Security

HHS Cyber Initiative: Strengthening Your Healthcare Business Through Third-Party Security

HHS Cyber Initiative: Strengthening Your Healthcare Business Through Third-Party Security

The healthcare industry holds the most sensitive data imaginable: our personal health information. Protecting this data from cyber threats is paramount, and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) just took a major step towards that goal. As part of their new cyber initiative, HHS has laid out specific cybersecurity goals for healthcare companies, including doctors, billing companies, and medical SaaS providers./

One of the most critical goals emphasizes vendor and supplier cybersecurity requirements. This means healthcare businesses must proactively identify, assess, and mitigate the risks associated with third-party products and services. Your EHR vendor, cloud storage provider, and even your email system are all part of your digital ecosystem, and their security vulnerabilities can become your own.

Biometric Privacy Settlements Spark Insurance Coverage Battles

Biometric Privacy Settlements Spark Insurance Coverage Battles

Companies that have settled lawsuits for millions of dollars under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act are now having to battle their insurance providers to get their costs reimbursed.

Facebook agreed to pay $650 million in 2021 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that the app violated the state’s biometric privacy law by using facial recognition technology until November 2021. In similar cases, Google agreed to pay $100 million, TikTok $92 million and Snapchat $35 million.

Website Data Privacy: Compliance Crossroads for Every Business

Website Data Privacy: Compliance Crossroads for Every Business

Your website is more than just a virtual storefront - it's a gateway to your brand, a hub for customer interactions, and a potential minefield for data privacy breaches. Whether you're a bustling manufacturing plant or a local legal firm, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of data privacy regulations can feel like walking a tightrope. But fear not business owners! Partnering with Vector Choice can be your key to achieving compliance and peace of mind.

Global Ransomware Attacks Reach Record High for 2023

Global Ransomware Attacks Reach Record High for 2023

Corvus Insurance, the leading cyber underwriter powered by a proprietary AI-driven cyber risk platform, today released its Q4 2023 Ransomware Report. Featuring data collected from ransomware leak sites, the report shows that while Q4 attacks were down slightly from Q3 2023, ransomware activity for the year surpassed 2022 totals by 68 percent.

The Boom of Remote Work: Embracing Flexibility While Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks

The Boom of Remote Work: Embracing Flexibility While Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks

The shift towards remote work has transformed business landscapes forever. While companies reap the benefits of increased employee productivity and talent pool access, navigating the security intricacies of a remote workforce demands careful consideration. As a trusted MSP, Vector Choice is here to guide you through these challenges and ensure your data remains secure.

Why PCI Compliance Is Important for Your Business

Why PCI Compliance Is Important for Your Business

In the digital age, securing sensitive payment card information is paramount for businesses of all sizes. Compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is not just a legal requirement; it's a crucial step towards protecting customer data and maintaining trust.

2024: What PCI 4.0 Holds for Businesses

2024: What PCI 4.0 Holds for Businesses

The payment card landscape is a battlefield, and in 2024, the armor gets an upgrade. Brace yourselves, business owners, because PCI 4.0, the latest iteration of data security standards, is charging towards mandatory compliance. But unlike a surprise audit, this isn't something to fear - it's an opportunity to shield your business from data breaches and build trust with your customers.

2024: New Data Breach Reporting Requirements Take Effect

2024: New Data Breach Reporting Requirements Take Effect

2024 is looming, and for businesses handling customer data, it brings a significant regulatory shift: the amended FTC Safeguards Rule takes full effect on May 13, 2024. This isn't just a minor housekeeping update - it's a game-changer for data security and privacy practices. So, whether you're a small startup or a sprawling enterprise, it's time to buckle up and understand what's coming down the cybersecurity pike.

Why CMMC Compliance Is Important for Your Business

Why CMMC Compliance Is Important for Your Business

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, compliance frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) have become indispensable for businesses aiming to protect sensitive information and bolster their security posture.

Passkeys: The Beginning Of The End Of Passwords

Passkeys: The Beginning Of The End Of Passwords

In May, Google began rolling out passkeys, calling them "the beginning of the end of the password." Passwords have been with us since the mid-1960s, decades before computers became mainstream. But with more sophisticated cybercrime attacks, dated password technology does us more harm than good.

27 Expert-Recommended Strategies to Master Cybersecurity: Safeguard Your Business in a Digital World

27 Expert-Recommended Strategies to Master Cybersecurity: Safeguard Your Business in a Digital World

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, ensuring the security of your business’s data and information is paramount. Cyber threats constantly evolve, making it crucial for small business owners to proactively assess and address potential risks. A full vulnerability assessment (that includes more than our 27 suggested points below) is a vital step in safeguarding your business’s cybersecurity posture. We’ve developed this checklist has to provide small business owners with a practical guide to evaluating and mitigating risks associated with cybersecurity. By following these 27 points, you can identify vulnerabilities, enhance security measures, and protect your business from cyber-attacks.

Public Wi-Fi: A Convenience with a Hidden Cost for Businesses

Public Wi-Fi: A Convenience with a Hidden Cost for Businesses

A reliable internet connection is essential for any business. But when you're on the go, tempting as it may be, connecting to public Wi-Fi networks can pose significant cybersecurity risks. While convenient, these open networks often come with hidden costs, potentially jeopardizing your company's sensitive data and reputation.

Get Your Business HIPAA Compliant in 2024

Get Your Business HIPAA Compliant in 2024

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets forth stringent guidelines for safeguarding protected health information (PHI) and ensuring patient privacy. Achieving and maintaining HIPAA compliance is essential for healthcare providers, insurers, and any business handling PHI.

GLBA Compliance for your Financial Institution

GLBA Compliance for your Financial Institution

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) sets forth guidelines and requirements for financial institutions to protect consumers' sensitive personal information. Achieving and maintaining GLBA compliance not only enhances data security but also fosters consumer confidence and regulatory adherence

Identity Theft: A Cybersecurity Threat to Your Business

Identity Theft: A Cybersecurity Threat to Your Business

In today's digital world, where information is currency, identity theft is a real concern for businesses of all sizes. It's not just about protecting your personal data; it's about safeguarding your business reputation, finances, and future. As a business owner, understanding this threat and taking proactive steps is crucial.

Staying Safe While Using QR Codes Around the Holidays

Staying Safe While Using QR Codes Around the Holidays

QR codes are increasingly being used, especially during the holidays. Businesses use them to promote deals, access menus, and even provide contactless payment options. However, QR codes can also be used for malicious purposes. Cybercriminals are creating fake QR codes that can lead you to phishing websites, download malware onto your device, or even steal your personal information.

C-Suite Leaders to Boost Cybersecurity Compliance Amid SEC Disclosure Rule: Deloitte

C-Suite Leaders to Boost Cybersecurity Compliance Amid SEC Disclosure Rule: Deloitte

Almost two-thirds of executives at publicly traded companies will strengthen their cybersecurity programs following the new Securities and Exchange Commission rule that requires companies to report material incidents within four business days, according to a Deloitte poll released earlier this year.

NIST 800-171 Compliance Guide for Businesses

NIST 800-171 Compliance Guide for Businesses

With the usage of digital information increasing around the world, securing sensitive information is more important than ever for businesses of all sizes. With the rise in cybersecurity threats, regulatory frameworks like NIST 800-171 have become essential benchmarks for protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI).

The Cost of Cybersecurity: Pay Now or Later?

Investing in Your Reputation: Why Quality Cybersecurity Matters

The importance of investing in top-notch cybersecurity, including understanding the cost of cybersecurity, cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, safeguarding sensitive data and protecting your reputation is paramount. Unfortunately, some companies, especially smaller businesses, may be tempted to cut corners by opting for the cheapest cybersecurity option available. But as we’ll explore in this blog post, the actual cost of cybersecurity can be far greater than the initial savings. Let’s investigate why investing in your reputation with quality cybersecurity is necessary.

Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Small-to-Medium Sized Businesses

Essential Cybersecurity Strategies for Small-to-Medium Sized Businesses

Small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) may not have the same resources as large corporations, but they face similar cybersecurity threats. In fact, SMBs are often more vulnerable because they are more likely to lack the comprehensive cybersecurity measures needed to protect against cyber attacks and their associated risks. What’s at stake? Financial, legal, and reputational consequences, and in some cases the very future of the business.