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Combat cybercrime through the ARA-Network Coverage Partnership

By Brock Huffstutler and Connie Lannan

March 1, 2023

PadlockAs a means of helping members counter ever-evolving threats posed by cybercriminals, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers a new partnership with Network Coverage, a firm that provides information technology solutions and managed cybersecurity services.

“Over the past few years, cybersecurity has become a paramount issue for rental operators,” says James Auerbach, ARA vice president, event segment and rental industry workforce development. “Multiple ARA members have experienced phishing, malware and ransomware attacks due to vulnerabilities in their IT systems. In some instances, these attacks have crippled the business with limited recovery options. We are excited to have a respected national partner in place to assist our members with advance preparedness and mitigation of unforeseen cybersecurity attacks.”

Through the partnership with Network Coverage, ARA members can receive:

  • A complimentary two-hour cybersecurity consultation, including a risk assessment questionnaire/scorecard for the member to use without additional obligation. After the consultation, members will be eligible to receive an in-depth cybersecurity audit at a discounted flat rate.
  • Access to an annual cybersecurity webinar.
  • Access to additional content distributed to ARA members on preventing cybercrime in your rental business.

“We are laser focused on delivering unprecedented value to ARA members in the form of knowledge, guidance and service,” says Alex Joy, president and CEO of Danvers, Mass.-based Network Coverage.

Joy also echoes Auerbach’s comments about the seriousness of cyberthreats and the need to remain vigilant, underscoring the value of the ARA-Network Coverage partnership.

“The threat landscape has changed for the worse in recent years and continues to challenge even the most cautious and experienced cyber professionals with the ever-evolving nature of attacks,” Joy says. “The tools and tactics that worked five years ago simply will not work today, and no longer is the ostrich approach (head in the sand) a sufficient deterrent to bad actors looking to hold your company at ransom or disrupt your businesses work and cash flow. The current landscape requires vigilance, understanding and investment to truly be effective — and that goes for all businesses across all industries. As an ISO-certified, CMMC Certified Practitioner, Network Coverage is keenly equipped to assist at all levels of cyber warfare, and we’re excited to bring this expertise to the ARA.”

ARA members can learn more and register for their free consultation at ARArental.org/cyber-security.

For more information, contact ARA Member Services at 800-334-2177.


ARA offers resources to help combat cybersecurity attacks

It seems like cybersecurity attacks are becoming more frequent and indiscriminate in their targeting. No one and no business is immune. The American Rental Association (ARA) offers a variety of resources that can help you be better prepared, know best practices to implement and strengthen your overall defenses against these attacks.
Resources available in RentalU

There are three free stand-alone offerings available to members via RentalU, ARA’s education platform:

Cybersecurity Basics video: This short video tutorial, which is part of the 2023 Prioritize Safety Series, covers different cybersecurity threats, from ransomware and phishing to malware, and offers red flags to be aware of to protect your employees and business.

Essential Cybersecurity Business Protection PDF:This document outlines basic cybersecurity terms you should know and offers examples of phishing. It includes a security checklist your business should use to ensure your online data is safe.

Importance of Cybersecurity in Your Rental Business webinar:This ARA-hosted webinar recording shares information on cybersecurity awareness that can help you better understand the importance of cybersecurity in your business.

In addition, a Cybersecurity for Employees course is offered as part of the ARA Certified — Marketing & Sales and ARA Certified — Service Technician program. Those who sign up for either ARA Certified program will receive this course as part of the package.

Partnership with Network Coverage

ARA has partnered with Network Coverage, Danvers, Mass., a technology solutions provider with a national presence, to provide ARA members with a first line of defense.

ARA members may receive a two-hour free consultation with the experts at Network Coverage. This consultation includes a risk assessment questionnaire/scorecard for the member to use without additional obligation. For more information about this consultation, go to ARArental.org/cyber-security

“After this consultation, members are eligible to receive an in-depth cybersecurity audit at a discounted flat rate,” says Jeff Rogan, director of ARA member services. “They also will have access to an annual cybersecurity webinar and receive content on preventing cybercrime at your rental business.”