Cyber “Security Fatigue” and the Importance of Insuring

We live in a world where online and network security is constantly being attacked by data breaches, hacks, and viruses. Just typing in “Data Breach” into Google will show nothing but bad news. Companies and organizations seem to be in a constant state of losing personal client data: from credit card information, to emails and phone numbers, and even patient medical data. However, between the barrage of bad news and the onerous steps of cybersecurity, many individuals and businesses expose themselves to the risk of cyber threats in a process known as “Security Fatigue.”

Understanding Security Fatigue

In 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a study where computer users were interviewed on their cyber security habits. Overwhelmingly, these users experienced weariness and reluctance to deal with computer security, from activating security programs on their devices, protecting their data, updating their applications, and overcoming bad habits (such as using the same weak password across all applications or ignoring relevant data breach news). Now dubbed “Security Fatigue,” these behaviors expose users and their workplaces to higher chances of the dreaded data breach. Want to skip straight to coverage? Check out H&K’s Cyber Crime Insurance.

Combating Security Fatigue at Your Business

When it comes to combating security fatigue at work, it’s important to address all the issues that can cause system security to break down. Depending on the size and network use of your company, the following may be needed:

Use a Password Manager

Many people use the same password over and over again, across multiple accounts, devices, and even using the same for work and home. Use a password keychain (many browsers have one built in) or a password manager to manage multiple passwords and avoid one stolen password meaning all your passwords.

Use a Password Vault

When making passwords for programs the entire company uses, make sure to have a password vault where other employees can securely access them. This avoids the need to email or text these passwords, which leaves them much more open to theft.

Automatically Update Your Apps

When your devices and programs notify you of a pending update, it’s easy to ignore them. However, many of these updates are designed to patch security issues and exploits. Check your device to see if updates can be automatically applied, and always update those that can’t.

Lock Down Your Network

Open routers, default appliance passwords, and hot-spot phones can all lead to people abusing or exploiting your home network. Make sure to check that your router has a secure password, and do the same for your router login. If you use your phone to make a network (turning on “Hot-Spot”), make sure to turn it off after you need it.

Bring on a Managed Service Provider

If your in-house IT is non-existent or underdeveloped, it’s time to look at a Managed Service Provide (MSP) which acts as a remote IT and security monitoring service. They can do many of the above things for you, as well as help update hardware and install new security software. They can also help you update your internal technology policies to help your employees better protect your clients.

Getting a Cyber Crime Insurance Policy

Just as it’s important to combat security fatigue to reduce a cyber security risk, it’s also important to insure against it. Cyber crime polices help protect against the fallout of a breach in network security, from first-party charges such as data destruction, theft, and denial of service attacks, to third-party cost like security audits, data breach PR and investigation, and criminal reward funds. The H&K Insurance Agency provides Cyber Crime Insurance for all of New England. Contact us today to learn more.