Private Clubs and Resorts
Computer Security: Keeping the Bad Guys at Bay
"Is my club at risk from computer attackers and thieves?"
That’s the question so many club managers and directors ask lately. The simple answer to that universal question is: yes. Private clubs, like all small businesses, are at significant risk from a variety of lawbreakers such as:
- Identity thieves intent on stealing sensitive information about your club’s members and employees
- Internet hackers looking to "set up shop" by taking over your club’s computer system for illicit purposes, such as storage of pornography and pirated music, or use of your club’s network to attack others
- Cyber thieves attempting to plant eavesdropping software on your club’s network to track employee access to the club’s bank and credit card accounts
- Disgruntled employees wanting to wreak havoc on your club’s operations by compromising your computer network and crashing your systems
How big is the risk?
To put your club’s risk in perspective, here are some frightening statistics to consider:
- Nearly 4,500 new viruses and worms were unleashed during the first 6 months of 2004.That’s up from about 1,700 in the previous 6-month period. (Symantec)
- Computer thieves stole 9.5 million individual identities of North American citizens in 2004, with losses estimated to be U.S. $11.7 billion. (Gartner)
- Experts estimate that another 10 million North American identities will be stolen in 2005. (Federal Trade Commission)
- Only one out of every 700 identity theft crimes are ever prosecuted. For criminals, the rewards are high and the risks are infinitesimal. (Gartner)
- The FBI’s biggest fear has come true -- organized crime has become a principal player in identity theft and other so-called "cyber crimes."
- Thieves are becoming more sophisticated and more discriminating. They now focus on stealing sensitive information from groups of individuals, rather than one at a time. Businesses are now the main targets, with the theft effort focused on customer and employee information.
- Businesses that have been compromised are now facing lawsuits from their customers and employees. Laws and regulations are now in place, or are being introduced, holding businesses legally liable for damages to their customers and employees.
How we can help
Our computer security group has been helping small businesses for more than 10 years to enhance their computer defenses and minimize the risk of being compromised. We also bring more than 15 years of club technology experience to the table, assisting private clubs with all facets of their computer technology decision making. We know the private club industry. And we know how to stop the cyber thieves.
You can employ sensible,cost-effective procedures at your club to secure sensitive member and employee information and block intruder access to your club’s confidential files. Our Defense-in-Depth Computer Security Plan will pinpoint your club’s vulnerabilities, and show you how to plug the holes.
For more information on how we can help, simply click on the Contact Us button and complete the requested information.
