FBI looks to educate business on cybersecurity
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The FBI in Memphis is looking to teach businesses in Middle and West Tennessee about cybersecurity.
“Tennessee is home to a booming health care industry, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and world-renowned universities and colleges,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “We all need to work together to strengthen our country’s cyber defenses.”
The FBI’s news release says different attacks can be:
- Critical Infrastructure Attacks: The private sector controls most of the country’s critical infrastructure, intellectual property, and personal data, making large corporations and small businesses frequent targets of cyberattacks. In 2021, America’s critical infrastructure experienced an unprecedented increase in cyberattacks.
- Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malicious software that cyber criminals and nation-state actors often deploy after they have hacked into a victim’s computer to encrypt their data. These bad actors then demand payment of a ransom to unlock the encrypted data. The FBI has observed ransomware attacks become more targeted and has seen the ransoms increase significantly in recent years.
- Supply Chain Attacks: A business’ cybersecurity is only as strong as that of its trusted vendors. The FBI warns companies that supply chains are increasingly a point of vulnerability for computer intrusions.
The FBI says that you can work with them to help keep your company safe. You can reach cyber squad or report a compromise at (901) 747-4300.
The FBI shared preventative tips, which includes:
- Update and patch operating systems and software.
- Implement robust access controls, especially for privileged users.
- Monitor security logs.
- Audit trusted third parties or others with access to systems and sensitive data.
- Require personnel to choose a strong, unique password for each account and use multifactor authentication for as many services as possible. Passwords should be changed regularly.
- Educate personnel about phishing schemes to highlight the risks of clicking on suspicious links, opening suspicious attachments, and visiting suspicious websites.
- Keep offline backups of data, and regularly test backup and restoration capabilities. Ensure all backup data is encrypted and immutable.
- Develop a cybersecurity incident response plan that includes the FBI. If compromised, contact the FBI immediately.
- If you believe someone has compromised your systems, beware of signs of compromises such as broken passwords, myriad pop-ups, slow-running devices, altered system settings, or unexplained online activity.
The FBI also shared these additional resources:
You can find more news from across the state here.
