The Sony Cyberattack is Five Years in the Rear View Mirror

Time passes quickly. It's hard to believe that the North Korean hack of Sony was five years ago. Check out this article that highlights aspects of the attack that paved the way for many cyber-activities today, The Sony hack ushered in a dangerous era in cyberspace. 

Cybersecurity and pathways to get at data continue to change. From my own readings and lessons file, there are some basic things you can do:

• Make sure all software patches are applied immediately to your own systems
• Have a really good back-up of data, that is not connected to your primary systems
• Invest in a continuous training program for your employees--they are the weakest link in your defenses
• Practice good cyber-hygiene 
• When terminating IT staff have protocols in place to keep them off your system
• Have procedures in place for notifications and processes for when you do get hacked

At the Center for Regional Disaster Resilience (CRDR) where I work, we have been active in trying get people and organizations to pay attention to this, the significant cybersecurity risk.  Idaho Office of Emergency Management has been a Pacific Northwest leader among emergency management agencies in paying attention to the cyber issue and taking a public-private approach to the application of solutions.