Cyberattacks and the resulting data breaches represent significant risks, both financial and reputational, to businesses, with insurance industry estimates stating that the $3 trillion price tag currently could balloon to $5 trillion in 2024. Those figures include lost income and the payment of data breach-related regulatory fines.
According to the Insurance Information Institute*, cost-effective options exist to avoid falling victim to cyberattacks, such as:
- Understand your cyber risks. Businesses are vulnerable to cyberattacks through hacking, phishing, malware, and other methods.
- Train your staff. Those engaged in cyberattacks find a point of entry into a business’ systems and network. A business’ exposure can be reduced by having and enforcing a computer password policy for its employees.
- Keep software updated. Businesses should routinely check and upgrade the major software they use.
- Create back-up files and store them off-site. A business’ files should be backed up either to an external hard drive or on a separate cloud account. Taking these steps are vital to data recovery and the prevention of ransomware.
- Maintain firewall and antivirus technology. A business should evaluate the security settings on its software, browser and email programs.
- Establish a Data Breach Plan. A business should remind its employees to review periodically the data breach detection tools installed onto their computers. If a data breach occurs, employees must notify the business immediately to prevent further loss.
- Secure insurance coverage to address cyber risks. Cyber insurance coverage typically provides protection for costs associated with data breaches and ransomware.
The threat of cyberattack never goes away, so neither should your defenses against it. Contact the professionals at The Reschini Group to learn more and take the appropriate steps to protect your business interests.
Copyright 2023 Evergreen Insurance
Evergreen Insurance provides these updates for information only, and does not provide legal advice. To make decisions regarding insurance matters, please consult directly with a licensed insurance professional or firm.
