Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1212207
22 PalletCentral • January-February 2020 palletcentral.com attacks, and technology giant Cisco says ransomware attacks are growing more than 350 percent annually. In fact, it is said that the U.S. will account for half of breached data by 2023. Cybercriminals will steal an estimated 33 billion records in 2023 according to a 2018 study from Juniper Research, compared with approximately 12 billion records swiped in 2018. Records include personal information you share with various entities. It might include your name, address, credit card information, or Social Security number. Jupiter expects more than half of all data breaches globally to occur in the United States by 2023 will be due to the amount of consumer and corporate data stored across the country. What is Digital Hygiene As illustrated in the case studies, the human factor is the weakest link in cybersecurity. The link is weak due to lack of knowledge and training. People don't know what they are up against. The best way to strengthen the link is through digital hygiene. Digital hygiene refers to the cleanliness of one's digital habits. Are you taking the steps to protect information or are you carelessly clicking on anything? Developing digital hygiene is simple. Digital hygiene can be use in your organization and by you, personally. The key to developing digital hygiene is knowledge. The more you know about current threats and techniques used by criminals, and understand how information flows in the digital age, the easier it will be to detect and thwart threats. Simple Steps to Digital Hygiene The easiest way to implement digital hygiene in your organization is to teach your employees how to protect themselves. They have a vested interest in wanting to protect themselves from cyber threats. The result is that your employees will develop digital hygiene habits, habits they will use while at work. Digital hygiene is the key to cybersecurity for your organization and for you personally. Technology alone will not protect your organization from a cyber-attack. Focus on some of the current threats, techniques used by criminals, and steps to take to minimize or eliminate the threat (see box page 20). You and your employees are the weakest link. Carrie Kerskie is president and ceo of Griffon Force. The company provides consulting services and training programs for organizations and consumers in the fields of investigation, IT, cybersecurity, fraud litigation and national security. She may be reached at 239.325.5155 or visit www.GriffonForce.com. Editor's note: Carrie Kerskie is speaking on cybersecurity during the NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference. Read more on page 36.