In the sprawling digital age where cyber threats loom larger and more sophisticated by the day, the story of Michael Benson and his creation, Cyber Umbrella, emerges as a beacon of resilience and patriotic innovation. Born with glaucoma, Benson’s life has been a testament to overcoming adversity. While his disability barred him from military service—a dream he harbored since youth—he found another battlefield on which to serve his country: the realm of cybersecurity.

Cyber Umbrella, under Benson’s stewardship, has evolved from its initial focus on aiding those with vision loss through Love Vision Inc. to addressing a national security crisis through cutting-edge cyber defense mechanisms.

This mission has taken on new dimensions with the launch of the Cyber Defense Force, an initiative inviting individuals across the nation to join forces in sharing information and raising awareness about cyber threats. The importance of such collective action was highlighted in May when the FBI issued a stark warning about hackers targeting the dental industry—a sector previously underestimated in terms of cybersecurity risks.

The response was swift and substantial, with many dental practices seeking Cyber Umbrella’s expertise in third-party penetration tests and risk assessment grants. These services have revealed alarming vulnerabilities; IT companies servicing these practices often lack specialized knowledge in cybersecurity, leaving gaps wide open for exploitation. “Passcodes found on the dark web that can log into your cloud is just one of many alarming issues we are seeing!” notes Benson.

This revelation points to a disturbing trend where IT firms discourage such essential tests due to ego or fear of losing business—a dangerous gamble when dealing with sensitive patient data. Recognizing this gap, Cyber Umbrella offers its internal penetration test and risk assessment readout report—normally valued at $4,000—at no charge to dentists. It’s an investment in integrity and trustworthiness that speaks volumes about Cyber Umbrella’s commitment to safeguarding personal data against evolving cyber threats.

“We understand that reputation and cash flow are critical to every dentist,” says Benson. This understanding drives Cyber Umbrella’s dedication not just to identifying vulnerabilities but also to collaborating closely with IT firms within the dental sector. Their aim is clear: equip these practices with advanced cybersecurity measures without disrupting their operations or financial health.

Cyber Umbella’s approach reflects a broader philosophy that combines robust defense strategies with an inclusive mindset towards collaboration and education. By offering grants and working alongside existing IT infrastructure, they’re not only patching up current weaknesses but also fortifying defenses for future challenges—effectively turning potential victims into informed guardians of their own digital domains.

As we navigate through an era where online perils persistently evolve, stories like Michael Benson’s serve as powerful reminders of human resilience and ingenuity. From battling personal health struggles to confronting national security challenges head-on, his journey encapsulates a profound transition from vulnerability to strength—an inspiring blueprint for transforming personal trials into collective shields against adversity.

Benson’s narrative is not just about overcoming odds; it’s a rallying cry for unity against the unseen enemies lurking within our digital landscapes. As more sectors realize their vulnerability and join hands with initiatives like Cyber Umbrella’s Cyber Defense Force, there emerges a hopeful vision where shared knowledge and collaborative efforts pave the way toward a safer digital future for all.

To learn more about how you can contribute or benefit from this vital mission, explore further resources available through Cyber Umbrella’s social media platforms:

– Apply for Grant: https://cyberumbrella.org/cyberu23 

– LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-umbrella/

– YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC_8WRWRbWqwO7f_o2dDixdg

– Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Cyber-Umbrella/61554580440550/

Visit their website at cyberumbrella.org for detailed information on how you can bolster your defenses against the ever-evolving threats that lurk within our interconnected world.

In this digital era fraught with perilous uncertainties yet boundless possibilities for safeguarding what we hold dear—our privacy, our data, our very way of life—Michael Benson’s vision through Cyber Umbrella offers not just hope but tangible solutions at a time when they’re needed most.

This press release was originally published in The Chicago Journal which can be found at this link  https://thechicagojournal.com/national-shield-the-evolution-of-cyber-umbrella/

Published by: Khy Talara