We know it gets scary when you’re dealing with technology these days – data breaches and online security concerns have become the norm.

But paying attention to trends will give you a good idea of how to stay protected.

Each year Verizon releases a Data Breach Investigation Report. This year it breaks down information gathered from more than 2,100 confirmed data breaches as well as around 80,000 security incidents. The information is used to determine which cyber-threats we’re facing and how to best protect against them.

What Can You Learn?

The information released focuses on multiple areas of IT business. It strives to give information to business owners and employees regarding how to stay better protected. So what should you be paying attention to inside the report?

Hackers Work Fast

• Cybercriminals, according to the report, are able to compromise an organization within just minutes. What’s scary is how long it often takes businesses to detect the attacks – if your IT team isn’t on the ball, your livelihood could disappear within “days or less”. Businesses need to focus on detection and prevention to stay safe.

Old Vulnerabilities Matter

• More than 99% of all vulnerabilities that were exploited last year were associated with exposures and bugs that were already known. In fact, many were from as far back as 1999. What can you learn? Hold on to all of your patches; Old vulnerabilities need to be accounted for and patched, too.

No Industry or Device is Immune

• The three most affected industries have been public, information and financial services, in that order. But still, data shows that no industry is immune. Likewise, any device can be the source of a breach – desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. If you’re using it for work, it needs to be secured.

For more IT and security news and to talk about business continuity and data recovery plan that will keep your business protected, contact ComputerHelpLA at info@computerhelpla.com or by phone at (310) 893-0878.