Cyber Risk SurveyRecently The Business Journal published a report on cyber risk, and we thought the results would be good to share with you. While a majority of U.S. finance executives now see high-profile cyber-breaches as a major risk, many still have inadequate cyber insurance coverage. That finding comes from the Association for Financial Professionals' (AFP) survey of executives in corporate treasury, finance, and banking at its annual conference in Washington, D.C. Results are based on the 970 responses generated by the survey.1The Survey ResultsAbout 32 percent of respondents rated cyber risks as highest on a five-point scale. Another 28 percent slapped a "very high" label on those risks.A whopping 31 percent of respondents don't carry any cyber insurance.Approximately 6 percent of companies uninsured for cyber risk picked up the coverage in the last year, and 15 percent increased existing coverage over the last 12 months.That contradiction between acknowledging a cyber risk problem and taking steps to address it is in play even as many of these executives admitted that cyber breaches could harm financial institutions and cause loss of faith in electronic payments technology.A solid minority of respondents also agreed that high profile breaches of cloud services and personal devices, successful large-scale attacks by foreign entities, and high profile data breaches at retailers would greatly harm business activity.While respondents admitted major concerns about the economic impact that cyber breaches could cause, 21 percent had not updated their crisis response or business continuity plans in the last 12 months. About 12 percent said they had no plans to update either option, AFP noted.How to Reduce your Cyber RiskOutsource credit card handling with a reputable vendor.Use more complex passwords with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Here is an example (MP#09xT28S%).Don't save passwords on your computer.Question your internet security at every level, including email. It may be time to encrypt all emails.Use the latest security software.Do not allow laptops to leave the office without proper security.Train your employees on cyber security.Do not use an open network.Cyber InsuranceWe can provide your firm with the right combination of pricing and coverage. Cyber risk insurance is available at very reasonable premiums. Many of our companies offer coverage to help protect your business from loss.Polaris Risk Management & Insurance Services is a full-service retail insurance agency that provides our clients with comprehensive coverage solutions, guidance in risk management, and reliable service. Our focus is to present the most thorough and reasonable insurance placements corresponding to our insured's needs. In addition to placing all lines of commercial insurance, please visit our Products & Services page to review the specialty programs we have developed for our clients or feel free to contact us at (925) 677-7400.1www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2014/11/05/346033.htm#.VFvW6KzVcu8.email
