Cyber Security

What is the CCPA ?

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CCPA

The California California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA ) is a new consumer protection law which comes in effect from 1st January 2020 and is yet another sign that data protection is now taken very seriously. This follows closely in the steps of the General Data Protection Regulations ( GDPR) which were launch in May 2018.

Who does this apply to ?

  • This law is applicable in the state of California where organisations carry our business that involves collecting and processing the personal information of individuals.
  • Where an organisation has gross revenues of over $25,000,000
  • If an organisation buys / sells at least 50,000 consumers personal records for commercial gain
  • If an organisation earns more than 50% of their revenue from the selling of a consumers personal records.

If all any of this criteria is met then the CCPA will be applicable and the business will have to adhere to these regulations.

What are the consequences of non- compliance?

Should this be the case it is possible that the business could face the following penalties :-

  • Civil Penalty up to $7,500 for each intentional violation and $2,500 for other violations
  • In addition to this  the victims of a data breach may obtain $100 to $750 per consumer, per incident.

The importance of how a business manages its data is therefore of the utmost importance in order that these regulations are complied with and to avoid any penalties that stem from a breach of these regulations.

Some guidelines to the management of data 

  • Ensure that all employees are updated with this legislation and carry out training as applicable.
  • Ensure that all processes and procedures are aligned to comply with the new legislation and if not introduce new ones to cater for this.
  • Carry out a review of cyber security within the organisation and implement upgrades and improvements where necessary in order to mitigate a possible data breach.
  • Where necessary bring into line privacy notices and policies on websites and other public facing forums.

The protection of data is becoming a core value within businesses as in the event of a data breach the costs to manage this and the impact on their reputation can be severe.

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Agriculture – The Cyber Threats

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Agriculture

Agriculture is perhaps not recognized as a sector that could be the target of hackers however this sector is now relying on increased connectivity and communication on-line and with this comes the threat of possible cyber attacks.

The Farming community has varied experience in protecting its IT and limited experience in the management of these types of risks.

Cyber Threats

  •  Increased reliance on digitization and conversion from older computer systems
  •  Working with a broad number of suppliers increases supply chain threats
  •  Farm database being subject to a data breach from a hacker
  •  Loss of productivity as a result of a cyber attack impacting on yields
  •  Loss of storage facilities
  •  Compromise of farm management and logistics software  
  • Agricultural vehicle attacks

The Smart Factor

Agriculture is becoming more reliant on smart technology as this is cost effective and works effectively in this sector where movement of goods and animals dominants.

For example this involves some of the following :-

1.Livestock tracking wearables

2 Food tracking

3.Smart agriculture sensors for soil moisture and weather stations

Cyber Risk Management 

Agriculture is linked to the food industry and any compromise in technology is going to have a very significant impact of the food supply chain , protection of this is vital. The food sector is classified as part of the 13 sectors that fall under Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), the prominence of this therefore is at the highest level. The  management of risks in this sector should be a priority.

We have not seen many cyber attacks in this sector and it is maybe the case that few have been reported or they have been in significant to be reported.

Cyber Insurance 

This is relatively new form of insurance and is now being purchased by many businesses in many different sectors and it is conceivable that the farming sector will also consider this with cyber risk becoming more relevant .

 

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Artificial Intelligence – Helping Cyber Security

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Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI)  is now playing a significant role in helping to managing cyber risk. This was recently evident in the aftermath of the Nordsk Hydro ransomware attack where AI was utilised to identify further vulnerabilities.

This form of automative technology would seem to be a good match for managing the constant threats posed by hackers where new cyber attacks relentlessly attack computer systems and constant monitoring is required. Despite the automation basis there however still needs to be human involvement in this process.

How Does AI Work ?

Billions amounts of data is consumed by AI via machine learning and deep learning techniques. This makes it possible to improve and develop its cyber security bank of knowledge which ultimately provides a better understanding of existing and developing cyber risks.

AI utilizes reasoning in order to identify relationships cyber threats malware threats and dubious IP threats . This is then analysed in a very short period of time thus enabling users to respond and act on imminent cyber threats.

Where can Artificial Intelligence be used ?

  • Monitoring of computer systems
  • Predictive tool for new threats
  • Analysis of threats based on current activity
  • Monitor Human activity
  • Post data breach tool
  • Detection of viruses and malware

The Future 

Capgemini released a report last month “Reinventing Cybersecurity with Artificial intelligence”

https://www.capgemini.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/AI-in-Cybersecurity_Report_20190711_V06.pdf

The report revealed that 69% of organisations felt that AI will be necessary to respond to cyber attacks in the coming years. Telecoms in particularly were of the view that this would help mitigate the sizable losses already experienced in this sector. Many organisations are gearing up for testing the viability of AI and how it can help their cyber risk management processes. Budget provisions for this are being made as long term there are many  costs benefits in AI.

Artificial Intelligence is developing at a rapid rate and it is important that its application remains relevant to the cyber security sector as other industries also show an interest in this technology.

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Airports : The Importance of Cyber Security

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Airports

With critical infrastructure now becoming a prime target for hackers airports now need to ensure that they have in place a comprehensive cyber risk management program in place.

http://cyberbrokers.co.uk/the-cyber-threat-critical-infrastructure/

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has estimated that an average of 1000 cyber attacks occur each month on aviation systems which further demonstrates the threat posed to this sector.

Airports are technology dependent sector on which also makes it attractive for a hacker who is likely to have the intention of causing maximum disruption with many facets of an airport to target.

Whilst a number of computer networks may be segregated such as  navigational guidance, immigration and retail outlets there are many areas that could be targeted.

  • The airports core IT infrastructure
  • Self-check-in desks
  • Automated bag drop off systems
  • Smart operated gates
  • Wi-Fi available within the airport lounges

Cyber-Attacks on Airports

We have see cyber-attacks on airports notably Bristol airport in the U.K. and Atlanta airport in the US both of which occurred last year.

The computer systems of Bristol airport were accessed by a phishing attack whereby an employee clicked  on a link which lead to malware infiltrating  their systems. For a period airport staff had to communicate arrival / departures by using a blackboard as the messages boards were inoperable.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-45539841

The wi-fi of Atlanta airport was taken down as a result of a cyber-attack. Flights had to be cancelled causing passenger delays and significant disruption to the airport services.

https://www.ajc.com/business/hartsfield-jackson-takes-down-after-cyber-attack-city/

The Data Breach Threat

High volumes of data are contained within the computer systems of an airport and it therefore important that this protected. This would typically include :

  • Boarding card details of passengers
  • Car parking details
  • Health and Safety information
  • Details of disabled individuals
  • Employee personal details
  • Salary payment details of employees

With GDPR coming into force last year all organisations are legally required to store and protect data up to certain standards.

The NIS Directive

This came into force last year and sets out minimum standards of cyber security that need to be in place for operators of essential services systems (OES) which will be applicable to the aviation sector.

One of the keys in preventing cyber attacks is the developing of cyber resilience within an airport once potential threat vectors have been identified and solutions are in place to manage potential threats.

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Are You Checking In With Hackers?

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Hackers

Are you checking in with Hackers?

The hotel industry has been a prime target for hackers and this trend is likely to continue. So why are cyber attacks so prevelant within this sector?

Volumes of Data

Hotels hold vast quantities of data through many sources such as through their reservation systems for their customers . This will be personally identifiable information that would consist of names, addresss , e-mail addresses and passport details.

On–line Payment Processing

Customers will log-in on a hotel website to make a reservation which will require them to provide debit or credit card details. These details could be compromised in the event of a data breach. Payment transactions can also remain exposed for a while on computer systems which presents further opportunity. In 2017 hotels accounted for 92% of all point of sale intrusions.

Wi–Fi

The wi-fi in some hotels can be relatively insecure if their cyber security processes and procedures are not as robust as they should be. This can also lead to their data being compromised.

Symantec released a report this week which revealed that 67% of hotel websites surveyed leaked customer’s booking data. This was over 1500 hotel websites in 54 countries , this equates to two in three websites data could be used by third party sites such as advertisers.

https://www.symantec.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/hotel-websites-leak-guest-data

Supply Chain

Hotels relies on a supply chain which can include a number of contractors, broking and travel agencies . If there is a vulnerability with one of these it is possible that the hotel may be impacted by this causing business interruption or a data loss.

An Attractive Sector

This sector is a target because of the size of the market and the revenue that is generated each year, this provides opportunists threats for cyber criminals and the proliferation of fraud.

Cyber Attacks on the Hotel Industry

There have been a number of high profile cyber attacks on hotels where hackers have sought to steal data or cause disruption to the business.

Marriot International Hotels 

This is the largest data breach in this sector but also one of the largest in the world.

500 million guests were exposed to this cyber attack which included names and addresses and passport numbers. The attack emanated from the Starwood guest reservation database with who they had recently merged.Starwood themselves had previously experienced a data breach a number of years earlier.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/11/30/private-data-500-million-marriott-guests-exposed-massive-breach/

Hyatt Hotels Corp

Hackers hit the restaurants front desks and parking facilities at 40% of their hotels situated around the world over a four month period.

It is understood that malware was designed to collect cardholder names, numbers and expiration dates.

Hilton Worldwide

Access was gained via the payment card system but on this occasion their was no evidence that data was stolen. The systems were in fact attack twice , cardholder details were again the main target.

As with all business that rely heavily on business via on-line transactions their cyber risk is very high and it is important that cyber risk management is a central focus to management.

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Don’t Underestimate The Insider Threat

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Insider Threat

The Insider Threat has now become an even more significant risk to businesses following the dismissal against the High Courts decision that Morrisons was vicariously liable for an employees misuse of data. This is despite the fact that Morrisons were deemed to have carried out as much as they could reasonably been expected to do to protect their employees data.

The case Wm Morrisons Supermarkets v Various Claimants (2018) now states that businesses can be vicariously liable for the actions of a rogue employee.

https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/publications/2017/12/the-morrisons-data-breach-judgment

With the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) earlier this year the awareness of data protection by the public has increased which is likely to lead to litigation being bought against businesses in effort to seek remedies for a lack of protection of their personal data.

Background to the case

A security breach occurred when a senior internal auditor leaked payroll data of 100,000 employees. Of this 5,518 former and current employees claimed that this incident exposed them to the risk of identity theft and possible financial loss with Morrison’s being responsible for breaches of privacy.

The Class Action Threat 

The Morrisons case is also an example of a class action where it is not only one individual making a claim but a series of claimants , claims of this nature can be significant and impact severely on the well being of a business. The insider threat has therefore increased and it is likely that businesses will need to re focus their efforts in ensuring that they have procedures in place to help counteract such threats.

Emotional Distress

Under GDPR it is now to bring claims for non -material damage i.e. emotional distress caused as a result of a compromise of an individuals personal data.

Why can business do to monitor employees behavior?

Limit computer admin rights within the business

Monitor abnormally high transfers of data by employees within the business

Ensure CV’s of new employees are what they say they are

Make sure data mapping is in accordance with GDPR ensuring that the business knows where their data is located.

Robust training of employees and expectations made clear of how they manage data.

Ensure highly sensitive data is held in respositories

The Insider Threat is intrinsically linked to the human factors that impact upon cyber security please see our blog on this.http://cyberbrokers.co.uk/human-factor-cyber-risk/

Cyber insurance is also a very valuable asset to have in that it provides insurance protection and offers an incident response service so that businesses can effectively manage a data breach.

 

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