Is it possible for an organization to achieve complete protection against cyberattacks? Former US FBI Director Robert Mueller’s statement that “There are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked and those that will be” suggests otherwise. No organization can guarantee complete immunity from cyberattacks, and even if an attack has not yet occurred, it is probable that it will in the future. Furthermore, companies that have already experienced a hack may not become aware of it right away.

The detection of data breaches in 2021 took an average of 287 days, indicating that many organizations struggle with identifying complex cyberattacks and crimes.

In light of the contemporary cybersecurity landscape, it is crucial to establish strong governance, possesses a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity, and foster a culture of awareness regarding cybersecurity. These measures are necessary to promptly detect and effectively manage cyber risks.

From Good Governance to Good Cybersecurity

The significance of effective IT/cybersecurity governance and leadership in achieving robust cybersecurity cannot be ignored. To establish such governance, organizations can refer to various models, frameworks, and standards such as the US National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), the US Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council (FFIEC) Cybersecurity Assessment Tool, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO 27000, and COBIT®. These resources outline the responsibilities of top management, highlight the importance of aligning IT strategies with organizational objectives, emphasize the significance of management support, underscore the need for preparedness to face IT and cybersecurity challenges, and stress the importance of effective IT risk management and reporting. Established organizations should have the flexibility to tailor these guidelines to fit their specific cybersecurity governance and management needs.

Cybersecurity vs. Information Security and Why it Matters

Some senior managers may not distinguish between information security and cybersecurity, which may result in a lack of recognition of the need to establish appropriate frameworks to handle challenges in both domains.

Although both cybersecurity and information security are grounded in the well-established confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) triad, the majority of professionals tend to use the term cybersecurity even when referring to what is technically information security. Cybersecurity entails mitigating risks that jeopardize digital assets such as data or spreads through digital channels such as the internet. On the other hand, information security deals with risks that threaten assets, including information. For instance, cybercriminals may pilfer data that does not inherently possess a logical meaning and, at first glance, may seem unusable. However, from a cybersecurity perspective, the data could still be utilized to plan or execute additional attacks.

Distinguishing between cybersecurity and information security is crucial in tackling emerging threats, such as the widespread use of diverse digital devices (e.g., computers, tablets, smartphones, smart devices, and Internet of Things devices) for delivering or accessing digital services, and the rapid shift to remote work spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity

Given that guaranteeing the CIA triad underpins both information security and cybersecurity, how can organizations ensure its implementation? While the people, process, and technology (PPT) framework may offer some assistance, what if we reversed its approach?

By reversing the PPT pyramid, the people aspect assumes the top position, and the stability of the pyramid hinges on the behavior of individuals (as illustrated in figure 1). As with cybersecurity, one misstep by an employee can severely compromise the pyramid’s stability. Hence, organizations should foster a cybersecurity culture by embracing the notion that everyone bears responsibility for cybersecurity. To this end, providing regular cybersecurity training, promptly identifying risks, and regularly assessing employees’ proficiency in their respective fields are vital measures.

Establishing and maintaining a cyber-resilient culture within organizations, and steering employees toward making informed decisions regarding cybersecurity requires effective leadership. Although it’s feasible to implement suitable hardware and software cybersecurity risk management solutions, the level of cybersecurity protection ultimately hinges on the awareness, attentiveness, and conduct of each employee.

Figure 1—Importance of Cyberculture

Everyone’s Responsibility

The topic of cybersecurity is complex. Spreading the idea that security is everyone’s responsibility can be one of the strongest mitigation strategies for organizations without a specialized cybersecurity team. Organizations must adhere to cybersecurity frameworks and best practices when executing this approach, and security awareness training that is thoughtfully created and enthusiastically delivered should be a bare minimum need.

 

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Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

Malware breaches can originate from various sources. For instance, several fake antivirus applications on the Google Play Store were found to be infected with malware. In a separate incident earlier this year, malware transmitted through satellites caused modems in Ukraine to shut down. It is worth noting that the average lifespan of destructive malware attacks is 324 days, with 233 days taken to identify them and another 91 days to contain them. This is longer than the global average of 277 days for all types of cyberattacks.

Malware attacks can also be expensive. The 2022 IBM Cost of a Data Breach report reveals that destructive malware attacks cost an average of $5.12 million per incident, which is higher than the average cost of $4.35 million per incident for all types of cybersecurity attacks. Furthermore, destructive malware attacks accounted for 17% of all breaches, with ransomware being responsible for 11% of these incidents.

Each day that malware goes undetected on a system represents an opportunity for the malware to cause more damage and exfiltrate credentials. However, detecting malware can be extremely difficult as cybercriminals often design it to look like legitimate code. To speed up the process of identifying and removing malware, organizations are increasingly turning to malware analysts who specialize in detecting and analyzing malware on their systems.

What Role Does a Malware Analyst Play?

Companies in the cybersecurity industry often hire malware analysts, also known as reverse engineers, to verify that their products can detect and defend against malware. However, companies outside of the cybersecurity industry may also hire malware analysts to minimize their exposure to malware attacks.

As the number and cost of cyberattacks continue to rise, the need for skilled malware analysts is also growing. Although the position of a malware analyst is still relatively new, companies are recognizing the benefits of having an expert who can stay up-to-date on the latest malware trends and techniques. Many aspiring malware analysts begin their careers in cybersecurity and gradually transition to this specialized role as they gain more experience in dealing with malware.

While some companies may rely on on-demand services to analyze potential malware, having a dedicated malware analyst who is well-versed in code and infrastructure can often be more effective at identifying and detecting suspicious activity.

Companies that are hesitant about the costs associated with hiring a malware analyst should consider comparing the annual salary of such an expert with the average cost of a malware breach, which is around $5.12 million. By preventing even one successful attack, a dedicated malware analyst can save a company a significant amount of money, making the cost of their salary a worthwhile investment. Individuals who are interested in transitioning into a malware analyst role within their current company can emphasize the value of having a specialist who can help prevent the costly consequences of a malware attack.

Responsibilities of a Malware Analyst

To be effective, a malware analyst must be able to anticipate and respond to threats. Staying informed about the latest malware strains and anti-malware technology allows the analyst to recommend the most effective strategies for protecting the organization against new threats. By being aware of recent attacks and malware strains, the analyst can suggest adjustments to the organization’s processes and technology.

The role of a malware analyst involves both proactive and reactive approaches. By keeping abreast of the latest malware strains and anti-malware technologies, the analyst can advise the organization on the most effective ways to protect against current malware threats. The analyst’s knowledge of recent attacks and strains helps them identify vulnerabilities and implement the necessary changes in processes and technologies.

Pursuing a Career as a Malware Analyst

Although there are no specific degree programs for becoming a malware analyst, many organizations prefer candidates with a solid background in cybersecurity. Some companies may require a bachelor’s degree, while others may look for individuals with relevant certifications or digital badges. Malware analysts should possess strong technical abilities, particularly knowledge of AI tools and proficiency in zero trust. In addition, they should have excellent writing skills to produce documentation and collaboration skills to work with staff in resolving malware attacks.

The most valuable asset of a malware analyst is their ability to keep up with the latest developments in malware. To protect their organization effectively, analysts need to study the latest attack strategies and strains. Given the constantly changing nature of malware, analysts must continuously learn on the job and refine their skills based on the latest techniques of cyber criminals. In addition to technical skills, it is essential for malware analysts to be inquisitive and have a keen interest in ongoing learning.

Despite appearing to be a narrow specialization, individuals who consider pursuing a career as a malware analyst will have ample employment prospects in both the short and long term. The demand for malware analysts is high due to the advanced level of skills required for the role. Moreover, the skills and knowledge acquired as a malware analyst can be applied to other positions in the technology and cybersecurity industries. As long as malware remains a persistent threat to modern organizations, the need for malware analysts will persist.

 

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Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

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In virtually every field and industry, compliance is essential for achieving business success and organizational resilience. This is true regardless of whether they’re talking about large banks, pharmaceutical companies, heavy industries, or even the smallest online shops. Effective management and compliance monitoring mean adhering to various laws and regulations, such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 2, etc.

To conduct regular operations, it’s typically necessary to have robust compliance monitoring in place. Failing to comply with applicable laws and regulations can come with a steep price tag, resulting in revenue losses that average more than $4 million. Additionally, managing and monitoring compliance can be both challenging and expensive. In fact, around 50% of organizations report that they devote between 6-10% of their revenue to compliance-related expenses.

Since compliance monitoring can be both resource-intensive and time-consuming, automating the monitoring process represents one potential solution. In this post, it will be exploring the following topics:

What is compliance monitoring?

Compliance involves conforming to laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures. Compliance monitoring is an ongoing process that aims to verify that an organization is fully compliant by consistently following all required policies and procedures. In essence, compliance monitoring is a way of ensuring that an organization meets both its internal and external regulatory obligations.

Numerous authorities and regulatory bodies around the world, including the US Department of Treasury, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), mandate compliance monitoring. When seeking approval from these entities, a detailed compliance monitoring plan is typically a requirement.

Typically, an organization’s compliance teams are responsible for conducting compliance monitoring as a component of the broader compliance management system.

What is compliance automation?

Compliance automation involves using technology tools and systems, such as dedicated software and artificial intelligence (AI), to automate compliance management processes like compliance monitoring. These tools and technologies enable organizations to automate time-consuming manual processes such as monitoring, auditing, reporting, testing, control analyses, and corrective action planning.

It’s essential to keep in mind that compliance is not optional. For instance, it’s impossible to handle credit or debit card transactions unless the organization complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

7 Reasons to automate compliance

Below are seven key reasons why an organization may choose to automate all of its compliance processes:

1. Improved efficiency and reduced costs – Automated systems and processes are significantly less labor-intensive and thus more cost-efficient than their manual counterparts.
2. Decreased compliance risk – The greater the degree of automation, the fewer mistakes are likely to occur, which in turn lowers the risk of non-compliance penalties such as fines.
3. Enhance compliance monitoring – With automated compliance processes, up-to-date compliance data including reports, audits, and status can be readily accessed and reviewed continuously. This enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of compliance monitoring.
4. Allow compliance teams to focus on the big picture. Through the elimination of repetitive tasks, automation can free up compliance teams to concentrate on more critical matters, which can further enhance the effectiveness of compliance monitoring.
5. Augmented visibility and transparency – Improved and effective compliance monitoring enables you to obtain a comprehensive overview of your entire ecosystem, from internal servers to supply chain partners.
6. Better risk management – Since all pertinent and current data is continuously available, risk management choices can be made based on real-time data.
7. Greater collaboration and uniformity – Employing automated tools that provide a real-time perspective of compliance status enables all stakeholders to collaborate more effectively and ensures consistency in compliance management throughout the organization.

6 overlooked tips to automate compliance monitoring

1. Consider the use case first

If you’re planning to automate your compliance monitoring, the initial step is to assess the specific use cases that apply to your organization. This will provide a solid foundation for comprehending what’s required to devise your strategy, choose the optimal and most appropriate compliance monitoring solution, and integrate it into your organization.

Some typical use cases include:

• Monitoring for important vulnerabilities and comprehending the consequences for the company.
• Identifying and correcting misconfigurations before they become business risks.
• Ensuring that your compliance program complements the services you provide for business.
• Monitor the onboarding risk and the needs of HR policies.
• Ensuring that privacy standards for customers are met.

2. Shortlist compliance monitoring tools on the market

By automating compliance monitoring, conventional compliance management tools like spreadsheets, email communications, file storage systems, etc., can be substituted with robust, comprehensive, automated tools.

Different compliance management software solutions are available that can automatically and continually collect all pertinent information from various systems, examine it, and present it in a centralized manner. This enables you to perform efficient compliance monitoring effortlessly and continuously.

Could you provide the list of items that should be kept in mind when making the shortlist of the best compliance monitoring tools?

• The most effective compliance solutions come with built-in compatibility features that are relevant to specific standards, including:
  • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)
  • The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS)
  • The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • ISO/IEC 27001, and more.
• Ensure that the tools you consider for adoption are compatible with the most relevant standards for your organization.
• Considers and examine all needed features, such as:
  • Connection to other tools.
  • Communication, sharing, and collaboration.
  • Task management.
  • Data analysis.
  • Progress reports.
  • Risk analysis.
• Ensure that the solution is comprehensive and covers multiple aspects, including data gathering, compliance monitoring, reporting, auditing, compliance training, and other relevant areas.
• Ensure that the compliance solution you consider is comprehensive and covers multiple aspects, including data collection, compliance monitoring, reporting, auditing, and compliance training.
• Could you please rephrase your last request? It seems to be the same as the previous one.

3. Communicate the new processes and procedures to staff while emphasizing the benefits of automation and training. 

Implementing new processes, tools, and procedures often involves challenges, particularly in training employees on their execution. This can be daunting, as the effort required to learn and adopt new information can be significant. Compliance monitoring is no exception and comes with its unique challenges, as many employees view it as an obstacle to completing their tasks quickly and effectively.

Effective communication is crucial when introducing and implementing new processes, tools, and procedures to employees, particularly when it comes to compliance monitoring. Many employees may see compliance monitoring as an obstacle to performing their tasks quickly and effectively. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on communicating the transfer effectively. Remind employees of the benefits of automating compliance monitoring, such as the removal of tedious manual tasks, making their work more manageable.

Demonstrate how an automated compliance training platform can facilitate the implementation process, emphasizing that such a tool can improve compliance management and lead to increased efficiency. Emphasize the benefits of using this training tool and how it can help employees become more proficient, ultimately reducing unnecessary efforts.

Effective communication can help engage and motivate employees toward the compliance automation process, leading to improvements in their work and overall compliance.

4. Integrate the compliance monitoring tool with other systems

Effective integration of the compliance monitoring tool with all other systems is critical, both for compliance and the organization’s workflow. Properly gathering all relevant data is vital for compliance management and monitoring, and this cannot be achieved if the compliance monitoring tool is not fully integrated with other tools and systems. In addition, good integration ensures that any modifications that may result in non-compliance are immediately flagged.

Efficient integration with common working tools, like Jira, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, enhances compliance monitoring and facilitates faster and smoother implementation and adoption. This integration empowers compliance teams to manage tasks more effectively while allowing everyone else to keep using the tools they are familiar with.

5. Ensure you are monitoring your supply chain

Automating compliance monitoring for your entire supply chain is a great opportunity to address one of the most overlooked aspects of compliance monitoring, particularly for larger organizations – the monitoring of supply chains.

Given that automation makes the compliance monitoring process easier, faster, and less labor-intensive, it is essential to ensure that it includes all suppliers in the chain.

6. Utilize training tools to keep staff up to date with compliance 

The human factor is often overlooked as managers focus on the technical aspects of purchasing, implementing, and integrating the most advanced technological tools. However, it’s important to remember that any system is only as good and effective as the people using it.

Similar to any system, the effectiveness of compliance monitoring depends on the people who use it. Many managers concentrate on the technical aspects of acquiring, implementing, and integrating advanced technological tools and may overlook the human factor. Therefore, it’s crucial to make use of advanced training tools such as an automated, smart security awareness training platform to improve your organization’s cybersecurity and compliance and keep your staff up-to-date with all the compliance requirements.

 

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Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

The cybersecurity industry is facing a shortage of qualified professionals and a high demand for trained experts, which can make it challenging to find the right candidate with the appropriate skill set. However, when searching for specific technical skills, it may be worth considering professionals from other industries who may be a good fit for transitioning into a cybersecurity team. In fact, certain roles may be a better match than what is typically associated with cybersecurity professionals due to their specialized skills.

This article examines six different types of professionals with the necessary skills to transition into a cybersecurity team and how they can be utilized effectively while still working within their areas of expertise.

1. Software Engineers

A software engineer is a person who specializes in designing, developing, testing, and troubleshooting software programs. They are responsible for the creation and maintenance of software applications.

Why the Skill Set is a Match

Software engineers have a wide range of technical abilities, including coding and software creation. They also have knowledge of the intricacies involved in building a secure application. This makes them suitable for various cybersecurity responsibilities. For instance, they can be employed to build applications that are more resistant to cyber-attacks by incorporating security features during the coding process.

What Additional Training do Software Engineers Need?

Software engineers have a solid foundation for cybersecurity but may require additional training in cryptography and network security to be fully equipped. It’s important for them to be aware of different cyber threats, such as malware and phishing. Furthermore, as software development is a rapidly changing field, software engineers should be ready to keep up with the latest advancements to remain competitive.

2. Network Architects

Network architects are in charge of creating, organizing, and executing computer networks. They are familiar with the intricacies of network security and methods for protecting data from external dangers.

Why the Skill Set is a Match

Network architects have a thorough understanding of networking technologies and are skilled in establishing secure networks. While not all security positions necessitate a deep technical understanding, network architects are well-suited to design secure networks and implement security measures. They can also assess existing systems for vulnerabilities and propose solutions to reduce risks.

What Additional Training do Network Architects Need?

While security is generally a core part of network architects’ expertise, it’s still important for them to be aware of the various cyber threats that exist today. They should also stay informed about the latest technologies and techniques related to cybersecurity, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Additionally, it’s crucial for network architects to have the ability to recognize and distinguish between legitimate and malicious traffic signals.

3. IT Support Specialists

IT support specialists are responsible for identifying and solving technical problems related to computers and other electronic devices. They typically have a good understanding of different hardware and software systems.

Why the Skill Set is a Match

IT support specialists have strong analytical abilities, allowing them to quickly identify issues and come up with solutions. They are able to think critically which makes them suitable for investigating security incidents and hunting for malicious actors. Furthermore, their knowledge of different hardware and software systems is crucial in understanding the impact of cyber threats.

What Additional Training do IT Support Specialists Need?

IT support specialists should be familiar with different cyber threats and how to handle them efficiently. They should also have knowledge of risk assessment methods and security architectures, such as access control protocols and identity management solutions. IT support teams usually have a general understanding of security risks, but additional training may be needed for more specialized roles.

4. AI Developers

AI developers are responsible for creating applications that use AI and ML technologies. They have a thorough understanding of data engineering and programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java.

Why the Skill Set is a Match

AI developers comprehend the capabilities of machine-learning algorithms to detect patterns in large sets of data. Therefore, they can be employed to detect and respond to security threats in real time. AI developers can utilize their specialized knowledge to create and maintain advanced penetration testing tools and develop AI-assisted security solutions.

What Additional Training do AI Developers Need?

AI developers have robust programming knowledge but may need to gain more familiarity with various cyber threats. They should be familiar with different attack surfaces and concepts, such as malware analysis and intrusion detection systems. Moreover, they should have knowledge of ethical hacking principles and network security protocols to build secure applications.

5. Cloud Specialists

Cloud specialists are in charge of overseeing cloud-based applications and infrastructure. They typically have a thorough understanding of cloud platforms and technologies, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud. Cloud specialists are also familiar with storage technologies, such as relational databases and big data solutions.

Why the Skill Set is a Match

Cloud specialists are familiar with the robust security services provided by cloud providers, such as identity and access management (IAM). They can utilize these services to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information stored in the cloud. They also have knowledge of the various security risks associated with cloud technologies and can offer valuable suggestions on how to minimize them.

What Additional Training do Cloud Specialists Need?

Cloud specialists have a thorough understanding of various cloud services and technologies; but when it comes to adapting to strictly on-premise security infrastructure, they may have to enhance their skills. They should gain knowledge of on-premise security solutions, such as host-based firewalls and endpoint protection systems. Additionally, they should be familiar with different types of cyber threats and how to create secure architectures within an organization and with external parties.

6. Data Analysts

Data analysts are responsible for examining large amounts of data and providing insights into business processes. They have a thorough understanding of areas such as statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms.

Why the Skill Set is a Match

Data analysts have the ability to recognize patterns in datasets that might not be obvious to the human eye. They can use this skill to detect and respond to advanced cyber threats such as zero-day exploits or insider threats. Data analysts can also create predictive models that help organizations anticipate future security risks and take preventive measures accordingly.

What Additional Training do Data Analysts Need?

Data analysts may require additional training in areas such as data privacy regulations and compliance standards. They should be familiar with various security tools and procedures to ensure that data is securely stored, transmitted, and processed. Furthermore, they should have a thorough understanding of threat models and attack vectors to detect malicious activity as early as possible.

The Demand for New Cybersecurity Workers Remains High

In summary, transitioning from various positions, such as AI developers, cloud specialists, or data analysts, into cybersecurity is feasible. With appropriate training and expertise, professionals from these backgrounds can become valuable cybersecurity team members. With attackers becoming increasingly sophisticated, organizations require individuals with a strong combination of technical knowledge and analytical abilities to stay ahead of the curve. Organizations can develop and expand their cybersecurity teams without facing a shortage of highly specialized professionals.

 

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Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” The quote is often attributed to Mark Twain, however, he never said it. The quote’s origin is unknown, but the concept that lies spread quickly while truth spreads slowly is an old one.

The quote attributed to “Twain” illustrates the distinction between misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation is an error that is spread unintentionally, while disinformation is false information disseminated with the intent to deceive or harm.

In contrast, disinformation is a deliberate deception. Its aim is to deceive, cause harm or gain an advantage by spreading false information. As long as spreading lies is profitable and effortless, businesses must be able to adapt quickly.

Disinformation’s Negative Effects

It all comes down to the intent behind spreading the information. The goal of the person or group sharing the data is crucial. Real-world examples demonstrate the harm caused by these falsehoods and the potential for future abuse they create.

In 2019, scammers utilized AI technology to impersonate the voice of a CEO of a European energy company. They made a phone call using the artificial voice and urgently requested an employee to transfer €220,000 ($243,000) to a Hungarian vendor within 60 minutes. The scammers, anxious as the money did not arrive as quickly as they expected, made two more calls. This raised the employee’s suspicion. However, by then it was too late to recall the funds, and the scammers were able to obtain the money. Fortunately, the company was protected from financial loss by fraud insurance.

Though minimal harm was caused, this incident served as a warning of potential future danger. This was the first recorded instance of AI being used to imitate a voice for fraudulent purposes. Cybersecurity experts anticipate that the next development will be the use of AI to replicate both voice and facial expressions. If the imitation appears and sounds genuine, it will raise no suspicions, making the scam harder to detect and hence more profitable.

Disinformation as a Service

Disinformation can have multiple objectives and the COVID-19 pandemic provided a significant opportunity for scammers. A scam from 2021 highlighted the trend of Disinformation-as-a-Service, where an external party pays for social media influencers to spread and promote disinformation. Fazze, a PR agency that appears to have Russian government backing, approached successful YouTubers to criticize the Pfizer vaccine. Offering large sums of money, the company asked the influencers to spread disinformation, not to disclose their sponsorship, and to present themselves as if they were sharing information. The scheme was exposed when a few YouTubers went public about the strange offer. The BBC reported speculation of Russia’s connection to the scheme to promote their own vaccine, Sputnik V, illuminating how nation-state attacks often initiate disinformation campaigns.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can also be targeted. Disinformation spread through the fake review market has a significant impact on small, local businesses. A study on the direct impact of fake reviews on online spending estimated that fake reviews caused businesses to lose $152 billion globally in 2021. The study cites an example of an Australian plastic surgeon whose business decreased by 23% in a single week following a fake review. Similarly, a plumbing business based in California lost 25% of its business when a rival posted a fake review. In New York, two busing companies discovered that fake positive reviews effectively redirected business from one company to the other.

How to Fight Disinformation and Misinformation

Disinformation can be financially rewarding, making it a challenge for businesses of all sizes to deal with. Fortunately, there are actions that can be taken when facing a disinformation or misinformation attack.

1. Train your employees. There is a possibility that your business will be targeted by malicious actors. Your CSOs and CISOs need the necessary technical and social expertise to counter disinformation. As disinformation is both a security and communications concern, it is also important to provide training to your communications and marketing teams.
2. Make a plan. IT teams prepare recovery plans for natural and human-induced disasters, and a similar plan is required for a disinformation crisis. Establish team roles and the steps that should be taken when disinformation occurs. Utilize probable scenarios to evaluate the plan and identify weaknesses so that everyone is prepared when the crisis occurs.
3. Bring in outside forces. Sometimes it can be too overwhelming to handle the PR and communications issues internally. Your IT and security teams may not have the knowledge on how to handle these types of attacks. Bring in external teams that are experienced in resolving technical and PR problems caused by disinformation. Research these companies beforehand so you know who to contact in case of an attack.
4. Use social media monitoring tools. These tools may not be able to prevent an attack, but they can provide early warning of an impending attack, giving you a few hours or days to activate your plan and minimize the damage.

How to Prevent Disinformation Attacks

Preventative measures are more straightforward and less expensive than trying to combat a disinformation campaign that has spiraled out of control. There are various preventative actions that can be taken to enhance your protection.

1. Stay vigilant for potential risks and vulnerabilities. Understand the different ways threats can occur. Does your company have a high-profile CEO? Does your brand have a stance on contentious topics? Are you a small business that relies heavily on reviews? These are all factors that can lead to attacks. Identify weaknesses and take steps to strengthen your defenses as soon as possible.
2. Be proficient in social media. Monitoring tools can provide advance warning of an attack, but social media can also be used as a defensive tool. Keep an eye on what people are saying about your organization. Monitor social media conversations surrounding your brand that you are not initiating. If any activity raises concerns, the communications team can address it.
3. Take a proactive approach. PR, communications, and marketing teams should engage in ongoing and genuine interactions with customers. This establishes trust and makes customers more likely to approach you with questions before spreading false information. Encourage interactions with partners and vendors for the same purpose.\
4. Adopt good information practices. Never circulate unverified information. Identify reliable sources and learn how to recognize compromised, hacked, or spoofed sources. Educate employees on how to protect against threats such as phishing and social engineering. Set guidelines for appropriate behavior during company-related activities and how employees should communicate without putting the company at risk. Additionally, provide training for the C-suite on reputation management and how to handle situations where their actions may be recorded and shared.

 

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Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com

In recent years, the U.S. government has prioritized increasing cybersecurity in sectors that are critical to the country. This focus intensified after the ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, a major fuel pipeline, which caused significant gas shortages and highlighted the need to protect U.S. infrastructure. In response to this threat, officials have emphasized the importance of strengthening the security of these industries.

In March 2022, President Biden signed the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). This law applies to agencies, organizations, and businesses whose service disruptions could harm economic security or public health and safety. Railways are one of the industries that are considered critical infrastructure under this act.

Railways Targeted by Cyberattacks in Recent Years

Railways have been the subject of several major attacks in recent years, including a data breach at China Railways (CR) in 2019 and breaches of 146 million records in the database of Network Rail and service provider C3UK, as well as a malware attack on Sadler, a railway equipment manufacturer. In October, President Biden released the Enhancing Rail Cybersecurity Directive from the Transportation Security Administration for critical infrastructure, which includes directives for railway companies.

TSA administrator David Pekoske said, “The nation’s railroads have a long track record of forward-looking efforts to secure their network against cyber threats and have worked hard over the past year to build additional resilience, and this directive, which is focused on performance-based measures, will further these efforts to protect critical transportation infrastructure from attack.”

Requirements of the Enhancing Rail Cybersecurity Directive

The new directive includes four main requirements:

1. Designate a Cybersecurity Coordinator – Under this directive, railways must designate a cybersecurity coordinator who is responsible for implementing cybersecurity practices, managing cybersecurity incidents, and serving as a point of contact between the railway and both the TSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on cybersecurity matters. The coordinator must be available 24/7, so railways must also appoint a backup coordinator. Both coordinators must be U.S. citizens and eligible for security clearance.
2. Report Cybersecurity Incidents to CISA – Under this directive, railways must report all cybersecurity incidents, including unauthorized access, malware, and DoS attacks, to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within 24 hours of the event. The railway must provide detailed information about the incident, as well as its impact on the railway and the railway’s response to the incident.
3. Develop a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan – The directive requires railways to develop a plan that outlines how they will identify, isolate, and segregate infected systems and protect backed-up data. The plan should also establish processes and governance for isolating systems. Railways must adopt their plan within 180 days of the directive and must also conduct regular testing of the plan.
4. Assess Cybersecurity Vulnerability – The directive requires railways to conduct an assessment to identify any gaps in their cybersecurity and document remediation measures. Railways must complete this assessment within 90 days of the directive.

The directive requires railways to identify any weaknesses in their cybersecurity and document steps to fix these issues through an assessment. This assessment must be completed within 90 days of the directive.

 

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Here at CourseMonster, we know how hard it may be to find the right time and funds for training. We provide effective training programs that enable you to select the training option that best meets the demands of your company.

For more information, please get in touch with one of our course advisers today or contact us at training@coursemonster.com