Patrick Domingues

Having a proper cyber security posture is up to all of us. All information created in the company is subject to the behavior of every collaborator. Use complex passwords and don’t share them with anyone. Note the sender’s and recipient’s domains when exchanging messages. When dealing with suppliers, have the confidentiality terms in mind.

THE HIGHER THE JOB POSITION, THE WORSE THE LOSSES CAUSED BY LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

Managers and leaders must be an example! Decision-making roles are always on the attackers’ radar. Decision makers exchange a lot of confidential information that, if leaked, can cause great loss to the company’s reputation and finances. Use complex passwords and enable two-step verification to create barriers against the attackers.

IF YOU FIND ANYONE NOT COMPLYING WITH SECURITY PRACTICES, DEMAND PROPER BEHAVIOR

Information leaks affect the daily life of all collaborators. If you find unlocked computers, passwords on Post-it Notes, and information about a meeting left on whiteboards, contact your manager. And if you notice uncommon situations around you, let the information security team know immediately.

DATA LEAKS MIGHT RESULT IN FINES AND PENALTIES TO ORGANIZATIONS

Sizable fines assessed for data breaches since 2019 suggest that regulators are getting more serious about organizations that don’t properly protect consumer data. Marriott was hit with a $124 million fine, later reduced, while Equifax agreed to pay a minimum of $575 million for its 2017 breach. 

This comes after an active 2018. Uber’s poor handling of its 2016 breach cost it close to $150 million. Weakly protected and heavily regulated health data cost medical facilities big that year, too, resulting in the US Department of Health and Human Services collecting increasingly large fines.

Your organization should step up and properly put in security practices to avoid major fines and penalties or even going out of business.

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Patrick Domingues

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