Profile of Steve Zurier

Contributing Writer News & Commentary Posts: 197

Steve Zurier has more than 30 years of journalism and publishing experience, most of the last 24 of which were spent covering networking and security technology. Steve is based in Columbia, Md.

Pandemic Could Accelerate Passwordless Authentication

5/7/2020
As we celebrate another World Password Day, security pros are hopeful that when we move out of the stay-at-home period, companies will continue to focus on digital technologies – and ditching passwords.
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7 Ways Parents Can Better Protect Their Online-Gamer Offspring

5/7/2020
It's 11 a.m. Are your kids locked in their rooms playing games online?
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It Was 20 Years Ago Today: Remembering the ILoveYou Virus

5/5/2020
The worm infected some 50 million systems worldwide, often rendering them unusable, and cost more than $15 billion to repair.
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Cybercrime Group Steals $1.3M from Banks

4/24/2020
A look at how the so-called Florentine Banker Group lurked for two months in a sophisticated business email compromise attack on Israeli and UK financial companies.
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Could Return of Ghost Squad Hackers Signal Rise in COVID-19-Related Hactivism?

4/16/2020
New research suggests GSH is active in Southeast Asia following a couple of quiet years.
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7 Ways COVID-19 Has Changed Our Online Lives

4/14/2020
The pandemic has driven more of our personal and work lives online – and for the bad guys, business is booming. Here's how you can protect yourself.
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10 Security Services Options for SMBs

3/26/2020
Outsourcing security remains one of the best ways for small to midsize businesses to protect themselves from cyberthreats.
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7 Tax Season Security Tips

2/13/2020
Security pros need be on high alert from now until Tax Day on April 15. Here are seven ways to help keep your company safe.
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7 Ways SMBs Can Secure Their Websites

2/4/2020
Here's what small and midsize businesses should consider when they decide it's time to up their website security.
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7 Ways to Get the Most Out of a Penetration Test

1/17/2020
You'll get the best results when you’re clear on what you want to accomplish from a pen test.
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7 Tips to Keep Your Family Safe Online Over the Holidays

12/17/2019
Security experts offer key cyber advice for family members.
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7 Ways to Hang Up on Voice Fraud

11/27/2019
Criminals are coming at us from all direction, including our phones. Don't answer that next call without reading this tips first.
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8 Holiday Security Tips for Retailers

11/1/2019
Here's how retailers can protect their businesses from attackers and scammers hoping to wreak havoc during the most wonderful time of the year.
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7 SMB Security Tips That Will Keep Your Company Safe

10/11/2019
With National Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a backdrop, industry leaders weigh in on how SMBs can more effectively protect themselves from cyberattacks.
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7 Considerations Before Adopting Security Standards

10/8/2019
Here's what to think through as you prepare your organization for standards compliance.
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6 Questions to Ask Once You’ve Learned of a Breach

9/13/2019
With GDPR enacted and the California Consumer Privacy Act on the near horizon, companies have to sharpen up their responses. Start by asking these six questions.
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7 Steps to Web App Security

9/3/2019
Emerging technologies are introducing entirely new ways to reach, act, and interact with people. That makes app security more important than ever.
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6 Ways Airlines and Hotels Can Keep Their Networks Secure

8/27/2019
As recent news can attest, travel and hospitality companies are prime targets for cybercriminals. Here are six privacy and security tips that can help lock down privacy and security.
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Visa Adds New Fraud Disruption Measures

8/20/2019
Payment card giant creates a 'cyber fraud system' to thwart transaction abuse.
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7 Online Safety Tips for College Students

8/9/2019
Heading back to campus soon? Here are seven tips that will get your digital house in order and keep you safe online this semester.
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Mimecast Rejected Over 67 Billion Emails. Here's What It Learned

8/6/2019
New research warns that security pros must guard against updates to older malware and more manipulative social-engineering techniques.
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8 Head-Turning Ransomware Attacks to Hit City Governments

8/5/2019
Hackers know vulnerable systems when they see them, and they also know this: Many government systems are decades old, running Windows 7 and even Windows XP.
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More Companies Don't Rely on Passwords Alone Anymore

7/31/2019
New research shows how enterprises are adding additional layers of authentication.
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6 Actions That Made GDPR Real in 2019

7/22/2019
In the wake of recent fines levied against British Airways, Marriott, and Facebook, companies are starting to take data privacy and security more seriously.
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Persistent Threats Can Last Inside SMB Networks for Years

7/11/2019
The average dwell time for riskware can be as much as 869 days.
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More Than Half of SMB Devices Run Outdated Operating Systems

7/3/2019
66% of devices in small-to midsized businesses are based on expired or about-to-expire Microsoft OS versions, Alert Logic study found.
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FIDO Alliance to Tackle Identity Verification and IoT Authentication

6/26/2019
Standards group forms two new working groups to develop new open specifications.
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6 Security Tips That'll Keep the Summer Fun

6/19/2019
Taking some time off this summer? Before you head out on vacation, make sure your devices and apps are also ready.
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ADT Teams Up with SonicWall for SMB Security Services

6/6/2019
More than half of all SMBs plan to rely on third party providers for their security tools and services, according to IDC.
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8 Ways to Authenticate Without Passwords

5/28/2019
Passwordless authentication has a shot at becoming more ubiquitous in the next few years. We take a look at where things stand at the moment.
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97% of Americans Can’t Ace a Basic Security Test

5/20/2019
Still, a new Google study uncovers a bit of good news, too.
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78% of Consumers Say Online Companies Must Protect Their Info

5/13/2019
Yet 68% agree they also must do more to protect their own information.
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Why Are We Still Celebrating World Password Day?

5/2/2019
Calls to eliminate the password abound on this World Password Day – and the technology to change is ready. So why can't we get off our password habit?
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Study Exposes Breadth of Cyber Risk

5/1/2019
New study shows SMBs face greater security exposure, but large companies still support vulnerable systems as well.
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7 Types of Experiences Every Security Pro Should Have

4/29/2019
As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher. It'll also make you a better and more well-rounded security pro.
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1 in 4 Workers Are Aware Of Security Guidelines – but Ignore Them

4/23/2019
Even more are knowingly connecting to unsecure networks and sharing confidential information through collaboration platforms, according to Symphony Communication Services.
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8 'SOC-as-a-Service' Offerings

4/12/2019
These new cloud services seek to help companies figure out what their traditional SIEM alerts mean, plus how they can prioritize responses and improve their security operations.
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Phishing Campaign Targeting Verizon Mobile Users

4/5/2019
Lookout Phishing AI, which discovered the attack, says it has been going on since late November.
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40% of Organizations Not Doing Enough to Protect Office 365 Data

3/28/2019
Companies could be leaving themselves vulnerable by not using third-party data backup tools, a new report finds.
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Small Businesses Turn to Managed Service Providers for Security

3/26/2019
The average cost of a cyberattack at an SMB is $54,650, a new study shows.
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10 Movies All Security Pros Should Watch

3/26/2019
Don't expect to read about any of the classics, like 'War Games' or 'Sneakers,' which have appeared on so many lists before. Rather, we've broadened our horizons with this great mix of documentaries, hacker movies, and flicks based on short stories.
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Less Than 3% of Recycled Computing Devices Properly Wiped

3/20/2019
Researchers find that companies that refurbish or accept old equipment as donations don't necessarily clean them of data as promised.
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Three in Five Politicians’ Websites Don’t Use HTTPS

3/13/2019
Comparitech assessed the websites of more than 7,500 politicians in 37 countries and found 60.8% did not use valid SSL certificates.
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Cybercriminals Target Young Gamers

3/5/2019
Deceptive and inappropriate tactics are prevalent in free gaming apps, according to a new report to be released at the RSA Conference.
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6 Questions to Ask While Buying a Connected Car

3/5/2019
Here are six questions to keep in mind when you walk into the showroom to buy a networked car.
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Bots Plague Ticketing Industry

2/28/2019
Bots now account for 39.9% of all ticketing traffic, mostly originating in North America.
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Human Negligence to Blame for the Majority of Insider Threats

2/21/2019
In 98% of the assessments conducted for its research, Dtex found employees exposed proprietary company information on the Web – a 20% jump from 2018.
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6 Tax Season Tips for Security Pros

2/19/2019
Here are some practical ways to keep your company safe as Uncle Sam comes calling.
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70% of Consumers Want Biometrics in the Workplace

2/13/2019
Speed, simplicity, and security underscore their desire, a new study shows.
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New Chrome Extension Takes Aim at Password Security

2/6/2019
Google adds 'Password Checkup' feature that alerts users if their online credentials have been compromised.
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6 Security Tips Before You Put a Digital Assistant to Work

2/4/2019
If you absolutely have to have Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant in your home, heed the following advice.
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Internet Society to Issue Privacy Code of Conduct

1/25/2019
In time for Data Privacy Day, on Monday, the nine-point guidance will offer insights into how companies can more effectively manage personal data.
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Cybercriminals Home in on Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals

1/23/2019
Research shows that better corporate security has resulted in some hackers shifting their sights to the estates and businesses of wealthy families.
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7 Privacy Mistakes That Keep Security Pros on Their Toes

1/15/2019
When it comes to privacy, it's the little things that can lead to big mishaps.
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NCSC Launches Nation-State Cyber Threat Protection Program for Businesses

1/9/2019
National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) released free online security awareness materials for businesses to defend against nation-state hackers.
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6 Ways to Beat Back BEC Attacks

1/9/2019
Don't assume your employees know how to spot business email compromises – they need some strong training and guidance on how to respond in the event of an attack.
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8 Security Tips to Gift Your Loved Ones For the Holidays

12/18/2018
Before the wrapping paper starts flying, here's some welcome cybersecurity advice to share with friends and family.
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Cyber Readiness Institute Launches New Program for SMBs

12/17/2018
Program seeks to raise employees' cyber awareness and give small and midsize business owners the tools to make a difference.
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Mac Malware Cracks WatchGuard’s Top 10 List

12/12/2018
Hundreds of sites also still support insecure versions of the SSL encryption protocol, the security vendor reports.
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6 Ways to Strengthen Your GDPR Compliance Efforts

12/5/2018
Companies have some mistaken notions about how to comply with the new data protection and privacy regulation – and that could cost them.
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Retailers Make Big Strides In Offering Clear Unsubscribe Links

11/30/2018
They're also honoring unsubscribe requests as soon as they're made, according to the Online Trust Alliance.
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Consumers Are Forgiving After a Data Breach, but Companies Need To Respond Well

11/20/2018
A solid response and reputation management program will go a long way in surviving a major breach.
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7 Holiday Security Tips for Retailers

11/19/2018
It's the most wonderful time of the year – and hackers are ready to pounce. Here's how to prevent them from wreaking holiday havoc.
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Why Password Management and Security Strategies Fall Short

11/7/2018
Researchers say companies need to rethink their password training and take a more holistic approach to security.
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7 Non-Computer Hacks That Should Never Happen

11/5/2018
From paper to IoT, security researchers offer tips for protecting common attack surfaces that you're probably overlooking.
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8 Threats That Could Sink Your Company

10/24/2018
Security researchers warn of both new and re-emerging threats that can cause serious harm.
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IoT Bot Landscape Expands, Attacks Vary by Country

10/23/2018
New report finds 1,005 new user names and passwords beyond Mirai’s original default list two years ago.
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3 Out of 4 Employees Pose a Security Risk

10/15/2018
New MediaPRO study also finds that management performed worse than entry- and mid-level employees in how to handle a suspected phishing email.
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12 Free, Ready-to-Use Security Tools

10/12/2018
There's no excuse for not knowing your exposure. These free tools can help you analyze what your company is up against and point ways to developing a more thorough security program.
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6 Dark Web Pricing Trends

9/24/2018
For cybercriminals, the Dark Web grows more profitable every day.
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The Equifax Breach One Year Later: 6 Action Items for Security Pros

9/10/2018
The Equifax breach last September was the largest consumer breach in history. We talked to experts about lessons learned and steps companies can take to prevent and minimize future breaches.
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How Hackers Hit Printers

8/31/2018
New Booz Allen Hamilton report advises companies to include printers in their overall security strategy.
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Telecommunications Industry in the Bullseye

8/29/2018
New report cites higher volume and increased sophistication of threats to the sector.
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Half of Small Businesses Believe They're Not Cybercrime Targets

8/24/2018
New SMB version of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework could help these organizations properly assess and respond to their security risks.
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6 Reasons Security Awareness Programs Go Wrong

8/23/2018
While plenty of progress has been made on the training front, there's still some work ahead in getting the word out and doing so effectively.
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Real Estate Industry Remains Rich Target for Cybercrime

8/20/2018
Trojans, file downloaders, stolen credentials, and BEC scams, hitting the real estate sector.
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10 Threats Lurking on the Dark Web

8/8/2018
Despite some high-profile takedowns last year, the Dark Web remains alive and well. Here's a compilation of some of the more prolific threats that loom.
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8 Steps Toward Safer Elections

7/26/2018
Here’s some advice from leading authorities on how state and local governments can adapt to an environment where election systems will inevitably be hacked.
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6 M&A Security Tips

7/9/2018
Companies are realizing that the security posture of an acquired organization should be considered as part of their due diligence process.
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9 SMB Security Trends

7/5/2018
SMBs understand they have to focus more on cybersecurity. Here's a look at the areas they say matter most.
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8 Security Tips for a Hassle-Free Summer Vacation

6/23/2018
It's easy to let your guard down when you're away. Hackers know that, too.
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5 Tips for Protecting SOHO Routers Against the VPNFilter Malware

6/2/2018
Most home office users need to simply power cycle their routers and disable remote access; enterprises with work-at-home employees should move NAS behind the firewall.
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6 Steps for Applying Data Science to Security

5/23/2018
Two experts share their data science know-how in a tutorial focusing on internal DNS query analysis.
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5 Ways to Better Use Data in Security

5/5/2018
Use these five tips to get your security shop thinking more strategically about data.
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6 Enterprise Password Managers That Lighten the Load for Security

5/3/2018
EPMs offer the familiar password wallet with more substantial administrative management and multiple deployment models.
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8 Ways Hackers Monetize Stolen Data

4/17/2018
Hackers are craftier than ever, pilfering PII piecemeal so bad actors can combine data to set up schemes to defraud medical practices, steal military secrets and hijack R&D product information.
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6 Myths About IoT Security

4/9/2018
Here are common misconceptions about securing these devices - and tips for locking them down.
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8 Security Spring Cleaning Tips for the Home Office

3/26/2018
Use these ideas to sharpen up your home office machine against potential intruders.
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Who Does What in Cybersecurity at the C-Level

3/16/2018
As security evolve as a corporate priority, so do the roles and responsibilities of the executive team. These seven titles are already feeling the impact.
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Hacking on TV: 8 Binge-Worthy and Cringe-Worthy Examples

2/28/2018
From the psycho-drama Mr. Robot to portraying the outright dangers of ransomware taking down a hospital in Grey’s Anatomy, hacking themes now run deep in today’s TV shows.
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C-Suite Divided Over Security Concerns

2/21/2018
Survey shows 60% of CEOs plan to invest the most resources in malware prevention, but CISOs, CIOs, and CTOs are on a different page.
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IRS Reports Steep Decline in Tax-Related ID Theft

2/15/2018
Research group Javelin confirms that the numbers are trending in the right direction, with total fraud losses dropping more than 14% to $783 million.
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Identity Fraud Hits All-Time High in 2017

2/6/2018
Survey reports that the number of fraud victims topped 16 million consumers last year, and much of that crime has moved online.
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K-12 Study Gives Schools Low Marks for Protecting Student Privacy Online

1/31/2018
Survey says local school districts and education departments lack even the most basic security and privacy safeguards.
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6 Tips for Building a Data Privacy Culture

1/26/2018
Experts say it's not enough to just post data classification guidelines and revisit the topic once a year. Companies have to build in privacy by design.
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DDoS Attacks Become More Complex and Costly

1/24/2018
Major DDoS attacks cost some organizations more than $100,000 in 2017, according to a new NETSCOUT Arbor report.
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Feds Team with Foreign Policy Experts to Assess US Election Security

1/18/2018
Expert panel lays out potential risks for the 2018 election cycle and beyond
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Doh!!! The 10 Most Overlooked Security Tasks

1/16/2018
Here’s a list of gotchas that often slip past overburdened security pros.
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6 Tips to Protect Against Technical Support Fraud

12/27/2017
Just when you’re having fun over the holidays and not paying attention, you can be hit with a tech support scam. Here's how to stay safe into the new year.
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6 Personality Profiles of White-Hat Hackers

12/5/2017
From making the Internet safer to promoting their security careers, bug bounty hunters have a broad range of motivators for hacking – most just like the challenge.
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