For the 17th year, the United States Government’s National Cyber Security Alliance has successfully launched Cyber Security Awareness Month, sharing knowledge and understanding with Americans regarding an issue that has affected consumers more and more through the years. With 4.8 billion internet users (over 62% of the world’s population), it’s in everyone’s best interest to do a little brushing up on our cybersecurity skills. Protecting the information that exists on the web has become more important than ever, and we’ve got some tips for you to consider, whether you’re a business owner selling unique products, or whether you’re just a personal computer user at home.
Cybersecurity at Home
You may think your home is the safest place. You can purchase security systems to protect your home from intruders, and you can install monitors for dangerous things like carbon monoxide from hurting you and your family. But what kind of protection do you have in place for cybersecurity breaches at home? You know the rules when it comes to computer safety, but hackers are becoming more and more creative on a daily basis. Brushing up on cybersafety isn’t the worst idea, especially in the midst of a pandemic that is requiring more and more of us to be on our computers and in the digital world every single day. Remember that financial institutions and established companies don’t just email you for your financial information without confirming your identity first. Don’t treat personal information so casually that it’s easily stolen from anyone who makes their way into your network.
Cybersecurity at Work
Sure, sometimes we log into our personal email or even bank account on our work computer. Someone has to pay those bills at some point, right? Well, as long as you’re using your work computer for anything related to your personal information, you need to be extra cautious about internet safety. We know saving your password helps you move along a little quicker on a day-to-day basis, but saving your password or creating an easy-to-remember-or-guess password can be detrimental to you. If you receive a strange email from a coworker or outside vendor, check their email address domain and confirm it’s from the actual business instead of a businessname@gmail.com-type situation. Don’t click on links from sources you don’t trust. You could be risking not only your personal information you ever put on your work computer, but also your company’s proprietary information as well.
Cybersecurity For Your Business
Possibly the biggest risk that businesses face in the event of a security breach would be financial loss due to litigation against mishandled personal data of its customers. We’ve all received an email at some point or another letting us know that one of the beloved businesses we rely on for one product or another has had a cybersecurity breach. You can be sure that the IT director or business owner of that business sitting on the other side of your computer is having a terrible day. Luckily, businesses can protect themselves from this situation. With a thorough cyber liability insurance policy, you can be sure your business is covered against financial ruin due to cybersecurity breaches and issues.
In case you missed it: “Your Fire Safety Guide during Fire Prevention Week” shares how you can make small steps to being a fire-ready family. Check out our blog, and then take a minute to think about organizing your life and insurance needs. Our agents specialize in hearing your exact needs and matching you up with the best policy for you. Give us a call to discuss your options.
