Cybercrime—it’s on the rise and not going away soon. According to cybersecurity expert Robert Siciliano:

Cybercrime today is treated like a for-profit business. And cybercrime companies are structured as for-profit entities, meaning they have a hierarchy, they have a CEO, they have supervisors, and management and frontline employees, and everybody has their role and responsibility. The days of criminal hackers emanating from their mom’s basement are over. These are full-time employees that work 40 – 50 hours a week and have salaries and payroll, and they get commissions on their exploits.

Data breaches that once seemingly targeted large corporations are now happening to mid-size and small businesses as well as individuals.

Robert was a recent guest on The Leadership and Learning Podcast. In a short time, he conveyed so much valuable information, I’m compelled to share it with you.

Leadership Tip
Protect your business, your family, and yourself from cybercrime by elevating your awareness and taking action.

Here are three action items to consider taking:

• Be aware of federal rules and regulations for your business. Learn more about the June 9, 2023 deadline from the Federal Trade Commission website. Specifically, FTC Safeguards Rule: What Your Business Needs to Know.
• Find a credible security expert to conduct a vulnerability scan for your organization.
• Consider employing a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or a Virtual CISO company to oversee your cyber and technology security.

I highly recommend you listen to these two podcast conversations with Robert Siciliano:

Episode #103 here and Episode #18 here.

You will learn how to protect yourself from data breaches, liability claims, email and phishing scams, banking fraud, identity theft. and more. You will also learn about risks for your devices and appliances, smart TVs, Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, security systems, and of course, your telephones.

As leaders, we all have a responsibility to keep our families, employees, and businesses safe from this kind of criminal activity. I encourage you to take this subject to heart. Why? Because cybercrime can seriously affect everything you depend on.