Hackers are smart enough to get benefits from your business

In response to recent billion dollar security breaches, the Utah Technology Council (UTC), (www.utahtech.org) Utah’s premier professional organization, hosted a startling business discussion with Chris Mark, an international expert in the field of data security to discuss strategies for protecting businesses against hackers. “Hackers take advantage of mistakes you make in order to get a foot in the door of your company,” stated Mark. “We often think a hacker is some 19-year-old kid living in his grandmother’s basement, but in reality, they are very smart and sophisticated people, often some of the brightest people around and the only real way to protect your company’s data from hackers is by removing your sensitive data rather than storing it.” Mark added that hackers want to attach malicious software to servers that allows them to steal sensitive data from companies. Some examples of sensitive data include: Credit card numbers Social Security numbers Bank account numbers Bank routing numbers Additionally, Mark believes that companies must go the extra mile in keeping themselves protected, yet most people learn this lesson after a breach or hack. “It’s mere child’s play for a hacker to create malicious software that can get past your anti-virus software,” he said. “Increasing your data security makes it more difficult for the hacker to get inside. Many times this is the difference in a breach or security.” “Today’s discussion was a definite eye-opener,” said Richard R. Nelson, president and CEO of UTC. “Hackers are a living, breathing, ugly entity that most of us know little about, and we must have a reality check to increase awareness and security to protect our businesses and our homes. This was one of our most compelling UTC breakfast events.”