Authority Magazine: Cyber Defense: Aaron Shilts of NetSPI On The 5 Things Every American Business Leader Should Do To Shield Themselves From A Cyberattack

On April 24, 2022, Aaron Shilts was featured in the Authority Magazine article, Cyber Defense: Aaron Shilts of NetSPI On The 5 Things Every American Business Leader Should Do To Shield Themselves From A Cyberattack. Preview the article below, or read the full article online.

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In our uncertain and turbulent world, cyberattacks on private businesses are sadly a common tactic of hostile foreign regimes as well as criminal gangs. Cyberattacks and ransomware have crippled large multinational organizations and even governments. What does every company need to do to protect itself from a cyberattack?

In this series called “5 Things Every American Business Leader Should Do To Shield Themselves From A Cyberattack” we are talking to cybersecurity experts and chief information security officers who can share insights from their experience, with all of us.

As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Aaron Shilts, CEO of NetSPI.

As President and CEO of NetSPI with 20+ years of industry leadership, Aaron Shilts is known for his honest, open, and energizing leadership and his undeniable focus on corporate culture, collaboration, and business growth. Under Aaron’s leadership, NetSPI has experienced 35% and 50% Organic Revenue Growth in 2020 and 2021 respectively. In addition to his work at NetSPI, Aaron is the co-founder of “Change Starts With Me,” a Minneapolis non-profit, and advises several global firms. Aaron earned his B.S. from St. Cloud State University and proudly served in the Army National Guard.

Who has to be most concerned about a cyber attack? Is it primarily businesses or even private individuals?

In today’s evolving threat landscape where cybercriminals have become more sophisticated and motivated than ever before, cybersecurity is now everyone’s responsibility. In fact, the weakest link within any organization is typically its employees. Everyone working for, or with, the business should understand that security is everyone’s business — from the CEO down to the seasonal intern, and even the third-party contractor.

For this reason, organizations should implement frequent, hands-on security training, and regularly test the effectiveness of such training with simulated attacks to determine if more work needs to be done. After all, it only takes one accidental click on a malicious link to cripple an entire organization and its assets.

Read the full interview online.