Ticket Heist fraud gang uses 700 domains to sell fake Olympics tickets

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 11, 2024 by itnerd

Quo Intelligence has put out a report detailing a massive fraud campaign run by a group known as Ticket Heist that has over 700 domain names is likely targeting Russian-speaking users looking to purchase tickets for the Summer Olympics in Paris among other events:

Our main takeaways and key findings in this article include:

  • As of July 2024, QuoIntelligence identified 708 domains linked with Ticket Heist campaign targeting mainly Russian-speaking individuals across the globe.
  • The Olympic Games Paris 2024 and UEFA EURO 2024 events are at the highest level of risk at the time of reporting given multiple domains part of Ticket Heist luring users into buying tickets from untrusted and unofficial platforms.
  • The impacts of such campaign are multifaceted, impacting both individuals and event organizers with financial losses, reputational damage and loss of trust.
  • The fraudulent ticket sales extend beyond sporting events to various activities, including musical festivals featuring famous musicians.

Rogier Fischer, CEO, Hadrian had this to say:

Major sporting events have always been the targets of cybercriminals, with motives ranging from the trivial to the critical, noted Rogier Fischer, CEO of Netherlands-based cybersecurity service Hadrian.”Hackers targeted the Winter Olympics 2018 in Pyeongchang, causing disruptions during the opening ceremony as retaliation for Russia’s ban due to doping, while in 2009, a hacker intercepted the Super Bowl XLIII broadcast, just to air inappropriate content,” he explained.In the case of large public events, we expect the organizers to enhance network security with regular audits, secure Wi-Fi networks, and multi-factor authentication etc. However, when it comes to scams like these, the real defence lies with the end user, he said.”Always use official sources for purchases, enable multi-factor authentication, and be cautious of unsolicited offers, ensuring you regularly check for unauthorized transactions. To spot fake offers, verify the URL, look for comprehensive contact information, assess website quality, search for reviews, and ensure the website accepts secure payment methods,” he suggested.

All of this is good advice as the only way that you can be caught out by one of these campaigns is to not be on your toes in terms of looking out for them.

Guest Post: Employee Remote Job Seeking Is Going Up: Here’s How PDF and eSign Tools Can Help

Posted in Commentary on July 11, 2024 by itnerd

The shift toward remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, and the trend shows little sign of reversing. As organizations transition to a predominantly remote workforce, efficient digital solutions have become indispensable. PDF and eSign tools, in particular, have proven essential for businesses across numerous sectors. 

These technologies are crucial in maintaining productivity, ensuring secure document handling, and streamlining workflows. Businesses focused on growth must understand how PDF and eSign tools integrate into the broader context of remote work, recognize their advantages, and examine the options. 

The statistics behind remote work

The Pew Research Center found that at the height of the pandemic, 71% of Americans who had jobs they could accomplish remotely worked exclusively from home. And according to a 2022 Gallup survey, 56% of all full-time U.S. employees have jobs that allow them to do just that. This accounts for approximately 70 million workers. Half of them have a hybrid work schedule, 30% work fully remotely, and 20% work entirely in-office.

As companies and employees continue to navigate the evolving work climate, the demand for remote jobs has surged. The search volume of terms like “remote work” and “remote hiring” has seen tremendous increases, with “remote hiring” up by 2,250% over the past five years. As of 2022, the Pew Research Center found that 78% of employees currently working remotely want to continue with this setup in the coming years, a 14% increase from 2020.

Challenges for businesses

Despite the advantages for employees, businesses remain wary of the ongoing work-from-home trend. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index reports that 85% of business leaders find it challenging to trust employee productivity in a hybrid work environment. Only 12% of business leaders have complete confidence in their employees’ productivity. 

This skepticism has led many companies to adopt employee monitoring technologies, including screen monitoring, keystroke logging, and facial recognition software. Gartner reports that the number of large corporations using such monitoring technology has doubled since the pandemic began, reaching 60%, with expectations to climb to 70% by 2024.

How PDF and eSign tools support remote employment

As remote jobs become more prevalent, efficient document management becomes increasingly important. Here is where PDF and eSign software come into play. Remote job seekers and companies in all sectors now rely on tools like Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign to streamline document handling and increase productivity.

Simplified document management

Users may easily generate, edit, and distribute documents thanks to powerful tools such as Foxit PDF Editor. This software provides a comprehensive collection of functionality, such as text editing, annotation, and form filling, all required for any remote work configuration.

For example, remote workers in the manufacturing industry must manage various documents, including contracts, project plans, reports, and presentations. PDF solutions make these files more accessible and customizable, saving time on administrative procedures and allowing staff to focus on their primary responsibilities.

Enhanced collaboration

Collaboration is critical in a distant working environment. PDF solutions make seamless collaboration possible by allowing many users to see and change documents in real time. Comments, annotations, and version tracking are all features that help teams stay aligned and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Legal professionals value eSign solutions for simplifying the signing process by removing the need for physical signatures and reducing turnaround times. Foxit eSign is crucial in the legal sector as it enables secure and swift online document signing, facilitating the remote execution of agreements and contracts — essential for maintaining efficiency and compliance in legal operations.

Improved security

Security is a primary concern for businesses handling sensitive information in industries such as healthcare. PDF and eSign solutions provide robust security measures to safeguard documents from unauthorized access and modification. Password protection, encryption, and digital signatures guarantee that papers remain secure throughout their entire life cycle.

This also allows distant job seekers to safely communicate their personal information, such as resumes and application forms, with potential employers. For employers, it confirms that vital papers like employment contracts and financial records are safe from cyberattacks. 

Increased efficiency

PDF and eSign technologies automate many laborious operations, saving time and effort when managing documents. For example, eSign technologies eliminate the need to print, sign, scan, and mail papers, simplifying the process.

In the banking industry, this increased efficiency can significantly streamline loan approvals, account openings, and other customer transactions, reducing turnaround times and enhancing customer satisfaction. For employers, it may speed up the hiring process and onboarding new employees, ensuring they can contribute to the firm without delay.

The role of PDF and eSign tools in hybrid work

Hybrid work combines telecommuting and in-office tasks and requires adaptable technologies that can keep up with different work settings. PDF and eSign solutions will become increasingly vital as the trend toward hybrid work continues.

With 57% of remote employees considering a switch to a hybrid model and 21% leaving their jobs due to a lack of remote or hybrid opportunities, it’s crucial to have the right tools for these work environments. Here’s how PDF and eSign solutions support hybrid work models:

  • Flexibility and accessibility: Cloud-based solutions enable employees to see and manage documents from anywhere, including their homes and offices. This advantage ensures that individuals have the necessary tools to be productive regardless of where they are.
  • Consistency across platforms: Employees may work on documentation with their preferred devices, whether desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones, without worrying about compatibility issues.
  • Streamlined workflows: Hybrid employment frequently requires transitioning between different places and working settings. PDF and eSign systems improve workflow efficiency by offering a consolidated document management program. This reduces the need for several tools, lowering the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies.

Choosing the right PDF and eSign tools

With the increased demand for remote and hybrid work solutions, selecting the appropriate PDF and eSign tools is critical. While Adobe has long been popular, rivals such as Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign provide robust capabilities at affordable prices. 

G2 is a well-known source for in-depth product reviews, providing objective and thorough evaluations of various applications and solutions. Their reviewers’ knowledge and feedback guarantee that users can make sound judgments based on accurate data.

User-friendly interface

A practical user interface (UI) guarantees that applications are usable and efficient by users of all skill levels. A well-designed UI can shorten the learning curve, allowing new users to master the tool without additional training. This is especially valuable in a remote or hybrid work setting with limited time and resources. 

A user-friendly UI increases productivity by allowing workers to use the software easily, accomplish activities more quickly, and reduce errors. A pleasant user experience can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty because users are more inclined to continue with software that is simple and enjoyable to use. 

What G2 reviewers are saying: “Foxit PDF Editor is a game-changer in the realm of PDF editing. Its intuitive interface, efficient tools, and robust collaboration features make it stand out.”

Comprehensive features

Comprehensive features in software tools allow users to complete a variety of tasks without the need for additional apps. A powerful PDF editor can handle everything from basic edits and annotations to complex form development and digital signatures. This all-in-one solution saves time and resources by removing the need to move between many tools, which can disrupt workflow and slow productivity. 

A wide range of features within a single platform allows customers to satisfy various document management requirements, whether they’re working on routine tasks or specialized projects. For businesses, this means lower software expenses, simplified operations, and more productivity.

What G2 reviewers are saying: “Foxit PDF editor is super user-friendly and it covers all your PDF editing needs. It’s so easy to navigate and find the tools you need. Plus, it has a wide range of features that let you edit, annotate, and even convert PDFs. It’s definitely my go-to choice for PDF editing!”

Secure eSign solutions

Sensitive information, such as contracts, financial records, and personal data, is often contained within documents, making them prime targets for unauthorized access and cyberattacks. A robust security framework confirms that files are safe through encryption, secure e-signature capabilities, and access controls. 

This protection is vital to maintaining client trust, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, and preventing financial loss due to data breaches. High-security standards help safeguard intellectual property, keeping proprietary information out of competitors’ hands. 

What G2 reviewers are saying: “I’ve been using Foxit PDF for a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for me. Editing and converting PDFs is a breeze, and the security features give me the confidence that my documents are safe.”

As the number of remote job searchers increases, so does the need for effective document management solutions. PDF and eSign products, such as Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign, offer the flexibility, security, and efficiency required to empower remote and hybrid work environments.

These solutions enable remote workers and enterprises to navigate the changing workplace landscape by simplifying document management, increasing communication, and strengthening security. As remote and hybrid work trends continue, using the correct PDF and eSign solutions will be critical for staying productive and competitive. 

Get a free trial of Foxit PDF Editor and eSign today to keep your remote and hybrid work on track.

Dasera Releases The State of Data Risk Management 2024 Report

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 11, 2024 by itnerd

Dasera today announced the release of The State of Data Risk Management 2024 report. The report unveils a significant disconnect between perceived and actual data security, with 63% of organizations believing their security measures are effective despite a record-breaking number of data breaches in the last year.

Dasera researchers analyzed how data risk perceptions and actual preparedness against breaches fluctuate across different industries and uncovered the nuances of data security ratings and an organization’s tangible preparedness for cybersecurity threats.

Key Findings:

Data Security Challenges 

  • Top Threat Concerns: The top four threats concerning organizations are data breaches, ransomware, insider threats, and misconfigurations.
  • Compliance Efforts: 72% of organizations use audits, in-house legal teams, compliance software, and external consultants to ensure compliance.
  • Perceived Effectiveness: Most organizations view their data security strategy as effective, with 44% considering it somewhat effective and 19% rating it as very effective.

Adoption of Data Governance Tools

  • Data Cataloging Tools: 27% of organizations have implemented data cataloging tools reflecting proactive data management and security measures.
  • Data Hosting and Storage: 50% of data stores are cloud data platforms, signifying substantial cloud service adoption for data management.
  • Monitoring and Access Control: 60% of organizations implemented a role-based access control system, showing the need for structured access management.
  • Data Usage Tracking: 38% use manual and automated processes to classify sensitive data, showing the importance of accurate data categorization in enhancing security.
  • Data Tagging and Security Principles: 58% describe their approach as effective, underscoring challenges in enforcing minimal access rights to secure sensitive data.

Industry-Specific Insights

  • High Confidence: Information Technology and Financial Services show the most confidence in their data security strategies. 
  • Challenges: The government sector faces more challenges and less confidence in its data security measures.
  • Unique Observation: Interestingly, healthcare is the only industry where no organization rated its data security strategy ineffective.

The survey underscores the importance of adopting integrated and automated data security strategies to address significant challenges. The prevalence of manual, homegrown, often undefined processes and a lack of awareness and understanding among executives and departments highlight the critical need for strategic alignment and automation in data security.

To effectively navigate the complex and evolving data risk landscape, Dasera advises organizations to implement comprehensive discovery and classification, adopt a holistic data governance framework, leverage advanced monitoring and analysis tools, prioritize risk management and compliance, educate and train staff, embrace a zero-trust security model, and optimize security investments with scalable solutions.

To download the full report, visit https://resources.dasera.com/the-state-of-data-risk-management-2024-report.

Methodology

Dasera surveyed over 300 respondents from various sectors, including education, professional services, information technology, government, health and life sciences, and financial services. Larger organizations, particularly those in financial services and health and life sciences, rated their data security and governance practices more positively. In contrast, education and more minor organizations encountered more challenges, resulting in lower ratings. Despite high confidence levels reported amongst specific sectors, 2023 breach data from sources such as the Verizon Data Breach Report, Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), Kroll’s 2023 Data Breach Outlook Report, and Firewall Times report a record-breaking year for breaches, showing an apparent discrepancy between security breaches and an organization’s perception of its security posture.

Equinix Canada Appoints Marc Mondésir as Managing Director

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 10, 2024 by itnerd

Equinix, Inc. today announced the appointment of Marc Mondésir as Managing Director for Equinix Canada, effective July 8. Mondésir brings more than 20 years of experience building and empowering diverse teams to drive organizational transformation and growth. He has served in strategic leadership roles most recently at Microsoft and Dell. Andrew Eppich, long-time Equinix Canada leader, will transition to the role of Vice-President of Sales leading the sales function across Canada.  

As Managing Director, Mondésir will be responsible for leading and driving the growth of Equinix Canada. This includes leading the cohesive cross-Canada team to ensure alignment with global strategy, drive growth, develop interconnection hubs and build deeper and broader ecosystems in an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, they belong, and that they matter. 

Most recently, Mondésir served as General Manager of Microsoft Canada’s Consulting Services. In this role, he was responsible for leading the team to help customers bridge their tech adoption gaps through deep industry capabilities and delivery excellence. This included leading Microsoft Canada’s GTM transformation; delivering consistent market revenue growth and enabling impactful culture transformation through the company’s employee resource groups’ leadership and allyship.  

Before joining Microsoft in 2021, Mondésir spent 14 years at Dell Canada in progressive leadership roles, including Country Leader and General Manager, Professional Services, and Director of Sales for Medium Business across Central and Eastern Canada including the Quebec market. 

Mondésir is passionate about solving complex problems by harnessing diverse teams, fueled by his advocacy of DE&I. He is an active mentor within the Black Professionals in Tech Networks and currently serves as a Board Advisor for property management technology start-up, Ananest’s Executive Leadership Team, consulting on Growth, Leadership & Culture. He studied communications at York and Ottawa University and holds an MBA from Queen’s University.  

Andrew Eppich has served as Managing Director since the Equinix’s Canadian expansion in 2020 and led the establishment of 15 data centres across 8 metros across the country. As Managing Director, Andrew helped cultivate the incredible, diverse culture and unique magic that Equinix Canada is known for, including recognition as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces for 2024®, as well as one of the Best Workplaces for Women and Best Workplaces for Mental Wellness. Now, Andrew will transition to the role of Vice President of Sales for Canada, leveraging his deep understanding of the local business and passion for sales to accelerate the company’s growth and success in Canada. 

Threat Analyst Finds Phishing Attacks on State and Local Governments Surge 360% Ahead of Elections

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 10, 2024 by itnerd

Mike Britton, CISO from Abnormal Security, has released the firm’s newest research report which delves into the state of cyber attacks on state and local governments ahead of major elections.

According to the report, “Between May 2023 and May 2024, public sector organizations experienced an astounding 360% growth in phishing attacks. While phishing tends to consistently increase each year and regularly accounts for the majority of advanced threats, this level of growth is extraordinary.”

The report can be found here: https://abnormalsecurity.com/blog/state-and-local-government-email-attack-trends

Foxit Launches New eSignature Subscription Plans to Streamline Document Workflows

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 10, 2024 by itnerd

Foxit, a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature solutions, today announced the launch of two new eSignature subscription plans: Foxit eSign Essentials and Foxit eSign Business. These new offerings cater to the unique needs of individual users and enterprises, providing comprehensive solutions for efficient and legally binding document workflows.

Both plans include global compliance settings, simplified document tracking, robust automation, integrations with popular platforms, payment collection, notary services, and advanced workflow tools.

About Foxit eSign Essentials Plan

Foxit eSign Essentials offers a cost-effective solution for individuals needing streamlined document signing workflows. This plan includes reusable templates for collecting legally binding signatures and Foxit Pay, allowing signers to complete agreements and make payments seamlessly. It’s designed to simplify your signing process and keep your business moving forward efficiently.

About Foxit eSign Business Plan

Foxit eSign Business is an adaptable solution for organizations of all sizes, providing a robust, legally binding eSign platform that enhances typical document workflows. This plan features unlimited envelopes and templates, tracking, reminders, notary services, signature certificates, and Foxit Pay. It also includes global compliance features, API access, and advanced workflows, ensuring a comprehensive and flexible document management experience.

Noteworthy benefits of the Foxit eSign Business plan include:

  • Unlimited Envelopes and Templates: Never miss a deal with unlimited signing capabilities.
  • Foxit Pay: Simplified payment collection integrated into your agreements and quotes.
  • Implementation Support: Accelerate your eSign solution launch with expert help from Foxit.
  • Security & Compliance: Simplify complex compliances, including HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11, FINRA, CCPA, FERPA, eIDAS, GDPR, SOC 2 Type 2, UETA, and more.
  • Integration Ecosystem: Experience seamless eSign integration with top platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce using Foxit eSign. Enhance your document management with smooth workflows and increased productivity. Discover how their Google Workspace eSign integrationMicrosoft Teams eSign integration, and Salesforce eSign integration can streamline your processes and boost efficiency today.

Foxit’s new eSign pricing plans are designed to be simple and straightforward while enhancing and simplifying document workflows for both individuals and businesses, offering a robust and cost-effective solution for all eSignature needs.

To learn more about the new Foxit eSign Essentials and Foxit eSign Business plans, please visit: https://www.foxit.com/esign-pdf/

Samsung Announces A Number Of New Products Today

Posted in Products with tags on July 10, 2024 by itnerd

Samsung today is announcing a number of new products. But I got an advance look of them last week so I can speak to them in greater detail. Here’s the four items that really stood out to me.

Let’s start with the new Galaxy Z Flip6:

There’s a couple of variants of this phone with 256GB and 512GB of storage and both are powered by the Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. Both come with 12GB of RAM and come in four colours. The main display is 6.7” with a 1-120 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2640 x 1080 FHD+. The Flex Window is a 3.4”, 60 Hz, 720 x 748 display. The rear camera has a 12 MP f/2.2 ultra wide lens and 50 MP f/1.8 wide lens. There’s a fingerprint scanner on the Side. One of the cool things that I saw being demonstrated was this:


It has a live translation function powered by Samsung Galaxy AI that utilizes the Flex Window. You pick the language that you want to translate to and start speaking. The translation appears in the Flex Window. That was pretty cool and I can see it being useful for those who travel a lot.

Next up is this:

This is the Galaxy Z Fold6. Powered by the Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, you can get it in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants in three colours. The main display is 7.6” with a 1-120 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2160 x 1856 QXGA+. The cover display is 6.3” with a resolution of 2376 x 968 HD+. In terms of cameras, there’s 12 MP f/2.2 Ultra Wide, 50 MP f/1.8 Wide, 10 MP f/2.4 3x/30x Telephoto. The front camera is a 10 MP f/2.2 4 MP f/1.8 under display camera, and there’s a 10 MP f/2.2 cover camera. And if you look a the side show above, this phone has a feature where you can draw something, and then Samsung Galaxy AI can take that drawing and upscale it in a number of ways.

Here’s a look at the Galaxy Watch Ultra next to my Apple Watch Ultra. It’s a similar size and the screen looks just as bright. It also has grade 4 titanium. In terms of connectivity, it has LTE, WiFi and Bluetooth 5.3. One thing that I really like about this watch is that unlike the Apple Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has proper recovery metrics and coaching related to that. Being someone who does a lot of athletic activities, this is something that really matters to me as I want to know if I can put in a really hard training session or if I should take a rest day.

Finally, I am holding the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. It has Adaptive ANC & EQ and Auto Noise Adjustment among other features. With up to four hours of talk time and up to 7 hours of playback time, these would be a great match for any of the Galaxy products that I have previously mentioned.

The Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6 and Galaxy Buds3 series will be available for pre-order starting today with general availability starting July 24.

Cybersecurity Agencies Issue Warning About APT40

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 10, 2024 by itnerd

This is something that you should likely pay attention to.  Cybersecurity agencies from Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the U.K., and the U.S. have released a joint advisory about  China-linked cyber espionage group APT40 and its ability to co-opt exploits for newly disclosed security flaws within hours or days of public release. Which is of course very bad for all of us.

Rogier Fischer, CEO, Hadrian had this comment:

“We know of its existence since 2009. For the past 15 years, this Chinese state-sponsored threat group has been targeting maritime, defense, aerospace, engineering, and research institutions across the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific,” observed Rogier Fischer, CEO of Dutch cybersecurity service Hadrian.

Although its modus operandi includes old-as-the-earth methods such as spear-phishing campaigns, exploitation of web vulnerabilities, deployment of custom malware, and credential harvesting, they stand apart by utilising advanced persistence mechanisms, robust command and control infrastructure, and obfuscation techniques to evade detection, he explained.

According to him, understanding APT40’s strategic targeting helps prioritise defenses around critical sectors and sensitive data.

“To protect against APT40, it is essential to implement advanced threat detection systems and maintain continuous network monitoring to identify and respond to suspicious activities,” he said.”Regularly update and patch software to close exploitable vulnerabilities. Segment networks to limit lateral movement and develop a robust incident response plan to quickly address and mitigate security incidents,” he added.

These sorts of warnings don’t come out every day. Thus they need to be heeded and action needs to be taken so that organizations don’t end up becoming the next victim of groups like APT40.

Datadobi Appoints Denise Natali, Vice President, Americas Sales 

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 10, 2024 by itnerd

Datadobi, a global leader in Hybrid Cloud Data Services, today announced the appointment of Denise Natali to the position of Vice President of Americas Sales. In this newly created position, Natali will report directly to CRO and Co-Founder Michael Jack and be responsible for developing and executing revenue growth strategies, growing and leading Datadobi’s high-performance sales team, and ensuring Datadobi customers remain the most highly satisfied across the industry. 

Natali comes to Datadobi with an enviable track record and expertise in organizational transformation and expansion, as well as cybersecurity, digital modernization, and cloud solutions. Before Datadobi, Natali served as Vice President at Cox Communications, Regional Director of Enterprise Sales at Lumen Technologies, and Vice President of Sales at FastPay. She is a military veteran, having served her country in the US Army as a Military Intelligence Officer. She is also an award-winning cartoonist and a published author. 

For more information about Datadobi please visit https://datadobi.com.

Cytactic Raises $16 Million Seed Funding Round Led by Evolution Equity Partners to Help Companies Prepare and Respond to a Cyber Crisis

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 10, 2024 by itnerd

Cytactic, the platform pioneering cyber crisis readiness and management, announced today a $16 million seed funding round led by Evolution Equity Partners, a renowned cybersecurity venture capital fund.

Businesses are scrambling to fortify their defenses against cyber threats, recognizing the widespread impact and complexity of such crises. However, studies show that most companies are not resilient in case of a cyber crisis. A new approach is crucial—one that integrates cyber crisis preparation, response management, and recoveryinto a unified, user-friendly platform accessible to all relevant roles and market sectors. This is where Cytactic comes in.

Cytactic, a market-leading SaaS platform is an innovation-forward, holistic, intuitive solution that consolidates crisis readiness, response, and recovery tailored to versatile business profiles and risk landscapes. It empowers organizations to handle the mounting threat to their business in case of a cyber crisis with a simplified, orchestrated, step-by-step methodology involving all relevant stakeholders and roles.

Cytactic’s platform emerged as a response to the devastating losses experienced by numerous organizations due to cyber incidents. Many of them are a direct result of poor synchronization among stakeholders, inadequate information flow, complex decision-making processes when rapid response is required, the involvement of numerous stakeholders, and more. Proper emphasis on readiness, coordinated management, and swift recovery can mitigate crisis impacts and potentially avert some threats altogether.

Recent numbers provide a clear picture. Leading research and consulting firm Gartner forecasts that by 2025, 75% of IT organizations will face ransomware attacks. With the average data breach costing $8.64 million last year, regulations are tightening in the US and EU. Consequently, CISO professional liability and insurance are becoming critical issues, underscoring the urgent need for robust cybersecurity resilience.

Gartner also recently published a cybersecurity study that places preparation and focus on synchronized readiness and management as a key factor to increasing the chances for a successful outcome when handling such complex cases: “Conducting incident response planning and having a formal third-party contingency plan increased Third-Party Cyber Risk Management effectiveness by 42% and 43% respectively”