FoxPointe Security Hub

The ever-growing threat landscape and wide accessibility to the internet around the globe have made it easy for malicious actors to launch cyber-attacks and exploit vulnerabilities within an organization.  Big or small, organizations that possess data can be at risk to cyber criminals who want…

This article was written by Andrew Parks & James Merritt. Apache Log4j is an open-source library that is utilized by applications to facilitate logging requests. On December 9th, 2021 a vulnerability was reported (CVE-2021-44228 from the National Vulnerability Database) that impacts applications…

Overview Typically, the two primary goals of a company’s Payment Card Industry (PCI) governance program are to meet the intent of applicable controls and reduce the scope of PCI Data Security Standards (DSS) requirements enforced on the company’s environment. However, many companies do…

On July 13, 2021, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC, and together with the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, the Agencies), requested comments on proposed…

All fraud begins with a line of thinking that follow three major factors: Opportunity, Rationalization, and Pressures. Rationalization is the excuse an individual uses to provide comfort or assurance that they need to commit fraud. An example of this could be: “I’ll put the money back, I…

In October 2020, the Federal Reserve Banks (FRB) posted an announcement to their website titled “Announcing the FedLine Solutions Security and Resiliency Assurance Program”.  The FRB’s FedLine Solutions are a critical component of the U.S. payment system.  FedLine is a…

Phishing is defined as a form of social engineering that use email or malicious websites to solicit personal information by posing as a trustworthy organization. When users respond with the requested information, attackers can use it to gain access to the accounts. Phishing is often in the news,…

Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.  Every October since 2004 marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This month raises awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and how to protect yourself from…

My career has taken me through a winding road of many areas including finance, manufacturing, education, and, today, information security.  My career has included 24 years in the manufacturing world, where I managed many risks including employee theft (check kiting and manipulation) and mail…

Our workplaces have become more mobile than ever before, largely due to advancements in technology being used by businesses for communication and collaboration. The circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic have expedited this movement by forcing most businesses and organizations out of their…

Stopping Ransomware In today’s world of everchanging technology, the fastest growing method of cyber-attacks is Ransomware.  “Ransomware is a form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable, and malicious actors…

This blog was written and produced by Nick Cozzolino, CISSP, Director of Information Security at The Bonadio Group. FoxPointe Solutions is The Bonadio Group's dedicated cybersecurity division. Looking to get in touch with Nick? Reach out today: Nick Cozzolino ncozzolino@bonadio.com. “Data is…

Is your organization involved in HITRUST or looking to take that path in the near future? If so, there are some important changes to be aware of that may change your timeline and approach. Throughout each year, HITRUST releases Advisories as needed, in one of two categories: Assurance Change…

This blog was written and produced by Courtney Nist, Senior Security Consultant CHQP, CCSFP, at FoxPointe Solutions. Looking to get in touch with Courtney? Reach out today: Courtney Nist cnist@foxpointesolutions.com. Based on the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report of 2021, healthcare and…

What is a SOC 1 Report A SOC 1 report, also known as the Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) 18, focuses on a service organization’s controls that are likely to be relevant to an audit of a user entity’s (customer’s) financial statements. SOC 1 reports cover a…

Since the regulation came into effect in March 2019, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) continues to strengthen the way that it enforces the Cybersecurity Regulation 23 NYCRR Part 500. With 23 distinct sections of the regulation, DFS requires a comprehensive cybersecurity…

As you were enjoying a cup of coffee the morning of December 18, 2020, you might have been arranging your Holiday plans or ordering a last-minute gift for a loved one. Or, perhaps, you’re part of the banking industry, and as part of your morning routine, you peruse various news outlets and…

In this day and age, the risk of cybersecurity threats is becoming a concerning topic for organizations. Reducing the risk of data breach has become a top priority for many businesses. When it comes to minimizing risk, an often-overlooked area is third-party risk. Many organizations include an…

On April 2, 2021, it was confirmed that a malicious user published the phone numbers and personal data of hundreds of millions of Facebook users for free online. The information, spanning from users across the globe, includes phone numbers, user IDs, full names, locations, birthdates, and some email…

An updated cybersecurity law that the IT organization (along with other college/university departments) will need to continue to integrate into its compliance programs, policies, and controls is the recent changes to New York’s General Business Law 899-aa and 899-bb (aka SHIELD Act). The…