I refreshed the screen, and I saw it: zero balance. I refreshed my crypto wallet again. Gone.
Despite being immersed in the tech world for nearly two decades, I fell victim to a sophisticated cyberattack. It can happen to any of us.
In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity. The growing reliance on digital technology has transformed how we live, work and play. However, it is not without its risks.
Cybercriminals continue to find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and threaten the security of individuals and businesses across the state.
According to the FBI’s 2022 Internet Crime Report, thousands of South Carolinians were victims of cybercrime, with aggregate losses of more than $100 million in 2022 alone. This more than doubled 2021’s losses of nearly $43 million.
In 2012, hackers attacked South Carolina’s Department of Revenue and stole nearly 3.8 million tax records.
After the breach, our state made immediate efforts to improve cybersecurity standards. However, South Carolina’s Information Security Program Master Policy and Handbook have not been updated since 2014.
More can and should be done.
We could start by developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, broadening public-private partnerships and perhaps even establishing a dedicated cybersecurity agency.
By working together, we can allocate the necessary resources and implement robust defense mechanisms to ensure a safer digital future for all individuals and businesses in South Carolina.
As for the lost crypto, it was an expensive but valuable lesson that we can all take to heart.