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Cyber Security

Cybersecurity Risk Alert

There is currently a heightened risk of cyber-attacks from hackers affiliated with the Iranian government. The Iranian government has vowed to retaliate against the United States for the death of Qassem Soleimani.  Given Iranian capabilities and history, U.S. entities should prepare for the possibility of cyber-attacks. It is particularly concerning that Iran has a history of launching cyber-attacks against the U.S., and the financial services industry.  For instance, in 2012 and 2013, Iranian-sponsored hackers launched denial of service attacks against several major U.S. banks.  And the U.S. government recently advised in June 2019 it observed “recent rise in malicious cyber activity directed at United States industries and government agencies by Iranian regime actors and proxies,” and that Iranian attackers were increasingly using highly destructive attacks that delete or encrypt data. BMIT therefore strongly recommends that all regulated entities heighten their vigilance against cyber-attacks.  While currently there are no specific, credible, reports of new Iranian-sponsored cyber-attacks in the past few days, all regulated entities should be…
Nicholas Salem
January 6, 2020
IT SupportCyber Security

What Happens When You Ignore Security Warnings on Your Computer ?

You’re sitting at your computer, catching up with your email, when a little box pops up on your screen. It’s a security warning, and, chances are, you just click out of it without a second thought. But could ignoring these warnings be putting you or your information at risk? Why they’re so easy to ignore Let’s face it: Pop-ups are a nuisance. Add to that the fact that you probably have little to no idea what these updates and warnings actually mean, and it makes it tempting to ignore them. Unless it’s one of the  it’s hard to take them seriously. Mathew Porter, director at , explains the three types of warnings you’re probably most familiar with, how seriously to take them, and how you should respond. “Update available” This one might be especially easy to ignore because it’s not really presented as a warning. Just because this update is “available” doesn’t mean your computer needs it, right? Well, Porter suggests that, if you see a…
Nicholas Salem
April 10, 2019
Cyber Security

The Cloud, is it Safe?

With the growth of technology came the need to store data on a larger scale and have access to it from anywhere you are. Thus the cloud was created. With the creation of the cloud and storing data in cyberspace comes the question of is my data safe and secure? Can anyone access it? Cyber security is a topic that concerns so many people. If you think about it the principles are the same for cyber security as physical security. While the tactics are drastically different what we do is similar. You put a lock on your door to your house and you put a password on your information. You install a security system at home and you encrypt your data online. When you apply the same tactics it makes your data and more secure. Cyberspace is a place that continues to grow and develop. Information is constantly being updated and so are security practices to safeguard it. It is very important to look at…
Nicholas Salem
November 18, 2018
Cyber Security

October is Cyber Security Awareness: Week 1: Make Your Home and Office a Haven for Online Safety

About Cyber Security Awareness Month National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) – observed every October – was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. Since its inception under leadership from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, NCSAM has grown exponentially, reaching consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, corporations, educational institutions and young people across the nation. 2018 marks the 15th year of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. With recent legislation and support from the White House, cybersecurity is continuously a popular topic of discussion and rightfully so. More specifically, there is even stronger focus on consumers and their cyber safety. Everyone at every age is a consumer, and thus this year each theme will focus on the consumer and his/her needs regarding cybersecurity and safety. NCSAM 2018 also marks the 8th anniversary of the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ campaign. Week 1: Make Your Home…
Nicholas Salem
October 1, 2018