NYAIR Episode 47 – Navigating Cybersecurity in the New Normal: How Smaller Firms Can Be Prepared

Russell Sommers of Baker Tilly discusses ways that smaller firms can prepare for the “new normal” in a post-COVID-19 world.

The impact of COVID-19 on our lives and careers is undeniable. In response to the pandemic, most companies have implemented work from home mandates. As our homes and workplaces have merged into one, the stresses on our respective cybersecurity programs have changed.  From strains on bandwidth and significant increases in virtual private network (VPN) traffic, to an overload of communications from both employers and external sources, as well as, the logistical strains of workspace sharing, and distance learning needs of family members; the average day of the American worker has changed. This new business environment has shifted and heightened cybersecurity risks. This discussion sets out to understand what the new and increased cyber risks are and the impact they can have on a business. Given the rise in cyber-attacks, how are cyber policies adapting and what are the strategies that companies are deploying to ensure they have strong cyber security in place, along with remaining resilient and sustainable during this pandemic in their day-to-day business operations.

Russell Sommers is a senior manager at Baker Tilly with more than 12 years of experience in the field of public accounting, risk advisory, information technology and cybersecurity in financial services and other highly regulated industries. In his role at Baker Tilly he has led a broad array of projects, including cybersecurity consulting, regulatory compliance consulting, internal controls advisory, internal audit, information technology audit and risk assessment, vendor risk management, enterprise risk management and SOC reporting.

The conversation is moderated by Robert Akeson of Mirae Asset Securities (USA).