Cybersecurity Experts Say Preparation is Key to Protecting Businesses

Like with any other emergency, businesses need to have a plan in place to deal with potential data breaches. That was one of the several takeaways from a panel of cybersecurity experts who participated this week in the Tompkins Mahopac Bank’s Cyber Security: The Challenges All Companies Are Facing & How to Manage the Risks.

Robert Cioffi, Owner,  Progressive Computing, Inc., moderated the panel which included Matthew F. Tormey, Chief Criminal Investigator, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office; Bill Moylan, Senior Director, Cyber Investigations, Kroll; Kevin Harrington, Managing Partner, Harrington, Ocko & Monk, LLP; Tom Morley-Director, NY State Small Business Development Center Westchester/Rockland and Ken Fuirst–President, Levitt-Fuirst Associates, LTD

The panelists said businesses should have emergency plans in place and purchase insurance. Two-thirds of all businesses who suffer such attacks do not recover. Insurance can help to cover expenses businesses might incur if attacked as well as certain expenses other people might incur, they said. Other precautions to take include making sure to back up data on a regular basis and to always install the latest software updates on your computer.

“With the recent increase in hacking incidents and ransomware attacks, businesses need to be hyper vigilant,’’ said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “We were pleased to be able to offer businesses this very timely program with practical steps they can take to protect themselves against attacks.’’

This timely and highly informative BCW program was held Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains.