What Cyber Insurance Really Covers

What Cyber Insurance Really Covers

by | Jul 16, 2025 | Cybersecurity, Education, News

For small businesses navigating an increasingly digital world, cyber threats aren’t just an abstract worry, they’re a daily reality. Whether it’s phishing scams, ransomware attacks, or accidental data leaks, the financial and reputational damage can be severe. That’s why more companies are turning to cyber insurance to mitigate the risks.

Not all cyber insurance policies are created equal. Many business owners believe they’re covered, only to find out (too late) that their policy has major gaps. In this blog post, we will break down exactly what’s usually covered, what’s not, and how to choose the right cyber insurance policy for your business.

Why Is Cyber Insurance More Crucial Than Ever?

You don’t need to be a large corporation to become a target for hackers. In fact, small businesses are increasingly vulnerable. According to the 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, 43% of all cyberattacks now target small to mid-sized businesses. The financial fallout from a breach can be staggering, with the average cost for smaller businesses reaching $2.98 million. That can be a substantial blow for any growing company. 

Moreover, today’s customers expect businesses to protect their personal data, while regulators are cracking down on data privacy violations. A good cyber insurance policy helps cover the cost of a breach but also ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA, which makes it a critical safety net.

What Cyber Insurance Typically Covers

A comprehensive cyber insurance policy is crucial in protecting your business from the financial fallout of a cyber incident. It offers two main types of coverage: first-party coverage and third-party liability coverage. Both provide different forms of protection based on your business’s unique needs and the type of incident you’re facing. Below, we break down each type and the specific coverages they typically include.

First-Party Coverage

First-party coverage is designed to protect your business directly when you experience a cyberattack or breach. This type of coverage helps your business recover financially from the immediate costs associated with the attack.

Breach Response Costs

One of the first areas that first-party coverage addresses is the cost of managing a breach. After a cyberattack, you’ll likely need to:

  • Investigate how the breach happened and what was affected
  • Get legal advice to stay compliant with laws and reporting rules
  • Inform any customers whose data was exposed
  • Offer credit monitoring if personal details were stolen

Business Interruption

Cyberattacks that cause network downtime or disrupt business operations can result in significant revenue loss. Business interruption coverage helps mitigate the financial impact by compensating for lost income during downtime. It allows you to focus on recovery without worrying about day-to-day cash flow.

Cyber Extortion and Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and they can paralyze your business by locking up essential data. Cyber extortion coverage is designed to help businesses navigate these situations by covering:

  • The cost of paying a ransom to cyber attackers.
  • Hiring of professionals to negotiate with hackers to lower the ransom and recover data.
  • The costs to restore access to files that were encrypted in the attack.

Data Restoration

A major cyber incident can result in the loss or damage of critical business data. Data restoration coverage ensures that your business can recover data, whether through backup systems or through a data recovery service. This helps minimize disruption and keeps your business running smoothly.

Reputation Management

In the aftermath of a cyberattack, it’s crucial to rebuild the trust of customers, partners, and investors. Many policies now include reputation management as part of their coverage. This often includes:

  • Hiring Public Relations (PR firms) to manage crisis communication, create statements, and mitigate any potential damage to your business’s reputation.
  • Guidance on how to communicate with affected customers and stakeholders to maintain transparency.

Third-Party Liability Coverage

Third-party liability coverage helps protect your business from claims made by external parties (such as customers, vendors, or partners) who are affected by your cyber incident. When a breach or attack impacts those outside your company, this coverage steps in to defend you financially and legally.

Privacy Liability

This coverage protects your business if sensitive customer data is lost, stolen, or exposed in a breach. It typically includes:

  • Coverage for legal costs if you’re sued for mishandling personal data.
  • It may also cover costs if a third party suffers losses due to your data breach.

Regulatory Defense

Cyber incidents often come under the scrutiny of regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or other industry-specific regulators. If your business is investigated or fined for violating data protection laws, regulatory defense coverage can help with:

  • Coverage may help pay for fines or penalties imposed by a regulator for non-compliance.
  • Mitigating the costs of defending your business against regulatory actions, which can be considerable.

Media Liability

If your business is involved in a cyberattack that results in online defamation, copyright infringement, or the exposure of sensitive content (such as trade secrets), media liability coverage helps protect you. It covers:

  • Defamation Claims – If a data breach leads to defamatory statements or online reputational damage, this policy helps cover the legal costs of defending the claims.
  • Infringement Cases – If a cyberattack leads to intellectual property violations, media liability coverage provides the financial resources to address infringement claims.

Defense and Settlement Costs

If your company is sued following a data breach or cyberattack, third-party liability coverage can help cover legal defense costs. This can include:

  • Paying for attorney fees in a data breach lawsuit.
  • Covering settlement or judgment costs if your company is found liable.

Optional Riders and Custom Coverage

Cyber insurance policies often allow businesses to add extra coverage based on their specific needs or threats. These optional riders can offer more tailored protection for unique risks your business might face.

Social Engineering Fraud

One of the most common types of cyber fraud today is social engineering fraud, which involves phishing attacks or other deceptive tactics designed to trick employees into revealing sensitive information, transferring funds, or giving access to internal systems. Social engineering fraud coverage helps protect against:

  • Financial losses if an employee is tricked by a phishing scam.
  • Financial losses through fraudulent transfers by attackers.

Hardware “Bricking”

Some cyberattacks cause physical damage to business devices, rendering them useless, a scenario known as “bricking.” This rider covers the costs associated with replacing or repairing devices that have been permanently damaged by a cyberattack.

Technology Errors and Omissions (E&O)

This type of coverage is especially important for technology service providers, such as IT firms or software developers. Technology E&O protects businesses against claims resulting from errors or failures in the technology they provide.

What Cyber Insurance Often Doesn’t Cover

Understanding what’s excluded from a cyber insurance policy is just as important as knowing what’s included. Here are common gaps that small business owners often miss, leaving them exposed to certain risks.

Negligence and Poor Cyber Hygiene

Many insurance policies have strict clauses regarding the state of your business’s cybersecurity. If your company fails to implement basic cybersecurity practices, such as using firewalls, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), or keeping software up-to-date, your claim could be denied.

Pro Tip: Insurers increasingly require proof of good cyber hygiene before issuing a policy. Be prepared to show that you’ve conducted employee training, vulnerability testing, and other proactive security measures.

Known or Ongoing Incidents

Cyber insurance doesn’t cover cyber incidents that were already in progress before your policy was activated. For example, if a data breach or attack began before your coverage started, the insurer won’t pay for damages related to those events. Likewise, if you knew about a vulnerability but failed to fix it, your insurer could deny the claim.

Pro Tip: Always ensure your systems are secure before purchasing insurance, and immediately address any known vulnerabilities.

Acts of War or State-Sponsored Attacks

In the wake of high-profile cyberattacks like the NotPetya ransomware incident, many insurers now include a “war exclusion” clause. This means that if a cyberattack is attributed to a nation-state or government-backed actors, your policy might not cover the damage. Such attacks are often considered acts of war, outside the scope of commercial cyber insurance.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about such clauses and be sure to check your policy’s terms. 

Insider Threats

Cyber insurance typically doesn’t cover malicious actions taken by your own employees or contractors unless your policy specifically includes “insider threat” protection. This can be a significant blind spot, as internal actors often cause severe damage.

Pro Tip: If you’re concerned about potential insider threats, discuss specific coverage options with your broker to ensure your policy includes protections against intentional damage from insiders.

Reputational Harm or Future Lost Business

While many cyber insurance policies may offer PR crisis management services, they usually don’t cover the long-term reputational damage or future business losses that can result from a cyberattack. The fallout from a breach, such as lost customers or declining sales due to trust issues, often falls outside the realm of coverage.

Pro Tip: If your business is especially concerned about brand reputation, consider investing in additional coverage or crisis management services. Reputational harm can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the immediate financial losses of an attack.

How to Choose the Right Cyber Insurance Policy

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must your business’s protection. The right policy can be a lifesaver in the event of a breach, but not all policies are created equal. When selecting a cyber insurance policy, it’s important to understand what your business needs and to choose a policy that specifically addresses your risks. Let’s break down the steps to ensure you’re selecting the best coverage for your organization.

Assess Your Business Risk

Start by evaluating your exposure:

  • What types of data do you store? Customer, financial, and health data, all require different levels of protection.
  • How reliant are you on digital tools or cloud platforms? If your business is heavily dependent on technology, you may need more extensive coverage for system failures or data breaches.
  • Do third-party vendors have access to your systems? Vendors can be a potential weak point. Ensure they’re covered under your policy as well.

Your answers will highlight the areas that need the most protection.

Ask the Right Questions

Before signing a policy, ask:

  • Does this cover ransomware and social engineering fraud? These are growing threats that many businesses face, so it’s crucial to have specific coverage for these attacks.
  • Are legal fees and regulatory penalties included? If your business faces a legal battle or must pay fines for a breach, you’ll want coverage for these costly expenses.
  • What’s excluded and when? Understand the fine print to avoid surprises if you file a claim.

Get a Second Opinion

Don’t go it alone. Work with a cybersecurity expert or broker who understands both the technical and legal aspects of cyber risk. They’ll help you navigate the complexities of the policy language and identify any gaps in coverage. Having a pro on your side can ensure you’re adequately protected and help you make the best decision for your business.

Consider the Coverage Limits and Deductibles

Cyber insurance policies come with specific coverage limits and deductibles. Ensure that the coverage limit aligns with your business’s potential risks. For example, if a data breach could cost your business millions, make sure your policy limit reflects that. Similarly, check the deductible amounts, these are the costs you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Choose a deductible that your business can afford in case of an incident.

Review Policy Renewal Terms and Adjustments

Cyber risk is constantly evolving. A policy that covers you today may not cover emerging threats tomorrow. Check the terms for policy renewal and adjustments. Does your insurer offer periodic reviews to ensure your coverage stays relevant? Ensure you can adjust your coverage limits and terms as your business grows and as cyber threats evolve. It’s important that your policy evolves with your business needs.

Cyber insurance is a smart move for any small business. But only if you understand what you’re buying. Knowing the difference between what’s covered and what’s not could mean the difference between a smooth recovery and a total shutdown.

Take the time to assess your risks, read the fine print, and ask the right questions. Combine insurance coverage with strong cybersecurity practices, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever the digital world throws your way. Do you want help decoding your policy or implementing best practices like MFA and risk assessments? Get in touch with us today and take the first step toward a more secure future.

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

5 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024

5 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2024

by | Apr 5, 2024 | Cybersecurity, New Technology, News

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field. There are new threats, technologies, and opportunities emerging every year. As we enter 2024, organizations need to be aware of current and future cyber threats. Businesses of all sizes and sectors should plan accordingly.

Staying ahead of the curve is paramount to safeguarding digital assets. Significant changes are coming to the cybersecurity landscape. Driving these changes are emerging technologies and evolving threats. As well as shifting
global dynamics.

Next, we’ll explore key cybersecurity predictions for 2024 that you should consider.

1. AI Will Be a Double-edged Sword

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer for cybersecurity. It has enabled faster and more accurate threat detection, response, and prevention. But AI also poses new risks. Such as adversarial AI, exploited vulnerabilities, and misinformation.

For example, malicious actors use chatbots and other large language models to generate:

  • Convincing phishing emails
  • Fake news articles
  • Deepfake videos

This malicious content can deceive or manipulate users. Organizations will need to put in place robust security protocols. This includes embracing a human-in- the-loop approach. As well as regularly tracking and reviewing their AI systems. These steps will help them mitigate these risks and harness the power of AI for a more secure future.

2. Quantum Computing Will Become a Looming Threat

Quantum computing is still a few years away from reaching its full potential. But it is already a serious threat to the security of current encryption standards.

Quantum computers can potentially break asymmetric encryption algorithms. These algorithms are widely used to protect data in transit and at rest. This means that quantum-enabled hackers could compromise sensitive data, like financial transactions.

Organizations will need to start preparing for this scenario. They can do this by assessing their potential risks first. Then, adopting quantum-resistant technologies and deploying quantum-safe architectures.

3. Hacktivism Will Rise in Prominence

Hacktivism is the use of hacking techniques to promote a political or social cause such as exposing corruption, protesting injustice, or supporting a movement.

Hacktivism has been around for decades. But it’s expected to increase in 2024. Particularly during major global events. These may include the Paris Olympics and the U.S. Presidential Election as well as specific geopolitical conflicts.

Hacktivists may target organizations that they perceive as adversaries or opponents. This can include governments, corporations, or media outlets. These attacks can disrupt their operations. As well as leak their data or deface their websites.

Organizations will need to be vigilant against potential hacktivist attacks. This includes being proactive in defending their networks, systems, and reputation.

4. Ransomware Will Remain a Persistent Threat

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the victim’s data. The attacker then demands a ransom for its decryption. Ransomware has been one of the most damaging types of cyberattacks in recent years.

In 2023, ransomware attacks increased by more than 95% over the prior year.

Ransomware attacks are likely to continue increasing in 2024. Due to new variants, tactics, and targets emerging. For example, ransomware attackers may leverage AI to enhance their encryption algorithms as well as evade detection and customize their ransom demands.

Hackers may also target cloud services, IoT devices, or industrial control systems. This could cause more disruption and damage. Organizations will need to put in place comprehensive ransomware prevention and response strategies. Including:

  • Backing up their data regularly
  • Patching their systems promptly
  • Using reliable email and DNS filtering solutions
  • Educating their users on how to avoid phishing emails

5. Cyber Insurance Will Become More Influential

Cyber insurance covers the losses and liabilities resulting from cyberattacks. It has become more popular and important in recent years. This is due to cyberattacks becoming more frequent and costly.

Cyber insurance can help organizations recover from cyber incidents faster and more effectively. It provides financial compensation, legal help, or technical support.

But cyber insurance can also influence the security practices of organizations. More cyber insurers may impose certain requirements or standards on their customers. Such as implementing specific security controls or frameworks. Organizations will need to balance the benefits and costs of cyber insurance as
well as ensure that they are in compliance with their cyber insurers’ expectations.

Be Proactive About Cybersecurity – Schedule an Assessment

It’s clear that the cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve rapidly. Organizations and individuals must proactively prepare for emerging threats. This includes adopting advanced technologies and prioritizing workforce development as well as staying abreast of regulatory changes.

Put a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in place. One that encompasses these predictions. This will help you navigate the digital frontier with resilience and vigilance.

Need help ensuring a secure and trustworthy digital environment for years to come? Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment.

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

How Small Businesses Use AI for Growth

How Small Businesses Use AI for Growth

by | Mar 12, 2024 | Business, New Technology, News

Staying ahead in business often means embracing cutting-edge technologies. New tools can unlock new avenues for growth especially for small businesses. SMBs are often looking for affordable ways to gain a competitive advantage.

One such transformative force is Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). This is a technology that goes beyond automation and the AI we used to know. It can create content, solutions, and possibilities before unimaginable. It’s so revolutionary that it’s hard to go online without seeing it everywhere.

Do you have a small business seeking to grow? Looking for innovative ways to navigate the competitive landscape? Generative AI can be a powerful ally. It can drive creativity, efficiency, and growth.

Let’s look at how small businesses are harnessing the potential of Generative AI. Using it to elevate their marketing strategies, streamline operations, and foster innovation.

The Rise of Generative AI in Small Business Marketing

The landscape of small business marketing is evolving rapidly. The integration of AI technologies is reshaping strategies for growth. Small businesses are turning to GenAI to enhance their marketing efforts. This is one example of how they are leveraging it to improve profitability.

60% of SMBs say attracting new customers is their biggest challenge. While 30% say it’s marketing to prospective clients. Not surprisingly, 74% expressed interest in using AI to help.

91% of surveyed SMBs say AI has made their business more successful.

This advanced form of AI enables businesses to generate things like:

  • Images
  • Ideas
  • Customer solutions

Companies can do it at the push of a button. This reduces manual effort and unlocks new possibilities for creativity.

How Are Small Businesses Using GenAI?

1. Image & Content Creation and Personalization

Generative AI is revolutionizing image and content creation. It automates the generation of diverse and engaging visuals. Using text prompts, you can generate countless image styles. Plus, create photos and graphics that resonate with target audiences.

Small businesses can leverage GenAI to personalize marketing messages. This improves customer engagement and builds stronger connections.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience

Small businesses strive to differentiate themselves through exceptional customer experiences. Generative AI can play a pivotal role. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide instant responses. They offer a seamless and efficient communication channel.

This enhances customer satisfaction. It also frees up staff to focus on strategic aspects of relationship management.

3. Data Analysis and Decision-Making

Generative AI excels at analyzing vast datasets. As well as extracting insights and informing data-driven decision-making. Small businesses can harness the power of AI algorithms. It can help them understand market trends as well as customer behaviors and competitive landscapes.

This data-driven approach enables more informed marketing strategies. This helps business owners optimize resource allocation. As well as maximize the impact of marketing campaigns.

4. Innovative Product Development

The creative capabilities of GenAI extend to product development. Businesses can use AI to generate innovative ideas and concepts. This includes designing new products and refining existing ones.

AI-driven tools provide a unique perspective. One that can spark creativity as well as set small businesses on a path of continuous innovation.

5. Efficient Social Media Management

Social media has become a cornerstone of small business marketing. Generative AI is streamlining social media management. AI tools can analyze social media trends. They can also schedule posts for optimal engagement. And even generate relevant hashtags and captions. This automation allows small businesses to maintain a consistent social media presence.

Empowering Small Businesses for Future Growth

Generative AI stands at the forefront of technological innovation. It offers small businesses a gateway. One to enhance creativity, efficiency, and growth.

Those who harness the power of AI will gain a competitive edge. It can help smaller companies reach new heights of success. As well as do it affordably.

Small businesses that embrace GenAI can streamline their operations and marketing. They can also foster a culture of innovation that propels them into the future.

We’re now in a world where adaptability is key. GenAI provides small businesses with the tools to keep pace with industry changes. It also gives them the power to lead the way.

The growth potential unlocked by Generative AI extends beyond marketing. It permeates every aspect of business operations. This paves the way for a future where small businesses thrive. Well, the ones that capitalize on the innovation and strategic advantage.

Get Expert Guidance to Keep Your SMB Technologically Competitive

Things have always moved fast in the digital world. But GenAI seems to have accelerated that even more. Don’t let your small business get left behind. Our team of technology experts can help.

We’ll take a look at your current business needs. As well as how your technology is meeting them. Next, we’ll explore ways that newer solutions can cut costs and improve efficiency.

Contact us today to schedule a chat.

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Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.

Websites: The Forgotten Attack Vector

Websites: The Forgotten Attack Vector

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Education, News, Uncategorized

In September 2023, someone hacked Pizza Hut … Do you think they were after a few free pizzas?  Probably not.  They were looking for client data. So, what’s that got to do with your website?

Websites … the forgotten attack vector

For the moment, lets assume the best scenarios where your website doesn’t even contain client data.

What’s the risk? … 

    • A hacked website might contain code that can compromise a client (or your) computer by executing malicious code in their environment.
    • Cybercriminals take control of your website posting deceptive content which may compromise your integrity
    • Content modifications may redirect clients to inappropriate or competing sites
    • Loss of control of your own website
    • Defacing, deleting, or otherwise ruining the website
    • Using your resources and/or domain name to send illicit emails

Here’s my top 10 tips on how to protect your business by protecting your website …

 

Protection Factor #1: Website Hardening

  • Daily Security scans for infections or component vulnerabilities.
  • Daily backups and historical recovery positions.
  • Web application firewalls and global edge security
  • Regular health checks

 

Protection Factor #2 – Patching & Updates

Plugins, themes & content management core components need to be updated regularly.  No Update Available? … No, this does not mean the plugin is safe. It simply means there’s no update.
Also check that your hosters are updating database engines and scripting technologies behind the scenes.

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Protection Factor #5 – SSL Certificates are a neccesity, not a nice to have

The little lock icon !  You MUST have this.  Purchase a secure socket layer certificate. This will protect your data, protect your clients and boost your SEO rankings.  Have an expert recommend the right type of certificate for you.

Protection Factor #6 – Smart Passwords + 2 Factor Authentication

Like all passwords, your website passwords must be secure and complex.  Turn on multi-factor authentication where possible.  Change usernames from default or simple forms to something more complex.  Weak usernames can be as much a threat to your security as weak passwords.

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Protection Factor #9 – Securing submission forms

Structured query language (SQL) injection as well as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)s are techniques used by hackers to compromise your data and your website. Validation of form fields to remove symbols capable of executing queries can limit your exposure to these attack vectors.

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Protection Factor #3 – Ownership

Don’t leave your site in the wrong hands. Ensure that people who have access and control over your website are knowledgeable and experienced at site protection.  This is often not the case with marketing and designer resources.

Protection Factor #4 – Minimalistic Access Approach

Give people, even internal staff, access only to the parts and components they need.  For example, if they just add and edit content then don’t let them install plugins.  If they only write blogs then don’t let them add new pages.
Apply this theory to ALL data in your business.

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Protection Factor #7 – Web Application Firewall

Sitting between your website and the world, this additional layer reads all data passed and blocks hack attempts and filters out unwanted traffic like spammers and malicious bots.
This is a critical factor that can, and should, be provided by your hosting layer.

Protection Factor #8 – Secure Web Hosting

Check the security features offered by your hoster … 

  • Does the web host offer a Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)? SFTP.
  • Is FTP Use by Unknown User disabled?
  • Does it use a Rootkit Scanner?
  • Does it offer file backup services?
  • How well do they keep up to date on security upgrades?

Protection Factor #10 – Backup Often

Give yourself a fast recovery position.  Determine if onboard backups are sufficient.  You may choose to keep a copy off the main hosting server and in your own hands (recommended).

Step #1 … Cyber Protect your Email

Step #1 … Cyber Protect your Email

by | Aug 25, 2023 | Education, News

Unveiling the benefits of DKIM, DMARC & SPF to protect YOU!

As digital threats continue to evolve, safeguarding your email infrastructure has become a top priority. The implementation of DKIM, DMARC, and SPF protocols provides multiple benefits, including increased email authenticity, protection against phishing attacks, preservation of brand reputation, and enhanced email deliverability. By adopting these robust security practices, you can ensure the integrity of your email communication, foster customer trust, and fortify your organization against cyber threats. Embrace these technologies and empower your email system with the much-needed protection it deserves.

Enhance Email Deliverability

Ensure Email Authenticity and Integrity

Implementing DKIM, DMARC, and SPF protocols not only bolsters security but also improves email
deliverability rates. Since email recipients increasingly trust messages authenticated by DKIM and
aligned with DMARC and SPF policies, your emails are more likely to land in the recipient’s inbox rather
than being flagged as suspicious or sent to the spam folder. By maintaining a positive reputation
through consistent authentication and alignment, your organization’s emails are recognized as
legitimate, reaching your intended audience effectively.

DKIM, DMARC, and SPF collectively establish a robust system for verifying the authenticity and integrity
of emails. DKIM employs cryptographic signatures, which are added to outgoing messages, to validate
the sender’s domain. Upon receipt, the recipient’s server verifies the signature with the sender’s public
key, thus ensuring that the email has not been tampered with or forged during transmission. As a result,
DKIM safeguards against malicious manipulation and impersonation.

Safeguard Brand Reputation & Customer Trust

Shields Against Phishing Attacks:

Domain spoofing, where attackers impersonate reputable organizations, can cause significant damage
to a brand’s reputation and erode customer trust. Implementing DKIM, DMARC, and SPF protocols
acts as a robust defense mechanism against these spoofing attacks. DKIM’s cryptographic signatures
authenticate the sender’s domain, making it incredibly challenging for attackers to impersonate your
brand convincingly. DMARC provides domain owners with detailed visibility into who is sending emails
claiming to be from their domain, facilitating swift action against impersonators. SPF further mitigates
domain spoofing by verifying that emails originate from authorized servers.

Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, often tricking recipients into sharing
sensitive data or clicking on malicious links. By implementing DMARC and SPF, you fortify your email
infrastructure against these fraudulent practices. DMARC allows domain owners to specify strict
policies for emails that fail authentication. It enables organizations to instruct receiving mail servers
on how to handle such messages, including quarantining, rejecting, or delivering them to the recipient’s
spam folder. Additionally, SPF ensures that only authorized email servers can send messages on behalf
of your domain, minimizing the risk of phishing attempts by unauthorized individuals.

5 Cyber Security Mistakes to Avoid

5 Cyber Security Mistakes to Avoid

by | Mar 29, 2021 | News, Education

Cyber Security should be a top priority for business leaders today. Companies are facing increased risks of their data, or that of the customers, being broadcast to the world. Along with the risk of fines, is the more pressing concern of damage to your business reputation. More now than ever, we are seeing governments around the world stepping in to create legislation to protect consumers. This increased protection increases the burden on business. With a few steps in the right direction and minimal extra cost, you can meet your duty of care. Here are some of the key cyber security mistakes that have the potential to bring your company to its knees.

Cyber Security Mistakes

Cyber Security has now entered the mainstream, and it’s time businesses make it a priority. As a matter of course, it’s time for your business to adopt an active security strategy. This strategy should consist of a couple of steps. Firstly, your organisation needs to assess the data you have on your network, and what you are exposing to the wider internet. Use strong security software and services to assess the data and to ensure that only people who should have access to that data can do so. Don’t make it easy for the wrong people to access your company information. Also, you need to understand how secure your system is.

Mistake 1 – Not Encrypting Data

Encryption of data is a vital step in protecting data from hackers. And, one of the easiest ways to prevent data loss. Let’s face it, nobody wants to think about losing their data or credit cards, so it’s important you consider encryption. But, when was the last time you read up on the ins and outs of encryption? It might take a little bit of effort to find a good encryption solution, but you should make it a priority. Don’t have the time? Ask us and our team of experts will be more than happy to assist.

Mistake 2 – Not Patching Software

As threats become more sophisticated, malware and vulnerabilities become better understood. But cyber security measures have not kept up with this rapid evolution. Even in today’s hyper-connected world, we still need security measures that are easy for a business to put in place, but still, be secure, and, work across many platforms. In addition, being able to identify emerging threats quickly and remediate them proactively is paramount. The easiest way to secure many environments at once is to keep your operating systems and software patched and up to date. When left unpatched, any small change, like a new virus or bug can cripple your entire enterprise.

Mistake 3 – Not Monitoring for Threats

Cyber Security is no longer something of the dark ages. The companies that invest the time and money to create an effective program have already become overnight successes. They have increased customer confidence, decreased risk, and hopefully averted disaster. Yet despite this, so many companies today still spend more time defending their network, than actually monitoring for new threats. As businesses, many do not consider cyber threats a priority, yet in reality, they are simply the cost of doing business. The right cyber security program should track every aspect of your business to identify the threats in your environment, proactively prevent attacks, and protect your assets from falling into the wrong hands.

Mistake 4 – Not Using Multi-Factor Authentication

This is the term given to a range of procedures which need a customer to present identification to access their account. These include SMS codes, authentication emails or even an MFA app. But, despite using the same technology, they are not always the same. This is one of the easiest and most effective solutions in protecting your customers’ data. Because you need to enter your one-time code to access a business’s accounts, this also applies to those outside of your network. When you call your bank they ask you to verify your account. This is a form of customer facing multi-factor authentication. Methods like this can protect you and your customers from ever having to worry about who can get access to their data.

Mistake 5 – Not Understanding the Risk

Technology is advancing at an incredible rate, and companies that lack an understanding of how to protect data, end up doing the complete opposite. An organisation that owns and protects its data and has planned the detection of and response to a breach will be in a far better position than those that do not. Understand that risk management is a multi-phase process. By taking the time to understand the value of your data and the data of those who interact with you, you can begin to build a comprehensive plan to protect it. There are three major elements to any plan: physical, operational and cybersecurity. Physical protection – are the physical systems that carry information. These are things like electronic filing cabinets, server rooms and communication systems. Operational protection – is the plans, processes, and procedures you have in place around your data and team. Cyber Security protection – are the tools, the software and the hardware tracking your data both inside and outside of your environment.