What Every Company Should Know About Cyber Attacks and Cyber Insurance

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hidden person in green and black hoodie symbolizing cyber attacks

Cyber attacks — you’ve probably heard about them, but how bad can they really be? Are they really one of the greatest threats to business in the 21st century? Or is that all hype?

The truth is, if you run a business, you need to care about cyber attack protection.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about cyber attack protection and teach you a bit about business cyber insurance as well. It will do this by first walking you through the most popular types of cybersecurity attacks, then telling you why that means you need to get insurance.

Keep reading to learn more.

Phishing

Phishing is a simple phenomenon whereby a cybercriminal disguises themself as a legitimate business and asks someone for their password — usually claiming that the person needs to confirm their password. They use the password to wreak all sorts of havoc on a business.

What’s scary about phishing is how hard it is to prevent it. In our ever-connected world of cloud technologies, a cybercriminal could target the most vulnerable member of your business — perhaps the little old lady who doesn’t know much about computers — take their password and gain access to important data.

The best thing you can do to prevent this type of attack is to educate your company. The best way to do this is to host a meeting where you explain the issue. However, cybercriminals are only getting smarter, so it’s important to make sure that you stay ensured.

Malware

Malware is one of the biggest threats to cybersecurity. It refers to any sort of software designed to damage you and steal your information. Mal stands for malicious and ware stands for software.

Cybercriminals don’t carry out all of their dirty work themselves. These days, they often design software that does it for them, allowing them to keep their hands clean.

There are several different types of malware.

Ransomeware

Ransomeware is perhaps the most common and scary type of malware facing the world way. Ransomware attacks come onto your computer through links set in place by the criminals, encrypt important files of yours, and don’t let you back on them until you pay a ransom.

There’s often not much that can be done to fix a ransomware attack when it happens, especially when you need access to your data. You’ll often need to bite the bullet and pay the criminals. This is why it’s key to have cybercrime insurance.

A particularly scary type of ransomware is called Jigsaw. Jigsaw — named after the Saw horror series — encrypts your files and deletes an important file every hour permanently.

Lockers

Lockers are similar to ransomware. However, instead of encrypting your files, they lock you out of them. You often won’t be able to get past a certain lock screen unless you pay a certain amount of money.

Scareware

Scareware is one of the most malicious types of malware out there because it plays on the most vulnerable human emotions. Scareware programs will often disguise themselves as police and convince users they have engaged in illegal activity that they have to pay a fine for

Scareware often disguises, ironically, as anti-virus software. They’ll ask for your credit card info in order to fix your computer, then make off with your money.

Brute Force Attacks

Bruce force attacks are an old-school type of hacking strategy, but they’re still very useful today. A hacker using a brute force attack will simply type in someone’s username and plug in all of the most popular passwords out there.

This is primitive but stunningly effective. Check out this list of the most popular passwords out there. If your password is on this list, you might be the subject of one of these hacks.

Once again, the only way to prevent this is to inform your employees about this threat.

Additionally, you should let them know that they shouldn’t write down their passwords on a piece of paper; the paper could get thrown in the trash, and cybercriminals are known to dig through the trash. Tell them that they can’t use the same password they use for other accounts, criminals often try the passwords they crack in as many places as possible.

One should also keep in mind the growing presence of AI. As AI becomes more sophisticated, you can bet it will end up in the hands of some of the most dangerous cybercriminals. It’s a very real possibility that they’ll be able to design AI to brute force your passwords — even if they aren’t cliche.

Sometimes, you can’t prevent a cyber attack. The best solution is to make sure that you’re ensured so you can get your business back up and running as soon as possible.

What to Know About Cyber Insurance

With more people online, there are more cybercrime attacks in history than ever before. All of this practice means that cybercriminals are only going to get smarter in the coming decade.

This will increase the chance that your business will be hit by a cybercriminal attack. In the future, we’re going to have to view cybercrime like other sorts of crime — simply a part of life. This is why it’s important to get insurance now; don’t wait until after you’re hit to wise up.

If you’re concerned about cybercrime (as you should be), get a quote as soon as possible. Soon enough, everyone is going to want cyber insurance, which will cause the rates to go up. Save yourself money and invest now.

Learn About Cyber Attacks

As you see, cyber attacks can happen to anyone. You no longer have to be a high-profile target to get hit. In the future, everyone is going to have to care deeply about cybersecurity.

Study the most common attacks that happen as a result of phishing, malware, and brute force and consider how technology will exacerbate these problems. Invest in cyber insurance now, so you don’t have to later.

For more information, contact us today.

Getting Your Business Ready for Winter: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Business for the Winter Weather

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Man crossing street in the snow

As winter approaches, it’s essential to take precautions before winter hits. Remember, when the cold air is blowing outside, it can be hard to keep warm inside. This blog post will discuss five ways you can prepare your business for the winter weather. This will make your business stronger and safer in the event of an emergency. You’ll also have more time to focus on your other operations and take on extra tasks that might have gone neglected over the summer. Not to mention, you’ll stay compliant with pesky insurance terms and conditions.

Read Up on OSHA Safety Standards

As a business owner, you need to prepare for the possibility of the weather changing in your area. Without that preparation, you can’t expect to thrive. Start preparing for winter by familiarizing yourself with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA’s, standards for reducing cold stress hazards. Types of cold stress include trench foot, frostbite, and hypothermia. While most work environments won’t reach such extremes, it’s helpful to remind your employees how to stay safe and warm during the colder months.

Prepare Your Heating System

It might be tempting to let the heat run 24/7, especially when it’s cold outside. However, you want to make sure you’re keeping your system running efficiently. To do this, make sure that you check it every time you turn on the heat. If your heating system is poorly maintained, it could be leaking or just not working correctly in the cold weather. Check your heating system regularly and make sure it’s working as well as it should be. It is recommended to have your heating system checked by a licensed contractor. An experienced heating contractor will examine and service your heating system to ensure that it is in good condition.

Winter-proof Your Pipes

You don’t want to find yourself with pipes bursting in the middle of winter, so it’s important to insulate them. If you’re worried about freezing your pipes, cover them with insulating foam. Check for any cracks in your home’s plumbing, and make sure your pipes are running safely and efficiently.

Take Care of Your Employees

The cold weather makes it hard to get up and go to work, especially if you live somewhere not well-equipped for winter weather. But it would help if you made sure that your employees don’t have to walk around in the snow and ice. You can also hire companies to shovel the snow around your building.

Create a plan of action for emergencies

Whether you’re renting space or purchasing a permanent place for your business, you need to make sure you take a moment to think about your emergency plan, especially if you’re in a city that experiences floods or snowstorms. Your building should be equipped with working fire alarms and emergency lighting. You need to have an updated list of emergency contacts for your employees. It’s also wise to have a place to gather employees.

Preparing your business for winter is crucial. Just like the snow on the ground, the cold air can cause some hidden issues with your business. When the cold weather hits, it’s best to take extra steps to prepare your business for the winter.

10 Halloween Safety Tips for a Happy, Healthy Holiday

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Kids in costumes carrying Halloween buckets for candy

Halloween is a magical time for kids (and adults). It’s a chance to put on a costume, collect candy, and spend time celebrating a fun holiday.

However, it doesn’t come without risk. According to experts, children ages 4 to 8 are 10 times more likely to be fatally injured on Halloween than any other day of the year.

Older children are three times as likely to be fatally injured on October 31st. Pedestrian vehicle accidents are the leading cause, but there are other safety risks to be aware of on Halloween as well.

With that in mind, these Halloween safety tips will keep everyone safe and healthy. And you’ll all get to have the fun you’re expecting this year.

What are the Safety Risks?

To truly understand what safety tips are necessary on Halloween, you need to know what the potential risks are. That way you can make your plan for keeping everyone safe on the big night.

As mentioned above, being hit by a car is the number one cause of injury on Halloween night. That’s because it’s dark and kids aren’t always easy to see when they’re wearing a costume.

When there are jack-o-lanterns with flames inside, there’s the risk of a costume catching fire. Carving jack-o-lanterns also poses the chance of cuts and the need for stitches.

Candy contamination was something that many parents worried about in earlier generations. The risk is actually quite small, but it’s still a possibility to keep in mind.

Being in a costume can mess up a child’s equilibrium, which increases the chance of falling down and being hurt. Because it’s dark, there’s also the risk of running into or tripping over items.

Finally, be aware of stranger danger. While the risk is small, it pays to be aware of the potential for unsavory characters being out and about on Halloween.

Keep reading for Halloween safety tips for the entire family.

Supervise Your Kids

One of the best ways to prevent an accident is to keep an eye on your kids during the holiday.

If you’re carving pumpkins, stay in the room and make sure your child knows how to hold the knife or other tool. Younger children can scoop the inside of the pumpkin, but shouldn’t be allowed to use sharp instruments.

If you’re having a party, make sure hazards are put away in areas where children will be. Consider LED candles instead of the real thing to reduce the risk of fire and burns.

If you’re serving alcohol at your party or the snacks are choking hazards, be sure they are out of reach of small hands.

Some parents hire a teenager to babysit their kids during the festivities so they can enjoy the holiday, while also being sure their kids are safe.

Consider Costumes Carefully

Costumes are a large part of the fun on Halloween night. But paying close attention to their components is a vital aspect of a safe Halloween.

When you choose a costume, be sure it’s fire retardant. That includes all the pieces and accessories.

Since you’ll likely be out after dark for trick or treating, apply reflective tape to the costume so your child is visible to vehicles in the area. You can also have them carry glow sticks so they can be seen in the dark.

If a costume is too long, hem it up so your child doesn’t trip and fall. A flashlight can help illuminate potential tripping hazards after dark.

Some experts suggest avoiding masks. That’s because they can hinder a child’s vision, increasing the risk of injury. Instead, use face paint to create the look your child wants.

Just remember to wash it off at the end of the night to prevent irritation and staining on the skin. You might also want to test it out before Halloween to be sure it doesn’t cause a reaction on your child’s skin.

Trick or Treating Safety

Whether your kids are old enough to trick or treat on their own or you’ll be accompanying them, a safer Halloween means preparing them before you leave the house.

For older kids, choose a route that they will follow so you know where to find them if necessary. Be sure they carry their cell phones so you can contact your child if you need to.

Agree on a time when your child should be home and be sure that the older kids stay together. Review what to do if they are approached by a stranger or get lost.

For younger kids, agree on a plan if you get separated. Stick close to home so that your child is familiar with the surroundings in case he or she does get lost. Review stranger danger in this case as well.

Of course, no matter your child’s age, emphasize the importance of watching for cars when crossing the street. Children with cell phones should avoid looking at them while walking so they can be aware of vehicle traffic.

Candy Safety

The fear of candy laced with drugs or razor blades is one that many parents have. While the risk of this happening is very small, it pays to give your kids’ candy haul a once over before letting them eat any of it.

Look for candy that is unwrapped and dispose of it right away. Chances are it was jostled and the wrapper came loose, but it’s better safe than sorry. Likewise, get rid of any candy that looks as if it’s been tampered with.

Younger kids shouldn’t eat small pieces of candy or hard candies because they are a choking hazard. Separate them and store them out of reach.

If your child has allergies, be sure you weed out any candy that could cause a reaction and dispose of it properly. When it comes to Halloween tips, this one can save a life.

Using Halloween Safety Tips to Your Advantage

Now that you’re equipped with Halloween safety tips, you can make a plan with your children regarding each person’s role and responsibilities for staying safe.

From costumes to candy to carving pumpkins, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy all of the festivities without anyone being hurt.

Before you go, check out how our personal insurance options can keep your entire family covered, just in case something happens.