Unlike that ugly sweater or hideous pair of pants – which can be returned – the virus or malware an unknown admirer sent your way is truly a “gift” that keeps on giving.

While it has its advantages, ERP — a type of software that can manage supply chain operations, accounting, procurement and other recurring business activities — also has many security threats.

The convenience offered by online shopping can also offer an opening for cybercriminals who seek to rip off consumers, lining their own pockets while leaving retailers looking like the villain.

Heading into the new year, the latest results from Marcum LLP and Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business find a majority of leaders say their companies are not fully prepared for tech threats, with a growing number unable to absorb increasing costs.

The incidence of ransomware has been steadily increasing. However, by taking some commonsense steps and partnering with a qualified outsourced IT support group, businesses can reduce the chance of becoming the next victim.

Just like sports teams, the performance of businesses largely depends on the quality of individuals — and keeping an underperformer on a payroll penalizes other employees.

The woman-owned cybersecurity company from Newark uses an automated platform to help shrink the potential attack surface. Its customers are some of the largest and most highly regulated organizations globally.

“Health care cybersecurity used to be about the protective moat around internal IT systems, basically keeping the bad guys out,” said Bob Janacek, CEO and co-founder of Morristown-based DataMotion. “Today the ‘moat’ has to be extended because the exchange of data is no longer limited to working with sensitive information within a central location like a hospital."

Technology can help a new company quickly ramp up its operations — as long as management follows the right tech playbook.

The agreements resolve two alleged incidents: one from 2015 involving T-Mobile customers, including 489,789 from the Garden State, and another pertaining to a 2012 violation at Experian Data Corp. (EDC).

Security-conscious business owners never leave their front door unlocked or hand out their passwords to strangers. But many have already handed their business keys to a potentially dangerous culprit: their digital copier.

This year's theme is all about a topic the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency says many Americans may not consciously think about until it is compromised.