Cybersecurity: What Happens in Vegas May Not Stay in Vegas

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Presented by: Cody Wickham, Chief Information Security Officer

Read Time: 3 MIN

In the wake of the recent cyber intrusion in Las Vegas, I’d like to shed light on an imperative topic in our modern digital era: cybersecurity. MGM Resorts recently experienced a cyber onslaught, leaving many guests at a disadvantage. Beyond potential data breaches, those visiting the hotel and casino had to grapple with numerous disruptions over the past week, from non-functional digital keys to unresponsive slot machines.

The modus operandi for many hackers nowadays is “social engineering.” Instead of directly targeting computer systems, they exploit human vulnerabilities. The breach in Las Vegas transpired due to an unsuspecting phone conversation in which confidential information was inadvertently shared with a malicious actor.

It might surprise you to learn that a staggering 98% of cyberattacks leverage social engineering methods. The average enterprise faces over 700 such attacks each year. Moreover, nearly 90% of data compromise incidents pinpoint the human component, with the objective of illicitly accessing confidential data.

For the sake of your financial security, I implore you to be prudent. Avoid divulging critical passwords or account details over the phone. Legitimate financial establishments won’t solicit personal details via unexpected phone calls or emails. Should you encounter such overtures, always ascertain the credibility of the source before divulging any information.

Adopt robust and distinct passwords for all your online platforms using twelve characters or more. Incorporating a mix of alphabets, numerals, and symbols can substantially boost your online safety. Opting for multi-factor authentication provides an additional safety net, curbing unauthorized access even if your primary password falls into the wrong hands.

Stay alert and protect your digital realm.


LIVE WITH CONFIDENCE!


OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (September 25 version 4) https://chat.openai.com

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