If you find yourself a target of a data breach hack, it is imperative that you stay calm and not rush into a hastily produced patch in your security software.  Prepare a response plan prior to re-engaging “business as usual.”  Notify your clients so that they can take appropriate action and follow the laws in your state to ensure that you do not create legal problems and penalties. At this point, work with your security software and forensic experts to determine what happened and how to fix the issue.

Social engineering in its former meaning was related to social planning and determining ways to produce planned changes to society by helping people make positive changes in behavior.  Unfortunately, with the progress of technology, social engineering has taken on a vastly different meaning.  Social engineering now has come to refer to the use of a variety of malicious activities accomplished through human contact. It involves the subtle psychological manipulation of computer users getting them to give away sensitive information or breach security protocols.

One of the most recent threats to corporations is a targeted business scam known as Invoice Manipulation.  Cyber thieves, known as hackers, are increasing their attacks on businesses every day. Invoice manipulation is where an employee of the company is tricked into voluntarily parting with money, products, services, or goods.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a supervisory level software program that can be used to organize and manage many daily functions in an organization. These processes can include operations as diverse as project management, accounting, materials procurement, risk management, and compliance, and even supply chain enhancements. Full-service ERP suites may also include performance management software that can help plan and budget, and prepare financial reports.

2020 has presented all of us with challenges, especially those in the world of IT. Now in 2021, companies will be able to better prepare and plan for the future.