Knowledge and Insight > Manage Your Practice

You Aren't Paranoid, Hackers Really Are Out to Get You

John Blood | Think Advisor, October 2016

Summary: Everybody’s talking about cybercrime, and the hacks and thefts at giant organizations. In all likelihood, you know someone who’s been affected by hacks at a major retailer, for instance. As an independent financial advisor, you may think you’re too small a fish to be a target. But that is far from the case: According to the 2016 Internet Security Threat Report, Symantec’s annual analysis of cybercrime, attacks against small businesses are rising rapidly, with 43% of attacks targeted at small firms [defined as fewer than 250 employees] in 2015.

Is it paranoia if everybody is really against you? That question used to be funny. In the era of cybercrime, though, a little paranoia can go a long way toward protecting your clients, your firm and your reputation.”