Risk Management

The rollout of 5G networks is helping business operations and opening new opportunities for innovation and a better customer experience. However, these advancements also bring cybersecurity considerations.

More organizations are prioritizing the adoption of 5G, and they face several challenges and evolving threats. Without the right security policies in place, several risks can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations. Fortunately, knowing about the potential downsides and benefits of 5G can help businesses invest with safety in mind.

One corrupt table or misconfigured bucket can stall an entire supply chain run. Fortunately, a clear-headed backup strategy turns that existential threat into a five-minute inconvenience.

Data Loss Reality Check

The numbers behind data loss read like a cautionary thriller. IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach report pegs the average incident at $4.88 million, including everything from emergency forensics to months of churned customers. Yet budgets alone can’t capture the scale of disruption.

Surveillance cameras are supposed to protect assets and deter criminals, but they can easily become a liability if a hacker hijacks them. Luckily, if the organization has a robust security posture, this fate is relatively easy to avoid. What can information technology (IT) teams and business leaders do to secure these systems?

How Secure Is Your Surveillance System?

Many modern surveillance systems are constantly online to streamline data transmission and enable remote, real-time monitoring. This connection makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals can use the Shodan search engine to browse internet-connected devices until they find an open network port. 

Small-business owners have likely read about using a firewall for their websites, installing antivirus software on computers and insisting on strong passwords. However, the most serious security threats may not come from where you think they will. Sometimes, everyday risks pose the biggest danger. 

In addition to the massive technological changes with artificial intelligence (AI), criminals look for any slight advantage to gain access to data or your physical location. Here are some hidden areas you might not have considered before and how to secure them today.

AI Supercharging U.S. E-Commerce Counterfeit Crisis

An explosive new report, "The Counterfeit Buyer Teardown," paints a concerning picture of a rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated counterfeit goods market, driven by a new factor: Artificial Intelligence. Forget the back alleys; findings from the research—conducted by market research firm OnePoll and AI company Red Points in February 2025—highlight that the future of fakes is digital, AI-assisted, and alarmingly mainstream.

A new study has revealed a growing concern in the digital marketplace: artificial intelligence is playing a major role in the rise of counterfeit shopping. The findings are detailed in a comprehensive new report, titled The Counterfeit Buyer Teardown—the largest ever conducted on U.S. counterfeit e-commerce. Among other alarming conclusions, it highlights how AI is accelerating both accidental and intentional purchases of fake goods online.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has created immense opportunities for businesses, but it has also introduced a host of financial risks. Online retailers face all kinds of challenges that can impact revenue and long-term stability. As digital commerce continues to evolve, so do the tactics that cybercriminals use. E-commerce companies need to implement various security measures to protect themselves from financial vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity is a top concern for many small businesses, especially since internet-based operations are central to many of them. As cyberattacks grow more frequent and severe, some decision-makers weigh whether to outsource their IT security needs. That approach has both positive and potentially negative aspects to weigh.

Pro: Additional Cybersecurity Expertise

Many IT teams working for small businesses struggle to safeguard their employers from emerging threats. That issue can arise for various reasons, including the fact that theymay have fewer overall resources, resulting in cybersecurity professionals becoming overworked and potentially distracted.

Today’s businesses face the constant threat of scams, costing them resources and dipping into profits every year — the average cost of a data breach was $4.88 million in 2024. While smaller organizations may see less of an impact, the costs can still add up. Having a plan in place reduces the expense and gets the business back up and running quickly so it doesn't suffer from lost business.

Every business leader faces pivotal moments that challenge their mettle, whether from internal organizational issues or global crises. In many instances, the fallout from these events can often cascade to employees, triggering uncertainty and anxiety. 

During such exigencies, the role of management becomes crucial — both in managing the issues and ensuring workers feel safe, valued and heard. Delve into how to step up and provide psychological safety for your teams while navigating critical situations.