Although it was written more than 2,000 years ago, Aesop’s fable of the boy who cried wolf serves as a cautionary tale for the modern information security professional. When security alerts become too frequent, people will eventually stop paying attention.

Even the smallest of small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs) have finally let go of their old-fashioned paper filing systems, and now store most of their data electronically. Many have become more advanced, using sophisticated applications and leveraging data in new ways to support business strategy.

The simultaneous explosions of big data and mobility have left many organizations scrambling to figure out the best way to store and protect data. While the amount of data being produced and the number of devices being used has skyrocketed, storage and backup strategies haven’t been able to keep up.

Multifactor authentication has become an essential tool for maintaining data security.

Despite greater focus on improving security awareness in the workplace, poor password practices continue to undermine data protection. More than 80 percent of all confirmed data breaches involve weak, default or stolen passwords, according to Verizon’s 2018 Data Breach Investigations Report.

A technology refresh can mitigate risks and deliver a boost in performance and efficiency.

Organizations commonly put off upgrading outdated technology for as long as possible in order to conserve cash. While older hardware and software may still be functioning adequately, this approach can be extremely costly in the long run due to a multitude of security, productivity and competitive shortcomings.

Emerging wireless standards and a new security protocol improve connectivity for Internet of Things devices.

 The Internet of Things (IoT) is enabling an economic transformation that may eventually rival the Industrial Revolution. PricewaterhouseCoopers analysts say the IoT will soon become a multi-trillion-dollar industry, and Gartner researchers predict more than half of new businesses will run on the IoT within two years.

As your organization grows, technology needs grow. Even if you’re reducing your physical infrastructure footprint, you’ve probably added applications, software and services from different vendors.

Plus, new solutions are constantly being introduced and added to your technology mix, while many older tools never really go away.

You would think headlines about major data breaches on an almost daily basis would cause every senior executive to demand stricter cybersecurity measures. According to a new study conducted by MSI-ACI Europe, that’s not the case. More than six in 10 IT security professionals work with C-level executives who expect more lenient security measures for themselves.

According to Gartner, 30 percent to 40 percent of IT spending goes to shadow IT. Everest Group researchers believe shadow IT could be 50 percent or more of IT spending. Because of the uncertainty surrounding shadow IT, these estimates could very well be on the low side.

Much has been written about the evolution of the cybercriminal. Young hackers who attacked websites just for thrills have grown into well-organized, well-funded criminal operations. The dark web has created a marketplace for hacking tools and collaboration.