In recent discussions surrounding cybersecurity incidents within non-profit and non-governmental organizations, a significant gap has been identified regarding the centralized reporting of these events. According to Stanley Mierzwa, a key figure from Kean University who led a collaborative project with students and faculty to address this issue, the lack of cohesive data hampers the ability of researchers and IT professionals to effectively analyze trends within critical sectors, including healthcare and public health.
Mierzwa emphasized the vital role that nonprofits play in delivering essential services to underserved communities. “It’s crucial for these organizations to ensure their systems are operational to adequately serve the needs of the community,” he stated in an interview with Information Security Media Group. He further highlighted that establishing a centralized repository to compile insights on cyber incidents affecting these organizations is imperative for enhancing their preparedness.
The intelligence derived from such a centralized source would be beneficial for organizations to understand sector-specific trends, identify spikes in cyber incidents, and bolster their defenses. Mierzwa elaborated, “Having valuable intelligence that pertains distinctly to certain sectors allows organizations to be proactive in their cybersecurity efforts,” thereby enhancing resilience against attacks.
Mierzwa’s initiative included analyzing various types of non-profit and non-government organizations, uncovering critical incident reporting gaps. The project culminated in the creation of a cyber incident repository designed to store pertinent data and insights. This repository not only aims to assist organizations in understanding the nature of cyber threats they may face, but it also provides invaluable information to decision-makers at all levels, from CEOs to COOs.
The dialogue during the interview also touched on emerging cyber threats specifically in the healthcare sector, which Mierzwa predicts will warrant careful attention in 2025. His expertise in cybersecurity risk management, along with his extensive experience across discussions in various global regions, positions him as a leading voice in this domain.
For business owners and organizational leaders, these insights underscore the critical importance of a sophisticated understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, especially in sectors where service delivery is predicated on operational integrity. The potential tactics employed in cyber attacks, as outlined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework, may include initial access techniques, persistence through command-and-control channels, and privilege escalation actions that can have dire consequences for operational capacities.
In conclusion, with the rise of cyber threats targeting nonprofit organizations, it is essential for leaders to prioritize the maintenance of robust cybersecurity measures. By leveraging resources like the newly developed incident repository, organizations can better protect themselves and the communities they serve, fostering a safer and more resilient environment in an increasingly digital world.
