Positive Technologies released an article on October 26, 2021 discussing the creation and development of rootkits in cyber attacks. Their research discovered that 77% of rootkits are used against government agencies. Rootkits, a dangerous type of cyber attack, are designed to intercept system calls, replace software and system processes, and may also contain keyloggers that can be used to steal your data. While this type of cyber attack is dangerous, they are far less common than other forms of malware. Due to their complex nature, the majority of rootkit attacks come from advanced persistent threats (APTs), cyber criminal groups who have the resources to create and carry out more complicated and expensive attacks. Therefore, because of the difficult in creating them, the target must be considered “high-value”. The majority of the time, the attackers using rootkits are attempting data-theft, but there are cases where the goal is strictly financial. While the majority are used against government agencies, rootkits have also been used against telecommunication companies, manufactures, and financial institutions. In addition to business, rootkits may also target specific individuals considered to be “high-ranking”. This could be political figures, military officers, and even business owners. It is important that you learn to protect yourself from these types of attacks. At Hammett Technologies we put your online security as a top priority. We treat your network as our own, with regular maintenance and updates to keep your company’s data secure. Be with a team you can trust, become a Hammett Technologies Partner today!
If you are in the health care business, chances are you have heard the phrase “HIPAA Compliance” before. However, what you may not know is how truly important HIPAA Compliance is for your business, or even what HIPAA Compliance is. No need to worry; Hammett Technologies is here to help! What is HIPAA Compliance HIPAA or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act was is a set of rules and restrictions established to outline the lawful use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI). *a more complex outline of HIPAA can be found here: https://www.hammett-tech.com/how-we-protect-you/hippa-compliance/ Why Being HIPAA Compliant Is Important If you are in the healthcare business, there are numerous reason you should be HIPAA Compliant. From lawsuits to fines from the government, HIPAA Compliance is to be taken seriously and followed completely. Some of the most important reason to be HIPAA Complaint are: Fines Fines for not meetings HIPAA Compliance have increased substantially. These caps on these fines have increased from $25,000 per year to $1,500,000 per year. Furthermore, if you ignore HIPAA Compliance and encounter a breach or receive a complaint, your business can be investigated for breaches, compliance failures, and other issues which can lead to further fines. Other Organizations Other organizations that work with you are most likely HIPAA Compliant themselves, especially if they are a larger corporation. Each Business Associate or Covered Entity your healthcare business works with must following HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. This, in turn, means that if your business if not HIPAA Compliant you will lose their assistance, as well as, lose business in general. Blacklisted If a breach does occur, and the breach results in more than 500 individual’s Protected Health Information being affected, your business is required by law to report it to the Health & Human Services Department, as well as, the public and media. Other companies will not hold back comparing their HIPAA Compliant organization to yours, stealing both business in the present and future. If you are fearful that you do not meet all the HIPAA guidelines and regulations or are having trouble understanding HIPAA Compliance and how to become compliant, call Hammett Technologies! We have a devoted, professional IT team that can help you meet all HIPAA requirements stress free! HIPAA Compliance is essential for any business that handles Protect Health Information. Hammett Technologies will ensure that your business meets every requirement.