Digital Defense, Inc. and Frost Team up to Teach Small-Business Owners about Cyber Security

Digital Defense, Inc. (DDI) and Frost teamed up today to inform Texas small businesses about data security. As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, DDI President and CEO Larry Hurtado presented data security tips and concepts to small businesses in North Texas.

The event comes at an important time, as recent studies from cybersecurity-based organizations found that small businesses make up 62 percent of cybersecurity breaches,1 but 83 percent of U.S. small business owners do not have a cybersecurity plan in place to guide their response should a breach hit.2 Experts agree that budgets and lack of awareness of the issue contribute to this for small businesses, but it’s becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes to properly protect themselves and their customers from data breaches.

“Both Digital Defense and Frost began as small businesses and understand the unique security challenges that organizations of this size can encounter. We’re aiming to empower small businesses with the information they need to make the right security choices and properly manage their vulnerabilities,” said Hurtado.

“Safety and security are priorities for Frost, and we’re committed to providing our customers with the support and information they need to keep their assets – including sensitive data – safe and sound. We’re pleased to work with a Texas-based leader in the security industry to share expertise with our local small business customers,” said Hadley Woerner, region president for Tarrant County for Frost.

Hurtado examined recent breaches and outlined best practices and tips for small businesses to prevent cybersecurity attacks, including:

1. Examine Your Size: Before implementing a security plan, evaluate your current environment. Assess your team, meet with neighboring businesses, identify your information assets and determine how much risk you are willing to take.
2. Set Limits: If an individual in your business doesn’t need to have access to something, don’t give it to them. This includes both your online and physical assets. And, when someone does need access, make sure they know and abide by your rules.
3. Improve Your Employees’ Security IQ: Make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities and gets at least general security training. As problems occur, make sure you address them and apply what you learn going forward.
4. Properly Maintain Your Protections: Make sure to continually update your software to make it harder for hackers, and if you see a problem in your network, make sure to address it before it’s exploited.
5. Proactively Monitor Your Tools: Security systems need to be monitored 24/7, 365 days a year, so utilize security technology and service providers who can help you make the most of your security tools.

About Digital Defense

Founded in 1999, Digital Defense, Inc., (DDI) is a premier provider of managed security risk assessment solutions protecting billions of dollars in assets for clients around the globe. In 2015, the organization has received numerous industry recognitions including a top 50 ranking (#46) in Cybersecurity Ventures’ listing of the World’s 500 Hottest Cybersecurity Companies, as well as inclusion in CSO Outlook’s Top 10 Network Security Companies and CIO Review’s 20 Most Promising Cyber Security Solutions. Vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and security awareness training are DDI’s most popular offerings, each of which proactively improves the security of an organization’s confidential data. DDI utilizes a unique Vulnerability Management as a Service (VMaaS) delivery model to help organizations establish an effective culture of security and retain information security best practices, bringing lasting value to clients served. Contact DDI at 877-273-1412 or ddifrontline.com.

About Frost

Frost is the banking, investments and insurance subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR), a financial holding company with $28.3 billion at September 30, 2015. One of 24 banks included in the KBW Bank Index and a top-50 U.S. bank by asset size, Frost provides a full range of business and consumer banking products, investment and brokerage services, insurance products and investment banking services to businesses and individuals in the Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio regions. Founded in 1868, Frost has helped Texans with their financial needs during three centuries. For more information, visit www.frostbank.com.

1 PropertyCasualty360. 2015. “Small, mid-sized businesses hit by 62% of all cyber attacks.”
2 StaySafeOnline.org. 2012. “National Small Business Study.”

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