20 FOR 2020
If you think your company will avoid a cyber-attack, think again
Cyber crime is on the rise, with more than half of UK businesses reporting an attack during the last year. Research from Hiscox UK shows that 60 per cent of firms were victims in 2019, as opposed to 45 per cent being targeted in the previous 12 months. Neville Mills, managing director of Brunsdon Insurance, has a simple message for companies who think they will avoid an attack. “If you think your business isn’t at risk, think again,” he said. Brunsdon Insurance offers cyber insurance to an ever-growing number of businesses keen to avoid the potential pitfalls of a hacker doing their worst. “Cyber insurance is there to make sure your business is protected against all types of cyber crime,” Neville said.” Whether it’s fraud, data theft, social engineering or ransomware (where criminals attempt to fool you into parting with money, personal information or both), your business is at risk. In the worst cases, you could get locked out of your own business. Cyber insurance can also cover data breaches, where sensitive information is accidentally shared, providing valuable assistance and guidance through the processes of informing the Information Commissioner’s Office and on managing a reputational incident. Neville pointed out that at Brunsdon Insurance, “we will help identify the risks that your business could face and help you to mitigate these risks, before recommending a suitable cyber insurance programme that meets the needs of your business.” Neville added: “The rise in the number of attacks and the amount of businesses being targeted shows that it’s a problem that is not going away. "Smaller businesses and SMEs are now being targeted as they are seen by the criminal as more vulnerable to
cyber attack. We’ve seen the number of cyber crime cases increase in the past 12 months and an attack can lead to significant lost revenue, "More importantly though, it can lead to your company’s reputation being damaged, or your firm being fined. "If you hold data about customers, suppliers or
36 | February 2020 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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