Cybersecurity is a top priority for most businesses today. Deterring threats to company data and client information often comes down to choosing a trustworthy partner to provide a strong foundation for security.
Given the rise in threats and the growing importance of cybersecurity for large and small businesses alike, this topic is vital to a range of stakeholders including executives, investors, IT professionals and more. Comcast Business recently partnered with the Hartford Business Journal and New Haven Biz to host the 2021 Cybersecurity Virtual Forum, a discussion that explored the core elements and threats as well as how companies can stay protected.
Shena Seneca Tharnish, Vice President of Cybersecurity Products and Practice for Comcast Business, moderated and hosted the event. She was joined by a panel of guests, including:
- Jeff Ziplow, Principal, Business Risk and IT Security Services, CLA
- Jeff Brown, CISO, State of Connecticut
- Tim Weber, Director of Security Services, ADNET Technologies
- Chris Wisneski, IT Security and Assurance Services Manager, Whittlesey
Topics focused on security options for remote work, cybersecurity education, cloud security and today’s most common cybersecurity threats.
Cybersecurity in the Age of Remote Work
Many of the panelists highlighted the effects of the pandemic and how the shift to remote work introduced new concerns. Mr. Ziplow discussed how attackers commonly prey on emotional situations and current events and added that he has seen an increase in phishing scams related to COVID-19. While it is a good idea to protect computers and machines, he said, it is also essential to educate employees on how to spot scams and steps to take when they encounter one.
The conversation also focused on the importance of cloud security to support remote work. As information and data in the cloud becomes more vulnerable, attackers also target larger, more common platforms, putting companies at higher risk. Mr. Weber stressed that multi-factor authentication and access permissions are crucial aspects of protecting data. In addition to taking steps toward improved cloud security, it is also vital to perform risk assessments to continuously and actively bolster security.
Educating Employees on Best Practices for Cybersecurity
Mr. Wisneski emphasized the value of employee education campaigns, as employee training and tips on what to look for in phishing scams can decrease the chances of becoming a victim. He touched on the importance of helping employees feel comfortable reporting a scam. Mr. Brown agreed, saying that reaction is just as important as prevention.
In a roundtable discussion, Ms. Tharnish asked participants to share best strategies for companies to maintain secure networks. Advice included implementing multi-factor authentication, timely reporting of security incidents, cybersecurity education and employing offline backups as a defense against ransomware.
As the forum confirmed, it is critical for companies to understand the issues, challenges and potential threats of a cyberattack and, more importantly, the steps and precautions to implement to decrease the likelihood of cyberattacks in the future.
To learn more and watch the webinar, visit: https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/hbj-events/2021-cybersecurity-virtual-forum.
