By Stephen Alfano
How safe is your data? Better still, what stands between your server and the millions of hackers, viruses, and malware threats that are always just a few mouse clicks away from corrupting or crippling your operations?
According to a recent Kaspersky Labs report, “on average enterprises [spend] US$551,000 to recover from a security breach. SMBs spend $38K.” In other words, major security breaches could easily bankrupt any size business. It’s no wonder Forbes reported the, “cybersecurity market reached $75 Billion in 2015 [with it] expected to reach $170 Billion by 2020.” Continuing in my series of blog posts highlighting industry-specific pundits and policy-makers making headlines on Twitter, I humbly submit a shortlist—ten (10) of the most influential IT Security insiders to follow, to help you stay on top of the issues and risks that plague every organization wired into the World Wide Web.
@Info_Sec_Buzz – “Providing IT news, the latest #cybersecurity threat trends and top #infosec blogs for the information security community.”
@CybersecuritySF – “Founder & Editor-In-Chief at Cybersecurity Ventures, Contributing Writer at @CSOonline, @idgenterprise, @ForbesTech, @SandHillcom, and others.”
@DMBisson – “#Infosec journalist | #Security junkie | Contributing Editor @gcluley | Associate Editor @TripwireInc | Content Writer @MetaCompliance & @OASISopen”
@S_Clarke22 – “Award winning blog writer. All about FUD-free #InfoSec #DataProtection #Privacy and #GRC content. Opinions all mine, or nicked from better people”
@SANSInstitute – “SANS is the most trusted and by far the largest source for computer security, IT and information security training, certification and research in the world.”
@CISecurity – “A nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the cybersecurity readiness and response among public and private sector entities.”
@InfosecEdu – “InfoSec Institute is the best source for high quality information security training. Follow us for original articles and technical tutorials related to security”
@SearchSecurity – “The latest cybersecurity news, tips and features from the reporters and editors of http://SearchSecurity.com . Security threats, data breaches, research and more.”
@StaySafeOnline – “The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a nonprofit that empowers people to use the Internet safely & securely. Co-founder of @STOPTHNKCONNECT campaign.”
@USCERT_gov – “We respond to major incidents, analyze threats, and exchange critical cybersecurity information with partners around the world.”
About the Author: Stephen Alfano is an Organizational Development Consultant and Communications Expert. He has over 20 years experience in leading and managing internal and external marketing initiatives for both private and government sector clients. His résumé includes providing both new business and business process improvement services to Apple, American Express, AT&T, California Department of Transportation, Chevron, Entergy, Levi Strauss & Co., Louisiana Office of Tourism, Mattel, Microsoft, Novell, SONY, Sutter Health, and Wells Fargo. Stephen currently works as an Executive Consultant with KAI Partners, Inc., providing change management and communications expertise and support services to California State Departments.