Insights / Technology x

Cyber-attacks are an increasingly dangerous threat to the Government. Recently, both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Personnel Management experienced attacks, losing sensitive employee information to hackers. As a result, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) increased its efforts towards hiring cybersecurity subject matter experts and acquiring cutting-edge technology to defend itself against impending attacks.

Insider threats are a serious cybersecurity risk to the Federal Government. According to Verizon’s 2013 Data Breach Investigations Report, insider threats, which can be malicious or accidental, comprise at least 14% of confirmed data breaches. Each type of insider threat requires a unique solution.

Recent large-scale cybersecurity incidents have highlighted the need for increased vigilance and defense against information security threats that affect organizations worldwide. Hackers stole the personal data of more than 21 million people in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Breach in 2015. These cyber-attacks resulted in the theft of personal information of millions of Americans, many of whom are current or former Federal workers and contractors. Stolen information enables hackers to conduct individual targeted cyber-attacks, such as spam and phishing campaigns. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations must stay aware of emerging threats and act quickly to secure their data and networks.