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VIEWPOINT: Why Businesses Need to Create Cyber-Resiliency Plans
As businesses face more cyberattacks than ever before, more and more leaders are finding the need to enact proper proactive protections through cybersecurity or cyber-resiliency plans. Cyber resilience is the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to the adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises on systems that use or are enabled by cyber […]
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As businesses face more cyberattacks than ever before, more and more leaders are finding the need to enact proper proactive protections through cybersecurity or cyber-resiliency plans.
Cyber resilience is the ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to the adverse conditions, stresses, attacks, or compromises on systems that use or are enabled by cyber resources. Cyber resiliency is intended to enable and protect missions or business objectives across all ecosystems that depend on cyber resources (i.e. technology, people, processes, data, etc.) to be achieved in a contested (attack/data loss/compromised, etc.) cyber environment.
Due to enhanced sophistication of these attacks, the sooner businesses can create a cyber-resilience plan, the sooner they will be protected from harm. Cyber risks and attacks impact every organization, every day, internally and externally and across the supply chain and ecosystem. Those attacks or contested environments encompass anything from crashing a single PC or infecting a cell phone, to interrupting a network to shutting down life support systems. If businesses do not have a process and program in place to assess, measure, report and keep pace with those cyber and other risks, organizations are left vulnerable to data loss and the potential for catastrophic damage and client loss, as well as the subsequent potential for regulatory sanctions.
Here are four key elements necessary for businesses creating a proper cyber-resiliency program.
Develop a documented plan
A proper cyber-resiliency plan must be based on a business’ environment, the data sets used, legal and regulatory requirements, appetite for risk avoidance, repetitive historical assessments of cyber-control operating effectiveness, and the ability to look forward to the ever-changing cyber risks that must be integrated into the plan.
Conduct regular technical-maintenance testing
Once the plan has been developed and finalized, it’s important to repeat the identified steps as often as needed — but never less than annually — to assess the program. Technically testing the business’ environment and its people is required through real-life scenarios. Use cross-functional teams in the business and document findings from the tests to learn if a program is strong enough to withstand an attack.
Implement safety controls
Adding controls like muti-factor authentication, advanced malware protections, intelligent protection tools, vulnerability scans, internal and external penetration and hacking tests, business-email phishing, and testing text messaging user access, are all key controls vital to assessing your cyber-resiliency program.
Evaluate and readjust plans as necessary
After testing, it’s vital to evaluate and reassess. Cyber risks and attacks are ever-changing, making it imperative to be agile. Never forget this is a journey and that an effective plan must adjust as often as needed to advance protections against the changes in the ever-evolving cyber ecosystem.
Ultimately cyber-resiliency programs must be unique to individual businesses. At the core, these steps will help protect businesses from a cyberattack, and the best way to start building cyber resiliency is to start now.
Finding experts, both internally and externally, is a great first step. Experts, such as a chief information security officer (CISO), are necessary to provide demonstrable and certifiable experience to guide businesses to an effective and operational plan. If businesses cannot find or afford a CISO, contract with a virtual CISO (vCISO). A vCISO with real experience will be your best guide and provide the ins-and-outs of the requirements necessary to protect the business, and will have their hands in various scenarios, clients, and verticals, which adds to its ongoing expertise and knowledgebase.
The bad guys are changing their tactics rapidly. Cybercrime as a service is booming, ransomware attacks are increasing, users are getting more savvy on how to circumvent controls, exception lists are growing, and the data sets are getting more complex with the ever-expanding ecosystems in which organizations are involved. If you have not started, there is an urgent need to get started on your business’ cyber-resiliency plan, today.
Carl Cadregari is an executive VP in the FoxPointe Solutions Information Risk Management Division of The Bonadio Group. He has more than 28 years of experience providing actionable technology, cybersecurity, and data-governance architecture, controls auditing. and general cybersecurity planning.
Author’s disclaimer: The summary information presented in this article should not be considered legal advice or counsel and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the reader. If readers of this have legal questions, it is recommended they consult with their attorney.
Launch NY invests in Ithaca firm, 12 others in first half
“With an average of over three transactions per month, Launch NY’s #InvestLocal programs remain the most active source of seed capital for new and growing startups in the upstate New York region, which are driving a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and our regional economy overall,” Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY, said. “As we
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“With an average of over three transactions per month, Launch NY’s #InvestLocal programs remain the most active source of seed capital for new and growing startups in the upstate New York region, which are driving a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and our regional economy overall,” Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY, said. “As we celebrate Launch NY’s tenth anniversary this year, we continue to expand access to both seed capital and pro bono mentoring for entrepreneurs in our region, while engaging over 250 accredited investors in our programs.”
Launch NY is headquartered in Buffalo and has co-locations with partner organizations in Binghamton, Ithaca, Rochester, and Syracuse. Since 2012, it has served 1,384 companies, has more than 30 experienced local entrepreneurs-in-residence, and a National Mentor Network of 2,000 industry, business, and investment experts.
Syracuse University CIO Scozzafava retires
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Samuel (Sam) Scozzafava, Jr., VP and chief information officer (CIO) at Syracuse University, on June 30 announced plans to retire from the university after more than 15 years of service. Eric Sedore, Syracuse’s chief technology officer, will serve as interim VP for information technology and CIO, reporting directly to Syracuse Chancellor Kent
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Samuel (Sam) Scozzafava, Jr., VP and chief information officer (CIO) at Syracuse University, on June 30 announced plans to retire from the university after more than 15 years of service.
Eric Sedore, Syracuse’s chief technology officer, will serve as interim VP for information technology and CIO, reporting directly to Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud.
Scozzafava was named the university’s VP for information technology and chief information officer in late 2015.
“Sam has been steadfast in his commitment to advancing information technology at the University, has worked tirelessly to support the academic and research enterprise and has consistently advocated for enhancements that improve the student experience, inside and outside the classroom,” Steve Bennett, senior VP for international programs and academic operations and chief of staff for academic affairs, said in a release. “I appreciate his leadership and service and wish him well as he begins his retirement.”
Scozzafava joined Syracuse University in 2007 and has served in several management-level positions within its information-technology services (ITS), including manager of the student administration application development team and director of enterprise application systems.
Prior to his appointment as CIO, he served as the university’s associate CIO for administrative systems.
“I have enjoyed my time working with, learning from and supporting our students, faculty and staff,” Scozzafava said. “I am especially proud of my ITS colleagues’ efforts to enhance digital inclusion, advance information technology in support of the research enterprise and ensure consistency in teaching and learning during the pandemic. I will be forever grateful for my time at Syracuse University.”
Baldwinsville dental-office building sold for $400,000
BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. — The more than 3,000-square-foot medical-office building that is home to Baldwinsville Gentle Dentistry has been sold for $400,000. Golden Holdings, LLC, of Fayetteville, purchased the two-story structure on a quarter-acre of land at 30 W. Genesee St. (Route 31) in the village of Baldwinsville from dentist David Pearce and Susan Pearce. Bart
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BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. — The more than 3,000-square-foot medical-office building that is home to Baldwinsville Gentle Dentistry has been sold for $400,000.
Golden Holdings, LLC, of Fayetteville, purchased the two-story structure on a quarter-acre of land at 30 W. Genesee St. (Route 31) in the village of Baldwinsville from dentist David Pearce and Susan Pearce. Bart Feinberg of Sutton Real Estate Company, LLC represented the buyer and Steve Saleski of Sutton represented the sellers, according to a release from the real-estate firm.
The Baldwinsville structure, built in 1900, was formerly a residence. It’s currently comprised of the dental practice and a two-bedroom apartment, according to the sale listing for the property, which also noted that the dental practice had a new long-term lease in place. The building also has a new roof and 12 parking spaces.
Comptroller audit finds Herkimer County IDA didn’t properly approve and monitor projects
ALBANY, N.Y. — Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) officials and board members didn’t properly approve and monitor economic-development projects, a recent local-government audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found. As a result, the IDA’s board could not effectively evaluate projects or hold project owners accountable, per a July 11 news release
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ALBANY, N.Y. — Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) officials and board members didn’t properly approve and monitor economic-development projects, a recent local-government audit by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli found.
As a result, the IDA’s board could not effectively evaluate projects or hold project owners accountable, per a July 11 news release from the comptroller’s office. The board also did not verify applicants’ project information or complete cost-benefit analyses before approving projects. The board and officials did not obtain information to monitor capital investment and salaries and did not have an adequate process to verify job creation and retention. The board and officials also did not adequately monitor sales-tax exemptions claimed by project owners, according to the audit’s findings.
One project exceeded its authorized exemption amount by $6,155, and the board and officials were unaware that two other projects had reported inaccurate sales tax exemptions, the comptroller’s office said. The full audit report is available at: https://www.osc.state.ny.us/files/local-government/audits/2022/pdf/herkimer-2022-28.pdf.
New York corn planted area hits 10-year high in 2022
New York farms planted corn for all purposes on an estimated 1.19 million acres this year, up 13 percent from the 2021 planted area, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York field office. The 2022 total is the highest in a decade. Empire State growers expect to harvest 590,000 acres for
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New York farms planted corn for all purposes on an estimated 1.19 million acres this year, up 13 percent from the 2021 planted area, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York field office. The 2022 total is the highest in a decade.
Empire State growers expect to harvest 590,000 acres for corn for grain in 2022, up 9 percent from 585,000 acres last year.
This year’s national corn planted area for all purposes is estimated at 89.9 million acres, down 4 percent from 2021, according to the USDA. Growers expect to harvest 81.9 million acres for corn for grain in 2022, off 4 percent from a year ago.
Clear Path awarded Bob Woodruff Foundation grant
CHITTENANGO, N.Y. — Clear Path for Veterans announced it has received a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) to expand support for veteran and military households in Wayne, Lewis, and Jefferson Counties. Clear Path said it will use the funding to access peer support, food assistance, and resource navigation to reduce isolation and improve
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CHITTENANGO, N.Y. — Clear Path for Veterans announced it has received a grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) to expand support for veteran and military households in Wayne, Lewis, and Jefferson Counties.
Clear Path said it will use the funding to access peer support, food assistance, and resource navigation to reduce isolation and improve veterans’ quality of life. The organization didn’t disclose the grant amount.
As a nonpartisan leader in the military-veteran community, BWF brings transparency and credibility to its partners and complements their efforts, Clear Path contends. BWF leverages its expertise and collaborative network to find, fund, and shape innovative programs that help impacted veterans, service members, and their families to thrive.
Receiving a grant from BWF is an honor that recognizes the dedication, focus, and effectiveness of Clear Path staff, volunteers, and supporters, it added.
Clear Path for Veterans is a Chittenango–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit veteran-service organization that serves as a hub of information, programs, and resources.
Business-degree learning space at OCC named in honor of retired college president
ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The primary classroom associated with the Onondaga Community College (OCC) business-degree programs is now called “Crabill Commons” in honor of Casey Crabill, who retired as school president June 30. The board of trustees at OCC on June 28 approved the classroom renaming. In addition to the name change, Community Bank System, Inc.
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ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The primary classroom associated with the Onondaga Community College (OCC) business-degree programs is now called “Crabill Commons” in honor of Casey Crabill, who retired as school president June 30.
The board of trustees at OCC on June 28 approved the classroom renaming.
In addition to the name change, Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE: CBU) donated $100,000 to the OCC Foundation. The funding will benefit student scholarships, programs, and projects that “create partnerships in success for students and the entire community,” OCC said.
“As a graduate of Onondaga Community College, I know first-hand the value of an OCC degree and how it impacted my career,” said Mark Tryniski, president and CEO of DeWitt–based Community Bank. He is a 1981 OCC graduate and member of the college’s board of trustees. “OCC is one of this community’s greatest treasures and Dr. Crabill did a remarkable job leading the institution throughout her nine years as president. Putting her name on one of the college’s showcase learning environments, which was transformed during her tenure, is a fitting tribute to her and all she accomplished,” he added.
The learning space formerly known as “Whitney Commons” was opened on the 2nd floor of the Whitney Applied Technology Center in the fall of 2015. It includes a scrolling illuminated stock ticker, large touch screens and monitors in the active collaboration area where students work as problem-solving teams, a backlit map of the world to show visual learners how transactions on one side of the world ripple across the globe, and clocks showing current times in business centers around the world.
On the last day of June, Crabill completed her tenure as OCC president, having served nine years as the school’s top official. Warren Hilton, the college’s new president, began his new duties July 1.
St. Joseph’s Health merges with St. Peter’s in Albany
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — St. Joseph’s Health on July 1 merged its operations with St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany to deal with the financial impact of the pandemic. Both health systems are part of Livonia, Michigan–based Trinity Health, which informed employees of the restructuring June 29. In a statement issued that day, St. Joseph’s Health
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — St. Joseph’s Health on July 1 merged its operations with St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany to deal with the financial impact of the pandemic.
Both health systems are part of Livonia, Michigan–based Trinity Health, which informed employees of the restructuring June 29.
In a statement issued that day, St. Joseph’s Health said, “The move will combine the strengths of each ministry, creating a more efficient and cost-effective integrated health system. A new leadership team will focus on developing the strongest clinical programs, coordination of care and improved access for patients in their communities.”
Dr. James Reed, president and CEO of St. Peter’s Health Partners, will become president & CEO of the new regional entity, St. Joseph’s Health said in its statement. Reed will lead strategic planning for the next six months with plans to retire at the end of this December.
Dr. Steven Hanks, who currently serves as chief clinical officer and COO of St. Peters, will serve as COO during this six-month planning period before assuming the regional CEO role upon Dr. Reed’s retirement.
As part of the restructuring effort, Leslie Luke, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health, will voluntarily leave the organization after a transition period, per a Trinity Health memo that CNYBJ obtained. In that memo, Luke is described as the “principal architect of this regional consolidation.” Luke has been the top official at St. Joseph’s Health since 2017.
St. Joseph’s Health went on to say that this regionalization effort is a “natural step as several functions have already been consolidated between the ministries” including legal, patient access and revenue integrity, information services and compliance.
VIEWPOINT: Fulton native serves at Naval Air Technical Training Center
Aviation recruit April Cardenas, a native of Fulton, serves the U.S. Navy at the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida. As a student at NATTC, Cardenas is serving among sailors and Marines developing the skills needed to be successful naval aviation warfighters. Students at NATTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful
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Aviation recruit April Cardenas, a native of Fulton, serves the U.S. Navy at the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
As a student at NATTC, Cardenas is serving among sailors and Marines developing the skills needed to be successful naval aviation warfighters. Students at NATTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Cardenas joined the Navy more than six months ago, and today serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate.
“Two of my aunts served in the Navy and I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” said Cardenas. “They are both very proud that I am now serving as well.”
According to Cardenas, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fulton.
“Early on, I learned to never give up on my dreams and learned to set an example for my younger siblings,” said Cardenas.
The Naval Air Technical Training Center’s mission is to provide world-class professional aviation warriors to the Navy fleet supporting combat readiness anywhere around the world, while taking good care of our people, families, and being good neighbors and stewards in the city of Pensacola and the surrounding region.
NATTC’s leaders and experts develop, deliver and leverage technology to optimize performance of our Navy, Marine Corps, and foreign national students. We provide the most up-to-date and relevant training available to our sailors and Marines ensuring Naval aviation’s success.
Serving in the Navy means Cardenas is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We are always keeping a lookout in the sea and on land, so we can always be prepared for whatever we may encounter,” said Cardenas.
Cardenas and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Graduating from boot camp was a major accomplishment for me,” said Cardenas. “Although it was physically and mentally challenging, I pushed through to graduation.”
As Cardenas and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting the American people and returning the help they have given me,” added Cardenas.
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.
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