Hackers and foreign adversaries, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea frequently look towards the United States for weaknesses that can be exploited and increasingly find them through internet connectivity. When cyber attacks occur, personal data and confidential information are targets that put Americans and the United States at risk.
Businesses, municipalities, and hospitals are also targets of cyber attacks. Proprietary business data, civic, personal, and health information are stored on servers that are susceptible to attacks. And because technology touches all aspects of our lives, and is growing as rely on it more, and are less diligent in protecting our online presence, the risk of cyber attacks increase.
Last year, Americans across the country were affected by a cyber attack on the Colonial Pipeline. This attack created a energy crisis on the East Coast, temporarily shutting down the Colonial Pipeline, which caused gas prices dramatically increase overnight.
Unfortunately, cyber attacks happen close to home affecting people in our community. Throughout the years, Muscatine County, Mercy Iowa City Hospitals, local school districts and governments and JBS (which has a plant in Ottumwa) have fallen victim to cyber attacks.
I encourage everyone to research Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) tips to protect your data from nefarious actors. Some strategies CISA recommends involve backing up data, enabling multi-factor authentication, and keeping your software updated.
Software developers are always looking for ways to protect their software and make software resistant to cyber threats. By updating your software, you are making your data more secure.
I recently held a round table in Davenport with Director Kirk and Geoffrey Jenista from CISA to discuss how to protect yourself, your family, or your workplace from cyber attacks. An innocent looking e-mail may put you or the company you work for at tremendous risk.
I once again encourage you to go to CISA’s website and look up tips to protect yourself or your workplace as you never know when a cyber attack may occur.
