Flash Fiction: 200 words
What is flash fiction?

The text message arrived early from First Community Bank.

Barbara Bowen took the final sip of her morning coffee and read the message notifying her that her account had dropped below a predefined threshold.

Barbara checked her account balance online; all her money was gone.

She dressed quickly to make the short trip down to her local bank; she was anxious to get some answers.

“We’re sorry this happened, Ms. Bowen,” Linda Martin, the bank manager, said. “It appears the bank’s computer systems were compromised; yours wasn’t the only account emptied last night. The bank is investigating and hopes to have a solution soon.”

Sitting at the desk in her home office, a satisfied smile appeared on Barbara’s face. The morning sun glinted off the small plaque on the wall, a lifetime achievement award for her pioneering efforts in the field of banking cybersecurity. The faint smell of cologne lingered on a tear-stained note she’d received from bank board chairman Jack Bennett ending their relationship.

A text message from Consolidated Cayman Bank verified her deposit. Another message verified her travel arrangements.

“Are we ready for departure?” the captain asked.

“Yes, our final passenger just boarded,” the flight attendant replied.

Author’s Notes:

Flash Fiction: 200 words
What is flash fiction?

Hacking is the act of identifying and then exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or network, usually to gain unauthorized access to personal or organizational data.

According to Gartner, cybersecurity (which Gartner spells as one word) refers to the systems, technologies, processes, governing policies and human activity that an organization uses to safeguard its digital assets.

The average cost of a data breach is projected to reach $4.2 million in 2023 (IBM).

Artwork by: Eleanor J. Graham

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