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The Newest Threat to Your Business: Cyber Risk

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The Newest Threat to Your Business: Cyber Risk

Cyber Risk for Businesses - Adjusters International

According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 33 percent of documented data breaches occur in businesses with less than 100 employees; and frighteningly, nearly 60 percent of small businesses close their doors within six months following a cyber-attack.

Any organization from a small business to a large multi-national corporation that conducts business via technology (fax, e-mail, credit card machines, laptops, smartphones, point-of-sale systems, etc.) is at risk of a cyber-attack. Research shows smaller businesses may be easier to hack due to the lack of the financial resources to put the proper precautions and security measures in place. Here’s what you need to know regarding the newest threat to your business: cyber risk.

What is ‘Cyber Risk’?

According to the Institute of Risk Management, “Cyber risk means any risk of financial loss, disruption or damage to the reputation of an organization from some sort of failure of its information technology systems.”

Who is at risk?

  • All businesses large and small,
  • Counties,
  • Financial institutions,
  • Municipalities,
  • Non-profit organizations,
  • Schools,
  • Transit authorities,
  • Tribal nations,
  • Utilities, and
  • any organization that uses technology to conduct business faces cyber risk.

Examples of Cyber Risk

  • Employee error
    • An employee’s laptop or smartphone is lost or stolen which contains private business, employee, and/or customer information.
    • An employee e-mails private customer information which is intercepted by hackers.
  • Cyber extortion - also known as a Denial of Service (DoS) attack or a ransomware attack.
    • A hacker gains access to your network and threatens to encrypt data (such as the business’ website) rendering it useless unless the business owner agrees to pay the ransom.
  • Malware
    • Credit cards used at your business were compromised through your point-of-sale system.

What is at stake?

  • Cyber Risk for Businesses Adjusters InternationalSensitive Data
    • Social security numbers
    • Credit card numbers
    • Employee and customer information
    • Financial records
    • Addresses
  • Customers
    • Companies who have security breaches are more likely to lose customers who do not believe their private information is safe.
  • Bottom line
    • The lost customers and revenue.
    • Extensive fees will be incurred to mediate the security breach.
  • Status
    • Leaked information can ruin the reputability of an organization.

Expenses Your Organization May Incur

  • Loss of customers/revenue
  • Additional marketing to solidify brand including press releases to notify affected victims/customers
  • Extensive staff time to mitigate the damage
  • Forensic investigations
  • Lawsuits and legal fees

Mitigating Your Cyber Risk

Cyber insurance is available to policyholders. Property owners should check with their insurance broker or agent for the best option available to their organization for the maximum amount of protection. However, if you need to file a cyber claim, it is important to have professional representation on your behalf. A public adjuster can help by:

  • evaluating your insurance policy to establish the best possible strategy for presenting your claim to the carrier;
  • valuing, documenting and substantiating every detail of the loss;
  • negotiating on your behalf with your insurance company;
  • keeping you informed every step of the way; and
  • ultimately settling the claim for the maximum amount and with less hassle for you.

For additional information, visit:

https://adjustersinternational.com/video/why-business-owners-should-use-a-public-adjuster/