Cyber Security Tips & Tricks

People are more connected today than ever before. Our smartphones, tablets, and personal computers are all connected via the Internet. Our homes have “smart” televisions, security and monitoring devices are web-enabled, and even our appliances can connect to the home Wi-Fi. While this continued connectivity brings many benefits to our lives, it also means that we are potentially introducing new cyber threats into our homes.

According to a 2023 AARP report, adult Americans lost $43 billion to identity fraud, which is a 13% increase from the prior year. What can you do to protect yourself from happening to you? 
 

Exercising caution when online is an important first step in the battle to maintain cyber security at home. Here are some simple steps to implement on your personal devices if you haven’t already:

• Make sure your Internet router is secured by a password—don’t leave it open for anyone to connect to.

• Don’t click a link unless you can be 100% sure of its origin. It is a good idea to go directly to the website if you receive an email asking for information. Scammers are very good at making an email seem authentic, and by the time you realize it isn't, your information is in the hands of a criminal.

• Keep anti-virus and software updates current. Software updates for phones and other electronics often include security patches. Not installing updates can leave your device exposed.

To help protect our customers from the growing number of cyber threats, Acuity began rolling out an enhancement to our existing Identity Fraud Expense endorsement in January. The new and improved coverage is called Identity Fraud Expense and Cyber Protection. This cyber endorsement helps protect you and members of your household from financial loss caused by a cyber or identity fraud related event, including:

• Identity Fraud Expense reimburses for expenses incurred as a result of recovering one’s identity.

• Data Recovery and System Restoration coverage reimburses the cost to recover lost data and/or repair your personal devices after a hacking attack.

• Cyber Crime coverage can apply to a variety of criminal activities, such as wire transfer fraud, credit card fraud, and phishing attacks.

• Cyber Extortion coverage reimburses in a situation where you may be denied access to your device until paying a ransom amount.

• Cyber Bullying coverage provides reimbursement for financial loss caused by online harassment or bullying. 

• Data Breach of Others coverage provides reimbursement for necessary costs associated with notification of others in the event a cyber event causes a breach in the personal information of others.

• Legal Expense and Damages Reimbursement is available if someone claims you are responsible for the loss of their personal information.

This coverage will also be available to homeowners who operate a home business and carry the Home-Biz Endorsement.

Acuity is committed to delivering innovative solutions that provide comprehensive cyber protection coverage to our personal insurance customers. The more you know, the safer your personal information will be, so be careful about where you are sharing personal or financial information.

*https://www.javelinstrategy.com/research/2024-identity-fraud-study-resolving-shattered-identity-crisis