Mark Lanterman and Brian Hill are here to warn you. Well, not here. But they’ll be at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW).
To warn you.
Lanterman and Hill are experts in cyber-security, and during a presentation later this month at HDAW 2017, the duo from Computer Forensic Services will offer suppliers and distributors in attendance guidance on how businesses can maximize their cyber-security and defense to minimize the risks of data breaches and costly hacking attacks.
Lanterman says companies of all sizes are at risk for cyber-attacks and data breaches.
“Small businesses leverage the latest technologies just as much as larger companies,” he says. “Hackers also realize that valuable data is valuable whether its from a large or small company, so they cast a wide net. In many ways though, hackers see more opportunity in attacking smaller companies because they are often less prepared or have inadequate digital security controls.”
He says one area specifically where hackers have recently focused in regards to small businesses in “Ransomware.”
“The one ‘genre’ of attack that I have seen affecting small business the most in the past months is Ransomware,” he says. “Ransomware is a strain of malicious software that is designed to extort money from individuals and enterprises by encrypting files. In order to decrypt the files, cyber-extortionists demand that the user pay the ‘ransom,’ usually a BitCoin or MoneyGram payment in exchange for the decryption credentials or key. It can have a devastating effect on operations if proper measures and training are not in place to prevent it/minimize the damage.”
Lanterman has nearly 30 years of security and forensic experience, while Hill has worked in the investigative and computer forensic industry for more than 15 years. Together, the duo serve as chief technology officer and vice president of Corporate Investigative Services at Computer Forensic Services, a firm that provides comprehensive digital forensic analysis, litigation support, electronic discovery, and advisory and consultation services.
The duo work with businesses every day that have been compromised by heinous virtual attacks. These sudden and unprovoked attacks—such as Dark Web, the Internet of Things, phishing, and Wifi attacks—can be crippling to all businesses, but are especially destructive to small businesses that lack the funds resources to fully recover.
And while no business can be 100 percent secure against hacking and cyber sabotage, there are steps that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of a business’ private or customer information falling into the wrong hands. Lanterman and Hill hope will share those steps and provide information for how and where to acquire such security when they speak later this month.
“Hackers almost never work alone. They often need help from their victim to initiate an attack. Our session will provide real life case studies that will raise awareness and train team members about how to spot an attack and what not to do when they see it,” Lanterman says.
Hill and Lanterman’s presentation, ‘Cyber Security – Easiest Catch: Don’t Be Another Fish in the Dark ‘Net,’ will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. To view a complete schedule of HDAW events, please CLICK HERE.
This article is the third in a series previewing the presenters at next month’s Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2017.
