Archives for April 2022

How can I improve at protecting my data?

As our society has become progressively reliant on technology, the risk of cyber threat has increased alongside it. This means we need to keep ourselves protected with cyber cover. When we check our email or social media platform, we’re relying on the safety of our data and personal information.

If you’re a regular technology user, think about how responsible you’re being when making informed decisions about sharing personal information. Every detail you share about yourself is valuable. This is information such as your age and gender, location, and even your purchase history. Keep in mind that this means having to be aware of the digital footprints you leave behind when you’re online.

Be aware of what data you share

Remember that when you use an app on your smartphone, or you complete online forms that contain sensitive data, you need to make sure you’re protecting yourself so your data won’t fall into the wrong hands.

Nearly everything that you share online will be seen as data. This is why you should always be in full control of the information you share. Make sure you’re aware of the information you’re providing in the apps you are downloading. You also need ensure you’re taking extra steps to manage your privacy settings.

You also need to be aware of the apps you download on your smartphone. They could have access to your microphone, phone contacts, your location, photos, and health data, even though you haven’t consented. Always make sure you keep in mind what information you are sharing, and who it’s going out to.

Quick Tips on Staying Safe

There are a few rules we would encourage GGF members to follow when using the internet, such as;

• Don’t click on any links if you didn’t expect to receive them
• Make sure you’re using different passwords for different logins. You should consider using password management tools to help you to generate and store your passwords
• Don’t be tempted to open any pop-ups

Cyber Cover with Installsure

You need to ensure you understand what cyber cover is, as your business is responsible for its own cyber security. Having a cyber policy in place will mean you receive crucial support when you need it most. Our in-house insurance broker, Installsure, can help GGF members find cover that’s right for them.

Contact the Installsure team about cyber cover.

Every company will potentially face a cyber risk at some point, if you’re a larger company then you have more areas of vulnerability. If your company has to use electronic data at all, then you would benefit from having a policy in place.

What does Cyber insurance cover?

Cyber insurance will cover you after an online attack, when the attacker has financially profited from your business. It also covers data breaches when sensitive data is shared without your permission.

Cyber cover is a necessity because it protects you from any future possible cyber threats. Technology has become so advanced that anyone can become susceptible to cybercriminal activities, such as hacking, data theft and damage. The cybercrime rate is increasing and without cyber security, you could lose any sensitive information you’ve submitted online.

Likely Attacks That Could Happen to You  

Hacking is unlawful access into your computer and/or systems. Often this means the hacker has cracked your password, then they can then do whatever they’d like with your data.

Phishing is a cyber-attack when the person is using email or text to charade as a trusted source or real person pretending to need something from you. Examples of phishing include a request from someone impersonating your bank or asking you to download an attachment or click on a link. A third of all data breaches last year involved phishing attacks, so it’s something you need to be aware of.

Malware is malicious software that has been created to damage your computer systems. You’re more likely to have heard the term ‘viruses’, which will delete files from a hard drive without you realising. This could be anything containing important customer information, such as bank details or credit card information.

Ransomware is a form of malware that will block access to particular files, or even your whole computer. It’s not unfamiliar for a locked screen to appear asking you to pay in order to access your files again. Make sure you don’t pay it, as here’s no guarantee that paying the fine will eliminate the ransomware. If the attacker had success receiving money from you, you’ll be more susceptible to another attack.

We take every precaution to ensure we’re protected, but ultimately we have limited control of what we can prevent and phishing emails may occur.

We would recommend that you contact your IT provider and check your computer is up to date with a firewall and antivirus software. You can also use Email Security Gateway, it works as a filter to prevent fraudulent emails passing through.

For more information on Cyber Insurance you can contact a member of the Installsure team by completing this form.