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.
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.
Arkansas Cyber Defense Center Offers Water and Wastewater Cyber Health Check
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is actively working to help water treatment facilities across the state mitigate vulnerabilities from cyber attacks, particularly those posed by nation-state actors.
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.
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.
Cyber Thugs Laugh At Your Small Business’ Antivirus Software
Increasingly, small businesses are big targets for bad actors on the web. Recent analysis suggests that 46% of all cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees, with malware and ransomware attacks generating $2.8 billion in damages in 2020.1
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.
Forge Institute Announces Strategic Collaboration with the Arkansas Municipal League
The Forge Institute announced a pivotal collaboration with the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) and the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC). This partnership aims to provide crucial cybersecurity services and expertise to the municipalities of Arkansas, thereby fortifying the state's cyber defenses.
Arkansas Cyber Defense Center receives major boost from statewide partnerships
“It’s been a great privilege to work with this team,” said Mark Hayes before officially signing the MOU. “I think we have a great opportunity for our state, and to be only one of three states in the country doing this kind of work is amazing.”
Why Cyber Has Become the Next Big Career Boom for Women
“The cyber field is in tremendous need of diverse talent,” says Hartman. “As a woman in cyber security, you would also have the opportunity to help break down barriers and challenge the status quo.”
Statement Regarding Current Arkansas Legislation that impacts Computer Science
Computer science is not just a career pathway, it's part of every single aspect of our world. How could we let a student graduate high school without access to this basic education? If we do, we're not preparing them for the world which they are entering. (read more)
Forge Institute Scales Collaboration to Help Improve Cyber Resiliency for Small Businesses
Forge Institute announced today that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Forge Institute and the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The expanded collaboration endeavors to support Arkansas’ small businesses by helping to improve cyber resilience. The MOU also serves as an addendum to the Collaboration Agreement established between Forge Institute and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock signed in January of last year.
Forge Institute launches free Cyber Risk Assessments for Arkansas Small Businesses
In an effort to harden the state’s defenses against cyberattacks, the Forge Institute Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is offering Cyber Risk Assessments for Arkansas small businesses. The Cyber Risk Assessment is offered at no cost to small businesses, and is part of the U.S. Small Business Administration (US SBA) “Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program, which provided funding for the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC). The Program was launched to further build capacity and expand critical cybersecurity services to address the escalating cyber attacks targeting small businesses.
Forge Institute Awarded Grant to Help Arkansas Small Businesses Combat Emerging Cyber Threats
Forge Institute announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as one of three (3) awardees of the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program. The funding allows the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) – which launched last spring – to further build capacity and expand critical cybersecurity services to address the escalating cyber attacks targeting small businesses.
Forge Institute launches the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is a dedicated hotline that connects small and mid-sized businesses directly in contact with a Forge Institute volunteer. Small business and startup leaders can call ACDC when they feel their organization is under cyber attack or if they feel their digital infrastructure is inadequately protected.