Recent Data Breaches Shows the Need for Cyber Security

Monica Morris • Feb 13, 2019

As long as illegal money can be made while remaining anonymous, cyberattacks against businesses large and small will continue to increase. Constant vigilance is thus necessary in order to stay ahead of hackers and vulnerability discovery.

In the past month, there was a series of security breaches at big businesses, including two billion dollar companies, Houzz and Airbus. The attacks led to the stealing of users’ private data and business information.

What is a Data Breach?

A data breach occurs when an organization or an individual’s information is accessed without authorization. Data breach is expensive to manage. It can result in loss of trust and reputation of the company involved and can potentially put customers at risk. Sensitive information such as name, credit cards numbers, and social security numbers are often targeted by cyber attackers.

As more information is moved to the digital world, there would be more cyber-attacks to steal data for profit purpose.

Houzz Data Breach

Houzz, a home improvement and decorating website announced in January 2019 that it suffered a cyber-attack. Personal user data such as usernames, passwords, and their corresponding IP addresses were retrieved by an unauthorized party.

Other linked data were also accessed. These include Houzz members user IDs, previous usernames, one-way encrypted pass, IP address, zip codes, and city. Fortunately, Houzz user’s social security number, credit cards, and bank accounts were said to be safe from the attack.

For users who registered through Facebook, their public Facebook IDs were also exposed.

While the hack was discovered in December 2018, it is not clear when the attack started. The hacker might have been sitting on the server for a long time undetected. Houzz said it was currently investigating the breach with the help of security and forensic experts.

According to the company, not all users were affected by the attack. However, it has been advised for all members to change their account password as a protective measure.

Implications of Houzz Data Breach

While credit cards and bank account details were not compromised, the stealing of personal data still poses a significant cyber risk to Houzz customers.

For instance, members’ name and other personal information may be used for identity fraud when sold on the dark web . Victims whose identity were stolen might be linked to crimes or financial transaction they were never a part of.

Also, since the Houzz attackers accessed customers’ username and password combination, they could try the same password on other popular websites. This allows them to try and hijack accounts of users who use the same login credentials on multiple websites.

This breach is further proof that reusing passwords is unsafe for sensitive accounts.

The Airbus Hack

Airbus is involved in the manufacturing of aircraft equipment for civil and military use. It was recently a target of a hack attack.

Airbus reported that the attack was targeted at its business information system. This could mean that the attackers were after Airbus business and technology secrets.  With that said, Airbus invests heavily in R & D innovation.

Airbus along with security professionals are currently investigating the hack to determine the source and the extent of damage done.

Professional contact and identification details of some European Airbus employees were accessed by the hackers. Since the hackers went for such information, they must have a good use for it. A good encryption setup would have rendered such data useless to attackers.

This attack means that business must continuously employ security countermeasures to protect their system and keep hackers away.

The publicized hack cases are those involving big corporations. Small and medium businesses which are the target of most attacks often don’t make the news.  For SMBs with no proper security setup, attackers may stay on their computer system undetected. These attackers are monitoring and stealing business and personal data.

Therefore, it is highly recommended for small business owners to engage in cybersecurity services offered by a managed service provider (MSP). An MSP can help a business implement security policies and deploy a system-wide defense system. This type of security program includes a wide range of systems such as firewall, encryption technology and 24 hours remote server monitoring.

With a solid security plan in place, your business will be less attractive to hackers.

If you are experiencing any cyber security issues or have concerns your company could become a victim of a data breach, please contact SDTEK today.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
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