If you are a business leader, you probably are not spending your days thinking about global conflict. You are focused on growth, customers, operations, and keeping the wheels turning. But in today’s world, geopolitical events do not stay overseas. They show up in your business through cyber risk.
When global tensions rise, cyber activity follows. Nation-state actors and affiliated groups often target American businesses, not just government systems. That means your company, your data, and your operations can become part of a conflict you never intended to join. Cyber attacks have increased significantly over the past month.
In other words, this is not the time to assume your company is too small, too boring, or too “under the radar.” Believing you are too small to be a target is exactly what makes you one.
Regulators are already warning about this. The New York State Department of Financial Services recently issued an alert stating that “recent events warrant vigilance, and regulated entities should ensure that their cybersecurity risk management practices reflect the current heightened threat environment.”
That is a clear signal. This is not just an IT issue. It is a business risk. So what should you be thinking about as an executive?
First, are your systems up to date and protected? Many attacks succeed because basic vulnerabilities were never fixed.
Second, do you have visibility into your environment? If something goes wrong, how quickly would you know? Proactive monitoring systems should keep both leadership and IT informed of suspicious activity before it becomes a serious problem.
Third, who has access to your critical systems and data? Too much access creates unnecessary risk. Adopting a least privilege approach is no longer optional.
Fourth, do you have a real plan if something goes wrong? Not a document that exists somewhere, but a plan your team can execute under pressure. Ask your IT team about your most recent disaster recovery test. If the answer is silence, that tells you something.
Finally, have your defenses been tested? An ethical hacking firm can identify weaknesses before someone with worse intentions does.
The bottom line is simple. You may not be on the front lines of this fight, but your business is in the digital one. You are not watching from the sidelines. You are already a target in the war.
At Tech Legion, our Legionnaires are the warriors you need to protect you from threats. If you would like to learn more, we are your front line – book a free meeting today with one of our experts
