In today’s evolving world of business, enhancing the security of an organization is paramount. We are living in an interconnected world, where the entrenchment of technology is one of the single biggest threats for many organizations, and the need for beefing up the internal security of data and assets averts the risk of losing what is considered elemental for an organization. With the lurking threat of cybersecurity, ensuring robust protection measures is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Human resources directors have a responsibility to safeguard the workforce and the integrity of the organization. One effective tool at the disposal of the human resource directors is the security audits. However, merely conducting an audit is not enough; leveraging the outcome fortifies the security of an organization.
Understanding the Essence of Security Audits
It is possible to wake up in a workplace every day and complete the assigned duties without understanding the hidden dangers. Threats are around us in our workplaces, and due to the monotony of our duties, it is possible to overlook a danger that could result in potential losses in the future. Security audit is the systemic evaluation of the organization’s security posture, assessing the vulnerabilities, risks, and mitigation measures in place to prevent financial and asset losses. The main benefit of a security audit is to help an organization identify weaknesses and strengthen defense. However, the main advantage of the security audit is not how well it is applied, but how well the outcome is used to improve security. Having the right person to conduct a security audit matters a lot, and we propose Lauth as an appropriate partner to benefit from our wealth of expertise in the field of security audits.
Quantifying the Impact
Data is the most critical asset for any organization, and as technology continues to advance, so do the issues of data protection gaining traction. According to the Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021 by IBM Security, the global average cost of a data breach stands at $4.24 million. In the same vein, the same report highlighted that it takes about 287 days to identify and contains issues of data breach, which has financial and reputational repercussions. These numbers underscore the importance of beefing up security, and security audits emerge as a linchpin. As such, Lauth has established itself conducting corporate audits to examine the sustainability of your internal policies in regard to security.
Maximizing Value: A Strategic Approach
In order to benefit from the security audits and witness the needed outcome, organizations must adopt a strategic approach, as detailed below;
Risk identification. Security audit should not be viewed as a compliance process. It has to be taken as an exercise of risk identification and mitigation and de-escalating issues before they become full-blown problems.
Actionable insight. Identification of vulnerabilities is not enough. Human resource director should collaborate with the IT team to work on the findings of the security audit and come up with a comprehensive action plan.
Investment in training and awareness. Human error is the leading cause of security breaches. Security audit is essential in identifying the gaps in security preparedness in the workplace, thus providing insight into the areas of training and development for the employees.
Continuous improvement. Enhancement of security is an ongoing process. Security audits, therefore, are a checkpoint of areas that require improvement and continually update the systems to deal with emerging threats.
The Role of Human Resource Director
The human resource department is central to ensuring the safety and security of its workforce and the organization’s assets. As a rule of thumb, the human resource director should cultivate a culture of security, and this should be made possible by ensuring the workforce adheres to the security protocols. New hires should be involved in a program that trains them on the importance of ensuring their safety and that of the organization to mitigate the loss of finances and productive hours. In that light, a human resource director play a crucial role in security audits in the following ways:
Collaborating with the IT team and other relevant departments to facilitate the completion of the security audit.
Ensuring that the findings of the audits are translated into insights, which are later integrated into the organization’s policies.
Bolsters employees’ knowledge of cybersecurity by engaging them in training programs.
Allocating resources towards improving security and ensuring continuous improvement.
Conclusion
In an era plagued by cyber threats, the importance of security audits cannot be overstated. It has become a mandatory tool to assess the threats within an organization and mitigate the risks associated with it. Adopting a strategic approach and findings of the audits positions an organization on a pedestal of overriding the market dynamics and also ensures its assets and workforce are safe. Human resource directors remain the custodians of the organization’s integrity and, therefore, should champion the cause of security. Embracing the audit’s security builds trust among the stakeholders, paving the way for sustained success.
As we navigate the ever-shifting landscape of security challenges, from cyber threats to physical breaches, one thing is for sure: technology is our trusty sidekick in this high-stakes game of defense. Modern organizations are, therefore, exposed to several threats, but thanks to the advancement of technology. It is now possible to address major security issues using modern technology, which makes it easier to collect information, analyze it, and provide feedback. This output effectively help in making essential decisions, mitigating risks that could stall the operations of a business.
What would it be like if there was no way to make surveillance within the workplace? My guess is as good as yours. The cases of theft, fraud, forgery, violence, and threat, among others, dot the normal day-to-day operations of an organization. This article explores how technology can solve modern challenges, from cybersecurity to surveillance and beyond.
Battling the Invisible Threats
The advancement of technology has brought new forms of threats. Cybersecurity is the main challenge that most organizations are battling in our times. The data released by Cybersecurity Ventures indicated that cybercrime was estimated to cost the world about $6 trillion annually by 2021, an increase from $3 trillion in 2015. These numbers are scary because the growth rate shows the potential loss experienced by this vice. It also underscores the urgent need to invest in workable security infrastructure to protect organizations from vulnerabilities.
Fortunately, the emerging technologies have offered solutions to the problem. Introducing Artificial Intelligence and machine learning enables proactive threat detection and response. These technologies can analyze data and identify patterns that may indicate cyber-attacks. Regarding the importance of cyber-attacks, we acknowledge the need to beef up technology. Through Lauth’s services, we shall use the latest surveillance technology to expose unseen factors in your workplace.
Physical Security: From Locks and Keys to High-Tech Wonders
Let’s shift our focus from the digital to the physical world. Remember the days when all that was needed in your office was a sturdy lock and key? Allow me to inform you that those days are gone. Today, we have a whole arsenal of modern technology, which can provide more enhanced security for physical and digital assets, which are the backbones of your organization. Take video surveillance, for example; it is estimated that the global video surveillance market is expected to hit $144.85 billion by 2028. The idea here is not having surveillance everywhere, but smart eyes. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning-every suspicious activity within the workplace can be flagged, and the security personnel can be informed in real time.
Privacy Concerns: Balancing Security and Civil Liberties
While we embrace and celebrate advanced technology, we should not hide our heads regarding privacy matters. As an HR director, you have the sole mandate of ensuring that the applied technology does not deny the employees their privacy, as it might attract litigation. The widespread of surveillance cameras, facial recognition, and data analytics tools have raised debates on how these technologies impact individual confidentiality. While the tools effectively ensure security, a proper balance must be achieved. With great power comes great responsibility, as they say.
The main question that comes to mind when we talk of surveillance is how comfortable are workers when they know someone in the office is watching them. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, about 79% of Americans are concerned about their data being collected by companies and the government. The safety of data and how it’s managed after that is what concerns them. If the same issue faces your company, we propose you engage Lauth, an intelligence company with well-qualified professionals in different fields. We guarantee that the employees’ intelligence data is well managed, and we shall provide guidelines on strategies to adopt to increase safety while maintaining data integrity.
As we strive to harness the potential of new technologies, it is paramount to strike a balance between security imperatives and respect for privacy. Robust legal frameworks and monitoring must be adhered to ensure that security measures deployed are transparent and do not impede the liberties of workers.
Conclusion
The future of technology is now, and it is looking brighter than ever. With the capabilities of technology, we can solve daunting and challenging security issues, from cybersecurity to physical threats and beyond. Remember, it is not about the available technology but how you use it. Lauth defines this phrase very well, and our expertise and use of technology will assist you gather workplace intelligence to enhance security. So, let’s leverage technology to secure the future, one byte at a time.
eDiscovery, or electronic discovery, is a type of investigation in which information technology is married to private investigation by means of locating digital information both online and offline. The information scraped during these investigations can range from databases to social media profiles, and with more forms of digital data becoming ubiquitous, the need for eDiscovery investigations is only expected to grow. Attorneys are constantly tasked with managing vast volumes of electronically stored information (ESI) during litigation, which can be a daunting and time-consuming process. This is where private investigators can prove to be invaluable allies.
Identifying Relevant Data Sources
One of the initial challenges attorneys face in eDiscovery investigations is identifying the pertinent sources of electronic data. Private investigators can help attorneys locate and categorize these sources effectively. By conducting comprehensive investigations and interviews, they can pinpoint potential custodians of relevant information, including witnesses, employees, or third-party entities. This ensures that no stone is left unturned in the search for electronic evidence.
Preserving Evidence in eDiscovery Investigations
Preservation is a critical aspect of e-discovery. Private investigators can assist by working with IT professionals to ensure that all potentially relevant ESI is preserved and not altered or deleted. They can help draft legal hold notices, which instruct clients and relevant parties on the obligation to preserve data, thus mitigating the risk of spoliation.
Forensically Collecting and Analyzing Data
Private investigators with expertise in digital forensics can be instrumental in collecting, preserving, and analyzing electronic evidence. They have the skills and tools necessary to extract data from various devices and platforms, ensuring its admissibility in court. This can include recovering deleted files, analyzing metadata, and tracing the digital footprints of individuals or entities involved in the case.
Data Processing and Review
Managing and reviewing large volumes of electronic data can be overwhelming for attorneys. Private investigators can assist in the process by employing e-discovery software to filter, de-duplicate, and organize the data efficiently. They can also create timelines and data visualizations, making it easier for attorneys to understand and present the information in court.
Social Media and Online Investigations
In today’s digital world, social media and online platforms often hold valuable evidence. Private investigators are adept at conducting discreet online investigations to uncover relevant information, such as social media posts, emails, or communications that may not be readily available through traditional discovery methods.
Locating and Interviewing Witnesses
Private investigators can track down and interview potential witnesses who might possess crucial electronic evidence. They can gather statements, affidavits, or even assist in preparing witnesses for deposition or trial, ensuring that all relevant facts are brought to light.
Investigating Digital Misconduct
When there are allegations of digital misconduct, such as data breaches, hacking, or cyberbullying, private investigators can delve into these matters. Their expertise can help attorneys build a stronger case by understanding the technical aspects of the misconduct and identifying responsible parties.
At the conclusion of all eDiscovery probes, clients receive thorough, detailed reports on their inquiry, along with any expert recommendations regarding the Subject or circumstances of the case. Should the need arise as the result of any subsequent litigation, our analysts and investigators are also available to offer expert testimony regarding what information they observed and catalogued for the client.
If you have need of a private investigator for eDiscovery purposes, please consider Lauth Investigations International. Call today at 317-951-1100 for a free quote and learn how we can help you find solutions.
Lauth’s Verified Resources:
• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) • Licensed databases • National registries • Local & national media
eDiscovery Investigations Services:
• Asset Searches • Background Checks • Social Media Investigations
How many people do you know who met their significant other online? There’s probably a few, because tales of whirlwind romances that started virtually are more and more common these days—but sadly, so too are online romance scam stories. Unfortunately, while this particular form of underbelly criminality used to be relegated to niche chatrooms and online dating sites, they are becoming more frequent on social media. Scam artists are using their nefarious talents to sweep targets on Facebook and Instagram off their feet, meaning that just about anyone can become prey to today’s online dating scam artists. When it comes to avoiding romance scams, knowledge is the first step.
If you don’t think that a money scammer could get the better of you—or even if you’re someone who is embarrassed to have been the victim of a scammer before—you might be surprised to know that dating scams are all too common. Staggeringly, last year romance scams hit record highs, with victims unwittingly sending some $547 million to perpetrators.
Within the realm of online scams, the human quest for love serves as a tempting target pool. So, don’t underestimate the importance of knowing the warning signs—and, of course, if you have been a victim, know that you are not alone. We’ll get into what to do if you’ve been scammed momentarily, but lets begin first with red flags, and some go-to protective measures.
What Is the Usual Romance Scam Format?
You’re probably wondering how to tell if someone is scamming you online. When you meet someone who seems like the one, how can you know if its true love, or true crime? Well, the good news is that once you’re informed, there are some common red flags that you can keep an eye out for:
The person may say that they are located far away, perhaps out of the country, making it impossible for them to meet you.
They may push the relationship forward fast, sharing a lot of intimate information about themselves and being quick to say they love you, or even to propose marriage.
If on an online dating site, they might try to move communication off the site quickly.
They might repeatedly promise to meet, but always cancel at the last moment.
Eventually they will begin asking for money, whether it is because of a crisis—like a medical or legal emergency—or for a plane ticket to come see you.
They may ask for your bank account information under the guise that they will send you money, when they actually intend to use your data to commit fraud.
What About Precautions and Questions to Ask a Romance Scammer?
If you are using online dating sites, or even more broadly chatting to new connections online, you can adopt these tactics along the way to better protect yourself:
Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture to see if they are who they say they are, if their picture is being used anywhere else online, and if it appears in any directories of online dating scammer photos.
Google their name to find out more about them and check it isn’t on an online dating scammer list.
If using a new online dating site, do a little research, check independent reviews, and ensure that its not on a list of scamming websites.
Take your time, asking the person lots of questions and keeping track to ensure that everything adds up.
Beware if the person requests private pictures of you, or for any kind of sensitive data, such as home address, social security number, or financial information. Never share anything that you wouldn’t want in the public domain.
Don’t allow someone you met online to isolate you from friends and family.
Never send money, credit, or vouchers to someone you haven’t met in person.
If in doubt, talk to a friend for a second opinion.
What To Do if You’ve Been Scammed
Many people who have fallen prey to a romance scammer feel embarrassed or ashamed, but it is important to remember that you are the victim of a crime, and that the scam artist is the one at fault. If you suspect that you have been scammed, it is important to report it to the FTC right away—both for your own sake, and to protect potential future victims. There is often an emotional fallout following romance scams, in which case seeking out a romance scam support group may be helpful.
If seeking justice or hoping to reclaim money lost to a romance scammer, your greatest ally is certainly a romance scam investigator. This is because a private investigation firm like Lauth Investigations International is in prime position to focus greater resources on seeking out the culprit and, all importantly, providing the necessary evidence to shut them down. For victims who feel that traditional law enforcement have let them down in this area, launching a private romance scam investigation can be a fantastic way to reclaim power and achieve peace of mind. Whether you’ve been impacted by dating site scams or romance scammers on social media, the Lauth Investigations team has your back. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you turn the tables, leaving dating scams in your rear-view once and for all.
Both experts and laypersons alike have argued that in utilizing the internet for purposes of automation and convenience, we have sacrificed our security as our personal information floats in the ether. In an age where a great deal of the fraud that occurs in the United States happens in cyberspace, consumers are being cautioned more than ever to steel themselves against the ever-evolving mousetrap of cyber fraud. From our private investigators, here are the best ways consumers and corporations can protect personal information online in 2022.
Strong login credentials
When everything is online—banking, shopping, email, asset protfolios—it can be difficult to remember every username and password, and therefore users may be inclined to use the same username and password for every account. However, experts insist that in order to best protect personal information, users must have a unique username and password for every account and platform where their personal information could be vulnerable to cyber fraud.
Use both upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters like the “@” symbol to strengthen the credentials.
Do not use personal information as passwords
Do not store passwords on internet sites where they can be vulnerable to cyber criminals.
Avoid phishing scams
Phishing scams involve using deceptive correspondence, typically an email, in which the sender requests personal information of the target, often masquerading as an official agency such as the IRS. To protect personal information from these phishing scams, users must be vigilant and educated of the signs of phishing scams.
Be wary of images such as logos or color schemes that appear similar to a branded company or agency, but contain differences that the consumer eye may not immediately notice.
Be wary of any unsolicited communication from a corporation or a federal office.
Refrain from clicking on any images or hyperlinks in the emails as they could contain malignant viruses that can infect your devices.
When in doubt, just delete.
Social media scams
Social media connects billions of people in seconds—a feat unlike anything we’ve seen in the history of mankind—but this is also how scammers can connect to their targets on a personal level in the interest of stealing their information.
Scammers can use hidden URLs by virtue of tools that shorten hyperlinks, thereby obscuring the destination. This can lead to malware being surreptitiously downloaded onto your device.
Other forms of these scams include a bait-and-switch operation in which answering questions to a personality quiz can be used against you to steal your information.
Remember to always keep your anti-malware and anti-spyware protections up to date so that your devices have a first line of defense in preventing cyber fraud. If you have been the victim of cyber fraud, contact Lauth today for a free consultation on how we can help you find the criminals responsible at 317-951-1100, or visit us online at www.lauthinveststg.wpengine.com.
Cyber criminals are evolving at an alarming rate. Cyber-security product developers are on an infinite loop with felons, each trying to out fox the other with regards to data breaches. Security is absolutely necessary for brick and mortar establishments due to a myriad of reasons, but in 2019, the name of the game is cyber-security. Not only are data breaches an efficient way to steal trade secrets and financial information from businesses, but they can also be done remotely. A proficient hacker or scammer can access a company’s vital company information from halfway across the world, and from that same location, can devastate the company. Within minutes, they can access financial information, trade secrets, distribution and delivery schedules, and private customer information. To prevent this from happening to your business, here are 5 cyber security measures every business should have:
Iron-clad Passwords
This is Internet 101. Since the birth of the World Wide Web, we’ve been educating adults and children alike on the importance of having a strong password to access online accounts. Whether it’s a company’s financial information, or a Grubhub app on an executive’s phone, thieves can crack weak passwords to gain access. As such, it’s important passwords never contain personal information about an individual, especially if that information is visible on social media. Parents often include the name of their kids in their passwords, using their dates of birth for any numerical value requirement. Teens and young adults use the name of their favorite animal, sport, or music artist. Another common tactic is using common words that are easy to remember, and then spelling them backwards for a false sense of security. Experts at the National Cyber Security Alliance also do not recommend using sequences of characters that are near each other on the keyboard, such as “QWERTY,” the first six characters of the keyboard. The current recommended length for strong passwords is between 8-12 characters. If you’re unsure whether or not you password is secure, use an online password checker to verify the passwords level of cyber security.
Fortified Firewalls
Firewalls have been around almost as long as passwords. Firewalls are shields that protect your business from harmful or insidious traffic. When you connect to the internet, the system is constantly communicating with the wireless network, both sending and receiving units of information known as packets. Firewalls monitor these packets and perform a risk assessment, blocking unsafe packets. These firewalls protect your company’s data from unauthorized remote access by criminals.
Antivirus Protection
Roland Cloutier, the Chief Security Officer for ADP, calls antivirus software “the last line of defense” when protecting your company’s data from hackers and other cyber-criminals. Not only can remote criminals access and view a company’s vital information, but they can also install vicious malware that will copy the target’s hard drive, and subsequently render the machine inoperable. Installing anti-virus and anti-malware programs aren’t enough, though. These programs need to be updated regularly as part of the infinite loop mentioned earlier. Every time a criminal finds a way to bypass an anti-malware product, the product requires changes to combat those breaches.
Laptops and Mobile Phones
It’s important to secure laptop computers and mobile smartphones associated with your business. For this, experts recommend encryption software so any remote felon attempting to access or copy the hard drive cannot do so without the proper password. They also stress the importance of never leaving these devices in ones vehicle, where they are easily accessible to thieves. “Lock-out” options are also standard for these devices in 2019. This setting allows you to establish a time period during which the phone lies idle. After that period expires, the phone locks itself, preventing anyone from accessing it without the password. Smartphones and laptops with remote-wipe features must be enabled. This way, if your device falls into the wrong hands, you can remotely wipe the device and prevent the leak of sensitive company information.
Employee Education
Last, but never least, it’s important your workforce is educated on the security measures in place and regularly enforces them on a day-to-day basis. Companies often neglect employee education under the false impression their IT team will be able to resolve all issues whenever they arise. The fact is, even IT professionals cannot anticipate every cyber threat, and may not be up-to-date on the very latest in cyber-criminal tactics. An ounce of this education is worth a pound of cure—Despite the level of technology literacy in the United States in 2019, an employer or business owner cannot assume an employee’s level of security knowledge. The prevention starts with employees, providing them with an intimate knowledge of company operations and how cyber security measures protect them.
Regardless of your company’s industry or size, all businesses must update and maintain their cyber security. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when criminals can bypass cyber security, and devastate a company in minutes.
