UK and Ireland
Cyber security
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10 tips for cyber security

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    Quick and easy tips designed for both individuals and organisations to assist in cyber security protection

    What you can do

    Beware of phishing
    Be on the lookout for emails with urgent, fear-inducing subject lines, or updates from scammers posing as someone from your company. Hover over the email sender's address with your mouse to ensure it’s from your company, and hover over links to preview their destination. If you’re not sure about it, don't click it.
    ....and vishing (voice phishing)
    Never provide your log-in information, financial account or allow access to your devices to someone over the phone, unless you’ve confirmed the request is from a trusted source.
    Keep software up to date
    Putting off installing updates to your computer and phone software can expose you to cyber attacks. Install updates as soon as possible.
    Back up data
    Be sure to back up your data, so you can access it outside of your system, in case you are hit by a cyber attack.
    Passwords
    Use complex, hard-to-guess passwords that contain random words, a combination of capital and small letters, numbers and symbols. Change passwords frequently or use a password manager and multi-factor authentication.

    What your organisation can do

    Train employees
    Train employees in good cyber hygiene - how to spot phishing emails, use of complex passwords and how to report and respond to a suspected incident, such as ransomware or email compromise. And make sure employees understand your policies for computer access and using their own devices.
    Firewalls
    Make sure your IT team employs firewalls for your internet access to protect your team from viruses, ransomware, and other cyber attacks.
    Admin rights
    Limit access to servers and software to employees who require it for their job.
    Secure Wi-Fi networks
    Your Wi-Fi should be secured with a password. When off site, only log into secure Wi-Fi networks that require a password. Do not set your device to log in automatically to networks that are not secured.
    If you think you’ve been hacked, act.
    If you think you’ve been victim to a cyber crime, immediately call the appropriate internal or external resource, and notify your broker, intermediary or insurer if you have a claim.

    HSB's technology solutions

    HSB Cyber Insurance provides a computer, data and cyber insurance policy all in one for small and medium-sized businesses.

    HSB Computer Insurance provides comprehensive cover for commercial computer hardware, data losses, increased costs, and virus, hacking and denial of service.