• February 18, 2026
• Computer Security, Cybersecurity

2026 Cyber Risk Reality Check: Fraud vs. Ransomware for Los Angeles Leadership

Global IT has released “2026 Cyber Risk Reality Check: Fraud vs. Ransomware—How to Align CEO + CISO Priorities”, an executive-focused resource and workshop framework for CEOs, CISOs, CIOs, and CFOs in U.S. enterprises and mid‑market organizations, with particular relevance for Los Angeles.

Recent global analysis indicates that cyber‑enabled fraud has moved ahead of ransomware on many CEO cyber risk agendas for 2026, prompting renewed attention to how leadership teams set priorities, approve budgets, and report to boards. While ransomware still dominates many technical discussions, Los Angeles business leaders now report more direct exposure to fraudulent transfers, vendor impersonation, and AI‑assisted scams than to large‑scale encryption incidents.

Fraud vs. Ransomware: Why Executive Priorities Are Shifting

In the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026, CEOs cite cyber‑enabled fraud and phishing among their top cyber concerns, while security leaders continue to highlight ransomware as a primary technical threat. This creates a gap in emphasis between business and security perspectives.

The 2026 Cyber Risk Reality Check examines this divergence and encourages leadership teams to view fraud and ransomware as related outcomes of weaknesses in:

• Identity and access management

• Vendor and third‑party governance

• Human behavior and verification discipline

For Los Angeles organizations operating across cloud platforms and distributed teams, this alignment becomes a practical requirement, not just a governance ideal.

Fraud as a Front‑Line Executive and Board Risk

Global cyber risk studies note that a large share of executives say cyber‑enabled fraud has affected their organizations or close peers in recent years. These incidents are especially visible at the board level because they are often first recorded as financial losses rather than as security events.

At the same time, business email compromise data shows:

• Significant average losses per incident

• Growing use of vendor email compromise, where attackers leverage trusted third parties to redirect funds or alter payment details

“Fraud incidents are often recorded as financial losses long before they are described as security events,” said a Global IT Virtual CISO who advises several mid‑market organizations in Southern California. “By the time a fraudulent payment is discovered, boards are already discussing financial impact, yet many of the early warning signs lived in identity access logs, email patterns, or vendor governance processes.”

 

For Los Angeles leadership teams, this reinforces the need to connect finance workflows, identity controls, and cloud security monitoring within a single risk view.

The Ransomware Paradox in 2026

Industry threat reports continue to document highly active ransomware groups, evolving extortion techniques, and combined data theft and pressure campaigns used alongside—or instead of—encryption. Analysts tracking AI‑related threats have also described sharp increases in AI‑assisted scams and impersonation techniques.

Industry threat reports continue to document highly active ransomware groups, evolving extortion techniques, and combined data theft and pressure campaigns used alongside—or instead of—encryption. Analysts tracking AI‑related threats have also described sharp increases in AI‑assisted scams and impersonation techniques.

These techniques can:

• Facilitate fraudulent payments

• Enable initial access for ransomware operations

• Support blended extortion scenarios

“Many organizations still treat ransomware and fraud as separate categories when they often share entry points and enabling conditions,” said the Director of Cyber Risk & Compliance at Global IT. “The same weaknesses in identity management, email controls, and vendor processes that enable fraudulent payments may also enable lateral movement and data exfiltration.”

The paradox for Los Angeles organizations: ransomware remains a key technical risk, but fraud is what boards often see first in financial statements.

A secure system goes beyond compliance. These steps protect client trust and prevent breaches.

Budget and Control Considerations for 2026

The 2026 Cyber Risk Reality Check discusses how organizations can revisit cyber‑related budgets without reducing focus on ransomware resilience. The material emphasizes controls that reduce both fraud and ransomware exposure, including:

• Consolidated identity platforms that reduce credential sprawl and improve visibility
• Phishing‑resistant multifactor authentication (MFA) for higher‑risk roles such as executives, finance staff, and administrators
• Stronger access governance around finance and vendor systems
• Consistent monitoring of anomalous access and email behavior

“Organizations that align security, finance, and IT around shared control objectives often find they can address multiple risk scenarios with the same investments,” said the CFO of a Los Angeles–based healthcare organization that collaborates with Global IT on cyber risk initiatives. “Financial workflows, identity systems, and recovery capabilities all influence how fraud and ransomware incidents unfold.”

For Los Angeles cloud environments, these shared controls create a common foundation for both fraud prevention and ransomware recovery.

Three Practical Focus Areas for 2026 Planning

The Global IT guidance highlights three practical areas that Los Angeles leadership teams can prioritize immediately:

1. Identity and Access Controls

• Elevate identity and access management (IAM) as a board‑visible control area.

• Apply strong MFA and least‑privilege access for finance, vendor management, and cloud administration roles.

• Monitor and investigate anomalous access activity tied to payments, contracts, and sensitive data.

2. Verification and Dual Controls in Finance and Vendor Processes

• Embed verification steps and dual approval for changes to vendor payment details and high‑value transfers.

• Implement out‑of‑band verification (phone or validated portal) for critical vendor or banking changes.

• Align finance processes with email and identity controls to mitigate business and vendor email compromise.

3. Combined Fraud + Ransomware Scenario Testing

• Incorporate combined fraud and ransomware scenarios into incident response exercises.

• Test how financial controls, identity logging, and cloud recovery operate under pressure.

• Use tabletop exercises to clarify decision rights between CEOs, CISOs, CIOs, CFOs, and line‑of‑business leaders.

Metrics for Boards and Committees

Several recent reports show that boards are seeking clearer, business‑aligned views of cyber risk. Instead of long technical dashboards, leadership teams are asking for concise metrics that connect cyber activity to financial and operational outcomes.

The Global IT framework suggests building a recurring set of measures, such as:

• Documented fraud losses and near‑miss incidents by category over time

• Ransomware readiness indicators, including tested recovery times and backup verification results for critical systems

• Identity and access measures, such as MFA adoption rates and the number of investigated anomalous access events

• Training and simulation outcomes for executives, finance, and operations related to fraud and phishing exercises

“Board-level reporting tends to be most effective when it focuses on trends and outcomes rather than on individual tools or alerts,” said an independent board director and former CIO who advises multiple California organizations. “Metrics that link identity, fraud attempts, and recovery capabilities provide a more integrated picture of risk than isolated technical indicators.”

 

 

For Los Angeles boards, these metrics support informed oversight of cloud security, fraud exposure, and business continuity.

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• January 21, 2026

Los Angeles Cloud Security: World Cup 2026 Cyber, Fraud & Infrastructure Readiness

Los Angeles will operate under unusual digital pressure during World Cup 2026—higher transaction volume, more temporary staff, and more third parties touching payments, guest Wi-Fi, POS, ticketing, and logistics. Los Angeles Cloud Security planning for mega-events is less about “better tools” and more about surge operations: faster detection, safer payment flows, and recovery that works on the first attempt. 

Attackers routinely exploit attention spikes with phishing, QR-code scams, impersonation, and vendor compromise. The business goal is to keep revenue moving while shrinking the blast radius of inevitable incidents. The organizations that perform best treat event season like peak retail: they staff up, rehearse response, validate backups, and monitor for brand impersonation before customers do. 

Key Takeaways for Los Angeles Decision-Makers

• World Cup season increases the odds of phishing, payment fraud, and vendor compromise hitting the same week—plan for overlap, not single incidents. 

• Credential-based compromise remains a primary driver of breaches; Verizon reports ~88% of “Basic Web Application Attacks” breaches involved stolen credentials. (Verizon) 

• Cybercrime is a material business risk; the FBI reported $16.6B in 2024 internet-crime losses (reported), heavily driven by fraud. (Internet Crime Complaint Center) 

• California’s 30-day breach notification clock starting Jan 1, 2026 compresses investigation + legal coordination—response planning needs to be pre-approved. (LegiScan) 

• Venue and dependency disruptions (payments, comms, power, transportation) must be treated as critical infrastructure exposure, not “IT issues.” (CISA) 

Quick Definitions

Breach notification clock

A required timeline to notify affected people (and sometimes regulators) after a data breach is discovered. In California, the clock is tightening to 30 calendar days starting January 1, 2026, which makes pre-planned response steps essential. (LegiScan)

MDR (Managed Detection & Response)

A managed security service that continuously monitors for threats, investigates suspicious activity, and helps contain incidents quickly. MDR is often used to improve detection speed during “surge” periods when internal teams are stretched.

IR retainer (Incident Response retainer)

A pre-arranged agreement that secures rapid access to incident response support when a security event occurs. Retainers reduce decision delays by pre-defining scope, contacts, and response steps before an incident hits.

The Business Risk of Getting This Wrong

Revenue interruption, not “IT disruption.” 

During a mega-event, downtime hits payments, reservations, ticketing, and customer communications first. A short outage can trigger abandoned transactions, chargebacks, and reputational damage that outlast the event window. (CISA) 

Fraud scale-up through impersonation and social engineering. 

Attackers capitalize on urgency with fake ticket offers, QR codes, “schedule updates,” or vendor payment-change requests. Fraud losses reported nationally remain substantial, and event season adds volatility to already-high baseline risk. (Internet Crime Complaint Center) 

Vendor and temporary-access exposure. 

Pop-up staffing, new suppliers, and short-term integrations expand the attack surface. CISA’s venue-focused resources emphasize dependencies and operational continuity as core planning areas. (CISA) 

Compressed legal and customer-response timelines. 

California’s 30-day notification requirement (effective Jan 1, 2026) reduces room for slow internal coordination. Decisions around scope, evidence, and messaging need to be rehearsed in advance. (LegiScan) 

What “Good” Looks Like Operationally

Accountability that survives peak week 

• Name an “event-season owner” for security + fraud decisions. 
• Pre-approve escalation paths for payment disputes, vendor changes, and communications.
• Confirm who can shut down risky workflows (wire changes, gift card refunds, password resets). 

Evidence and speed (MDR + surge playbook) 

• Use managed detection and response (MDR) or equivalent coverage for peak weeks. 
• Create a “SOC surge” checklist: high-risk alerts, VIP brand keywords, and top vendors. 
• Run breach tabletop exercises focused on fraud + impersonation + vendor compromise. (NIST Computer Security Resource Center) 

Recovery readiness (prove it before June 2026) 

• Validate cloud backup and disaster recovery with restore tests for the systems that bill, book, and dispatch. 
• Document “minimum viable operations” (manual workflows, fallback comms, offline payment limits). 
• Align continuity steps with venue dependency guidance (power, comms, payments, third parties). (CISA) 

Los Angeles Considerations

Los Angeles operations are uniquely exposed during mega-events: multi-site footprints, heavy vendor reliance, and dense customer touchpoints (payments, reservations, QR codes, and mobile-first messaging). Vendor ecosystems—marketing agencies, staffing partners, ticketing tools, delivery apps—often create the real risk surface. 

Physical and digital dependencies also matter more in LA: congestion, transportation reliance, and high-volume hospitality clusters increase the impact of outages. CISA guidance for stadiums and large venues highlights planning around lifeline dependencies and disruption scenarios. (CISA) 

24/7 Local NOC Coverage

Operational context can include 24/7 local NOC coverage and a downtown Los Angeles data center to support monitoring continuity and recovery coordination during peak periods.

Los Angeles Business Scenarios

Multi-location ops (office + warehouse + remote) 

A routing change request “from a vendor” hits accounts payable, while a credential compromise hits a cloud dashboard the same day. The practical win is a surge playbook that blocks payment changes, tightens admin logins, and validates backup restore paths for order systems. 

Professional services with client compliance expectations 

Clients ask for proof of readiness and response timelines. The business goal is to show a tested incident process, defined communications steps, and an incident response retainer that reduces uncertainty when something happens. (NIST Computer Security Resource Center) 

Retail/hospitality/appointment-based multi-site 

Fraud spikes arrive as customer complaints (“fake promos,” “QR code refunds,” “support texts”). Brand monitoring plus payment controls (velocity checks, refund policy tightening, MFA resets) reduce losses without disrupting legitimate customers. 

A Practical Decision Framework

Tiering by business impact 

• Tier 1: payments, reservations/ticketing, identity access, core network/internet, customer comms 
• Tier 2: endpoints, shared files, collaboration tools, HR systems 
• Tier 3: non-critical apps, low-risk departmental tools 

Responsibility map (internal/provider/partner) 

• Internal: policy approvals, vendor authorization, customer messaging ownership 
• Provider: managed security services Los Angeles, monitoring, containment, restoration support 
• Partner: payment processor controls, ticketing/reservation vendor escalation, telecom/ISP response 

Recovery readiness check (backup/restore test plan) 

• Identify Tier 1 restore targets and acceptable downtime 
• Run restore tests and document “who does what” during recovery 
• Validate dependencies (DNS, identity, payment gateways) 

30/60/90-day prioritized roadmap 

• 30 days: surge playbook, vendor payment-change controls, MDR coverage, phishing/impersonation monitoring 
• 60 days: tabletop exercise (fraud + vendor compromise), Tier 1 restore tests, incident response retainer 
• 90 days: continuity runbook for each site, dependency disruption planning, executive reporting cadence (NIST Computer Security Resource Center) 

Explore Reliable Security Options with Global IT Communications

World Cup 2026 preparation in Los Angeles is easier when readiness is treated like an operational program, not a one-time project. A practical next step can be a scoped review that prioritizes payment integrity, vendor exposure, and recovery speed—especially under the new California notification timeline. (The HIPAA Journal) 

Security Model Assessment deliverables 

• Business impact tiering (Tier 1/2/3) and dependency map 
• SOC surge playbook (alerts, escalation, communications) 
• Vendor/supply-chain risk checklist for event season 
• Backup/restore test plan for Tier 1 systems 
• Recommended MDR + incident response retainer scope 
• 30/60/90-day implementation roadmap 

Next step: schedule a short discovery to define Tier 1 systems, peak-week risks, and a realistic surge-and-recovery plan for Los Angeles operations. 

The post Los Angeles Cloud Security for World Cup 2026 appeared first on info.globalit.com.

• Tony Rare
• April 10, 2025
• Computer Security, Data Protection Strategies, Government

Cybersecurity Solutions for Protecting Sensitive Government Data

Government agencies manage vast amounts of sensitive data, making cybersecurity solutions necessary for protecting against cyber threats. Personal records, classified information, and infrastructure systems are valuable targets for cybercriminals. Threats continue to grow, and without strong cybersecurity measures, agencies remain at risk.

Protecting this information requires a balanced approach. Budget limitations, outdated systems, and the complexity of digital environments make security challenging. Agencies need practical strategies that reduce risk while ensuring operational efficiency.

Key Cybersecurity Challenges
Facing Government Agencies

Budget and Complexity: Securing Data Without Overspending

Many agencies rely on legacy systems that lack modern security features. Upgrading technology, training personnel, and implementing security measures require funding that is not always available. A well-planned cybersecurity strategy focuses on high-impact solutions that maximize protection without excessive cost.

Cloud Security Risks: Protecting Data Across Multiple Environments

Government agencies increasingly store data in the cloud. While cloud computing offers flexibility, it also creates risks. Misconfigurations, unauthorized access, and weak encryption can expose sensitive information. A strong security plan includes:

• End-to-end encryption for data at rest and in transit
• Multi-factor authentication for all user accounts
• Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity

Insider Threats: The Risks Within an Organization

Employees, contractors, and vendors have access to critical systems. Some mistakes, such as weak passwords or accidental data sharing, increase vulnerability. Others, like intentional data theft, present more serious risks. Reducing these threats requires:

• Strict access controls based on role and necessity
• AI-driven monitoring tools that detect unusual behavior
• Regular cybersecurity training to reinforce safe practices

Emerging Cyber Threats: Staying Ahead of Attackers

Ransomware, phishing scams, and deepfake technology make it harder to prevent security breaches. Attackers refine their methods constantly, so agencies must stay one step ahead. Investing in proactive security measures such as real-time threat detection, automated response systems, and behavioral analytics helps agencies identify and stop attacks before they cause damage.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Addressing Operational Technology (OT) Risks

Power grids, water treatment plants, and transportation systems are high-value cyberattack targets. Many operational technology networks were designed before modern cybersecurity risks existed. Strengthening defenses requires segmenting IT and OT networks, continuous monitoring, and incident response plans for industrial control systems.

Cybersecurity Solutions for
Government Agencies:
Strategies That Work

Practical Security Measures on a Budget

Agencies can improve cybersecurity without a large financial investment by focusing on:

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) to block unauthorized access

Endpoint security for all devices connected to government networks

Automated threat detection to identify risks before they spread

Cloud Security Best Practices

Securing cloud-based data requires:

A Zero Trust approach, where no user or device is automatically trusted

Encryption for sensitive files stored in any cloud environment

Compliance with federal security standards such as FedRAMP and FISMA

Minimizing Insider Threats

Reducing the risks from internal sources includes:

AI-driven security monitoring that detects anomalies in system access

Restricting access to classified data based on job roles

Regular security awareness programs that reinforce best practices

Preparing for Security Challenges with Cybersecurity Solutions

Cybercriminals constantly evolve their attack methods. Agencies that adapt will maintain stronger defenses. Staying prepared involves:

Implementing AI-powered security tools to monitor and respond to threats

Performing regular security audits to find and fix weaknesses

Developing incident response plans that outline recovery steps after an attack

Success Stories: How Agencies Are Strengthening Security

Agencies that prioritize cybersecurity solutions have successfully prevented attacks. Some have used AI-driven threat detection to stop ransomware before it spreads. Others have reduced insider threats by limiting access to sensitive files.

Implementing these strategies protects data, prevents cyberattacks, and maintains public trust.

Global IT: Your Trusted Cybersecurity Partner

As cyber threats evolve, agencies must take a proactive approach to security. Investing in automation, artificial intelligence, and Zero Trust frameworks will create stronger defenses. Global IT specializes in cybersecurity solutions tailored for government agencies. Our team provides proactive strategies, real-time threat detection, and compliance support to keep your data secure. Contact Global IT today to build a stronger cybersecurity foundation for your agency.

The post Cybersecurity Solutions for Protecting Sensitive Government Data appeared first on info.globalit.com.

• Tony Rare
• March 19, 2025
• Compliance and Regulations, Cyber Threats and Law Firms, Data Protection Strategies, Technology Solutions for Law Firms

Law Firms and Cybersecurity: Ensuring Compliance and Data Security Without Gaps

Many law firms assume that following compliance rules keeps their data safe. Regulations set guidelines, but they do not eliminate cyber threats. Legal professionals handle sensitive client records, financial data, and case information, making law firms attractive to cybercriminals. A single weak point can lead to economic loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Meeting regulatory standards matters, but strengthening security must be a priority.

The Compliance and Security Challenge For Law Firms

Legal professionals are the guardians of sensitive client data, navigating complex regulations while delivering exceptional service. However, ensuring compliance and data security presents ongoing challenges. Cyber threats grow more sophisticated, regulations shift, and client expectations rise. Many firms assume that following compliance rules is enough to protect them, only to find themselves vulnerable to breaches.

A single weak spot—whether a misconfigured access control, an outdated encryption method, or an unsecured remote connection—can lead to devastating financial loss, reputational harm, and legal consequences. Safeguarding legal data does not end with meeting regulations; proper security requires proactive measures. Law firms must be the driving force behind their own protection, and Global IT is here to provide the expertise and guidance necessary to build resilient security strategies that work alongside compliance efforts.

Understanding Compliance in Legal Industry Technologies

Legal teams must protect client data. Regulations exist to prevent exposure, but firms struggle to meet evolving standards. Falling behind risks fines, lawsuits, and damage to client trust. Beyond financial penalties, exposed case details can disrupt legal proceedings. Firms must remain proactive by updating protocols and reviewing security policies regularly.

Regulations That Impact IT in the Legal Sector

Several laws shape how law firms handle sensitive information:

GDPR:

Governs data protection for firms dealing with EU clients.

HIPAA:

Covers cases involving medical records and patient privacy.

ABA Model Rules:

Establishes ethical duties regarding confidentiality.

ISO 27001 & NIST:

Provide security frameworks to protect digital assets.

Laws change, making compliance audits and ongoing education necessary for long-term success.

Security Weaknesses in Law Firms and the Legal Industry

Many firms unknowingly leave gaps in their security. The most common include:

Weak encryption

Documents, emails, and case files must remain protected.

Inconsistent access control

Employees and third parties should only have access to what they need.

Remote work vulnerabilities

Laptops, mobile devices, and home networks create security risks.

Outdated systems

Software that lacks updates or support invites cyber threats.

Third-party vendor risks

 External platforms must follow the same security standards as the firm.

Identifying these weak spots and closing gaps should be part of every firm’s strategy.

Strengthening Security While Staying Compliant

Security and compliance should work together. Strengthen both by:

• Conducting regular risk assessments Identify threats before they cause harm.
• Applying Zero-Trust security Require verification for every login and access request.
• Encrypting sensitive data Protect emails, client records, and case files with strong encryption.
• Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) Require multiple steps to verify user identity.
• Securing cloud storage Choose platforms that follow industry security standards.
• Using data loss prevention (DLP) tools Prevent unauthorized transfers and leaks.
• Training staff on cybersecurity Teach employees to identify phishing scams and suspicious activities.

A secure system goes beyond compliance. These steps protect client trust and prevent breaches.

Preparing for Future Security Challenges

Technology continues to evolve, and cyber threats change with it. Law firms should prepare for emerging risks by:

• Using AI-powered compliance tools Detect threats and automate security monitoring.
• Securing documents with blockchain Ensure legal records remain unchanged.
• Investing in advanced threat detection Identify and stop cyberattacks before they spread.
• Working with legal IT security specialists Maintain compliance and strong protection with expert guidance.

These steps help law firms adapt while keeping data safe.

A Law Firm That Strengthened Compliance and Security

One firm followed compliance regulations but still faced risks. An attempted breach revealed outdated access controls and weak encryption. To fix these issues, they implemented:

• Multi-factor authentication across all devices.
• Secure cloud storage with advanced encryption.
• Regular security audits and penetration testing.
• AI-driven threat detection for real-time monitoring.

After these changes, no further security issues occurred. The firm met compliance standards while improving overall data protection.

Why Law Firms Must Take Action

Protecting client data requires more than following regulations. Cyber threats grow more advanced, and waiting for an attack could result in irreversible damage. Strengthening security measures now prevents costly breaches and keeps sensitive information safe.

Global IT provides security solutions tailored for law firms, ensuring compliance while safeguarding data. Contact us today to discuss how we can help secure your firm’s IT systems.

Schedule A FREE Consultation

Connect with us today! Do you have specific worries about introducing new technology at your facility? Please email us at info@globalit.com with your tips or concerns about technology implementation.

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The post Law Firms and Cybersecurity: Ensuring Compliance and Data Security Without Gaps appeared first on info.globalit.com.

• Tony Rare
• December 17, 2024
• Computer Security, Internet Security

The Importance of Cybersecurity in Law Firms

The legal industry faces mounting risks from cyber threats. Law firms handle sensitive client information, financial data, and confidential case details, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. A breach disrupts operations and jeopardizes client trust and compliance with regulations, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in law firms. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach tailored to protect the legal sector.

Why Law Firms Face Cybersecurity Challenges

Many firms struggle to maintain strong defenses due to limited resources, outdated systems, and inadequate staff training. These factors leave vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Cybersecurity often takes a back seat to immediate legal needs, but ignoring the risks can have lasting consequences. Modern cyberattacks are sophisticated, targeting both external systems and internal weaknesses.

Legal professionals can never overestimate the value of their data. Hackers view it as highly lucrative due to the sensitive nature of client information and the potential to demand ransom or sell stolen data. This puts law firms in a precarious position unless they take deliberate steps to secure their digital environments.

The Risks of Inaction

Failing to address cybersecurity leaves firms exposed to severe consequences, as breaches result in financial penalties, operational downtime, and reputational harm. Beyond monetary losses, firms face legal repercussions if they fail to comply with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or state-specific laws.

Cyberattacks can halt operations, forcing firms to pay ransoms or rebuild systems from scratch. Even when resolved, these incidents often erode client trust. A single breach can cause long-term damage to a firm’s reputation, impacting its ability to attract and retain clients.

Key Cyber Threats Targeting Law Firms

Firms face a range of threats designed to exploit vulnerabilities. Understanding these risks helps prioritize defenses.

Phishing Emails

These scams trick employees into sharing passwords or downloading malware by mimicking legitimate communications.

Ransomware Attacks

Hackers encrypt firm data and demand payment for its release, often paralyzing operations.

Insider Threats

Employees can inadvertently or intentionally compromise security through negligence or malicious actions.

Data Breaches

Cybercriminals target sensitive files, which can be sold or used for further attacks.

Emerging Threats

AI-driven attacks and supply chain vulnerabilities add new dimensions to the risks firms must address.

IT Solutions for Law Firms
and Improved Cybersecurity

Implementing robust IT solutions is crucial for law firms to respond to the growing cybersecurity challenges they face. This section outlines essential strategies and technologies to strengthen security defenses and protect sensitive data.

Building a Strong Cybersecurity Framework

Implementing robust security measures protects both the firm and its clients. Following these steps creates a foundation for long-term protection:

1

• Perform Regular Security Assessments: Evaluate systems to identify gaps and risks. This process helps prioritize updates and defenses.

2

• Create Clear Policies: Define rules for handling sensitive data, managing passwords, and using firm devices securely.

3

• Adopt Advanced Technology: Tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection guard against attacks.

4

• Schedule Routine Updates: Keeping software current prevents exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

5

• Develop Incident Response Plans: A structured plan minimizes downtime and ensures quick recovery after a breach.

Empowering Employees Through Training

Employees serve as the first line of defense. Equipping staff with cybersecurity knowledge significantly reduces risks. Training programs should cover recognizing phishing attempts, handling sensitive data safely, and using security protocols effectively.

Interactive sessions or phishing simulations keep training engaging and practical. Regular refreshers ensure employees stay aware of evolving threats, fostering a culture of security throughout the firm.

Best Practices for Ongoing Protection

Maintaining security requires consistent effort. These practices provide long-term benefits:

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Requiring multiple verification methods strengthens account security.

Encrypt Sensitive Data

Encryption protects information both in storage and during transmission.

Limit Access

Requiring multiple verification methods strengthens account security.

Monitor Activity

Continuous tracking of network activity helps identify and respond to suspicious behavior.

Addressing Budget Constraints

Smaller firms often worry about cybersecurity costs, but solutions exist at various price points. Prioritize affordable, high-impact measures such as MFA, regular backups, and employee training. Many cybersecurity tools offer scalable options, allowing firms to adapt as they grow.

Some government programs provide grants or incentives for businesses investing in security. These resources help reduce financial strain while ensuring essential protections are in place.

Taking the Next Step

Improving cybersecurity begins with assessing your current defenses. Identifying weaknesses allows firms to build a tailored plan for improvement. Investing in modern technology and comprehensive policies protects sensitive data, preserves client trust, and ensures compliance with legal standards.

Global IT offers expertise in securing law firms against evolving cyber threats. We deliver solutions that safeguard your practice by combining advanced technology with industry knowledge. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can support your firm’s cybersecurity needs.

Schedule A FREE Consultation

Connect with us today! Do you have specific worries about introducing new technology at your facility? Please email us at info@globalit.com with your tips or concerns about technology implementation.

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The post The Importance of Cybersecurity in Law Firms appeared first on info.globalit.com.

Line of protesters demanding Apple to crack open the iPhone at the center of the San Bernardino investigation.

Apple has unlocked iPhones for authorities at least 70 times since 2008. Google celebrated Internet Safer Day earlier this month to raise awareness of ‘how they can help you stay secure online’.

Tech companies have been battling relentlessly with governments over access to people’s electronic information.

Last Tuesday rallies were held across the US to protest the FBI’s demands that Apple unlocks the iPhone at the center of the San Bernardino investigation.

A week before protests were held to support Apple, with campaigners gathering in front of Apple stores with branding signs and slogans, “Don’t break our phones”. Read the full story here.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the company wouldn’t comply with a government search warrant to unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters.

The case has placed technological security in the spotlight, with Apple acknowledging it could extract the information.

Apple defended itself in the San Bernardino case, with Cook stating the action as, “an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers.” This contradicts their previous stance, as Apple has unlocked approximately 70 iPhones for authorities in the past.

However, the U.S. government has taken things to the next level, by pushing Apple to create new code which would allow the government to bypass iPhone security protections.

Some argue this is an ethical dilemma when government agents are forcing individuals of a private company to perform a task, where the employee is stuck between keeping their job and abiding by the government.

Protestor standing for privacy protection supporting Apple in the San Bernardino case.

It is not all doom and gloom with the tech corps still keeping the public in mind.

Earlier this month Google celebrated Safer Internet Day with the redesign of its ‘Good to know site’, which is all about how to stay safe online.

The website launched late last year and is the search engine’s biggest consumer education campaign. Focusing on the web safety, dangers of the internet, scams, along with advice on how to keep your devices secure. Read the full story here.

But can we depend on tech giants with our personal data, do they really have our interest at heart, or is it just about public relations?

Apple further argued in the above case that extracting the data could threaten consumer trust and tarnish the brand.

There are blurred lines between private information, public security, and government control. For now, there’s not much we can do other than taking appropriate precautions online and being aware of what’s happening in the tech world, to defend our rights if we need to.

Need advanced computer security protection? Take care of your computer today. Click here for more information.

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If you receive a suspicious email FORWARD it to support@globalit.com. Our security experts will be able to look at the email to determine if it is a fake. There are some hints about identifying scam email below but it is often very difficult to tell for sure since the scammers adjust their tactics. So, if you have the slightest doubt, send it to our experts for investigation.

Note: Please FORWARD the suspect email don’t cut and paste the contents because valuable tracking information about the source will be lost.

What is phishing?

“Phishing” is an attempt to steal your information. Criminals pretend to be a legitimate business to get you to disclose sensitive personal information, such as credit and debit card numbers, bank information, account passwords, or Social Security numbers.

One of the most common phishing scams involves sending an email that fraudulently claims to be from a well-known company. However, it can also be carried out in person, over the phone, via malicious pop-up windows, and “spoof” or fake websites.

How Phishing Works

1. A criminal sends a large number of emails to people using lists of email address identified as active or at random. These emails appear to be messages from a well-known company. A common example contains a fictitious story designed to lure you into clicking on a link or calling a phone number.
2. The phishing email will ask you to fill out a form or click on a link or button that take you to a fraudulent website.
3. The fraudulent website mimics the company referenced in the email, and aims to extract your sensitive personal data.
4. In essence, you think you’re giving your information to a trusted company when, in fact, you’re giving it to a criminal.

Note that phishing emails can also lure you to open suspicious attachments or visit websites that can infect your computer with malware.

How to Spot a Fake Email

There are many telltale signs of a fraudulent email:

• False Sense of Urgency – Many scam emails tell you that your account will be in jeopardy if something critical is not updated right away.
• Fake Links – These may look real, but they can lead you astray. Check where a link is going before you click by hovering over the URL in an email, and comparing it to the URL in the browser. If it looks suspicious, don’t click.
• Attachments – Attachments can contain malware, so you should never open an attachment unless you are 100% sure it’s legitimate.

Here are some examples:

• • You receive an email stating: “Your order #ZK04769 is confirmed for shipment tomorrow. Please click here to review the shipping details.” But you never placed an order so you click on the link and login to see what it is. Only later do you realize that the link took you to a bogus website.
  • You receive an email stating: “We have noticed suspicious activity on your account. Please click here to review your recent transactions.” Once again the link takes you to a page that looks correct but is really a bogus link.
  • “We would like to offer you a special $50 coupon for being such a good customer. This offer is limited to the first 100 people so click here immediately to claim your reward.” Instead of a reward, you are directed to a fake website where you might give up your account id and password which the scammers will use to spend from your account.

For more examples see these sites:

• • http://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0003-phishing
  • http://www.banksafeonline.org.uk/common-scams/phishing/examples-phishing
  • http://www.it.cornell.edu/security/safety/phishbowl.cfm

If you fall for Phishing:

There are plenty of clever scam attempts and new ones are being created all the time, so despite your best intentions it could happen. If you have a suspicion that you fell for a scam here are some steps to protect yourself:

1. Change your account passwords, PIN’s and Security Questions immediately. Do this for all of your bank accounts, email accounts and other online accounts.
2. Run an Antivirus scan on your system to make sure that you did not pick up a virus. Make sure that your system and Anti-Virus software is up to date.
3. Check your online accounts and statements vigilantly over the next few weeks and months for unexpected actions.

Phishing Resources

Here are some useful links to more on phishing:

• http://www.antiphishing.org/resources/
• http://education.apwg.org/
• http://www.onguardonline.gov/phishing
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_phishing

The post Understanding Phishing appeared first on info.globalit.com.

The one irrefutable fact that stands out about these incidences is that these major corporations have massive budgets for IT and administrators, yet they are still being compromised. Which leaves me to ask, how safe are we and what can we do to protect ourselves? Surprisingly, the answers to these questions are pretty easy. The average person is as safe as they are responsible. Ultimately, we are responsible for our own protections when it comes to our online activities and personal devices.

Most people now days are becoming savvy to the phishing scams being used by cyber attackers. A new method of phishing called “Spear Phishing” is being used to target individuals such as high level government officials, people of influence and celebrities. Information gathered through social media and other public outlets are used to create targeted attacks. According to Apple, this technique might have been used by attackers to gain access to celebrity accounts.

–Apple

It was also discovered that Elcomsoft Phone Password Breaker, an app designed for law enforcement, was used to gain access to these accounts. The app works by downloading a backup copy of the victims’ phone, which has been saved in iCloud. The only way the attacker could gain access to the accounts is by using a Brute Force Attack, a technique where a software key generator is used to basically guess usernames and passwords over and over again, hence the name “Brute Force”.

Here are a few tips that can help you minimized the risk of a security breach:

1. Anti-Virus – Make sure you have a paid, trust worthy Anti-virus installed on your devices and it is up-to-date. Be wary of free AV.
2. Firewall – Make sure you have an up to date firewall device and/or software and it is configured correctly by a certified networking security specialist. Examples:
   • Firewalls can block numerous unauthorized login attempts (Brute Force)
   • Protect certain vulnerable standard applications like MS Remote Desktop Connection or Apple Desktop Connection
   • Allow multiple step authentication
   • Provide encryption of data being transferred and connections to a network
   • Block unusual traffic patterns i.e data dumping
3. Specialized Email Accounts – Setup email accounts designed for specific task, such as banking, voicemails, and online purchasing. Having specific email accounts will allow you to have avoid accidentally opening up a malice’ phishing email.  Examples:
   • bk_karenadler@gmail.com (banking)
   • vm_karenadler@gmail.com (Voicemail to email)
   • pur_karenadler@gmail.com (purchases or online transactions
4. Strong Passwords – In today’s cyber world, criminals are utilizing sophisticated password crackers that can have a substantially higher success rate then ones we have seen before. Updating you password to a more secure alpha-numeric, cryptic password will increase the password formula possibilities and reduce the chance of getting hacked.
   • Secret123! can be changed to <$3cR3ti23!>
   • Adding one more element to the password such as a zip code can still substantially increase the difficulty in a password making it nearly impossible to crack. <$3cR3t!!90601>
5. Change Your Passwords – Have you noticed that most banks require you to change your password regularly to access your account online? This is because changing your password periodically, decrease the chances of your account getting hacked into. Scheduling an office wide maintenance at least every 6 months to change all passwords will dramatically minimize your chances of a security breach.
6. Two-step authentication – Enabling a two-step authentication upon login will decrease the chances of being hacked. A two-step authentication will allow another device to approve access to the account. Example:
   • Receiving a text authorization code to a cell phone
   • Receiving an email authorization link or code to a verified email address

Most small businesses store critical information within their networks and the cloud. Determining the correct internet security policy may take some time to implement, however the added layers of protection can save you the stress, embarrassment and the financial burden of having to recover from a security breach.

The post Learning From iCloud’s Security Breach – How To Keep Your Network More Secure appeared first on info.globalit.com.

1. “Phishing” for information
2. “Viruses” never friendly
3. What to do

Phishing

Develop a healthy skepticism when reading any email that asks for sensitive information and take a couple of simple steps to protect you.

• Familiar alarmist messages from ADP, Efax, eBay, Amazon, Facebook or email companies to enter and renew passwords, threats of account closures or documents to open
• zip attachments or any type of attachment
• Promises of money for little or no effort
• Deals that sound too good to be true
• Requests to donate to a charitable organization after a disaster that has been in the news
• Bad grammar and misspellings

What does a phishing email message look like?

Here is an example of what a phishing scam in an email message might look like.

• Beware of links in email. If you see a hyperlink in a suspicious email message, don’t click on it. Roll your mouse (BUT DO NOT CLICK) over the link to see if the address matches the link that was typed in the message. In the example below the link reveals the real web address, as shown in the box with the yellow background. The string of cryptic numbers looks nothing like the company’s web address; be watchful for incorrect domains or spelling for example the real domain is http://linkedin.com, however the hyperlink is linking to http://sign-into-linkedn.com (Notice the “linkedn.com” is incorrect and should be “linkedin.com”).

• If in doubt, retype the URL. When in doubt retype the URL and go to the known website. Phishers are very sophisticated in their use of design and technology to make their email lures look legitimate. The URL for the link in a phishing scam email usually appears to be a company’s valid Web address. If you click the link, you’re redirected to the phishers’ phony sites which look very much like the live site. However, if you type the displayed address into your browser rather than clicking the link, you can avoid being redirected.
• Spelling and bad grammar. Cyber-criminals are not known for their grammar and spelling. Professional companies or organizations usually have a staff of copy editors that will not allow a mass email like this to go out to its users. If you notice mistakes in an email, it might be a scam.
• Spoofing popular websites or companies. Scam artists use graphics in email that appear to be connected to legitimate websites but actually take you to phony scam sites or legitimate-looking pop-up windows.
• When in doubt, throw it out. You can always get a file from someone on paper or on disk. Delete messages with suspect attachments as soon as you can.

Viruses

Viruses are commonly sent as zip attachments or are hyperlinks in emails or web pages.

• If you receive but are not expecting an attachment from a known source delete it.
• Virus attachments often come from Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Amazon, resumes, financial information, contact spreadsheet, American Express etc. Delete these messages immediately.
• Viruses can also be linked and downloaded from hyperlinks offering free iPad’s or other gifts on untrusted websites.

i.      Be cautious of known viruses; like speed up your PC/computer or free antivirus and ad-ware removal tools.

ii.     In most cases once these viruses are in the system, they go into learning mode to watch and obtain your access information silently.

• Viruses can also be sent as computer updates. Recently attackers have been using fake computer updates to install malicious software on PC.s

i.     Be sure to ask your administrator before installing any type of software or software update

What to do

1. Delete the email threats immediately, never click on anything that is not certain.
2. Make sure your antivirus is active and you are not using a free service downloaded from the web.
3. Run a virus scan, and set up an automated weekly scan.
4. If you do click on a virus you may not notice any immediate problems until the virus is fully embedded into your system.

i.      Press the escape key multiple times and disconnect your computer from the local network or shut it down.

ii.     Report it to your technical lead.

iii.    Catching and cleaning it early is much better than waiting for the virus to learn your username, password information and then wipe your files or infect other computers.

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As you can see, they seem to be advertising that there is no charge for the listing:

But if you read the fine print it says that this is an order form, that you are subject to pay $1099 for two years and that you have to cancel three months in advance or your listing will auto renew.

This company will send multiple collections agencies after you if you do not pay the invoice. Have a look at their actual website.  It generate very little search results when you do a search.  Do you notice that they have the fax number listed twice, however there is no phone number for this company.

Please be cautious for companies like these.  They consistently change their name and website address to mislead people.

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