Moments later, her assistant entered with two cups of coffee, handing one to Alicia. "What's our exposure? " Alicia asked, taking a sip. Your current security is decent, but not equipped for this level of attack. We need to upgrade everything immediately. Janet pulled out a second tablet.
I've prepared recommendations. It's not cheap, but considering what's at stake, do it, Alicia said without hesitation. "Whatever we need. " For the next hour, Janet's team moved through the office like a well-oiled machine. They installed new security software, updated firewalls, and began the process of moving sensitive data to more secure servers. Marcus knocked on Alicia's door around 9, his face tight with concern.
The CFO is here. You need to see this. Robert Chen, Rhodes Aviation's Chief Financial Officer, waited in the small conference room. His normally neat appearance showed signs of strain, tie slightly askew, hair not quite perfectly combed. "They're trying to get to our audit records," he said as soon as Alicia entered.
"I've been up all night monitoring unusual access attempts. They're particularly interested in our recent acquisitions and tax filings. They're looking for dirt," Alicia said, settling into a chair. "Anything they can use to trigger an investigation. " That's my assessment, too. Robert spread several documents on the table.
The problem is, even though we're clean, a coordinated attack could still cause massive disruption. If they can plant even a hint of impropriety, they could freeze our assets pending investigation, Alicia finished. "How long would that take to resolve? " Months at minimum. Maybe years. Robert's expression was grim.
We're talking about potential payroll disruptions, contract delays, lost opportunities. Alicia stood, walking to the window. Below, Manhattan buzzed with morning traffic, unaware of the battle being waged in digital space above the streets. "Robert, I need you to start something for me. Quietly. ", she turned back to face him.
Begin a comprehensive audit trail. Document every transaction, every decision, every dollar that moves through this company. I want records so clean and clear that not even the most corrupt investigator could find fault. "That's a massive undertaking," Robert said. But he was already pulling out his laptop.
Break it into phases. Start with the most recent year, then work backward. Priority on anything touching Elite Jets or their subsidiaries. She paused. And Robert, keep this between us for now.
The fewer people who know. "Understood. " He nodded, fingers already flying across his keyboard. Janet appeared in the doorway. Ms. Rhodess, we found something else.