Cybersecurity is one of the most important issues facing businesses and individuals in today’s digital age. With so much information and commerce moving online, it’s more important than ever to make sure that your data is safe from hackers and thieves. And as companies become more and more reliant on digital technologies, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes even more critical.
At the same time, however, executive protection is also becoming increasingly important. CEOs, executives, and other high-profile individuals are often targeted by criminals or terrorists, and they need to have measures in place to protect themselves from harm. So how do cyber security and executive protection complement each other? Let’s take a closer look.
Cybersecurity Measures Can Help Prevent or mitigate Physical Attacks
While the focus of cybersecurity is often on digital threats, it’s important to remember that cybersecurity measures can also help prevent or mitigate physical attacks. For example, if a criminal wants to kidnap a CEO, they might first try to hack into the company’s network to get information about the CEO’s schedule and whereabouts. By beefing up their cyber security, businesses can make it more difficult for criminals to get this type of information.
However, if the attacker can get this information, they might still try to carry out their attack. In this case, executive protection can play a vital role. If you are not sure how to start building an executive protection program, contact our executive protection agency and start working with our security experts. They will help you design and implement a program that meets your specific needs. And since we also offer cybersecurity services, we can help you integrate these two important security measures.
Physical Security Measures Can Deter Cyber Attacks
While cyberattacks are often thought of as being carried out by disembodied hackers sitting in front of a computer, the reality is that many cyber attacks are carried out by criminals who are physically present at the company’s premises. For example, an attacker might try to plant a virus on a company’s network by plugging in an infected USB drive. Or they might try to steal sensitive data by accessing it from an unsecured computer or server.
In these cases, physical security measures can be critical in deterring or preventing an attack. For example, if all employees are required to wear ID badges, it will be more difficult for an attacker to gain access to the premises. And if all computers are kept in secure areas, it will be more difficult for an attacker to steal data or plant a virus.
Many of the Same Principles Apply to Both Cybersecurity and Executive Protection
When it comes to cybersecurity and executive protection, many of the same principles apply. For example, both disciplines place a strong emphasis on risk assessment. To properly protect a CEO or other high-profile individual, you need to first assess the risks they face. This includes identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities and then developing measures to mitigate those risks.
The same is true for cybersecurity. To properly protect your data, you need to first assess the risks your company faces. This includes identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities and then developing measures to mitigate those risks. And while the focus of each discipline is different – executive protection focuses on physical threats while cybersecurity focuses on digital threats – the principles are the same.
Cybersecurity Can Also Help Protect Physical Assets
It’s not just digital assets that need to be protected from cyberattacks. Physical assets can also be at risk. For example, an attacker might try to gain access to a company’s premises by hacking into the security system and opening the door remotely. Or they might try to disable security cameras or other physical security measures.
In these cases, cybersecurity can play a vital role in protecting physical assets. By working with a security provider that offers both cybersecurity and executive protection services, businesses can benefit from the expertise of security professionals who are well-versed in both disciplines. This way, businesses can be sure that their security measures are always up to date and effective.
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Cybersecurity and executive protection are two critical components of a comprehensive security strategy. By implementing both, businesses can better protect their employees, data, and assets from potential threats. So if you’re looking to improve your security posture, be sure to work with a security provider that offers both cybersecurity and executive protection services.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).