Our dependence on technology has now entered a new phase. As many workforces shift to remote capabilities and work-from-home solutions for their employees at an astoundingly rapid pace, cyber security news has to stay updated in real-time to keep organizations and businesses apprised of the latest cyber threats.

With aggressive threats evolving each day, taking advantage of overwhelmed organizations, businesses, and employees, it’s more important than ever now to stay vigilant in protecting your clients from cyber threats.

While work-from-home has become a popular (and at times, necessary – COVID-19) offering from many organizations and businesses, it also presents new risks. With employees relying entirely on email, messaging systems, cloud-based services, video conferencing systems, and other remote capabilities, the opportunities for a ransomware attack are right at hackers’ fingertips.

As ransomware threats rely on human emotion and error to steal personally identifiable information (PII), these hackers are not afraid to take advantage of the current climate.

The first step of defense against a ransomware attack is knowledge. However, with all of the misinformation that exists on the internet, it can be difficult to know what sources to trust and where to start. Here we’ll break down a list of sources that can give you reliable information and news on the latest in all things cyber.

Educate Your Clients: Cyber Sources

It’s important that your clients know about the latest cyber threats, how these threats are being carried out, and how to quickly identify a potential attack. Any and all employees should undergo regular training to protect the organization’s sensitive information and computer systems, staying current on any cyber security news.

Here’s a number of sources to help you and your clients stay up-to-date on all things cyber:

Federal Agencies

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  The FBI issues regular warnings on any cyber threats or known attacks of which the public should be aware. In addition, should you or your client fall victim to cyber crime, a complaint can be filed here.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  This government agency acts as a “global exchange for cyber and communications information” and shares their findings with the cybersecurity community to help improve risk management.

Industry Newsletters

• NetDiligence Newsletter
  NetDiligence, a cyber risk assessment and data breach services company, offers this free monthly publication, which has over 200 volumes.
• Aon Newsroom
  Aon, a risk solutions firm, uses data and analytics to deliver insights that reduce volatility and improve performance.
• Advisen Front Page News
  Advisen, a leading provider of data, media, and technology solutions for the commercial property and casualty insurance market, offers free front-page news stories every week, written by their own journalists.

Industry Publications

• Business Insurance
  As a publication that offers information for risk managers, insurance companies, brokers and other providers of insurance products, Business Insurance regularly provides the latest on cyber risks and how they’re affecting the insurance industry.
• Insurance Journal
  This publication provides constantly updated regional, national, and international news related to the insurance industry and allows you to tailor your news coverage to your location within the U.S.

While education is one of the best ways for your clients’ to protect themselves, here are some additional key factors they should be considering:

• Passwords
  A lengthy, complex, AND unique password is a safe password. Hackers are able to guess thousands of password combinations in seconds. With so many organizations relying on cloud services, a compromised password means immediate access to endless personal data, including social security numbers, credit card numbers, and other private information.
• Security
  While IT security updates may seem pesky, they’re a necessity. Utilizing the latest in cyber security software, such as encrypting files, will help maintain tight access control over your clients’ private information. As hackers find new ways to infiltrate network systems and software, security updates patch any weaknesses or inconsistencies that could lead to a breach.
• Insurance
  A cyber insurance policy is the best way to mitigate the damages of a cyber attack once it occurs. Even the most vigilant of technology users are susceptible to these threats as they change and evolve so rapidly—it’s all but impossible to prevent them entirely. With most cyber breaches costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s enough to put most small organizations out of business. Under the protection of a cyber insurance policy, your clients will be prepared to handle the inevitable. This type of policy can help your clients with both first and third-party claims as well as potential legal costs, ransom demand payments, public relations costs, and more.

For more information on the latest in cyber news, check ProWriters FREE online resources:

• Cyber Insurance Blog
• Brokers Resources

Help provide your clients with the best possible cyber coverage so they’re protected from the inevitable with our latest whitepaper, The Six-Step Guide to Becoming Your Clients’ Cyber Expert. The right cyber policy can have a consequential impact on whether your clients’ are able to survive and recover from a cyber attack.

To learn more, contact us to speak with a ProWriters expert, or call us at 484-321-2335 with any questions.