Cyber incidents occur globally, resulting in significant financial loss and disruptions to daily operations. Learn how to prepare your organization for a cyber incident and how to best interact with law enforcement during the event.
Cyberattacks occur when criminals gain unauthorized access to a computer or network. Often, this access is gained through email phishing attacks or by installing malware on a victim’s device. Malware can manipulate, delete or steal data and even attack other devices connected to the same network (attacks known as botnets).
As our world becomes increasingly digital, cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in systems, networks and infrastructure. This creates a significant economic and social impact and affects everyone — including governments, businesses and private citizens. Examples of cybercrime include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches and cryptojacking (where hackers use compromised computers to mine cryptocurrency). Cyberattacks also can disrupt critical services like banking or eCommerce fraud; intellectual property theft and export control violations; child pornography trafficking; extortion; and identity theft.
HSI is at the forefront of cyber investigative and prosecution efforts, working with federal, state, local and international partners to investigate and prosecute these crimes. These collaborations increase opportunities to arrest cybercriminals and prevent future attacks.
The cyber environment is constantly evolving and changing. Consequently, the responsibilities of organizations to protect their information and the legal rules surrounding that protection are subject to change. Consult with internal and external legal experts familiar with technology, cyber incident response, and laws governing data privacy and information sharing to ensure your organization’s policies, procedures and practices are up to date.