A Small Business Problem That" s Getting Bigger - Data Breach
Weve all seen the headlines: Major organizations such as Sony, Citigroup, Google and AOL experiencing a data breach in which confidential information is compromised.
But did you know:
According to a 2011 report from Verizon Business of more than 760 data breaches analyzed in 2010, nearly two-thirds involved businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
Its important to remember that most data breaches arent sophisticated computer-hacking schemes targeting multinational companies. Theyre simple scams that target small businesses through stolen:
- Credit card information
- Paper files that arent shredded
- Business laptop computers
Any business that handles data involving private business transactions, customers, patients or employees in other words, virtually any business is at risk. Key industries that need to consider insurance coverage for data breach protection include:
- Professional services (e.g., lawyers and accountants) and healthcare practices, based on the confidential nature of customer and patient information handled
- Retailers and restaurants, based on the significant number of debit and credit card transactions incurred
- Financial services and insurance agencies, based on the sensitive nature of customer information stored
Regardless of the nature of your business, the potential damage from lawsuits and liability damages is real and the long-term damage to your companys reputation could be devastating.
Data Breach Insurance Coverage: Why You Should Consider It
As a small business owner, you have a deep sense of responsibility to your customers, employees, vendors, patients and other stakeholders. The right coverage can ensure that, in the event of a breach, you and all of your stakeholders are protected and that youll receive expert help throughout the process.
Additionally, in the event of a breach, you wont just need liability coverage. Youll also want to be covered for expenses incurred in restoring your business reputation, including:
- Legal expenses
- Public relations
- Good faith advertising
- Expenses for notifying impacted individuals and companies
- Services for impacted individuals and companies, e.g., credit monitoring or establishing a help line to give them information and advice
Important Options
You may want to purchase data breach coverage as a standalone policy or as part of a comprehensive business insurance policy. The best agents will offer both.
Also, make sure that the policy and services you purchase are proactive in helping you prevent data breaches. You should have access to information and advice to help you analyze your business vulnerability and take corrective action to prevent breaches before they occur.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent understands your business and how to offer you the right protection for all the risks you face, including the growing threat of data breaches. Give him or her a call today to discuss your coverage options.
But did you know:
According to a 2011 report from Verizon Business of more than 760 data breaches analyzed in 2010, nearly two-thirds involved businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
Its important to remember that most data breaches arent sophisticated computer-hacking schemes targeting multinational companies. Theyre simple scams that target small businesses through stolen:
- Credit card information
- Paper files that arent shredded
- Business laptop computers
Any business that handles data involving private business transactions, customers, patients or employees in other words, virtually any business is at risk. Key industries that need to consider insurance coverage for data breach protection include:
- Professional services (e.g., lawyers and accountants) and healthcare practices, based on the confidential nature of customer and patient information handled
- Retailers and restaurants, based on the significant number of debit and credit card transactions incurred
- Financial services and insurance agencies, based on the sensitive nature of customer information stored
Regardless of the nature of your business, the potential damage from lawsuits and liability damages is real and the long-term damage to your companys reputation could be devastating.
Data Breach Insurance Coverage: Why You Should Consider It
As a small business owner, you have a deep sense of responsibility to your customers, employees, vendors, patients and other stakeholders. The right coverage can ensure that, in the event of a breach, you and all of your stakeholders are protected and that youll receive expert help throughout the process.
Additionally, in the event of a breach, you wont just need liability coverage. Youll also want to be covered for expenses incurred in restoring your business reputation, including:
- Legal expenses
- Public relations
- Good faith advertising
- Expenses for notifying impacted individuals and companies
- Services for impacted individuals and companies, e.g., credit monitoring or establishing a help line to give them information and advice
Important Options
You may want to purchase data breach coverage as a standalone policy or as part of a comprehensive business insurance policy. The best agents will offer both.
Also, make sure that the policy and services you purchase are proactive in helping you prevent data breaches. You should have access to information and advice to help you analyze your business vulnerability and take corrective action to prevent breaches before they occur.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent understands your business and how to offer you the right protection for all the risks you face, including the growing threat of data breaches. Give him or her a call today to discuss your coverage options.
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