If your Internet provider filters incoming e-mail, please add ncxgroup.com to your list of approved senders to make sure you receive NCX Group Security Updates.

IS YOUR INFORMATION SECURITY ON HOLD? BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID
October might be the season for ghosts and goblins, but businesses have a scarier scenario to worry about; the fear of a targeted cyber attack and getting breached. These are scary times because economic uncertainty has most companies watchful of the dollars they spend, and that usually affects information security budgets or puts them under scrutiny.

Unfortunately, this creates a double-edged sword in that it is during economic instability that analysts say cyber crime increases. That means now is not the time for information security to take a back seat. There is no doubt that companies who are mandated by law to protect sensitive information will continue to do so, but the struggle will be doing it with less money. And some companies will end up doing the bare minimum just to maintain status quo.

First things first. You probably know the saying, “security is a process, not a product.” Identify what and where your risks are. This is best done by an unbiased information risk firm like NCX. This will provide a streamlined path to remediate the risks found and help you establish defined security processes.

Many IT projects will be delayed or reconsidered, but if your company has not had a security vulnerability assessment or Web application/network test done, put this at the top of your list. Separate IT projects from practical security measures. The stakes are high and the last thing you want is a decrease in customers and the added expense of a breach.

In deciding what projects should be put on hold, it is important to know what information is at risk and what the repercussions would be if someone accessed it. Try to put a dollar amount on downtime if you offer online services, and on the expense of protective fraud services if personal identifying information was accessed. Remember to consider fines, attorney fees, etc., associated with a breach . . . we all know them by now. You don't have to add up much to establish justification for conducting the security audits you need. Security vulnerability assessments are never a waste, no matter what economic status we're in. As mentioned above, they usually launch the groundwork for building a better security management program, which strengthens company assets.

The Christmas holiday is not far ahead. Fraud and criminal activity will be at its highest. If you hold sensitive information, NCX would like to help you ensure it will stay protected. We would be happy to discuss your needs and provide a quote to identify where you may be vulnerable.

For more information about our services or for a free consultation on how our experts can help you secure your data at a price that will fit your budget, call us at 888-448-5451 or request a representative to call you.

NCX Group, Inc. is a leading information risk management firm specializing in the assessment and mitigation of risk associated with today's technologies and business processes.