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In a ransomware attack, a hacker penetrates an organization’s network and holds its data hostage until a specified ransom is paid. Hackers don’t discriminate based on business size or industry—any organization that stores its data on a network is at risk. You can protect your business with five best practices.

Financial markets look more buoyant than in the closing weeks of 2018. High levels of market volatility have been tamed by central bank moderation, with equity indices having had a roaring start of the year. However, looking beyond immediate market sentiment, how much has really changed? The six key investment themes at the start of the year provide a good structure for answering the question. They may also suggest how far markets could go in the future.

Due to the evolving sophistication of criminals, security breaches continue to occur on a regular basis. Banks have already been responding to regulator concerns about cybersecurity risks and the potential liabilities and penalties that could result from failure to have an adequate cybersecurity program. If a cyber breach happens, banks will need to show that they took reasonable care to safeguard their customers’ and employees’ personal information.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker recently signed House Bill 4806, amending the state’s data breach notification law. In relevant part, the amendment expands the information that must be reported to Massachusetts regulators in connection with a data breach involving the personal information of Massachusetts residents, imposes new requirements on compromised entities, and adds some clarification to when entities are required to issue notice of a breach.

Families blessed with significant financial resources can make an amazing and long-lasting impact on the world. But that wealth can also lead to disagreements, grudges, and hurt feelings. Trying to hide from the conflict does not make it go away. The best thing a family can do is create a culture of open, honest conversation about the impact their wealth can have, as well as the pitfalls. Communication is therefore one key factor in sustaining wealth for generations.

Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ) offer taxable investors the potential for deferral of existing gains and tax-free growth. Though the basic provisions of the tax incentive are known, the rules remain unclear and regulatory risks persist. While the existence of a tax incentive can make a good investment even better, investment decisions should not be primarily driven by tax considerations.

Generation Z and millennial entrepreneurs are known for being innovative, bold, quick-thinking game changers. But too often they ignore the more mundane (but incredibly important) aspects of their personal financial situations and decisions regarding the fate of their business. By investing some of the passion and energy they have for their businesses into estate and financial planning, Generation Z and millennial entrepreneurs can help set themselves, and their businesses, up for long-term success.

Passive investing began to gain traction following the 2008 financial crisis, with the trend reflecting the view that higher fees of active managers would exceed the excess returns that they were able to generate. While passive investing has a role in a portfolio, there are potential drawbacks that are being overlooked by some investors.

Discussions between the U.S. and China regarding trade and tariff issues remain fluid. Markets are increasingly optimistic that an agreement between the two countries can help restore globalization trends, but protectionism could still weigh on growth. In Europe, the economy continues to report signs of weakness. In the U.S., labor conditions remain robust, with 3.8% unemployment rate. Sentiment indicators have been mixed, and surveys of corporate CFO priorities show a shift into more defensive strategies (away from expansion).

Prevention matters, and knowledge is the key to prevention. By understanding exactly what identity theft is, how it happens, and how it affects you, you will be better able to prevent and, if necessary, resolve identity theft. Learn more about identity protection and some simple steps you can take to further reduce your susceptibility.