NEW YORK CITY—When it comes to cybersecurity, “businesses need two things to protect themselves from an attack,” asserted former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly Tuesday morning at the second annual ALM cyberSecure, a conference created by GlobeSt.com's parent company. “They need a proficient cyber team and a comprehensive plan for defense.”
He noted the likelihood of an attack, and just how damaging one can be. “FBI director James Comey has said, 'There are only two types of organizations, those who've been attacked and those who don't know they have been.' Today's terrorists are as likely to come after your (digital presence) as they are your skyscraper.”
An attack, Kelly continued, can “cripple an organization. It's been estimated that cyber attacks have caused $400 billion in damage, and that doesn't count the cost of intellectual property loss, embarrassment,” and other collateral damage. “The numbers are based on breaches that are reported and we know there are more, the average attack happens beyond the public view.”
To combat the problem, he offered up a four-pronged solution that he said any organization can implement “immediately.”
First, Kelly explained, “Recognize the threat. You have to grasp the real damage of a cyber attack. Second, start at the top. No organization will create a good defense without a strong commitment from its chief executive. Training and personnel policies must be instituted and enforced.”
Third, he continued, “Find knowledgeable allies and align with them. Cyber security is challenging and few organizations have the expertise. Bring in the best people—it's not money wasted, it's the best insurance you can buy. Fourth, monitor constantly. This is not a fix it and forget it problem.”
Kelly declared, “Digital touches everything today, it has become enmeshed with every aspect of our lives, from our homes to our cars and offices. The well-being of our nation depends on cybersecurity.”
He noted the likelihood of an attack, and just how damaging one can be. “FBI director James Comey has said, 'There are only two types of organizations, those who've been attacked and those who don't know they have been.' Today's terrorists are as likely to come after your (digital presence) as they are your skyscraper.”
An attack, Kelly continued, can “cripple an organization. It's been estimated that cyber attacks have caused $400 billion in damage, and that doesn't count the cost of intellectual property loss, embarrassment,” and other collateral damage. “The numbers are based on breaches that are reported and we know there are more, the average attack happens beyond the public view.”
To combat the problem, he offered up a four-pronged solution that he said any organization can implement “immediately.”
First, Kelly explained, “Recognize the threat. You have to grasp the real damage of a cyber attack. Second, start at the top. No organization will create a good defense without a strong commitment from its chief executive. Training and personnel policies must be instituted and enforced.”
Third, he continued, “Find knowledgeable allies and align with them. Cyber security is challenging and few organizations have the expertise. Bring in the best people—it's not money wasted, it's the best insurance you can buy. Fourth, monitor constantly. This is not a fix it and forget it problem.”
Kelly declared, “Digital touches everything today, it has become enmeshed with every aspect of our lives, from our homes to our cars and offices. The well-being of our nation depends on cybersecurity.”
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