CYBER INSIGHTS
Keep Your
Company Safe
While Working
From Home
Since the beginning of the
digital age, protecting our
information has been a
concern. These concerns have
never been greater as the
spread of the coronavirus has triggered
the mobilization of the largest workfrom-home
environment across the
globe. Business continuity plans have
mandated that employees set up their
home computers and continue their job
performance remotely.
In this “new normal” with millions of
people following this protocol, experts in
the cybersecurity field have laid out some
concerns and steps to be taken.
Security researchers have already
identified phishing emails posing as
alerts regarding COVID-19, leveraging
the fear and panic it creates. Up-to-date
antivirus and monitoring tools can limit
the effectiveness of these attacks, but as
importantly, employees need to be vigilant
and aware of the dangers of opening
attachments and links from untrusted
sources.
Many companies already had an agile
workforce and were well-equipped to
maintain network integrity through the
use of VPNs—virtual private networks
using a multifactor authentication for
its users. Others have not. Those less
prepared have a risk that the increased
volume of network traffic will place a
strain on the organization’s IT systems
and personnel, and that employees will
be accessing sensitive data via unsecured
networks or devices.
VPNs are not completely invulnerable as
companies who have implemented them
but failed to update them are becoming
victims of data theft and ransomware.
These networks should be load tested
to ensure the increased traffic can be
handled.
Typically in an office environment, an IT
staff member is on deck to monitor and
contain threats to the network security.
A remote workplace makes that much
more difficult. Companies with employees
working from home should have a readily
contactable IT colleague to physically
address a compromise at its source.
BY: BERNIE COSENTINO,
VICE PRESIDENT, JGS INSURANCE
Even after stay-at-home orders are lifted,
more and more organizations will likely
continue with the remote work strategy.
Even with all the safeguards in place to
prevent data theft and ransomware, the
bad actors will continue to hone their
abilities to hack into private and public
networks.
Companies can safeguard against the
increased risk of disruption with a
comprehensive cyber insurance policy
that could provide coverage for business
interruption losses as well as the cost
of forensic experts to investigate and
remediate a breach.
I would advise you to speak with your
trusted insurance advisor to make sure
you are protected against cyber breaches.
Please stay safe and be well. +
Bernie Cosentino is celebrating his 36th year in the
insurance industry. Born, bred and educated in NJ he is
a proud father to his adult children Joseph and Maria.
Bernie is currently in his 19th year at JGS Insurance as A
Vice President and broker/producer diligently pursuing the
most competitive and comprehensive insurance program
to a wide range of customer base.
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