EAST SYRACUSE -- If you think cyberattacks only happen to big businesses, think again.
Michelle Golembieski, a vice president with Alliance Bank, says small businesses are fast becoming the targets of choice for cybercrimes.
"The thing these criminals want to do is find a kink in your armor, as soon as they find that, they take advantage," she says.
Protecting your business and yourself from cyberattack was the focus of a cybersecurity conference Tuesday at the Doubletree Hotel in East Syracuse. The event is part of a nationwide effort by the Federal Communications Commission to help small businesses come up with a cybersecurity plan.
Some cybersecurity tips include: changing passwords frequently, checking accounts for unusual activity, controling access to computers, making back-up copies of all information and securing wireless networks.
Kevin Du, professor of computer science at Syracuse University, warns that firewalls can often give business owners a false sense of security.
"Many people actually think if I have a firewall my computer, it's safe. It's not. The firewall can only protect against certain kinds of attack, there are many things a firewall can not protect," he says.
Experts say the only sure way to protect your company from cybercrimes is to hire a company to setup your security and train your employees.
For more information on cybersecurity visit www.fcc.gov/cyberforsmallbiz and www.staysafeonline.org.
Original story from Monday night:
Business leaders from across Central New York will hear the latest about the growing problem of cyber fraud on Tuesday.
Criminals overseas are attacking the finances of companies here in our own backyard.
One expert from Alliance Bank who will speak tomorrow will talk about the increase of a scam called man in the middle. It originates in foreign countries and attacks accounts of companies that range from small to large employers.
"It is originating out of Russia and China, " said Michelle Golembieski of Alliance Bank. "It's mostly overseas, but they have help in the U-S. They're called 'money mules.' They can be stay at home mom's and even lawyers who tapped into the system to facilitate movement of funds overseas."
Leaders of small and large businesses will hear from experts in the field including a representative from the FBI, computer security experts and accountants.
Businesses will learn the best way to protect themselves from costly cyber crimes.
The conference is being held at the Doubletree Hotel.
