C ybercriminals continuously look for vulnerabilities in your software, networks, and even devices like your security cameras. They target individual employees, too, hoping people will fall for scams. The price? Globally, breaches average $4.4M in costs, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025. Because no industry is immune to cybercrime, here are eight topics you need to plan for: 1. AI-driven cybercrime hurts floor covering businesses Bad actors are using artificial intelligence (AI) to launch devastating attacks. With AI, criminals create highly convincing phishing emails and fake videos of managers requesting wire transfers. Crooks research your suppliers, customers, and internal processes to determine the best way to trick you into parting with money or sensitive data. They craft personalized attacks that bypass traditional security filters. To protect your business, train your team to spot AI- generated threats: • Verify unusual requests in person or via phone calls to trusted numbers. • Question urgent payment demands even from familiar contacts. • Check email addresses carefully for subtle misspellings, particularly in the URL. • Pause before clicking links in unexpected messages. AI attacks succeed because they exploit human trust. Your first defense is employee awareness and verification protocols. 2. Ransomware-as-a-service threatens organizations of all sizes Cybercriminals now sell ransomware kits through “Ransomware-as-a-Service” (RaaS) platforms. These enable less-skilled hackers to launch sophisticated attacks for a few hundred dollars. Ransomware can lock your customer database, inventory systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Hackers then demand payment for the unlock codes. Recovery costs can stretch FLOORING BUSINESSES FACE INCREASING CYBER RISKS
FLOOR Education
Stacy Eickhoff Sr. Vice President Has specialized in providing insurance programs for the Floor Covering Industry for over 25 years. Risk Strategies is a top national broker providing comprehensive risk management advisory services.
seickhoff@risk-strategies.com
“ No industry
is immune to cybercrime— and flooring businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs.”
into six- and seven-figure sums. To safeguard against ransomware:
08 Premier Flooring Retailer tise | 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker