From Personal Struggle to National Shield

The founder of Cyber Umbrella, Michael Benson, views this initiative as a patriotic mission. Diagnosed with glaucoma at birth and overcoming significant personal challenges, Michael was told in his early twenties that his disability precluded military service. Instead, he dedicated his life to running businesses and helping others. Initially, his organization, Love Vision Inc., focused on aiding those with vision loss, but its mission has since expanded to include national security through the lens of cyber warfare.

“We are literally at war, being attacked every day! This year, the cost of ransoms will reach 9 trillion dollars. Some groups aim not just to ransom but to infiltrate every system in America. We decided not to sit around and complain but to use our experience to make a difference,” says Michael Benson.

Cyber Umbrella recently launched the Cyber Defense Force (cyberumbrella.org/CDF) to allow all individuals to join and share information, raising awareness about cyber threats.

Local IT Firms Are Not Cybersecurity Experts

In May, the FBI issued a warning to the ADA about the dental industry being targeted by hackers. This led to an increase in dental practices applying for Cyber Umbrella’s third-party penetration tests and risk assessment grants. While results are confidential, Cyber Umbrella emphasizes the importance of these assessments for all dental practices asap.

Tests revealed that many IT companies in the dental field are general practitioners, not cybersecurity experts. Despite claiming robust security, many practices were found to be extremely vulnerable. Passcodes found on the dark web that can log into your cloud is just one of many alarming issues we are seeing! Some IT firms even discouraged these tests, perhaps due to ego or fear of losing business. It’s prudent to have a third party conduct these tests to ensure honesty and thoroughness.

Given the rapid advancements in AI and cybersecurity threats, last year’s software and firewalls are insufficient. The cost of Cyber Umbrella’s internal penetration test and risk assessment readout report, valued at $4,000, is offered at no charge to dentists.

Cyber Umbrella aims to collaborate with IT firms in the dental industry. They can offer all their dentists our grant, bringing cybersecurity experts who can work alongside IT firms to implement necessary fixes if needed.

Register for Grant Easy Form Pre-approval at cyberumbrella.org/cyberu23.

Local IT Firms Are Not Cybersecurity Experts

• According to IBM, the average cost of a cyber ransom is $167,000 per 1,000 records in your database.
• HIPAA fines for breaches are based on efforts to provide the latest security.
• Many cyber insurance firms require annual third-party penetration tests, or claims may be denied.
• Consumers have up to six years to file lawsuits against firms that leak information, causing financial or emotional harm.

About Cyber Umbrella:

Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Benson, Cyber Umbrella operates on the principle that everyone has a role in securing the nation. Emerging from LoveVision.org, Cyber Umbrella equips businesses across America with tools to defend against cyber threats, fulfilling Michael’s lifelong commitment to service and protection.

Come meet the Cyber Umbrella team at the GNYDM 2024 Booth 906 (Greater New York Dental Meeting)

Exhibit Dates:

December 1st – December 4th

Convention Held At:

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

11th Ave Between 34th & 39th Street

New York, NY

Media Contact:

Michael Benson, Founder

Phone: +1 855-729-2371

Email: michael@cyberumbrella.org

Websites:

• LoveVision.org

• CyberUmbrella.org

• CyberUmbrellaGrant.org

Social Media:

• Facebook: LoveVision

• LinkedIn: Cyber Umbrella

Cyber Umbrella, a division of Love Vision Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is thrilled to announce its successful participation in the recent PEAK Event hosted by the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry (PAGD). This event provided an excellent platform for Cyber Umbrella to advance its mission of protecting consumer data by offering American dental offices up-to-date education and testing on emerging cyber threats, particularly ransomware attacks.

During the event, Cyber Umbrella awarded Pen Testing Grants to 20 dentists, offering comprehensive third-party penetration tests and risk assessment reports to help identify vulnerabilities in their current IT systems. This initiative underscores Cyber Umbrella’s commitment to safeguarding dental practices from cyber threats, ensuring they can operate securely and efficiently.

“Our goal is to reveal hidden vulnerabilities within IT systems and ensure that dental offices, which manage thousands of consumer records, do not operate under a false sense of security. We encourage every dentist to take advantage of our grant while funds are still available. The FBI recently warned the ADA in May about specific hacks targeting dental practices and projected a 300% increase in small business attacks this year,” said Michael Benson, founder of Cyber Umbrella. “Cyberattacks are on the rise, and even the most vigilant IT departments can miss potential threats. By offering these third-party penetration tests, we aim to provide dental practices with the knowledge of their vulnerabilities and the peace of mind that their systems are secure.”

When asked why Cyber Umbrella focuses on offering grants to dental practices, Mr. Benson responded, “Healthcare is a top target for cyberattacks, and dental practices have become a primary focus within the healthcare industry.”

The collaboration between Cyber Umbrella and PAGD highlights the importance of integrating cybersecurity into all aspects of professional practice. PAGD, a constituent of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), is dedicated to enhancing the value and excellence of general dentistry through education and collaboration. Partnering with Cyber Umbrella allowed PAGD to extend this mission into the critical area of cybersecurity.

Prior to the event, the PAGD announced a webinar that members could attend to get updated on new types of cyberattacks to look out for and to announce the offering of the grant to their members. “Our grant will be approved immediately for PAGD members as long as there are still funds available. However, the offer is not limited to PAGD members. We are now receiving requests from around the country for our pen testing grant. The warning in May to the ADA has set off great concern nationwide. The grant saves a practice thousands of dollars that cybersecurity firms charge to have their firm tested. Our goal as an organization is to protect the thousands of personal records that each practice is trusted to keep secure,” Michael Benson remarked. In today’s environment, many cyber insurance companies are requiring a third-party test to be done annually as part of a requirement to approve a future claim. It could also mean the difference between potential minimum or maximum HIPAA fines assessed if a breach occurs.

Cyber Umbrella encourages all dental practice owners to apply for the Pen Testing Grant before the funds are exhausted. This initiative aims to ensure the safety and security of dental practices, their patients, and the broader community. To apply for the grant, visit Cyber Umbrella Pen Testing Grant.

About Cyber Umbrella:

Cyber Umbrella, a division of Love Vision Inc, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing American businesses with penetration tests to uncover vulnerabilities and ensure robust cybersecurity measures. Their mission is to protect personal data from the growing threat of cyberattacks, ensuring the safety of vendors, employees, and customers alike.

About PAGD:

PAGD is a constituent of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). The core purpose of AGD is to advance the value and excellence of general dentistry through a commitment to the education of general dentists and their patients. AGD’s goal is to be the premier, worldwide organization of choice for all members of the general-dentistry community, working together to ensure optimal oral health.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Michael Benson
Cyber Umbrella
+1 855-729-2371
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook

Can You Trust the Security of Individual Auto Dealerships After a Large Vendor Gets Hacked?

“The reality is that many American businesses are not as secure as they believe. We consider our organization a modern-day Paul Revere with the message, ‘The cyberattack is coming.”

MONMOUTH BEACH, NJ, USA, June 20, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Cyber Umbrella Takes Action with Cybersecurity Pen Testing Grant and Risk Assessment for up to 1,000 Auto Dealerships in 2024

In the wake of the recent CDK Global hack affecting 15,000 dealerships nationwide, Cyber Umbrella has announced a major initiative to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of auto dealerships. Partnering with Buff Motorsports Consulting , Cyber Umbrella is offering up to 1,000 penetration testing grants to auto dealerships in 2024. These grants aim to help dealerships identify and address vulnerabilities in their systems, networks, and processes, ensuring they are well-protected against the growing threat of cyber-attacks. “We saw the need for cybersecurity and have been working with Cyber Umbrella since the beginning of 2024. We saw a great opportunity for our dealers with the Cyber Umbrella’s Grant program to get a penetration testing Grant. Cyber Umbrella’s vision has been not if it will happen but when it will happen and now it has happened”, said Bill Buff. Bill can be contacted regarding questions about the grant at buffmotorsports@gmail.com.

A Growing Threat: The State of Cybersecurity in Auto Dealerships

Cyberattacks on auto dealerships are not new, but their frequency and sophistication are increasing. According to a 2023 report by CDK Global, which recently experienced a significant breach, 17% of surveyed dealerships reported a cyberattack or incident within the past year, up from 15% the previous year. These attacks have severe financial and operational impacts, including employee downtime, hardware and software replacement costs, and reputational damage.

A Growing Threat: The State of Cybersecurity in Auto Dealerships

Recent revisions to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule underscore the critical importance of cybersecurity for auto dealerships. The FTC mandates that dealerships must regularly monitor and test their procedures for detecting actual and attempted attacks. This can be achieved through continuous system monitoring or annual penetration testing and vulnerability risk assessments. The updated guideline that went into effect June 2023 dictate the FTC can impose penalties of up to $100,000 per violation to those who are not following the guidelines.

A Call to Action: Fortifying Dealership Defenses

Michael Benson, the founder of Cyber Umbrella, a nonprofit division of Love Vision Inc., emphasized the urgency of this initiative. “Reputation, cash flow, and customer data are all on the line. It is time that you get your dealership tested,” stated Benson. Cyber Umbrella recently launched the Cyber Defense Force (CDF) to raise awareness about the cyber threats facing the nation. “IT firms are not cybersecurity experts, a third-party pen test is a smart move to test your infrastructure security. We’ve been told repeatedly that we are 100% secure, but the reality is that many American businesses are not as secure as they are led to believe. We consider our organization a modern-day Paul Revere with the message, ‘The cyberattack is coming.’

Of course, these things come more naturally to some people than to others. But, drawing on research in psychology and management as well as our work with clients, we have identified some fairly simple mental tools anyone can develop to boost all four attributes—even those that are often considered fixed (aspiration, curiosity, and vulnerability).

It’s easy to see aspiration as either there or not: You want to learn a new skill or you don’t; you have ambition and motivation or you lack them. But great learners can raise their aspiration level—and that’s key, because everyone is guilty of sometimes resisting development that is critical to success.

Make Yourself Accountable

Over the past decade or so, most leaders have grown familiar with the concept of self-awareness. They understand that they need to solicit feedback and recognize how others see them. But when it comes to the need for learning, our assessments of ourselves—what we know and don’t know, skills we have and don’t have—can still be woefully inaccurate. In one study conducted by David Dunning, a Cornell University psychologist, 94% of college professors reported that they were doing “above average work.”

Grant Details and How to Apply

In January 2024, Cyber Umbrella was awarded a $2 million grant to offer third-party penetration testing and risk assessment reports for businesses under FTC and HIPAA compliance. These assessments are conducted by a vetted third-party pen testing firm and administered by Telco United Cyber after proper NDAs are signed.

Auto dealerships can apply for the penetration testing grants by visiting cyberumbrella.org/auto1000. This initiative provides dealerships with the opportunity to uncover potential weaknesses and take proactive steps to fortify their defenses against cyber-attacks, ultimately protecting personal information.

About Cyber Umbrella

Cyber Umbrella is a division of Love Vision Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity for American businesses. With a mission to provide penetration tests and inform businesses of potential vulnerabilities & security risks. Cyber Umbrella is committed to helping organizations stay ahead of cyber threats and protect their valuable assets. Visit our website at cyberumbrella.org

About Buff Motorsports Consulting

Buff Motorsports Consulting, based in Monmouth Beach, NJ is an automotive company that has been involved in the automotive and racing industry for over 30 years. Our mission has always been to bring best practice into the industry. Where it’s safe driver training, fixed ops, parts and accessories.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Michael Benson
Cyber Umbrella
+1 855-729-2371
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook

Link: https://www.wate.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/721514574/cyber-umbrella-takes-action-with-cybersecurity-pen-testing-grant-and-risk-assessment-for-up-to-1000-auto-dealerships/

PITTSBURGH, PA, USA, June 12, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — Amid growing concerns about cyber threats in the dental industry, Michael Benson, founder of Cyber Umbrella, addressed an audience of over 100 dental organization representatives at Fortune Management’s CAMP Finance. Benson delivered a compelling message about the urgent need for robust cybersecurity practices and support, emphasizing that cyber-attacks in the dental sector are not only possible but are actively occurring.

“A local IT tech takes care of us.” Would you bet your dental practice on the local tech?”

During his presentation, Benson announced an exciting initiative: Cyber Umbrella is dedicating $2 million in Penetration Testing Grants to help dental practices defend against these digital dangers. This initiative, unveiled at CAMP Finance, aims to equip dentists with comprehensive third-party penetration tests and risk assessment reports to identify vulnerabilities in their current IT systems.

This initiative underscores Cyber Umbrella’s commitment to safeguarding dental practices from cyber threats, ensuring they can operate securely and efficiently.

Is Your Practice’s Cybersecurity Up to the Task?

“Our goal is to reveal hidden vulnerabilities within IT systems and ensure that dental offices, which manage thousands of consumer records, do not operate under a false sense of security. We encourage every dentist to take advantage of our grant while funds are still available. The FBI recently warned the ADA in May about specific hacks targeting dental practices and projected a 300% increase in small business attacks this year,” said Michael Benson, founder of Cyber Umbrella. “Cyberattacks are on the rise, and even the most vigilant IT departments can miss potential threats. By offering these third-party penetration tests, we aim to provide dental practices with the knowledge of their vulnerabilities and the peace of mind that their systems are secure.”

Dental practices eager to strengthen their cybersecurity can apply for a grant at Cyber Umbrella’s Grant Application Page. It’s a straightforward process, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

About Cyber Umbrella:

Cyber Umbrella, a division of Love Vision Inc, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing American businesses with penetration tests to uncover vulnerabilities and ensure robust cybersecurity measures. Their mission is to protect personal data from the growing threat of cyberattacks, ensuring the safety of vendors, employees, and customers alike.

About Fortune Management:

Fortune Management isn’t just about business coaching; it’s about empowering healthcare professionals to excel. Our approach helps dental practitioners not just survive in today’s market, but thrive. Discover how we do it at Fortune Management’s Vision.

Michael Benson
Cyber Umbrella
+1 855-729-2371
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook

ADA News Picked up our grant

Link 1:  https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/cyber-umbrella-offers-2-million-dollar-grant-to-boost-cybersecurity-within-dental-practices/

Link 2: https://ktla.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/719248291/cyber-umbrella-unveils-2-million-in-grants-at-camp-finance-to-enhance-cybersecurity-for-dentists/