10 Cyber Security Resolutions to Reduce Your Data Exposures

Cyber security threats and trends can change year over year as technology continues to advance at alarming speeds.  It’s critical for organizations to reassess their data protection practices at the start of each new year and make achievable cyber security resolutions to help protect themselves from costly breaches.

 The following are resolutions your company can implement to ensure you don’t become the victim of a cyber-crime:

  1.      Provide security training—Employees are your first line of defense when it comes to cyber threats. Even the most robust and expensive data protection solutions can be compromised should an employee click a malicious link or download fraudulent software. It’s critical for organizations to thoroughly train personnel on common cyber threats and how to respond. Employees should understand the dangers of visiting harmful websites, leaving their devices unattended and oversharing personal information on social media. Your employees should also know your cyber security policies and know how to report suspicious activity.

2.      Install strong anti-virus software and keep it updated—Outside of training your employees on the dangers of poor cyber security practices, strong anti-virus software is one of the best ways to protect your data. Organizations should conduct thorough research to choose software that’s best for their needs. Once installed, anti-virus programs should be kept up to date.

3.      Instill safe web browsing practices—Deceptive and malicious websites can easily infect your network, often leading to more serious cyber attacks. To protect your organization, employees should be trained on proper web usage and instructed to only interact with secured websites. For further protection, companies should consider blocking known threats and potentially malicious webpages outright.

4.      Create strong password policies—Ongoing password management can help prevent unauthorized attackers from compromising your organization’s password-protected information. Effective password management protects the integrity, availability and confidentiality of an organization’s passwords. Above all, you’ll want to create a password policy that specifies all of the organization’s requirements related to password management. This policy should require employees to change their password on a regular basis, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and use special characters in their password.

5.      Use multi-factor authentication—While complex passwords can help deter cyber criminals, they can still be cracked. To further prevent cyber criminals from gaining access to employee accounts, multi-factor authentication is key. Multi-factor authentication adds a layer of security that allows companies to protect against compromised credentials. Through this method, users must confirm their identity by providing extra information (e.g., a phone number, unique security code) when attempting to access corporate applications, networks and servers.

6.      Get vulnerability assessments—The best way to evaluate your company’s data exposures is through a vulnerability assessment. Using a system of simulated attacks and stress tests, vulnerability assessments can help you uncover entry points into your system. Following these tests, security experts compile their findings and provide recommendations for improving network and data safety.

7.      Patch systems regularly and keep them updated—A common way cyber criminals gain entry into your system is by exploiting software vulnerabilities. To prevent this, it’s critical that you update applications, operating systems, security software and firmware on a regular basis.

8.      Back up your data—In the event that your system is compromised, it’s important to keep backup files. Failing to do so can result in the loss of critical business or proprietary data.

9.      Understand phishing threats and how to respond—In broad terms, phishing is a method cyber criminals use to gather personal information. In these scams, phishers send an email or direct users to fraudulent websites, asking victims to provide sensitive information. These emails and websites are designed to look legitimate and trick individuals into providing credit card numbers, account numbers, passwords, usernames or other sensitive information. Phishing is becoming more sophisticated by the day, and it’s more important than ever to understand the different types of attacks, how to identify them and preventive measures you can implement to keep your organization safe. As such, it’s critical to train employees on common phishing scams and other cyber security concerns. Provide real-world examples during training to help them better understand what to look for.

10.  Create an incident response plan—Most organizations have some form of data protection in place. While these protections are critical for minimizing the damages caused by a breach, they don’t provide clear action steps following an attack. That’s where cyber incident response plans can help. While cyber security programs help secure an organization’s digital assets, cyber incident response plans provide clear steps for companies to follow when a cyber event occurs. Response plans allow organizations to notify impacted customers and partners quickly and efficiently, limiting financial and reputational damages.

 One of the best ways for businesses to protect themselves against cyber exposures is with proper insurance. However, cyber liability insurance policies do not offer one-size-fits-all protection, and businesses need to keep some considerations in mind if they are to secure the right coverage.

Cyber insurance can be complex, and it’s critical to work with a qualified insurance broker. To learn more about your options, contact Apron Agencies, LLC. today at 504-834-9280

LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE?

Your home may be the biggest purchase you will ever make and is your most valuable asset!

If you own a home or rental property in Louisiana, you need a local insurance agent who will ensure you are fully covered and be there for you when you have damage and need to file a claim. 

At Apron Agencies, LLC, we will help you find the right fit for your needs while providing you with quality service and affordable pricing. At Apron Agencies, LLC, we have access to many top rated companies and we can find you the best fit at a fair price. 

 We will quickly compare your coverage to ensure that you have the best policy for the most competitive rate. At the same time, we will review your coverage to ensure you won't have any gaps in coverage down the road.

Call Apron Agencies, today and we will show you how we can save you money! (504) 416-0237. 

"Like momma in the kitchen, we got you covered."

THE ROLE OF AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT

Auto insurance is sold by independent insurance agents, captive agents, and direct through the Internet. Independent agents have more to offer than other agents making them a strong competitor in the insurance industry.

Independent agents have been around since 1896. Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America or the Big “I” is the association that helps build the structure of independent agencies. More than 7100 independent agencies are selling on behalf of 43 different insurance carriers across the U.S.

The ability to obtain quotes from multiple insurance carriers are one of the major benefits of independent agents. If you are shopping for insurance, independent agents are a great place to start.  They can check several different companies’ rates all at once.  The more choices you are given means a greater chance of finding the best rate for you and your family.  Saving time is also a huge factor because you only have to provide your information one time.

The ability to retain the same agent even if you switch carriers is another benefit of using an independent agent. A strong relationship can be built with your independent agent, and if your rates start to increase, your agent can find you lower rates without ever switching agents. Many people pay higher rates because they don’t want to find a new agent. Independent agents give their clients more options.

An independent agent is not an employee of an insurance company. Technically, an independent agent’s boss is the client. Independent agents broker insurance companies and get paid commission.  They do not receive a salary as an employee. Working with an agent not solely employed by one carrier is nice because you can get unbiased advice.

A good independent agent can be proactive when it comes to your insurance rates. They can keep the client updated about rate changes. For instance, if an agent knows one of its companies’ rates is increasing, they can start looking for a better deal before the increase takes place. Captive agents are helpless and have to work with the carrier they represent.

Since an independent agent works for the client, often they will file your claim with the parent company. Personalized customer service is a high priority for independent agencies.  The agent works directly with the client, so you don't have to deal with the automated phone systems quite as often. Plus, an agent can give you advice before filing a claim.

Independent agents can be great time and money savers for their clients. The client still needs to be an informed consumer and look for good independent agents that are available, knowledgeable, and proactive.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2019 HURRICANE SEASON

1. The forecast is for 13 "Named" Tropical Storms, 5 Hurricanes (of which 2 are Cat 3+)

2. The peak of Hurricane season is August through October

3. Even a tropical storm (with max. sustained wind of 39-73 mph) can due much damage.

4. The eastern Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, southern Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico are most prone to hurricanes.

5. Key supplies for a hurricane include non-perishable food, first aid kit, medicine, extra cash, and blankets.

6. Having a home inventory checklist will help you recover the full replacement value of lost valuables

7. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance policies take effect

8. Make sure you have up to date contact information for your insurance agent

9. It is good to have a Handy Hurricane Check List (see next post for your free list)

10. Apron Agencies offers HOME, AUTO, FLOOD, COMMERCIAL, AND HEALTH INSURANCE. Call us and set up an appointment for your FREE HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE CHECKLIST.

For your comprehensive Hurricane Preparation Guide and Checklist visit www.apronagencies.com

THE BENEFITS OF CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE

When cyber attacks occur, they can result in devastating damages. Businesses have to deal with business disruptions, lost revenue and litigation costs. It is important to remember that no organization is immune to the impact of cyber crime. As a result, cyber liability insurance has become an essential component to any risk management program.

Cyber liability insurance policies are tailored to meet your company’s specific needs and can offer a number of important benefits, including the following:

1. Data breach coverage: In the event of a breach, organizations are required by law to notify affected parties. This can add to overall data breach costs, particularly as they relate to security fixes, identity theft protection for those impacted by the breach and protection from possible legal action. Cyber liability policies include coverage for these exposures, thus safeguarding your data from cyber crimes;

2. Business interruption loss reimbursement: A cyber attack can lead to an IT failure that disrupts business operations, costing your organization both time and money. Cyber liability policies may cover your loss of income during these interruptions. In addition, increased costs to your business operations in the aftermath of a cyber attack may also be covered;

3. Cyber extortion defense: Ransomware and similar malicious software are designed to steal and withhold key data from organizations until a steep fee is paid. As these types of attacks increase in frequency and severity, it’s critical that organizations seek cyber liability insurance, which can help recoup losses related to cyber extortion;

4. Forensic support: Following a cyber attack, your organization will have to investigate to determine the extent of the breach and what caused the system to be vulnerable. The right policy can reimburse the insured for costs related to forensics and seeking out expert advice. Additionally, some policies can provide 24/7 support from cyber specialists, which is especially useful following a hack or data breach;

5. Legal Support. In the wake of a cyber incident, businesses often seek legal counsel. Cyber liability insurance can help your business afford the proper legal representation following a cyber attack;

6. Coverage beyond a general liability policy. General liability policies do not always protect organizations from losses related to data breaches. Supplementing your insurance with cyber insurance can provide you with peace of mind that, in the event of an attack, your business’ financial status and reputation will be protected.

Apron Agencies wants you to be informed and for your business to be prepared in the event that a cyber attack occurs. Call us today at (504) 416-0237 to get more information on how to protect your livelihood.