Thoughts From My Inbox
December 4th, 2020

Something About…

It seems that Luxottica (Ray Ban, Sunglass Hut, Lens Crafters, etc.) has had a few cyber incidents recently, and they’re just now coming to light.  There was an August 5^th hack of its web-based appointment setting app, as well as a ransomware attack.

This one is a little late as it was stuck in my junk email folder.  And while it was put together for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, it’s actually a great reminder as you shop throughout the holiday season. Included are ten tips to keep you and your accounts safe, and they are items that should actually be used year ‘round.

You should always stop to consider your home wireless network security, but even more if you’re working from home.  With the sudden move to #WFH last spring, many companies didn’t take the time to implement proper security precautions. Now, people are working smoothly (for the most part), but those security measures that were lacking have now been forgotten.  If you’re logging on at home, you’re putting your company’s network at risk.  This piece has five good tips on how to make sure your home wifi is secure. 

Our security partners at Sophos are offering webinars on social engineering, cybersecurity during COVID, and ransomware.  There is no cost for these, and whether you log on for one or all three, I think you’ll find them both informative and interesting.  You’ll learn how to avoid being victimized by social engineering, how threats evolve, how cybercriminals operate, and more.  The event is on Tuesday, December 8^th at 2PM EST.

Sorry.  This isn’t about that type of watering hole, but rather, watering hole attacks.  Never heard of them?  In this type of attack, cyber criminals look for weaknesses on popular websites.  When they find a weakness, they load the site with malware, which then infects the devices of people visiting those websites.  As a consumer, you should make sure your browsers are always up to date, and if you’re a business, there are additional steps to take.  (Thanks to our friend Anton Ruighaver of TechLinq for getting this one to my inbox.)

I think that everybody sees the value in a good partnership, whether it’s your auto mechanic, insurance broker, or corporate photographer. It’s important to have a network of people you can trust, from both a business and personal perspective. Our friends at Oswald Insurance got this one in my inbox this week; they’re hosting a webinar on December 10^th at noon, on the topic of evaluating key partnerships and leveraging their capabilities and resources.  The focus will be on banking, finance, HR, and risk management.  Aside from your attorney, these are probably the most important business relationships you can have.

This is my oddity for the week.  Mike Bartley is the all-time winningest high school hockey coach in Ohio, after having coached Shaker Heights for 30 years.  Prior to that, he played D1 college hockey, as well as some minor league hockey.  It turns out that he had a hockey trading card that he never knew about until this past summer. (nine minute video)

I made a reference a few weeks back about making chili and watching football.  Of course, a few readers gave me grief for not supplying the recipe.  So, off the top of my head (and that’s usually how I cook), here’s my recipe for white chicken chili;

1.5 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breast, cubed
32oz. can great northern beans (drained)
2 yellow onions, diced
1 4oz can diced hot chiles
32oz. chicken broth
Olive Oil
Kosher salt
Jalapenos, Fresh Cilantro, Monterrey Jack Cheese, Sour Cream (for toppings)

In a cast iron pot (a regular pot will work, too, but I like cast iron) saute the onions until soft. Then add the chicken and brown. This should take 5-10 minutes.  Add the beans and broth, and kosher salt to taste.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce and simmer for 2-4 hours (can be less if you’re starving), stirring frequently.

Serve and top with diced jalapenos, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream (or any combo therein).

That’s all for this week.  Big game for the Buckeyes tomorrow (I haven’t heard anything yet saying they’re not playing) and the Browns on Sunday.  Sounds like there’s a little more snow in the forecast too.  Hope you have a great weekend!

Best Regards,
Jim