Hackers are Sophisticated, Smart and Ready to Take Advantage of Your Business, Says Chris Mark, Founder of the Society of Payment Security Professionals

Utah Technology Council Breakfast Event, Sponsored by ProPay, Urges Leaders to “Get Rid of Their Data”

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In response to recent billion dollar security breaches, the Utah Technology Council (UTC), (www.utahtech.org) Utah’s premier professional organization, hosted a startling business discussion with Chris Mark, an international expert in the field of data security to discuss strategies for protecting businesses against hackers.

“Increasing your data security makes it more difficult for the hacker to get inside. Many times this is the difference in a breach or security.”

“Hackers take advantage of mistakes you make in order to get a foot in the door of your company,” stated Mark. “We often think a hacker is some 19-year-old kid living in his grandmother’s basement, but in reality, they are very smart and sophisticated people, often some of the brightest people around and the only real way to protect your company’s data from hackers is by removing your sensitive data rather than storing it.”

Mark added that hackers want to attach malicious software to servers that allows them to steal sensitive data from companies. Some examples of sensitive data include:

• Credit card numbers
• Social Security numbers
• Bank account numbers
• Bank routing numbers

Additionally, Mark believes that companies must go the extra mile in keeping themselves protected, yet most people learn this lesson after a breach or hack. “It’s mere child’s play for a hacker to create malicious software that can get past your anti-virus software,” he said. “Increasing your data security makes it more difficult for the hacker to get inside. Many times this is the difference in a breach or security.”

“Today’s discussion was a definite eye-opener,” said Richard R. Nelson, president and CEO of UTC. “Hackers are a living, breathing, ugly entity that most of us know little about, and we must have a reality check to increase awareness and security to protect our businesses and our homes. This was one of our most compelling UTC breakfast events.”

To learn more about future UTC events, visit www.utahtech.org or call 801-568-3500.

About Utah Technology Council

Utah's premier professional association, the Utah Technology Council has become the essential business resource for life science and high-tech companies seeking to achieve greater success. At its core, UTC exists to foster the Growth of the state's more than 5,000 technology companies, ensure Utah develops the highest Quality Workforce in the nation and attract an ever-increasing array of Funding. Members join UTC to share insights with industry peers, counsel with government and academic leaders and receive help from professional service providers and funding resources. To become a member of this "must-join" organization, visit www.utahtechcouncil.org or call 801-568-3500 today.

About ProPay

Since 1997, ProPay has led the market in providing simple, safe and affordable credit card processing and electronic payment services for businesses ranging from the small, home-based entrepreneur to multi-billion-dollar enterprises.

ProPay understands the unique needs of these businesses and has created merchant services specifically for them. With ProPay, merchants can set up accounts online and begin accepting credit cards without buying special equipment or making long-term commitments or investments. ProPay leads out in educating merchants about how to reduce or eliminate the risk of touching or holding sensitive cardholder data. The company also leads the payments market in the development of secure end-to-end solutions for protecting sensitive data and of alternative payment options that significantly reduce business costs. For further information, visit www.propay.com.