Forge Institute Launches Phoenix Xcelerator to Scale Growth of Defense Tech Startups
Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of the Phoenix Xcelerator, a pioneering program designed to empower & grow startups across the defense and aerospace sectors. Through structured programming—including a rigorous high-quality curriculum, personalized mentorship, and coaching—the Phoenix Xcelerator advances industry-informed and mission-led innovation. The program is funded in-part through a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).
Cyber Threat ADVISORY
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) advises all individuals and organizations to take immediate precautions following reports of cyberattacks targeting U.S. telecom networks by the State-Sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group, Salt Typhoon. These attacks pose significant risks to personal privacy, business operations, and critical infrastructure.
Watch Out For These Seasonal Scams
As the holiday season draws near, it's not just the time for joy and giving—it’s also peak season for scammers. Fraudsters take advantage of the festive hustle and bustle, creating schemes designed to exploit your holiday spirit and generosity. Protecting yourself from these schemes is essential to ensure your holiday remains merry and stress-free.
Charity Scams During the Holiday Season
As the holiday season nears, scammers ramp up their efforts with fake charity appeals and fraudulent offers. They exploit the festive spirit to steal money or personal information. Be cautious—verify charities and holiday deals before donating or purchasing, and protect yourself from falling victim to these common scams.
The Growing Threat of Deepfake Technology in Cyber Attacks
In an era where technology advances rapidly, deepfake technology has emerged as both a fascinating innovation and a potential cybersecurity nightmare. Originally developed for entertainment purposes, deepfakes use artificial intelligence (AI) to create hyper-realistic videos and audio, making it possible to fabricate someone's likeness or voice with startling accuracy. While the initial use cases were harmless, deepfakes have now become a significant concern in cybersecurity, especially as they are increasingly being weaponized in phishing attacks, misinformation campaigns, and identity theft. In this blog, we’ll dive into how deepfake technology works, real-world examples of its malicious use, and how organizations can protect themselves from falling victim to deepfake-related attacks.
Integrity in the Election Process
As the November elections draw closer, concerns about foreign adversaries trying to meddle in U.S. elections are ramping up again. Over the past few years, foreign entities have become more sophisticated in their attempts to create chaos, spread false information, and influence how people vote. While government agencies are hard at work protecting election systems, it's just as important for voters and local election officials to stay alert and aware of these threats.
Local cybersecurity expert warns of phishing scams during election season
Tom Flak, Director of Cyber Programs at Forge Institute, says there's an uptick in phishing concerns during election seasons because people are already used to receiving campaign messages.
“While you normally should be suspicious when you get an email from someone you don’t know or don’t really communicate with, during the election season, you do kind of expect to get unsolicited emails from political campaigns," Flak says.
The Rising Threat of Ransomware and Data Breaches in Healthcare
Healthcare facilities are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, with ransomware and data breaches posing severe risks to patient care and data integrity. In this post, we address the rising threat of ransomware and data breaches in the healthcare industry and how healthcare providers can prevent and mitigate these risks.
Forge Institute Receives Funding, Partners to Launch Structured Programs to Drive High-Growth Entrepreneurial Ventures in the Energy Sector
The Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of Embers Xcelerator: Grid-Connected Cyber, a pre-accelerator program focused on growing innovations for grid-connected resilience, and the Forge Institute Mentorship Program.
Cyber Threat Training Course Strengthens the Energy Sector’s Defenses Across the Mid-South Region
Forge Institute, in collaboration with UA Little Rock and the University of Arkansas, has recently completed a successful Cyber Threat Training course which aims to bolster the cyber security defenses of the Nation’s energy infrastructure.
Software Updates - Why are they important?
Frequent reminders to update your phone are vital for protecting your data and optimizing device performance, as outdated systems are prime targets for cybercriminals. In addition to enhancing security, software updates often introduce new features and improve overall functionality. Staying current with updates not only helps prevent costly cyberattacks but also ensures a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Data Breach Letters- What do I do?
In today's digital era, data breaches have become alarmingly common, putting millions at risk of having their personal information exposed. Receiving a notification that your data has been compromised can be unsettling, but it's crucial to remain calm and take swift action. Start by understanding what information has been affected and follow the provided instructions.
Lessons from the Front Lines: Cyber Warfare Expert Jim Richberg to Share Insights at Forge Institute Cyber Summit
The 5th Annual Forge Institute Cyber Summit will be held on October 7-8, 2024, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. This pivotal event will convene top cybersecurity experts and stakeholders to discuss the latest strategies and innovations in cyber defense.
Jim Richberg, Fortinet’s Head of Cyber Policy and Global Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), will deliver a keynote address.
Understanding AI in Social Engineering Attacks
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to advancing cybersecurity awareness and defenses across Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. This blog is part of a series focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Arkansas Cyber Defense Center Offers Water and Wastewater Cyber Health Check
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is actively working to help water treatment facilities across the state mitigate vulnerabilities from cyber attacks, particularly those posed by nation-state actors.
Mark Cheng and Dr. Barbara Stevens Join Forge Institute, Supercharging its Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Innovation Leadership
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark and Barbara to our Advisory Board. Dr. Stevens’ formidable expertise in cybersecurity and data science will be instrumental as we continue to elevate our national digital defenses. Mr. Cheng has a rich background in strategic analysis and leadership, and is quite skilled at forging partnerships to advance business and national security objectives. We welcome their expertise in supporting our mission of keeping America one step ahead in cyber and data security," stated Lee Watson, Chairman and CEO of the Forge Institute.
Forge Institute Adds Daniel Ross, Chief Growth Officer, and Jim Schnoes, Chief Financial & Compliance Officer, to the Leadership Team
Forge Institute has named new officers to its leadership team. Daniel Ross is the new Chief Growth Officer and Jim Schnoes will serve as the Chief Financial & Compliance Officer.
AI and Cybersecurity: Emerging Frontier (Part 1/3)
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to advancing cybersecurity awareness and defenses across Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. This blog is part of a series focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how AI is reshaping the landscape of cyber threats and the steps we can take to lessen these risks.
Black Basta Ransomware: An Emerging Threat
The Arkansas Cyber Defense Center (ACDC) is committed to enhancing the cybersecurity posture of organizations across the state of Arkansas. Our focus includes analyzing emerging threats, understanding the tactics employed by cybercriminals, and providing guidance to mitigate these threats. In the context of increasing global ransomware incidents, this blog aims to spotlight the Black Basta ransomware variant, explaining its operational tactics and offering prevention strategies.
Smart Security with your Smart Devices
Smart devices are everywhere! Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as camera doorbells, smart thermostats, and smart speakers have revolutionized the way we manage our offices and homes. These devices provide unparalleled convenience by allowing us to monitor and manage them from any location. These advancements represent a significant evolution in making our daily routines more efficient and our lives easier. However, we must learn to navigate the balance between embracing these conveniences and mitigating the risks that come with them.