Author Archives: dzadmin

03.05.21
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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.

03.02.21
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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

03.02.21
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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,

03.01.21
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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/

02.28.21
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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

02.25.21
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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

02.23.21
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Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Why You Need To Secure Your Customer Data

Are you risking a cyber attack by unknowingly allowing access to your clients’ personal information?

 

When you expose customer data, you become vulnerable to cyber attacks. Even if the breach is unintentional, you still risk getting sued for breaking confidentiality. And you will certainly be liable for violating legal compliance.

 

As a result, it’s important to secure customer data so you can avoid a cyber attack and the headache that comes with it.

 

Now that you know the importance of this, let’s take a look at the customer data in question, also known as Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

 

What is PII?

 

PII refers to any information maintained by an agency that can be used to identify or trace an individual.

 

In other words, PII includes data points that such as:

 

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

 

Any of the above information can be used to identify anonymous data.

 

So, why is it so important to protect PII?

 

Why Secure Your Customer Data?

 

If your organization handles PII, you must take steps to secure your customer data.

 

Not only is this essential from a compliance standpoint, but with security breaches on the rise, you have to make sure customer PII is not being compromised.

 

Is it really that common? In short, yes.

 

As a frame of reference, Risk Based Security revealed that by the end of 2020, a total of 36 billion records had been exposed and compromised.

 

When you put this information at risk, you lose the trust of your customers, thus damaging your company’s reputation. Plus, this enables hackers to steal your sensitive data and proprietary information. What’s more, if you are found negligent, you might end up facing fines, lawsuits, and more.

 

In particular, healthcare facilities and financial institutions must carefully collect and store customer data so that it remains confidential. The repercussions of falling short are severe.

 

Regardless of your industry, if you manage PII, you need to protect it. Are you ready to get started?

 

Protect Personally Identifiable Information With Third Power IT

 

If your business handles PII, you can’t risk putting customer data at risk.

 

A breach of this kind can result in:

  • Getting fined or sued
  • Losing loyal customers
  • Closing your business for good

 

Don’t let this happen to you.

 

Protect PII now with the help of Third Power IT, Miami’s best cybersecurity consultants. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to learn more and get started now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Why You Need To Secure Your Customer Data appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

02.19.21
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The Cost Of A Cybersecurity Breach For Your Florida Based Business Could Be Massive

The digital age comes with so many great advances in technology to make our lives and businesses run more smoothly. Unfortunately, nothing is truly safe. No matter how protected you think your business’ systems and networks are, they can fall prey to hackers and this is where you need to ask yourself, “Do I have the proper cybersecurity standards in place.”

Data breaches and cybersecurity incidents have become common place and they’re becoming increasingly costly. These breaches can expose personal information. No matter the size of your company, it will be costly for you to do through a data breach. In fact, the average cost of a data breach in 2020 is $3.86 million, according to a report from IBM and the Ponemon Institute.

To break it down further, the average data breach costs a company $154 per record. With a database of just 10,000 clients, you have a potential breach of $1,540,000.00 in a single hack. Is your company ready and prepared for such a breach?

When a data breach occurs, your company will deal with varied direct and indirect costs related to time and effort dealing with the breach, lost opportunities, bad publicity, customer churn, and regulatory fines.

Fortunately, costs can be smaller for those companies who are prepared. An analyst at IBM stated that companies who engage in effective cybersecurity practices are seeing significantly reduced costs and those companies who aren’t preparing are facing higher costs.

In fact implementing cybersecurity best practices and remaining compliant with industry standards will not only protect your business but also lower your premiums with many carriers.  You heard correctly!! It can help lower your business insurance premium – another cost saving opportunity.  Of course, the actual cost savings will vary depending on your industry, company size, annual revenue, and the insurance carrier, among other things.

Having the right team behind your cybersecurity is essential in achieving everything that we have talked about here.  If you are not sure where to start, look no further than our Miami Cybersecurity IT Experts here at ThirdPowerIT.  Let us give you a thorough assessment today.

Get Started Now: Contact Us Online

The post The Cost Of A Cybersecurity Breach For Your Florida Based Business Could Be Massive appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

02.15.21
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Discover The Top Two Insider Threats To Your Business

You might already know about the external risks that threaten the cybersecurity of your business, but are you aware of the insider threats that also exist?

 

In case you didn’t know, data protection regulations require your business to assess all possible threats to the sensitive data your business stores or manages.

 

While most businesses tend to focus their attention on outsider threats, they often overlook internal threats that exist right within their walls.

 

According to Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, 30 percent of data breaches involved internal threats.

 

Unfortunately, all it takes is one disorderly or negligent employee to cause damage to your business.

 

So, how can you prevent this from happening to you?

 

In this blog, we will help you understand the different types of insider threats and how you can create a defense strategy to minimize these threats.

 

First let’s talk about what insider threats are and how they affect the cybersecurity of your business.

 

What Are Insider Threats?

 

Insider threats refer to security risks that originate from within an organization. Essentially, an insider threat involves someone who is a part of your business network or has access to it.

 

An Insider Threat Can Come From:

  • Current employees
  • Former employees
  • Consultants
  • Business partners
  • Board members

 

Insiders with access to your business’s sensitive data can compromise the integrity of the data for any reason, whether it is intentional or not.

 

Now let’s take a look at two types of insider threats you should be aware of.

 

The Main Types of Insider Threats

 

There are two main types of insider threats, and both can do damage to your business if you allow it. Keep reading to find out what they are right now.

 

Insider Threat #1: The Malicious Insider

 

A malicious insider is anyone with legitimate access to your business’ network and sensitive data who decides to exploit the privilege either for financial gain or out of spite.

 

Out of the 4,716 insider incidents that were studied by the Ponemon Institute and IBM in the Cost of Insider Threats: Global Report 2020, 23 percent were related to criminal insiders.

 

The worst part? The report said the annual cost to companies due to criminal insiders is $4.08 million.

 

Insider Threat #2: The Negligent Insider

 

A negligent insider is a regular employee who falls prey to a cyberattack. A hacker then exploits their mistake to compromise your business’ sensitive data.

 

While these employees didn’t intentionally put your cybersecurity at risk, they are considered negligent because they either ignored security policies or weren’t vigilant enough to identify and protect themselves from cyberattacks.

 

As the more common type of insider threat, the report mentioned above found that 63 percent of insider security incidents in 2020 were caused by the negligent insider.

 

The annual cost to companies? A whopping $4.58 million.

 

Is your business at risk of either of these common insider threats?

 

Insider Threats And Your Business: Are You At Risk?

 

Imagine your business suffers a data breach due to one of these insider threats and then gets flagged by a regulator for not taking appropriate measures to avoid such a breach.

 

Not only is your sensitive data compromised, but you’re also facing hefty fines. This could pause your business operations for months, or worse, put you out of business for good.

 

Do you want to ensure this doesn’t happen to you?

 

Partner With Miami IT Experts To Keep Insider Threats Under Check

 

It’s time to make your data protection a priority, especially since cyberthreats have recorded an unprecedented surge during the ‘new normal.’

 

Don’t let an internal data breach harm your business.

 

Allow the cybersecurity experts at Third Power IT to help you monitor all cyber threats – both internal and external – so that you can keep running your business as usual.

 

Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to get started now.

 

The post Discover The Top Two Insider Threats To Your Business appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

Courtesy of Miami IHIPAA Compliance IT Company - ThirdPowerIT.com

02.11.21
by

Top Warning Signs & How to Prevent an Internal Data Breach

Is your business one misstep away from a cyber-attack due to an insider threat?

 

If you’ve been following our blog, then you already know what insider threats are and how they affect your business.

 

As a reminder, insider threats are security risks that originate from within an organization. Essentially, an insider threat involves someone who is a part of your business network or has access to it.

 

An insider threat can present itself in two different ways:

  1. A malicious insider — someone who intentionally steals or compromises your data
  2. A negligent insider — someone who unknowingly puts your network at risk

 

So, how can you identify insider threats before they become a bigger problem?

 

Although accurately identifying insider threats can be tricky, there are some early warning signs you can watch out for to prevent a cyber-attack.

 

Keep a keen eye out for these signs so you can recognize unusual patterns early on.

 

First let’s look at the main types of warning signs and what you should look out for.

 

There are two main types of warning signs:

  1. Behavioral
  2. Digital

 

First, we’ll look at behavioral warning signs of an insider threat.

 

Behavioral Warning Signs of An Insider Threat

 

An employee or a stakeholder could be a potential insider threat if he/she exhibits any of the following behavioral patterns.

 

  • Attempting to bypass security controls and safeguards
  • Frequently and unnecessarily spending time in the office during off-hours
  • Displaying disgruntled behavior against co-workers and the company
  • Violating corporate policies deliberately
  • Discussing new opportunities and/or the possibility of resigning

 

Now let’s take a closer look at the digital warning signs of an insider threat.

 

Digital Warning Signs of An Insider Threat

 

Some of the digital actions mentioned below are telltale signs of an insider threat.

 

  • Accessing or downloading substantial amounts of data
  • Attempting to access data and/or resources unrelated to his/her job function
  • Using unauthorized devices to access, manage or store data
  • Browsing for sensitive data unnecessarily
  • Copying data from sensitive folders
  • Sharing sensitive data outside the business
  • Behaving differently from their usual behavior profile

 

If you notice any behavioral or digital warning signs, don’t ignore them. You might be at risk of an internal data breach.

 

How to Prevent an Internal Data Breach

 

While some cyber attacks are inevitable, the government expects you to do everything in your power to prevent them. If not, you will face regulatory action.

 

In the event of a data breach, you will be audited for compliance. At this time, you will need to present documented evidence of the preventive and corrective measures you took to protect your business’s sensitive data from insider threats.

 

Here’s what you can do to protect your data now and steer clear of potential penalties in the future:

 

  • Identify, document, and o troll access to your sensitive data
  • Define data privileges for employees and stakeholders based on their needs
  • Build suitable infrastructure that monitors abnormal behavior and raises timely alerts
  • Add insider threat parameters to your regular risk assessment
  • Introduce a robust security awareness training program for all stakeholders
  • Devise a strategy to investigate a breach caused due to insider threats

 

If you take these steps, they will go a long way towards significantly securing your business from insider threats. Plus, they will show regulators that you are committed to ensuring data protection.

 

Make Data Protection a Priority Now

 

Cyber threats are at an all-time high, and you simply cannot ignore the risks.

 

Make data protection a priority and rest knowing your network is secure. Every minute you wait is another minute you risk a cyber attack. Don’t wait to set up your cybersecurity strategy.

 

Connect with the cybersecurity consultants at Third Power IT to safeguard your network now. Visit www.ThirdPowerIT.com to get started.

 

The post Top Warning Signs & How to Prevent an Internal Data Breach appeared first on Third Power IT – Managed IT Services.

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