Defendify

🚨 Did you know that 95% of cybersecurity incidents are caused by human error, according to an IBM study? It's a startling statistic that highlights the critical role employees play in an organization's security posture.  Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the "human element" through tactics like phishing, social engineering, and business email compromise (BEC). These attacks prey on human vulnerabilities like distraction, urgency, and trust.  Traditional security measures like firewalls and antivirus software are no match for a well-crafted phishing email or a convincing impersonation scam. That's why security awareness training is essential.  An effective security awareness program educates employees on: ✔️ Recognizing phishing attempts  ✔️ Protecting sensitive data ✔️ Using strong passwords ✔️ Identifying social engineering tactics By fostering a security-conscious culture, organizations can create a "human firewall" that complements technical security controls. Informed, vigilant employees become an asset, not a liability, in the fight against cyber threats.  But not all awareness programs are created equal. Engaging content, continuous reinforcement, and leadership buy-in are key to driving real behavior change.  Investing in security awareness isn't just about compliance – it's a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of devastating incidents like data breaches or ransomware attacks. The potential savings dwarf the cost of a well-designed training program.  Today, people are the new perimeter. Empower your employees, and you'll strengthen your organization's resilience against cyber attacks.  Looking for an easy-to-manage training and awareness solution? Check out Defendify: https://lnkd.in/eJFyTh27 #CyberSecurity #SecurityAwareness #HumanFirewall #PhishingPrevention 

Think like a criminal hacker for a second. If you wanted to attack an organization, what would be your #1 method? Trying to hack through network defenses? Too difficult and high risk of getting caught.   Social engineering and phishing employees? Bingo! The path of least resistance.  According to Stanford and Tessian, 88% of data breaches stem from human error like clicking malicious links or accidentally exposing sensitive data. Users are busy, make mistakes, and cybercriminals exploit this relentlessly through phishing, BEC (business email compromise), and social engineering scams.  But there's a simple defense that stops many of these attacks: security awareness training.   A strong security awareness program turns your employees into a human firewall, able to spot and stop threats. It's the #1 thing you can do to reduce cyber risk.  Yet many awareness efforts fail due to: ➡️ Treating it as a compliance checklist, not culture change ➡️ Infrequent, boring training employees ignore   ➡️ Lack of metrics to measure impact  The fix? Build an engaging, metrics-driven program with: ✅ Frequent bite-sized training reinforcement   ✅ Gamification and rewards to make it fun ✅ Phishing tests to sharpen skills ✅ Executive support to drive culture change  It's easier than you think with the right provider. We've helped hundreds of organizations transform their human risk.  Want to learn how? Check out our new guide "A Practical Guide to Building a Security Awareness Program" here: https://lnkd.in/e_g3AtYq. #cybersecurity #phishing #infosec

📱 Is BYOD opening your organization to unnecessary risk? As remote work becomes the norm, many organizations are grappling with the challenge of managing personal devices accessing company data. The decision to implement a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy can be tempting, but it also introduces significant security concerns. Here are a few starter tips for how to navigate this complex topic effectively: 1. Establish Clear Policies: Define who can use personal devices and under what conditions. Make it clear what data can be accessed and what security measures must be in place. 2. Educate Your Team: Regular training sessions are crucial. Ensure employees understand the risks associated with BYOD and how to mitigate them through best practices. 3. Consider Company-Assigned Devices: If possible, lean towards using company-assigned devices for work-related activities. This reduces the risk of data leaks and simplifies security management. 4. Continuous Monitoring: Establish protocols for ongoing monitoring of devices accessing your network. This can help quickly identify and respond to potential threats. BYOD doesn’t have to be a risk-laden gamble. With the right policies in place, you can empower your team while protecting your organization. #Cybersecurity #ITLeadership #BYOD

No IT leader can go it alone on cybersecurity these days. For many IT leaders, managing cybersecurity alone is a daunting challenge—especially without a dedicated security team. This is where technology partners like Defendify come into play. Our single pane of glass platform is designed specifically for IT teams, streamlining your cybersecurity tool stack in a way that’s accessible and effective. Here’s how partnering with a solution like Defendify can transform your approach: 1. Unified View: Gain comprehensive visibility into your entire cybersecurity posture. No more juggling multiple tools—everything you need is in one place. 2. Proactive Monitoring and Response: No IT team is 24/7/365. That’s what we’re for. Our SOC team monitors, detects, and responds to threats in real-time so you don’t have to. 3. Empower Your Team: Make all your employees Cyber Defenders with our training and awareness tool. Your employees are the first line of defense, so make sure they’re trained up! 4. Lean on Cybersecurity Experts: A big part of our value is your access to our people. You’ll have a dedicated cybersecurity expert dedicated to your organization. They’ll know your name, your unique security needs, and your favorite food (well, maybe/maybe not). 5. Focus on Core Tasks: By simplifying your security processes, your team can concentrate on driving innovation and supporting the business rather than getting bogged down in security complexities. Don’t tackle the cybersecurity landscape alone. Leverage technology partners that care about all sizes of businesses—not just the large enterprise. #Cybersecurity #ITLeadership

🔍 What’s lurking in your network? Understanding your assets isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Many IT leaders focus on perimeter defenses but overlook potential threats already inside their networks. Savvy attackers can exploit simple tactics, like plugging in rogue devices, putting your organization at risk without you even knowing it. Here are three actionable steps to strengthen your defenses: 1. Asset Inventory: Regularly audit all devices connected to your network. Make sure you know what's in your environment. 2. Intrusion Detection: Use monitoring tools that can spot unusual network activity, including unauthorized devices. Visibility is crucial! 3. Employee Training: Educate your teams about the risks of rogue devices. Awareness can prevent simple mistakes that lead to vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity isn’t just about tools; it’s about building a culture of vigilance. Together, we can fortify our defenses and protect our networks. Let’s lead the charge towards more secure organizations! #Cybersecurity #ITLeadership #NetworkSecurity

👨💼 IT leaders, ever wonder how a 25-year cybersecurity veteran—and the person responsible for setting up Verizon’s first dedicated security monitoring and incident response team— recommends you defend against cyber threats? Meet Bob Carver , a pioneer in cybersecurity and one of LinkedIn’s top cybersecurity voices with more than 46,000 followers. In a recent webinar, Bob shared secrets from his illustrious career, giving actionable insights you can use TODAY to build a more robust cybersecurity strategy. Here are a few key takeaways from the session: ➡️ Know Your Assets: Understand what's on your network. Can you detect unusual devices that might be spying on your network? ➡️ Partner Wisely: Lean on cybersecurity partners who can extend your capabilities, especially if you're a small-to-midsize business. ➡️ Multifactor Authentication: This isn't just an option; it's a necessity for securing your boundaries. ➡️ Regular Training: Equip your team against the simplest yet most effective attacks, like phishing. 📊 Bob’s experience paints a compelling picture: cybersecurity isn't static; it's a dynamic field requiring constant vigilance and adaptability. Check out the full webinar replay here: https://lnkd.in/gNjtrRpi. #Cybersecurity #InformationSecurity #ITLeadership #RiskManagement

How do you follow up on a great event like Accelerate 2024? If you weren't able to attend - stay tuned for some photos, clips, and interviews from some of our fascinating speakers. And if you want more great learning content, check out the Defendify resources page - where IT leaders can listen to podcasts, read about Cybersecurity tips, or even sign up for a free password scanner. It's great to be part of the #Cybersecurity community here in Maine! (Thanks to my colleagues for getting some photos of me in action as I moved the day along!)

Yesterday I got to reconnect with some familiar faces and met some new ones at the Defendify Accelerate 2024 #cybersecurity community event in Maine. In addition to unpacking relevant #datasecurity #privacy and #informationsecurity tools and best practices, I enjoyed our conversations about the importance of nurturing our #students, #founders, and #educators who are in #Maine because they value this confluence of beauty, grit, ingenuity, and history. Thank you Nate Jalbert Paul Dwyer, CISA, CRISC, Notary Public State of Maine David Canatsey Hector Reynoso Sam Wilkens-O'Brien Braeme Thurrell Ebenezer Akakpo Amy Hammond for bringing your ideas and grit to Maine 💪

Superfun event by Defendify in Scarborough yesterday, fabulous audience, and psyched to share my thoughts on the convergence of #cyber and #AI.

Sid Bose talking about the legal side of cybersecurity at Accelerate 2024.