently so you can detect threats quickly and respond to attacks right away. Evaluate relevant data to recognize suspicious activity. Pre-define acceptable behavior on the monitoring system. If breached, the system will trigger an alert.

 

  • Endpoint Protection: Secure endpoints to protect the most vulnerable part of your supply chain. Cybercriminals are skilled at identifying weaknesses within your network. In most cases, it turns out to be an end-user device on your network or even devices on a third-party partner’s network.

 

  • Patch Management: Patch security gaps so your business isn’t exposed to cyber attacks. Whenever a new patch becomes available, update software immediately.

 

  • Routine Scanning: Enable a coordinated process to test, recognize, examine and reveal potential security threats. Automate these scans so they are conducted regularly without investing a lot of time and effort.

 

  • Network Segmentation: Segment your business’ network into smaller units so you can control movement of data from one segment to another. Automate this process to restrict suspicious entities from gaining access to vital information or data.

 

  • Managed Detection and Response: Deal with cyber threats strategically with MDR, an economically feasible service that helps you with in-depth threat detection and response. Threat hunting helps you with research and analysis of vulnerabilities.

 

Adopt Supply Chain Cybersecurity Best Practices Now

 

When it comes to supply chain security, the best practices mentioned above are just the start of how to prevent security incidents. Enlisting the help of an MSP can help you stay ahead of the curve.

 

The experts at Third Power IT have the experience necessary to build walls cybercriminals can’t break. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to hear more about safeguarding your supply chain from looming cyberthreats now.

 

 

 

The post Supply Chain Security Tips: Hear from South Florida’s Top Cybersecurity Consultants appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

Supply Chain Compliance: Prevent A Supply Chain Cyber Attack from Happening To You

Did you hear about the recent supply chain cyber attack on multiple major airlines?

 

When an IT vendor’s passenger service system (PSS) was hacked, cyber criminals gained access to the frequent flyer data of customers all over the United States.

Now 90% of the world’s airlines are facing potential penalties for compromised customer data.

Even though the data breach was caused by a third party vendor, the airlines are still liable for this major cybersecurity mishap.

Don’t let something like this happen to you!

 

Prevent A Supply Chain Data Breach

Are you familiar with the regulations and standards governing your supply chain management obligations?

Whether your supply chain is a big or small operation, you must ensure that it isn’t the reason your business is non-compliant with the necessary regulations and standards.

Staying on top of your supply chain cybersecurity involves a great deal of continued effort, but it’s worth it.

If your business has compliance risks thriving within your supply chain, you could find yourself facing:

 

  • Financial losses
  • Loss of reputation
  • Expensive lawsuits

 

And the list goes on.

No regulator will cut you any slack for “not being aware” of prevailing or imminent risks. You will just be considered negligent.

Fulfilling your supply chain management obligations begins with being aware of the regulations and standards that govern it.

Over the next few minutes, you will understand:

  • What supply chain compliance is
  • The various forms it can take
  • How you can start protecting your supply chain now

First let’s talk about what supply chain compliance is and the many forms it can take.

 

Understanding Supply Chain Compliance

 

What is Supply Chain Compliance?

Fundamentally, supply chain compliance refers to an organization’s adherence to the established guidelines and requirements to manage supply chain risks. In addition, it pertains to your ability to meet or exceed the expectations of stakeholders.

Supply chain compliance guidelines and requirements come in many forms.

 

Forms of Supply Chain Compliance Guidelines and Requirements:

  • National, state/provincial and local or border/international regulatory requirements
  • Industry standards (e.g. ASTM & HIPAA)
  • Contractual obligations or requirements
  • Customer and non-governmental organization (NGO) expectations

Achieving, demonstrating and maintaining compliance with these multiple standards requires comprehensive collaboration with your third-party partners.

Are you ready to get started?

 

Protect Your Supply Chain With Third Power IT

Supply chain protection is a 24/7 operation. Make sure you’re fully compliant by teaming up with a trusted IT consultant that understands the ins and outs of supply chain compliance.

When you work with Third Power IT, you will get a custom cybersecurity package that fits your needs. We have experience working closely with:

  • Healthcare facilities regarding HIPAA compliance
  • Banks and investment firms regarding financial compliance
  • Schools and colleges regarding FERPA compliance

And much more

Ensure your compliance today. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to get started now.

The post Supply Chain Compliance: Prevent A Supply Chain Cyber Attack from Happening To You appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

What is BioPerine and How Can it Help Me?

pepper bioperine Renovovita With-N

pepper bioperine Renovovita With-NThe magic of BioPerine and why we included it in our With-N Cell Renewal Activation Formula.

BioPerine is a nutraceutical nutritional supplement that offers a safe way to benefit from heat producing chemical ingredients in black pepper. It was created by Sabinsa, a health and wellness company founded in 1988.

It is a patented extract from black pepper fruits. It provides a standardized amount of piperine, the bioactive ingredient in black pepper at a 95% purity.

While natural medicine has touted the praises of black pepper for centuries modern medicine took a little longer to jump on board.

ANTIOXIDANT: BioPerine offers a more bio available higher concentration version of traditional black pepper. It is a high level anti-oxidant which is capable of eliminating free radicals from the body preventing damage.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent helping to relieve pain and discomfort associated with injuries, arthritis, and illness.

BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL: Part 1 of The Ingredient Series by RenovoVita: A Focus on BioPerine

has shown majorly positive powerful effects on reducing of high blood sugar.

BRAIN HEALTH: BioPerine benefits extend to better brain health. No human trials have been performed yet, but it has shown to improve memory in animals. It is thought to have the potential to help with degenerative brain disorders.

ANTI-CANCER Benefits: Research has revealed that piperine could have anti tumorigenic properties, and in fact has been shown to increase the effectiveness in one of the most aggressive types of cancer known.

Effective Protection Sourced Naturally

As it is derived from black pepper, BioPerine offers the protection of piperine in a much more pure and concentrated way, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of the bioactive ingredient.

The FDA classifies BioPerine as GRAS (Generally recognized as safe). BioPerine is one of the most effective ways to live a healthier life. Whether it’s the ability to support better heart health, control blood sugar, its action as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, or its ability to protect the brain and safeguard against cancer, BioPerine is an important component of any health regimen.

That is just ONE ingredient in With-N Cell Renewal Formulation from RenovoVita. When combined by our scientific team we have created one of the most potently effective formulations available on the market.

Ready to learn more?
Visit www.RenovoVita.com

Stay Tuned for more helpful in-depth ingredient information in the series!

FDA & Legal Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

8 IT Tips to Protect Your Customer Data: Secure Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Now

Do you know what it takes to secure customer data so you don’t encounter a cyber attack?

With the cyber threat landscape constantly evolving, businesses need to step up and secure Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and other sensitive data now more than ever. 

If you fail to do so, you could end up putting the future of your customers, employees and company at risk. 

So, how do you ensure your customer data is safe and secure?

Below you’ll find some helpful tips to start securing your customer data right now.

 

8 IT Tips for Securing Customer Data and Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

#1 • Use behavioral analytics to set up unique behavioral profiles for all company insiders (employees, stakeholders, etc.). Set up an alert to detect insiders accessing data not associated with their job functions.

#2 • Implement access and permission controls to review, revise and restrict unnecessary user access privileges, permissions and rights.

#3 • Review the PII data you have already collected, where it is stored and who has access to it. Securely delete what is not necessary for the business to operate.

#4 • Set up an acceptable PII usage policy that defines how PII data should be classified, stored, accessed and protected.

#5 • Make sure your PII policy is compliant with different privacy and data regulations that apply to your business.

#6 • Upgrade your storage holdings to ensure the data lives in a SOC2-protected data center.

#7 • Cut down on inadvertent insider threats by implementing mandatory cybersecurity and data security training programs.

#8 • Make use of software that will help you protect PII, such as:

  • Third-party risk management solutions
  • Data loss prevention tools
  • Dark Web monitoring applications
  • Secure documentation solutions

 

Did You Know…

Did you know that most PII data breaches result from an insider threat? 

This means that someone within your organization enables hackers to access your customer PII. While most insider threats are unintentional, they still pose the same risks to your customers and your business.

That’s why taking adequate measures to secure PII is so important. Just a few key actions can significantly strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

Are you ready to get started?

 

Protect Your Customer Data Now With Third Power IT

If you’re unsure about how you can effectively protect customer PII, leave it up to the cybersecurity experts at Third Power Power IT.

As South Florida’s preferred IT consultants, we manage and protect data for organizations of all sizes and industries. 

From e-commerce to finance, healthcare to education and much more, we know what it takes to secure your network and protect your data from cyber theft.

Team up with Third Power IT today. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to learn more now.

The post 8 IT Tips to Protect Your Customer Data: Secure Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Now appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

The Pandemic, Depression, and Heart Disease

Depression, heart disease, pandemi

Depression, heart disease, pandemiHas this past year taken it’s toll on you?
Depression can manifest itself in many ways in different people. But if you don’t feel like yourself, are down all the time and have lost your zest for life in this recent year of our “New Normal” first let us say, you are not alone despite being socially distanced.

Depression is felt in your heart center. The question becomes, can it actually be doing physical damage to the heart itself?

Recent research has shown that heart disease can cause depression and that depression can cause heart disease.

A few statistics to mull over.

  • Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States.
  • 1 in 3 Americans are predicted to die with heart disease as the cause.
  • Depression is the leading cause of disability throughout not just the USA but the world.
  • 1 in 20 adults in the USA experience depression yearly and this past year that number increased greatly.
  • 1 in 3 heart attack survivors experiences major depression each year.
  • People with a history of depression are 4 times more likely to experience a heart attack within 14 years than those who have no history of depression.
  • Heart disease patients with depression are 4 times more likely to die within 6 months than those without depression.

The link between heart disease and depression is complex.

Have you ever heard the phrase “stress kills”? While this statement may seem a little overly dramatic, it does have a basis in medical facts. When a person is stressed out, the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released and the sympathetic nervous system is activated, oftentimes referred to as a person’s “fight or flight” response. When a person is depressed, it often results in a chronically elevated level of these hormones, a situation that can have detrimental effects on the heart over time.

Depression has been known to occur as a result of heart disease. In one recent study, nearly half of all patients examined a week following a major heart disease surgery showed beginning signs of clinical depression. But why is this? While the relationship between heart disease and depression is still under study, one possible answer is that patients who have recently undergone major heart surgery tend to feel slow and sluggish, finding it difficult to get back into their regular routines. If their regular routines have been threatened by heart disease or they must change their lifestyles drastically in order to adjust to new health concerns, they will understandably start to feel a sense of discouragement and hopelessness.

Heart disease patients dealing with depression often don’t receive the correct medical treatment in order to address both issues simultaneously. This can in part be due to the actions of the patient directly, as depression can make it difficult for people to remember to take care of themselves, and patients may forget to take their medications or simply not feel the motivation to do so.

They may also lack the motivation and energy to even simply keep their follow-up appointments. Furthermore, many cardiologists and primary care doctors simply don’t have the experience with or exposure to patients with mental illness the way psychiatrists and psychologists do and may not be able to properly recognize when a patient is experiencing depression. For this reason, heart disease patients with depression often get overlooked for their depression and aren’t effectively treated for it the way a patient seeking treatment for mental illness specifically would.

While there are still a lot of unknowns regarding the relationship between depression and heart disease, both conditions can be effectively treated with proper recognition and monitoring. For compassionate cardiologists who care about the overall health of their patients and not just medical issues addressed by them specifically, contact the Tampa Cardiovascular Associates by calling (813) 975-2800 today. www.tampacardio.com.

Our physicians are always here for you. We are always happy to address any concerns you have related to your heart health or to refer you to a qualified mental health specialist.

Personally Identifiable Information: Don’t Put Your Customers At Risk Of Cyber Theft

Are you making it easy for hackers to access your customer data as a result of not having a cyber security plan in place?

If you’re familiar with our IT blog, then you may already know what Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is and how it affects your business and your customers.

In previous blogs, we talked about:

  • What PII is
  • Why you need to secure customer PII
  • The top causes of a PII data breach
  • The risks to your business when PII is stolen

In this blog, we are going to cover how stolen PII implicates your customers — and why you should care.

First let’s refresh your memory on what PII is and what happens when there’s a PII data breach.

 

What is PII?

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) refers to various data points that can be used to identify an anonymous individual. Social security numbers, tax identification numbers, and location data are all examples of PII.

 

What Happens When PII is Stolen?

When a hacker gets hold of any type of PII, they gain access to confidential information. They can use this information to tap into your network and steal your data. They can also use this information to target your customers.  Having a cyber security plan is crucial.

So, how can they use PII against your customers, and why should you care? Keep reading to find out.

 

PII DATA BREACH: KNOW THE RISKS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

  1. Identity Theft

Cybercriminals acquire sensitive customer data to use it to their advantage. For example, they can impersonate your customers using their credit card numbers, social security numbers, health plan beneficiary numbers or biometric identifiers. Then, they use this stolen identity to commit fraud or gain financial benefits.

  1. Social Engineering Attacks

Data breaches can uncover your customers’ PII, especially sensitive data, such as name, address, contact details, date of birth and so on. Cybercriminals can put these data points on the Dark Web and use them to launch social engineering attacks on your customers. The attackers may then psychologically manipulate or trick customers into sharing their confidential details.

  1. Blackmail Campaigns

Data breaches can expose sensitive medical information, such as psychotherapy reports or blood test reports. Cybercriminals can use this information to run blackmail campaigns against your customers by threatening to leak the information online.

As you can see, the implications of a data breach can have devastating effects on your customers, and this can also affect you.

 

How Stolen PII Affects You and Your Business

So, how does stolen customer data impact you?

If your customers experience a cyber attack of this kind, they will be less likely to work with you in the future. What’s more, they may write poor reviews, which can damage your online presence. They may even go as far as suing you for negligence.

Don’t lose the trust of your customers and the integrity of your business.

 

Keep Customer Data Safe and Secure

Want to do everything in your power to prevent a cyber attack? Leave it up to the experts at Third Power IT. 

Our consultants have decades of experience protecting data for healthcare facilities, financial institutions, e-commerce businesses, colleges, and more.

At Third Power IT, we know one size does not fit all when it comes to cybersecurity. That’s why we create custom IT packages based on your unique needs. 

Start building your cybersecurity strategy today. Get in touch with us now by contacting us online or calling us directly at: 844-677-3687

The post Personally Identifiable Information: Don’t Put Your Customers At Risk Of Cyber Theft appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

A Look at Sclerotherapy – Veins Vanish Nearly Instantly

west florida vein center dr mark zuzga

west florida vein center dr mark zuzgaSclerotherapy Laser Treatment is a state-of-the-art procedure intended to help eliminate unwanted painful spider veins and smaller varicose veins.

These visible veins result from damaged and broken-down valves. They form both due to age and related health and lifestyle issues. These damaged valves cause blood to flow backward causing pooling and stagnation. As the blood pools larger varicose veins can form as the vein stretches to hold the excess.

When a person with venous deficiency remains stationary for long periods of time, this can mean standing or sitting it can cause issues. Non movement can place extreme pressure on the veins in the lower legs. When varicose veins start to cause you distress, it is time to speak with a Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. a vein specialist at The West Florida Vein Center to discuss treatment options.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is the most common forms of treatment when it comes to spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a salt solution directly into the damaged area. The solution irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to collapse. The lining of the now collapsing vein sticks together and the vein closes. The damaged vein then becomes scar tissue and fades away absorbing back into the body while rerouting the former blood flow.

Preparation

Before the treatment begins, Dr. Zuzga,D.O. will examine you to determine if you are a good candidate.

It is advisable to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin at least 48 to 72 hours before sclerotherapy. We will advise you on which specific medications to avoid before your treatment.

Please do not apply any lotion, perfume, powder, or cologne to your legs prior to treatment. You should drink plenty of water and bring compression socks to the office to wear aftertreatment. All other clothing should be comfortable and loose fitting.

The Procedure itself

The solution is injected into the patient’s vein directly using a very fine needle. The area is numbed before the needle being inserted. You may feel some discomfort or pressure while the solution is injected into the vein. That feeling could last for one to two minutes per vein. The number of veins injected during a single procedure depends on the location and size of the veins and the general health of the patient. The entire process often takes around 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

This procedure has been performed for many decades by doctors, dermatologists, and vein specialists. The procedure is performed in-office, and most people can go back to their usual activities following the process. However, you are advised not to do any aerobic or other strenuous exercises a few days after treatment.

Some patients experience side effects after treatment, such as itching, which may last for a few days. You may also experience redness or bruising at the injection site that should go away a few days after the procedure.

We Serve the Tampa Bay and Safety Harbor areas of Florida!

Ready to change your life?

Vein surgery can be life changing for many people and a huge boost of confidence. If you are ready to feel better and look your best we would love to see you in our office for a consultation. www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233 to schedule with Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O,

Have You Been In an Auto Accident in Southwest Florida? Information You Need Now

car accident fort myers

car accident fort myersIf you have been involved in an car accident it can be a hectic and confusing time. In Florida, you only have 14 days to start treatment in order to claim coverage under your PIP rider on your auto insurance. The #1 car accident related issues is whiplash followed closely by other soft tissue injuries.

Of course, going to the ER to get fully checked out is a very good idea, but soon after please come see us at the office of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments in realigning the body so that you can begin to heal properly following a crash.

Call our office for a consultation. We will discuss what your injuries are, what the course of treatment would be, and how your treatment will be paid for. We do all of the insurance paperwork, so you do not have to.

Kaster Chiropractic over the years formed community partnerships with other physicians and specialists who treat and accept automobile injury patients. This referral is incredibly helpful and time saving. This includes diagnostic facilities, neurologists, attorneys, MRIs, orthopedics, and even car repair facilities.

Injuries can happen even in slow crashes of just 5-10 mph. The higher the speed the greater the impact the more likely you have more severe injuries. The day of the accident your body will try its best to protect you, flooding your system with adrenalin and dopamine. You may not feel like you have been injured until the next day or so. Never make any statements to the insurance company on either side right away and it is best advised to speak with a lawyer first as well.

The sooner you seek chiropractic intervention the faster your body can begin to heal back into proper position. In order for healing to be completely correct your body needs to be realigned and holding no subluxations.

We are here for you. Give us a call at 239-332-2555 and we will get you in the schedule as quickly as possible and get you on the road to recovery, back home and resting. www.kasterchriopractic.com to learn more. If you are in the Fort Myers area, we suggest being proactive. Install our app on your cell and should an accident occur we are only one click away. http://drkasters.com/web-app-download/

I Was in a Car Crash. Do I Have Whiplash?

whiplash car accident fort myers dr kaster

whiplash car accident fort myers dr kasterAre you experiencing whiplash symptoms following a car accident? If so, the sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome is likely to be. Whiplash injuries can last for years so do not wait.

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs in people who are a subjected to a sudden acceleration-deceleration force resulting in an unrestrained, rapid movement of the head and neck, which is propelled forward and backward within a split second.

This type of injury usually happens during auto accidents, but there are other possible scenarios that might result in it.

The bones and soft tissues around the neck can potentially be damaged during this type of incident. This may reflect on the physical body in the form of chronic pains with varying degrees of severity.

The good news is whiplash is not a life-threatening injury. The only problem is, if not treated early enough, there might be both physical and economic consequences on the person affected. Here are a few critical facts you need to know about whiplash.

  1. Speeds less than 5mph may be enough to cause a whiplash.

According to a research conducted on low-speed rear impact, it was concluded that one does not need to move at high speed for a whiplash to occur. The results from the test showed that even at a speed of 2.5 mph, 29% of people involved in car accidents can still develop symptoms related to whiplash.

  1. Pain isn’t the only symptom

Most people suffering from whiplash will complain about neck pain, shoulder pain, fatigue, headache, jaw pain, dizziness, visual disturbance and back pain.

In severe cases, the patient may end up depressed, frustrated, anxious and stressed. Because of the chronic pain, certain individuals may become dependent on drugs.

  1. Rest may make you feel worse

After a whiplash incident, you may think that resting for a few days might relieve the pain. Research suggests otherwise. By allowing your affected neck muscles and soft tissues to rest, they may stiffen, which can only result in a slower healing process.

The best would be to return your usual daily activities even if you still feel moderate pain. Many studies have shown that the earlier you get back to your daily activities, the quicker you are going to heal. However, if the pain is severe, please consult your doctor immediately.

  1. X-rays may not reveal a fracture.

A powerful rear-end collision that occurs in a car moving at a high speed can potentially result in the fracture of the bones in the neck. Nevertheless, most cases of whiplashes are usually negative for fractures when x-rayed. Because there is no sign of any physical injury, insurance companies may be reluctant to cover your medical bills for a pain that only you claim exist.

However, a common finding that is usually associated with whiplash is the straightening of the cervical curve. This is usually caused by muscle spasm resulting from the shock from the rear-end collision and may explain the pain. Depending on the circumstances, the straightening of the cervical curve may be enough for you to request for an insurance coverage.

  1. Whiplash can be caused by more than auto accidents.

Even though usually associated to car crashes, whiplashes can occur in other incidents including falling or slipping. Extreme sports that require the participants to perform acrobatic movement can potentially cause a whiplash. Even people involved in activities like soccer, basketball and boxing can end up with a whiplash.

  1. Chiropractic care CAN help.

Chiropractors have the necessary expertise to treat many of the injuries associated with the spinal cord.
During your visit, a thorough examination will be performed and if necessary, you will be requested to take an x-ray or any other scan to see through the neck. After the diagnosis, the chiropractor will provide treatment for both the injured vertebrae and the soft tissues around the neck. He will also make recommendations on what you can do to ease the pain when at home or at work.

Treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on the severity of injury, and in the State of Florida your PIP coverage will cover medical expenses, including chiropractic and certain types of massage, up to $10,000.

Remember, it’s a bad idea to suffer through the pain hoping that it will eventually go away on its own. The best is to see a highly trained professional that can assist you. If you or anyone you know is suffering from whiplash trauma, please call Dr. Kester’s office today for a consultation.

Dr. Kaster works in conjunction with other physicians and professionals in the community who treat and serve auto accident patients. As a Chiropractor, he is trained to treat joint, muscle and ligament injuries, and thus well-qualified to manage the victims of auto accidents. His primary role is to keep the facet joints mobilized, enhance optimal healing by treating muscles and ligaments, and reducing the likelihood of permanent pain.

239-332-2555

Know the Risks: Insider Threats To Customer Data & Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Is your customer data up for grabs?

 

Customer data, also known as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), is one of the most popular targets for a cyber attack. Once a hacker gains access to this information, they can steal your company’s proprietary information and your customers’ identities at the same time.

 

The repercussions of such an attack can be catastrophic for your business, especially if you’re a healthcare facility or a financial institution.

 

From legal fees and lawsuits to temporary shutdowns or permanent closures, compromised PII is never fun.

 

So, are you at risk of a PII data breach?

 

First let’s briefly discuss what PII is and how it pertains to your business.

 

What is PII?

 

PII refers to data points that can be used to identify an individual. This customer data comes in many forms, and you might be in trouble if it gets into the wrong hands.

 

  • Social security numbers
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Tax identification numbers
  • Date of birth
  • Biometric data
  • Race & religion
  • Location data

 

What Causes a PII Data Breach?

 

According to Risk Based Security, 60 percent of customer data breaches are caused by insider threats or security threats that originate from within an organization.

 

This means that your employees and stakeholders are the primary cause of a PII data breach.

 

To make things worse, reports indicate that the number of insider incidents has increased by 47 percent over the last two years.

 

While most insider threats are unintentional, they still pose just as much risk.

 

Now that you know the main cause of a customer data breach, let’s deep dive into the potential risks that insider threats pose to PII and how you can protect your organization against such threats.

 

The Risks of Stolen PII

 

Whether you’re a healthcare facility, a financial institution, or even an e-commerce business, compromised customer data can seriously harm your operations.

 

Below we’ll break down the major risks of stolen PII.

 

  1. Reputational Damage

 

According to a study by Ponemon, 44 percent of companies believe it takes anywhere from 10 months to over two years to restore a company’s reputation after a breach. Even if you respond promptly and properly to your customers regarding a data breach, it could still result in a PR disaster and a decline in your customer base.

 

  1. Financial Loss

 

The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. is $8.19 million. Some of the consequential costs that companies find themselves paying include compensation to affected customers, fines and penalties for non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR, expenses for forensic investigations and more. On top of that, the valuation of your company could tumble as well.

 

  1. Ransomware Costs

 

A malicious insider  who gains access to your data systems can steal sensitive customer PII from your network. Once your systems are hacked, the cybercriminal can block access to your data and threaten to sell the information on the Dark Web if you don’t pay the ransom.

 

  1. Operational Standstill

 

Data breaches have the potential to paralyze your business operations. You will have to conduct a detailed investigation to determine what data has been compromised and the cause behind the breach. You will have to take steps to recover lost data, and you may face expensive lawsuits and settlements. In most cases, this will pause your business operations.

 

Now that you know the risks, isn’t it time to protect your customer data so you can avoid a data breach?

 

Protect Your PII Today with Third Power IT

Miami’s Leading Cybersecurity Consultants

 

A cyber attack can happen at any time. That’s why 24/7 data protection is so important. With cyber threats on the rise, now is the time to invest your cybersecurity.

 

But you don’t have to go about it alone. Secure your data and gain peace of mind when you work with Third Power IT, South Florida’s preferred IT consultants.

 

Set up your cybersecurity strategy today. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to get started now.

 

The post Know the Risks: Insider Threats To Customer Data & Personally Identifiable Information (PII) appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com