Safer Internet Day: Why You Need Cyber Insurance
Today, Tuesday 11th February , is Safer Internet Day; a day created to remind us all to be more aware and safer online.
Founded over 15 years ago, the aim of Safer Internet Day was to inspire national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. This year’s theme is ‘together for a better internet’ and asks us all to start being more conscious and aware of what we are doing online.
“Digital technologies provide you with a world of possibilities at your fingertips. Never before have we enjoyed so many opportunities to learn, exchange, participate and create. Yet, the internet also opens up certain risks to its users.” www.saferinternetday.org
So, how can we celebrate and acknowledge Safer Internet Day? In an ideal world, we would all be more self-aware of the things we do online. However, as we are spending more time on our devices, we have put too much trust in them. Ask yourself the following:
- What would you do if someone stole your identity online?
- Do you have secure passwords on all of your devices?
- Do your back-up programmes work? What would happen if they didn’t?
- Do you check your credit checks and scores?
- Do you know what your family are up to online?
- How good do you think you are at spotting a scam?
“So much of our private lives and information get transferred over the internet, Safer Internet Day reminds us to protect ourselves from the dangers there and make the internet a little safer for everyone.”
Take our Cyber Security Quiz to see how aware you are of potential scams:
https://www.ndminsurance.co.uk/cyber-quiz/
The Importance of Cyber Insurance
Whilst there are plenty of things we could be doing as individuals to ensure WE are protected online, what about our BUSINESS? For many people, Cyber Insurance is just another unnecessary expenditure. However, the effects of falling victim to a cyber threat or fraud could be detrimental.
According to Varonis, 62% of businesses experienced phishing and social engineering attacks in 2018; data breaches exposed 4.1 billion records in the first half of 2019; hackers attack every 39 seconds, on average 2,244 times a day; and worldwide spending on cyber security is forecasted to reach 133.7 billion dollars in 2022.
Today, business owners are still under the impression that it is only large organisations who are a target for cyber-attacks. However, as small and medium sized businesses are failing to get the right type of cover in place, they are rapidly becoming an easy target for cyber-attacks and crimes.
1/5 of SMEs affected said that the breach of security cost them more than £10,000 and one in ten said it cost them more than £50,000.
Does it Apply to You?
You may think that your business doesn’t need Cyber Insurance, however…
- Does your business hold sensitive data, such as names, addresses or banking information of your customers?
- Are you reliant on your computer systems to conduct your business?
- Are you subject to a payment card industry (merchant services agreement)?
- OR SIMPLY – do you have a website or social media accounts?
If you can answer yes to even just one of these, then you need cyber insurance.
How We Can Help
Cyber Insurance can cover anything from the breakdown, loss, theft or damage of IT hardware, data corruption, data breech expenses, to the loss of income to cyber-crime liability. It also covers the impacts and costs of not being able to trade if data is stolen or systems taken down by outside agencies claiming ransom payments.
Part of the NDM Hub, NDM Insurance Brokers know how important it is to make sure you have the right cover in place from the very start. Ensuring your business has Cyber Insurance in place is quick and hassle-free; it may be another expenditure but it could be one that saves your reputation, your customers and your business.
Visit the NDM Insurance website to find out more, call 01952 287347 or email info@ndminsurance.co.uk
Happy #SaferInternetDay
