More Recent Hacks And Their Effects on Businesses

Security breaches, cyber attacks, and simply being hacked are all now part of the regular news cycle.  For every big company targeted, there are more attacks on small business which doesn’t make the news. Some organizations are even hosting malware without knowing. As more and more companies are being hacked, it can make you wonder, is your business safe?

Check out some of these recent hack attacks and their impact on businesses.

Bayer Pharmaceutical: Malware

Bayer was lucky to detect the malware sitting on its system early in 2018 though it is not clear how long the malicious code has stayed on Bayer’s server.  However, Bayer didn’t remove the malware upon discovery, it chose to monitor its activity with the aim of discovering its mode of operation, targets and source of the attack.

The Bayer attack was blamed on the Winnti hacking group which previously operated by stealing digital certificates from software vendors which are then used to sign malware to evade security software.  Bayer removed the infectious code at the end of March but didn’t provide any specific details about its findings.  It claimed that no data was stolen. We do not know if there are other damages.

Container World: Ransomware

There is no limit to cybercriminals reach as they take on Container World , a warehousing and logistics handler for bars and restaurants around British Columbia.  The booze supply chain was crippled by the attackers who demanded ransom to release the system. But the company reportedly refused to pay and opted to shut down the systems and rebuild from scratch to remove the malware.

The shutdown took about a week and it caused massive disruption to Container World’s customers who couldn’t get their needed products.  The company stated that customers’ financial information was safe from the attack.

FILA’s: Silent Card Harvester

The popular data stealing JavaScript code found its way to FILA’s website. Like similar scripts, it was designed to steal customers credit card details as they is entered on checkout pages.  While the script dubbed the GMO operated, FILA was unaware of its presence and it took a third-party security firm Group-IB to notify FILA of the hack.

The code was reported to have been active on FILA’s website for about four months and may have compromised the card details of about 5,600 customers according to an estimate by Group-IB , that detected the malware.  Fila was slow to respond to the discovery but it eventually took action to remove the malware.

The malware could have gotten into FILA’s system via vulnerabilities in the Magento CMS, admin password cracking or phishing attacks.

The Weather Channel: Hack

One would expect the weather channel to be free from hacks since it doesn’t handle financial information but the reality is different.  On the morning of April 18, The Weather Channel was unable to run its scheduled program because a malicious software had hijacked its system and prevent it from running live weather updates.

The Weather Channel attack is further proof that no business is safe from cybercriminals.

The channel was forced to abandon its live broadcast and had to relay taped programming for its audience according to CNN .

Is Your Business Safe?

Lack of security incidences may give you a false sense of security that your business is safe from hackers. But this isn’t true as every business is a potential victim.  There is a continuous battle between security professionals and hackers over the control of business systems.

If you don’t take steps to secure your business, it will become attractive to hackers who will compromise it for financial gains or business secrets.

To safeguard your business, it’s important to enlist the services of a managed IT service provider. A managed service provider (MSP) will be your team of trusted cybersecurity experts. An MSP can help you develop security policies, backup solutions, and also install state of the art cyber defense systems to protect your business. Such services are offered by us  ( SDTEK ) via our   secureTEK program .

Reach out to our security experts today to start protecting your business.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.