Cyber-Attacks can hit any size business. Are you protected?

What is a Cyber-Attack?

A cyber-attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system, network, or device using various techniques and tools such as malware, phishing, denial-of-service attacks, and others. The motive behind a cyber-attack can vary, including financial gain, stealing sensitive information, disrupting services, or causing damage. Cyber-attacks can range from minor incidents to major breaches that can have severe consequences for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and regular updates are essential to prevent and mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks.

What businesses are vulnerable to a Cyber-Attack?

All businesses are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, regardless of their size, industry, or location. However, some industries and businesses may be more attractive targets for cybercriminals due to the nature of their operations, the amount of sensitive information they store or handle, or their level of interconnectedness.

Some businesses that may be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks include:

• Financial institutions: such as banks, investment firms, and insurance companies, which store and handle large amounts of financial data and assets.
• Healthcare providers: such as hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, which store and handle sensitive patient data, including personal and medical information.
• Retailers: such as online stores and physical stores that handle credit card information and store customer data.
• Government agencies: such as federal, state, and local government organizations, which may hold sensitive information about individuals and national security.
• Energy and utilities: such as oil and gas companies, and electricity providers, which are critical infrastructure and can be targets of cyber-attacks that could result in power outages and disruption of services.
• Manufacturing: such as companies that produce high-tech goods or products with proprietary information, which can be targets of intellectual property theft and cyber espionage.

It is important to note that any business can be a target of a cyber-attack, regardless of the industry or size. Therefore, all businesses should prioritize implementing and maintaining effective cybersecurity measures to reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats.

What are the chances your business will be hit by a Cyber-Attack?

The chances of a mid-size business suffering a cyber-attack depend on various factors, including the industry, the security measures in place, and the level of cyber risk exposure. However, studies have shown that mid-size businesses are increasingly becoming targets of cyber-attacks due to the perception that they have fewer security resources than larger organizations while still holding valuable data.

According to the 2020 Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report, 46% of US-based small and mid-sized businesses experienced at least one cyber-attack in the past year, with an average cost of $200,000. The report also found that companies with less than 50 employees were more likely to experience a cyber-attack than those with more than 250 employees.

Therefore, it is important for mid-size businesses to take cyber risks seriously and implement effective cybersecurity measures, such as regular employee training, implementing multifactor authentication, using strong passwords, conducting regular backups, and updating software and hardware regularly to reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Additionally, investing in cyber insurance can help mitigate the financial risk of a potential cyber-attack.

What could a Cyber-attack cost a mid-size business?

The cost of a cyber-attack on a mid-size business can vary depending on the type and severity of the attack, the industry, and the size of the organization. According to the 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report by IBM, the average cost of a data breach for a mid-size business with less than 1,000 employees is $2.68 million, with an average cost per record of $150.

The cost of a cyber-attack on a mid-size business can include:

•  Investigation and recovery costs, including IT forensics, legal fees, and public relations efforts.
•  Business interruption costs, including lost revenue and productivity, and reputational damage.
•  Regulatory fines and legal fees associated with data breach notification and compliance.
•  Costs associated with customer compensation, such as credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
•  Increased insurance premiums and cyber risk assessments.
•  Ongoing costs associated with strengthening cybersecurity measures and infrastructure.

CLICK HERE to calculate what a cyber-attack might cost your business.  

It is important to note that the indirect costs of a cyber-attack, such as reputational damage, can be much higher than the direct financial costs. Therefore, investing in effective cybersecurity measures, such as regular employee training, implementing multifactor authentication, and updating software and hardware regularly, is essential to reduce the risk of a cyber-attack and mitigate the potential costs associated with a data breach.

 
How can you protect your business from a Cyber-attack?

There are several steps that businesses can take to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. Here are some essential measures:

• Conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment: Identify potential cyber risks and vulnerabilities by evaluating your systems, networks, and applications, and develop a plan to address those risks.
•  Educate employees: Provide regular cybersecurity training for all employees to raise awareness about common cyber threats and best practices, such as using strong passwords and avoiding suspicious emails and links.
•  Implement strong access controls: Use multifactor authentication and least-privilege access policies to limit access to sensitive data and systems to authorized personnel.
•  Keep software and systems up to date: Regularly update software, hardware, and firmware to address vulnerabilities and patch security flaws.
•  Secure your networks: Use firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to protect your networks from unauthorized access.
•  Back up your data: Regularly back up your data to secure locations to ensure that you can recover data in case of a cyber-attack.
•  Monitor and detect: Use security monitoring tools and techniques to detect potential security breaches and quickly respond to them.

 Invest in cyber insurance: Consider purchasing cyber insurance to help mitigate the financial impact of a potential cyber-attack.

By implementing these measures and regularly reviewing and updating your cybersecurity protocols, you can help protect your business from cyber-attacks and minimize the impact of a potential data breach.

What is Cyber Insurance and should you have it for your business?

Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance or data breach insurance, is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage against losses and damages resulting from cyber-attacks or data breaches. The policy typically covers costs associated with investigation, notification, and legal fees, as well as damages and losses resulting from stolen or compromised data, network interruption, and cyber extortion.

Cyber insurance policies can vary depending on the insurer and the coverage selected, and may also include additional services such as risk assessment and cybersecurity training. The premiums for cyber insurance policies are typically based on the size of the organization, the industry it operates in, and the level of risk exposure.

Cyber insurance can be particularly important for small and medium-sized businesses, which may lack the resources to handle the financial and legal repercussions of a cyber-attack. However, it is important to note that cyber insurance is not a replacement for effective cybersecurity measures, and organizations should prioritize implementing and maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols to prevent and mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks.

If you have questions about Cyber Insurance or are not sure if you are properly covered by your current business insurance policy, contact the professionals at Arrowhead Automotive Insurance.  We are a leading national insurance agency providing products and services to businesses operating in the automotive industry.  Our team is dedicated to this industry and has the unique experience and knowledge to thoroughly evaluate the needs of your business.  Our influential relationships with top insurance companies and industry organizations allow our agency to provide unrivaled, personalized solutions.