Get Your Head in the Cloud to Win the Trust of Cyber Insurers: Trend Micro 

Cyber liability insurers are scrutinizing clients for trending security shortfalls. A key one: cloud misconfigurations, which represent the third most common attack vector and are linked to 80% of ransomware attacks, according to the report. “Furthermore, Gartner predicted that by 2025, 99% of cloud security failures would be the customers’ fault, suggesting that misconfigurations will … Read more

Ransomware Days = the New Snow Days 

The Des Moines, Iowa school system has called in its (unnamed) cyber insurer, the FBI and DHS after an apparent ransomware attack, which put 30,000 students out of school for two days. While many students were doubtless thrilled to be at home with no access to online learning, the school district is responding as if … Read more

Keeping the Lights On: Feds Try to Get Ahead of Threats to the Grid as Cyber Insurance Premiums Jump 

Focus on cybersecurity for the grid was growing even before criminals attacked Washington and North Carolina substations in December. “The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is considering developing new cybersecurity rules for DERs (Distrubuted Energy Resources) on the bulk electric system and DOE (Department of Energy) is directing millions to support ‘next-generation’ cybersecurity research, development…” “…The … Read more

Attack on Metropolitan Opera: Overture for Increased Targeting of Cultural Non-profits? 

“Whatever the motive and means, the cyberattack on the Met is a warning to other cultural institutions. Anyone is a potential target. ‘I am always cautioning clients that everyone is a target, regardless of their size and industry. It should not take an incident such as this to make other cultural institutions realize they are … Read more

Are Municipalities Prime Targets for Hackers?

The report concerns a March 2022 attack on the Canadian tourist town of Banff, which apparently cost over $500,000. “Municipalities can be favoured targets of cybersecurity attackers because their cyber defences aren’t as sophisticated as higher levels of government. Attackers believe cities and towns may be more willing to pay ransoms than other organizations because … Read more