There’s growing fear of cyberattacks.
In fact, the FBI has called on the private sector to be prepared for potential attacks launched by Russia throughout the latest chaos with Ukraine.
Also, according to ABC News:
“Given the very high tensions that we are experiencing, companies of any size and of all sizes would be foolish not to be preparing right now as we speak — to increase their defenses, to do things like patching, to heighten their alert systems, to be monitoring in real-time their cybersecurity,” deputy attorney general Lisa Monaco said in remarks at the Munich Cybersecurity Conference. “They need to be as we say, ‘shields up’ and to be really on the most heightened level of alert that they can be and taking all necessary precautions.”
What’s worse is the U.S. isn’t prepared if there is an attack.
Cities, hospitals, schools, and many companies aren’t ready.
In fact, according to FireEye, as noted by Cybersecurity Insiders, about 29% of organizations haven’t even bothered to test their cyber defenses in over a year. Considering the constant threat, and the cost of cyberattacks, that shouldn’t be.
You almost want to bang your head against the wall. Worse, it’s only a matter of time before we’re hit with another massive cyberattack.
With the threat becoming even more critical by the day, it has to be taken seriously.
For investors, here are some of the top stocks to keep on radar.
Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG)
“The Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) seeks to invest in companies that stand to potentially benefit from the increased adoption of cybersecurity technology, such as those whose principal business is in the development and management of security protocols preventing intrusion and attacks to systems, networks, applications, computers, and mobile devices,” says Global X.
Over the last several months, the BUG ETF exploded from about $24.50 to about $27.75. From here, we could see a potential test of $40, near-term, as the cyber situation intensifies. Some of the ETFs top holdings include Fortinet, Crowdstrike, Palo Alto, Okta Inc., and Rapid7 Inc. to name a few. What’s nice about an ETF is that it offers a good deal of exposure at less cost.
iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF (IHAK)
According to iShares, “The iShares Cybersecurity and Tech ETF seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of developed and emerging market companies involved in cyber security and technology, including cyber security hardware, software, products, and services.”
Some of its top holdings include Zscaler, Fortinet, Docusign Inc., Okta Inc. and Proofpoint Inc.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW)
PANW is one of the biggest cybersecurity firms in the world. Even after running from a low of $225 to $470, it could still see higher highs. JMP Securities recently assumed coverage of the stock with an outperform rating with a target price of $620. Even Citi just initiated a buy rating on the PANW stock with a $585 price target.
PANW will release its latest earnings after closing bell tonight.
