Tech

After more than 1 Year of Atlanta City Cyber Attack, More Cities Remain Vulnerable

Published

6 years ago

July 1, 2019

Almost one year has passed to the SamSam ransomware attack at the city of Atlanta which had taken down the multiple municipal systems in the city. Atlanta city had to pay up to $17 million to bring back the situation under control. The city municipality hired Gary Brantley as a new CIO to repair all the malfunctions which caused the cyber attack and to modernize the city against future cyber attacks.

Although Atlanta city has taken some steps to eliminate cyber attacks, a few more cities such as Greenville, Del Rio, and Texas have recently met with cyber attacks. So the question is what is happening with all these municipal governments and why they are so easy to get targeted by cybercriminals?

Alan Shark, the executive director of the city’s Public Technology Institute, said that the municipal governments are more vulnerable to cyber attack than the corporate sector because the corporate sector has been investing largely on cybersecurity since Target Breach attack in 2013 which had exposed the data of 41 million retailers publicly.

The municipal governments are not paying or have failed to pay people with great knowledge about cybersecurity. It is the responsibility of the senior officials of all municipal governments to realize that there is no other option except keeping cybersecurity high. They should take services of companies like Centerpoint IT, which have all the necessary tools and in-depth knowledge to eliminate the chances of the modern cybersecurity breaches.

Alan Shark also said that apart from taking the services of the third party, the municipal government should also provide cyber awareness and training to the municipal workforce. This is possible only if the municipal governments become serious about avoiding future cyber attacks.

Tech

The Importance of Cyber Hygiene: Tips from HelpRansomware Experts

Published

1 month ago

April 14, 2025

Jonathan Grilli

Byline: Katreen David

In the digital age, the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” has never been more relevant.

For Juan Ricardo Palacio and Andrea Baggio of HelpRansomware, the battle against digital threats is a daily reality. Founded in response to the growing menace of ransomware, HelpRansomware has made it its mission to recover data while educating the public on the importance of cyber hygiene.

“Preventing a cyberattack before it happens is crucial. We can safeguard digital assets more effectively by nipping the threat in the bud through vigilant monitoring and proactive measures,” says Baggio.

The Growing Threat of Cybercrime

Cyber threats have become increasingly pervasive and sophisticated, impacting businesses and individuals alike. According to research, there are an estimated 2,000 cyberattacks per day globally. This equates to over 800,000 cyber crimes annually. In line with this, the worldwide cost of cybercrime is projected to reach the $23 trillion mark by 2027.

This alarming figure highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices. HelpRansomware has responded to this challenge by accentuating the importance of preventive measures. “Our goal is to create a safer digital environment where cyber hygiene is as natural as brushing your teeth,” says Palacio.

Cyber Clean: Maintaining Digital Hygiene

HelpRansomware advocates for a proactive outlook on cybersecurity. It offers practical tips for maintaining good cyber hygiene, such as regularly updating software, using strong and unique passwords, developing risk management plans, and educating employees about phishing scams.

“Cyber hygiene is about taking small, consistent actions to protect your digital assets,” explains Palacio. “When we practice good cyber hygiene, the chances of cyber attacks occurring shrink significantly.”

Businesses can significantly reduce cyberattack vulnerability by integrating these practices into daily routines.

HelpRansomware’s Role in Promoting Cyber Hygiene

Beyond recovery services, HelpRansomware is dedicated to raising awareness and providing education on cybersecurity best practices. It conducts workshops and seminars to help organizations understand the importance of cyber hygiene. This unique initiative mirrors the company’s sincere efforts toward shielding the world from the dark side of the web.

“Education is the first line of defense against cyber threats,” emphasizes Baggio. “Francis Bacon’s famous quote will always ring true in every industry: ‘Knowledge is power’.”

HelpRansomware’s efforts are power moves across the board that help businesses recover from attacks. Its checkmate move, however, is its vision to build a culture of prevention that can safeguard against future threats.

In an era where cyber threats lurk around every unlikely corner of the internet, the importance of cyber hygiene cannot be overstated. Through its innovative solutions and educational initiatives, HelpRansomware is leading the pack in promoting better cybersecurity practices. “We believe that a well-informed and vigilant community can defeat cybercrime,” concludes Baggio.

HelpRansomware’s proactive stance on cyber hygiene is setting new standards in the industry. Through education and preventive practices, Andrea Baggio and Juan Ricardo Palacio are fortifying the digital community, making sure that future cyber threats are met with informed and resilient defenses. Cleanliness matters in both the tangible and digital world.