In 2024, Washington state saw an alarming 11.4 million data breach notices, surpassing the state's population for the first time. This surge was fueled by two massive data breaches at Comcast and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, each affecting over a million individuals.
The primary threat behind these breaches? Cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, which accounted for 78% of all breaches, according to the Washington Attorney General’s Office. With cyber criminals targeting organizations of all sizes, including several Seattle-based institutions, the risk to both public and private entities is clear.
Recent Seattle Cyberattacks
Port of Seattle: A cyberattack disrupted operations, causing major outages that affected baggage services and internal systems.
Seattle Public Library: A ransomware attack compromised library systems, revealing the vulnerability of even public institutions to cybercriminals.
With cyber threats continuing to evolve, it's critical to be proactive in safeguarding your business.
2025 Checklist to Keep Your Business Safe
As we head into 2025, it’s essential to assess your business's cybersecurity readiness. Here’s a checklist of key questions to help you evaluate your security measures:
🗸 Do we know where our vulnerabilities lie?
🗸 Are our systems being monitored 24/7 for threats?
🗸 Is our data encrypted both in transit and at rest?
🗸 Do we regularly back up critical data and test recovery plans?
🗸 Are our employees trained to spot cybersecurity threats?
🗸 Do we have a clear response plan for a breach?
🗸 Is our cybersecurity strategy regularly reviewed and updated?
By addressing these questions, you can ensure your business is prepared to combat rising cyber threats in 2025.
Want to Learn More?
Contact Stepfar Technology Group for a comprehensive cybersecurity consultation and learn how we can help secure your business from cyber risks.
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