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Cyber Privateers: A Modern Threat to Businesses

“Know ye that we have granted and given license to Adam Robernolt and William le Sauvage… to annoy our enemies by sea or by land, wheresoever they can so that they share with us the half of all their gain.”

These words, spoken by King Henry III of England, marked the issuance of one of the first letters of marque, empowering private sailors to bolster England’s naval might and enrich the royal treasury through lawful privateering. This astute maneuver funded the kingdom’s ambitions and laid the groundwork for the exploration and plunder of new worlds, all at the expense of England’s rivals.

Fast-forward to the present day, and the spirit of privateering lives on, albeit in a different arena: cyberspace. Today, businesses—especially in the United States—are vulnerable to digital privateers.

Recently, the FBI testified before Congress, warning that the People’s Republic of China was gearing up to “sow chaos” by targeting the US power grid, oil pipelines, and water systems in a potential conflict over Taiwan.

As small business owners, you are not bystanders in this digital battle but frontline warriors. The belief that cybersecurity is solely a concern for larger corporations is a misconception. In truth, small businesses’ agility and often less fortified digital defenses make them prime targets for these modern-day privateers.

The revelation of these threats is not intended to discourage but to awaken an understanding of the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. The landscape has shifted, and you are responsible for shielding your enterprise from digital marauders.


The silver lining? There is an unprecedented opportunity for those willing to strengthen their defenses.
Consider this: Investing in cybersecurity is not just protection; it’s a strategic advantage. The narrative has shifted from viewing digital protection as a mere operational cost to recognizing it as a cornerstone of business resilience and growth. CEOs and business leaders are now recognizing the essential nature of cybersecurity and integrating it into their core strategies.

So, where do you stand in this evolving scenario?

Now is the time for reflection, for an honest evaluation of your cybersecurity posture. Are you prepared for the digital equivalent of a storm at sea? Have you charted a course that not only navigates these treacherous waters but also seizes the opportunities they present?

The urgency cannot be overstated. The threats are real, and the consequences of inaction severe.

We’ve simplified the next step towards a proactive defense and invite you to join us for a complimentary 15-minute discovery call. During this call, we’ll assess where your business stands to determine if further discussions are warranted. To schedule, call us at 973-828-0488 or visit https://ibsre.com/connect-with-ibs/.

The era of digital privateering is here, but so is the chance for unparalleled growth and security. Let’s embark on this journey together, safeguarding your enterprise and securing its future in the digital frontier.