Why is Georgia Tech Being Sued? Urgent New Risks

Georgia Tech’s Cybersecurity Lies: Your Business Could Be Next

Georgia Tech, a top tech school, just got caught lying about cybersecurity. Now, they’re facing a federal lawsuit. You might think it can’t happen to you. But here’s the truth: if Georgia Tech messed up, your business could be at risk too.

The Georgia Tech Scandal: A Wake-Up Call

The government is suing Georgia Tech for poor cybersecurity practices. At the center of this mess is Dr. Antonakakis’ lab. They got millions from the Department of Defense (DoD) for research. However, they failed in many ways:

1. Basic Security Failures: They didn’t follow required security rules. These include simple things like access control and system safety.
2. No Antivirus: Shockingly, the lab refused to use antivirus software. This was despite handling sensitive DoD data.
3. False Claims: Georgia Tech said they met 98 out of 110 security standards. In reality, they didn’t.
4. Continued Billing: Even after knowing they weren’t following rules, they kept billing the DoD.

Why You Should Worry

You might think, “That’s Georgia Tech’s problem, not mine.” But here’s why you should care:

1. No One is Safe: If Georgia Tech failed, smaller businesses are at even greater risk.
2. Stricter Rules Coming: Starting next year, the DoD will crack down on cybersecurity compliance.
3. New Certification Process: Soon, third-party audits will be required for DoD contractors.
4. Widespread Impact: These standards are becoming common across all industries.
5. Ripple Effects: Remember the ransomware attacks in Cobb and Fulton counties? Many local businesses were hit too. In fact, 60% of small businesses hit by such attacks shut down for good.

A Local Example

Just last month, I was helping a local business improve their cybersecurity. Before we could start, they were attacked. Harmful emails flooded their systems, targeting staff and customers. This disaster could have been prevented.

What You Can Do

1. Face Reality: First, accept that your business is at risk. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.
2. Follow Guidelines: Start working towards NIST 800-171 compliance now. Don’t wait for auditors to show up.
3. Invest in Security: Go beyond just antivirus. You need strong protection on all devices, network security, and staff training.
4. Stay Alert: Cyber threats change quickly. You need constant monitoring.
5. Get Expert Help: This isn’t a do-it-yourself job. You need professionals to keep your business safe.

The Bottom Line

Georgia Tech’s scandal is a warning. It shows what could happen to your business if you don’t act now. At Datafying Tech Services, we’ve been protecting local businesses for years. We know the risks and how to guard against them.

Don’t become the next victim. Take cybersecurity seriously before it’s too late. In today’s digital world, it’s not if you’ll be attacked, but when.

Ready to protect your business? Contact Datafying Tech Services today. Let’s keep your business safe and running.

Works Cited

• “Mercer University Seeks Dismissal of Cyber Breach Lawsuit.” Yahoo News, 2024, https://news.yahoo.com/mercer-university-seeks-dismissal-cyber-171535155.html.
• “Little Rock Approves $250K Ransomware Settlement.” K12 Dive, 2024, https://www.k12dive.com/news/little-rock-approves-250k-ransomware-settlement/645684/.
• “Ascension Lawsuits Ransomware Attack Cybersecurity.” Healthcare Dive, 2024, https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/ascension-lawsuits-ransomware-attack-cybersecurity/609344/.
• “Oh, Your Cybersecurity Researchers Won’t Use Antivirus Tools? Here’s a Federal Lawsuit.” Ars Technica, 2024, https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/08/oh-your-cybersecurity-researchers-wont-use-antivirus-tools-heres-a-federal-lawsuit/.
• Datafying Tech Services. “Learn More About Securing Your Business.” https://datafying.tech/services/.
• Datafying Tech Services. “Our Dark Web Surveillance Services.” https://datafying.tech/services/dark-web-surveillance-for-georgia-smbs-datafying-tech-services/.
• Datafying Tech Services. “Our Data Protection Services.” https://datafying.tech/services/complete-backup-for-georgia-smbs-datafying-tech-services/.
• Datafying Tech Services. “See How We Can Assist With Network Protection.” https://datafying.tech/services/network-protection-for-georgia-smbs-datafying-tech-services/.
• Datafying Tech Services. “Learn More About Our File Security Services.” https://datafying.tech/services/file-security-for-georgia-smbs-datafying-tech-services/.