What Risks Precede a Cyber Attack?

Cyber attacks have resulted in significant consequences for organizations of all sizes and sectors in the Caribbean, and it is essential to be aware of the risks that can precede them or risks that can act as  “risk sources” for a cyber attack. One of those “risks” that has been identified as a possible major source is that of work from home. 

Cybersecurity issues (attacks) are on the rise in the Caribbean and can pose a particularly acute risk to those firms and institutions with many remote workers. 

As part of your risk assessment protocols (Operational risk/ IT risk assessment/TVAs) , are these “risk sources” being identified and how are your cybersecurity/technology department mitigating them?

• People Risk?
• Work from home ?
• 3rd/4th party risks?
• Vendor/supplier risk?

NOTE TO SELF: our employees’ risk profiles have changed if they are working from home.While your home network, or that of Starbucks, Rituals, or your local coffee spots, may seem secure, almost nothing can come close to the level of security that is provided in the office. As Cyber risk professionals have stated: local Wi-Fi hotspots are a hotbed of potential cyber risk. Even your home’s closed network is less secure than you think.  

This note is not meant to knock or criticize “work from home” policies, there are definitely advantages to working from home, but there are also many risks that come with that advantage.
Stay proactive, anticipatory, and cyber-intelligent.