Integrity in the            Election Process
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Integrity in the Election Process

As the November elections draw closer, concerns about foreign adversaries trying to meddle in U.S. elections are ramping up again. Over the past few years, foreign entities have become more sophisticated in their attempts to create chaos, spread false information, and influence how people vote. While government agencies are hard at work protecting election systems, it's just as important for voters and local election officials to stay alert and aware of these threats.

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Local cybersecurity expert warns of phishing scams during election season
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Local cybersecurity expert warns of phishing scams during election season

Tom Flak, Director of Cyber Programs at Forge Institute, says there's an uptick in phishing concerns during election seasons because people are already used to receiving campaign messages.

“While you normally should be suspicious when you get an email from someone you don’t know or don’t really communicate with, during the election season, you do kind of expect to get unsolicited emails from political campaigns," Flak says.

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The Rising Threat of Ransomware and Data Breaches in Healthcare
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The Rising Threat of Ransomware and Data Breaches in Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, with ransomware and data breaches posing severe risks to patient care and data integrity. In this post, we address the rising threat of ransomware and data breaches in the healthcare industry and how healthcare providers can prevent and mitigate these risks.

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Software Updates - Why are they important?
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Software Updates - Why are they important?

Frequent reminders to update your phone are vital for protecting your data and optimizing device performance, as outdated systems are prime targets for cybercriminals. In addition to enhancing security, software updates often introduce new features and improve overall functionality. Staying current with updates not only helps prevent costly cyberattacks but also ensures a smoother and more efficient user experience.

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Data Breach Letters- What do I do?
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Data Breach Letters- What do I do?

In today's digital era, data breaches have become alarmingly common, putting millions at risk of having their personal information exposed. Receiving a notification that your data has been compromised can be unsettling, but it's crucial to remain calm and take swift action. Start by understanding what information has been affected and follow the provided instructions.

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Lessons from the Front Lines: Cyber Warfare Expert Jim Richberg to Share Insights at Forge Institute Cyber Summit
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Lessons from the Front Lines: Cyber Warfare Expert Jim Richberg to Share Insights at Forge Institute Cyber Summit

The 5th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held on October 7-8, 2024, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. This pivotal event will convene top cybersecurity experts and stakeholders to discuss the latest strategies and innovations in cyber defense.

Jim Richberg, Fortinet’s Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), will deliver a keynote address.

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Understanding AI in Social Engineering Attacks
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Understanding AI in Social Engineering Attacks

The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to advancing cybersecurity awareness and defenses across Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. This blog is part of a series focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

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AI and Cybersecurity: Emerging Frontier  (Part 1/3)
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AI and Cybersecurity: Emerging Frontier  (Part 1/3)

The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to advancing cybersecurity awareness and defenses across Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. This blog is part of a series focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how AI is reshaping the landscape of cyber threats and the steps we can take to lessen these risks.

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Black Basta Ransomware: An Emerging Threat
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Black Basta Ransomware: An Emerging Threat

The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to enhancing the cybersecurity posture of organizations across the state of Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. In the context of increasing global ransomware incidents, this blog aims to spotlight the Black Basta ransomware variant, explaining its operational tactics and offering prevention strategies.

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Smart Security with your Smart Devices
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Smart Security with your Smart Devices

Smart devices are everywhere! Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as camera doorbells, smart thermostats, and smart speakers have revolutionized the way we manage our offices and homes. These devices provide unparalleled convenience by allowing us to monitor and manage them from any location. These advancements represent a significant evolution in making our daily routines more efficient and our lives easier. However, we must learn to navigate the balance between embracing these conveniences and mitigating the risks that come with them.

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Understanding Device Compromise
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Understanding Device Compromise

The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is dedicated to bolstering cybersecurity across the state, and offers crucial support and resources to organizations seeking to enhance their digital defenses. Understanding how to protect against device compromise is more important than ever. In this blog you can learn some of the methods threat actors use to compromise your organization’s devices and some proactive strategies to help protect your organization from these breaches.

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A Community of Cyber Warriors: An Interview with the Forge Fellowship
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A Community of Cyber Warriors: An Interview with the Forge Fellowship

In 2021, Forge Institute partnered with DOD SkillBridge to create a unique, one-of-its kind program designed to provide transitioning military members with a work-based cyber learning internship opportunity in the private sector. The Forge Fellowship program was launched with five Fellows.Two years later, I caught up with four of those members to glean their insight into the program and its importance to the state and nation’s security.

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What Being a Mustang Means to Me: A Journey of Growth and Leadership
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What Being a Mustang Means to Me: A Journey of Growth and Leadership

As the Chief External Affairs Officer of the Forge Institute, a former Air Force Master Sergeant, and now retired Commissioned Officer, my journey has been one of transformation and personal growth. In this post, I want to reflect on what it truly means to be a "Mustang" and how this unique experience has shaped me both in the military and in my current role.

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Why Cybersecurity Should Be the #2 Priority for Small Businesses
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Why Cybersecurity Should Be the #2 Priority for Small Businesses

In today's interconnected world, the digital landscape has become an essential part of conducting business, enabling small businesses to thrive and reach wider audiences. However, as the reliance on technology grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Unfortunately, many small businesses underestimate the significance of cybersecurity. While we agree that building profitability and taking care of customers are the chief priorities of any small business, the case for cybersecurity being your number two priority is very strong.

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FOREVER ONE STEP AHEAD: FORGE INSTITUTE GRADUATES NEXT GENERATION OF CYBER WARRIORS
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FOREVER ONE STEP AHEAD: FORGE INSTITUTE GRADUATES NEXT GENERATION OF CYBER WARRIORS

Positions in information security and cybersecurity are of the highest value among companies and organizations of nearly any size. As our processes become more digitized, dark web adversaries have become more brazen, which has increased demand for a workforce fortified with specialized technical skills – skills that cannot be acquired from online, at-your-pace certification programs.

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