Tag Archive for: cyber

Why Does My Business Need Cyber Insurance?

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Did you know, according to Advisorsmith and Insurance Journal, 42% of small businesses have experienced a cyberattack within the past year and 53% have experienced multiple data breaches?

Cyberattacks target personally identifiable information, personal health data as well as confidential financial information and can result in significant and often devastating financial loss for your business. In fact, the National Cyber Security Alliance found that 60% of small businesses that fell victim to a cyberattack were forced to close within six months due to the high financial costs necessary to recover.

Read our full guide on why your business needs cyber insurance, as well as how you can protect your business from these risks below.

What is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance is a coverage policy that helps protect your business and mitigate financial risk in the event of a cyberattack. Retrieving your company data and rebuilding your systems is time-consuming and costly. 

In addition, the loss of time and productivity, when a data breach does occur can damage your credit, damage your reputation with customers, cost you in service providers restructuring your security, and prevent further losses and possible penalties for improper handling of sensitive financial data.

What Does Cyber Insurance Cover?

Coverage can vary depending on the policy, however, cyber insurance generally covers: 

  • Regulatory fines, legal fees, and penalties
  • Credit and fraud monitoring services
  • Crisis management and public relations
  • Finding and addressing the security defect
  • Notifying customers of a data breach
  • Restoring personal identities of affected customers
  • Recovering compromised data
  • Repairing damaged computer systems

What Businesses Need Cyber Insurance?

Every business that uses digital data—such as saving client information to your network or cloud—needs cyber insurance. However, some businesses are more heavily targeted by cybercriminals because of their valuable data and resources, such as:

Financial Services

According to Business Insider, financial firms are 300 times more likely to be targeted than other companies. Wow!

Financial services are specifically targeted because of their access to financial accounts and/or services such as allowing customers to pay bills online, transfer funds, and view account balances.

Financial institutions including the Securities and Exchange Commission, Equifax, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, JPMorgan as well as many other firms have all experienced cyber breaches and attacks.

Health Care

Health care organizations are responsible for significant amounts of sensitive information and, as a result, could potentially put the private records of millions of patients at risk. HIPAA Journal reports that 89% of healthcare organizations have experienced a data breach.

Small Businesses and Start-Ups

Small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals because of their limited resources and lack of security expertise. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 83% of small businesses have no formal cyber security plan and 69% have no plan at all.

What Happens to My Business If I Don’t Have Cyber Insurance?

A cyberattack on a business without cyber insurance can result in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars between:

  • Various legal fees and fines
  • Recovery of compromised data
  • Damaged computer systems
  • And other necessary costs

According to the Ponemon Institute, the average small business pays $690,000 to recover from a cyber-attack, whereas middle-market companies can pay upward of $1 million.

Due to the devastating financial fallout, many businesses that experience a cyberattack without cyber insurance can’t recover and are forced to permanently close their doors. 

Cyber insurance is a rapidly growing space and constantly evolving to fit the needs of any business. With the right policy, you can protect your business from the high costs and destructive effects of a cyberattack.

To learn more, read on for seven steps to avoid cyber security threats.

How Small Businesses Fall Victim to Cyber Attacks

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Cyber attacks are on the rise—and no business, big or small, is immune to the devastating financial loss that a cyber attack can have. So, let’s discuss a few aspects of cyber attacks to look out for, including:

  • What is phishing?
  • Why is it a problem?
  • Why are small businesses targeted?
  • How can your business prevent becoming the victim of a cyber attack?

Let’s dive in.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is an ever-growing concern defined as the “technique for attempting to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a website, in which the perpetrator masquerades as a legitimate business or reputable person.”

According to Brenda Jo Robyn, founder of Competitive Edge Insurance, phishing is “any activity that compromises your organization’s security.”

For more on phishing, read our article: “Why Is Phishing the #1 Thing Killing Small Businesses?”

Why is Phishing a Problem?

Let us provide an example of the dangers of phishing.

On February 5, 2021, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts, “a plant operator for the city of about 15,000 on Florida’s west coast saw his cursor being moved around on his computer screen.”

The cursor continued to move, “opening various software functions that control the water being treated [and boosting] the level of sodium hydroxide—or lye—in the water supply to 100 times higher than normal.”

If you didn’t know, the consequences of this breach could have been deadly if not caught immediately, as lye poisoning can result in:

  • Burns
  • Vomiting
  • Severe pain
  • Bleeding

While most cases might not involve the extremes of lye poisoning, this example shows the severity of phishing today. As a result, governments, states, businesses (big or small), and individuals should act accordingly to strengthen their cybersecurity efforts.

Why Do Data Thieves Focus on Small Businesses?

The consequences of a cyber attack on a small business are particularly severe. 60% of small businesses that have been hit by a cyberattack end up shutting down within six months of the attack.

Despite the irreversible aftermath of falling victim to a cyber attack and the fact that 43% of online attacks are now aimed at small businesses, CNBC reports that only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.

Interested in some more statistics?

Cyber attacks are not only extremely expensive to recover from but they also damage your business’s reputation and productivity, and can even be dangerous in the event of personal data being stolen.

This is why it is crucial to protect your small business from cyberattacks. But how can you protect yourself? What can the Florida plant case study teach us?

How Can You Prevent Phishing?

Luckily, there are measures you can take to prevent phishing as a business owner. Let’s discuss some options.

Training

  • Training your employees: To be vigilant; educate them on common phishing traps, email scamming tactics, and how to send data securely (In the Florida case study mentioned earlier, the employee who noticed the breach reported it immediately).
  • Training IT: To know what to look for

Be sure to document your training and review it on a weekly or quarterly basis with employees and staff.

Due Diligence

Ensure your business is conducting thorough, routine cybersecurity due diligence.

According to Security Scorecard, cybersecurity due diligence is “the process of identifying and addressing cyber risks across your network ecosystem.” Doing so provides “insights into potential gaps in network security so that they can be addressed before they are exploited by cybercriminals.”

For those who are interested in seeing where their business is in terms of safety, read on to learn how you can measure your company’s cybersecurity risk.

Have a Planned Crisis Response in Place

When it comes to cyber risk, there’s nothing worse than being ill-prepared. Of course, we couldn’t write about cyberattacks without mention of investing in a cyber liability insurance policy for your business.

A cyber liability policy might include:

  • Data Breach Coverage
  • Business Interpretation Loss Reimbursement
  • Cyber Extortion Defense
  • Forensic Support
  • Legal Support
  • Coverage beyond a General Liability Policy

As a small business, you must be prepared—because the consequences can be insurmountable. Interested in learning more about cyber insurance and why you need it? Read on in our article “Why Does My Business Need Cyber Insurance?”

Why is Phishing the #1 Thing Killing Small Businesses?

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What is phishing? And no, we’re not talking about the activity of catching fish for food or sport. Phishing, spelled with a ‘ph,’ is an ever-growing concern defined as the “technique for attempting to acquire sensitive data, such as bank account numbers, through a fraudulent solicitation in email or on a web site, in which the perpetrator masquerades as a legitimate business or reputable person.”

But why is phishing especially harmful to small businesses? Why are they being targeted? We have all the answers and more, thanks to Brenda Jo Robyn, founder of Competitive Edge Insurance.

So, welcome to ‘Why is Phishing the #1 Thing Killing Small Businesses?’ We hope you stick around to learn something new, including how you might protect yourself as a small business owner.

What is Phishing?

Today, phishing can come in a variety of forms. According to Brenda Jo, phishing is “any activity that compromises your organization’s security… It can come in the way of an email or a text or an application.” These applications that retrieve your data can be on your computer, phone, even your iPad. Scammers target you and ask questions to get your information in really creative ways.

An Example of Phishing

Let’s say you receive an email that you’ve been expecting from Bank of America. Why not just ignore it? Well, because…

“It looks like you really should open it. [After all,] it’s a secure document for the bank you’ve been working with lately,” says Brenda Jo. The culprits know you’ve been waiting for this specific type of document to arrive in your inbox because they’ve been screening your emails. 

“So, now they have captured that you’re working with this bank and now this bank is sending you a secure document that you need to open… You open it out of their Google docs, and all of a sudden, bam, you got a worm or a virus on your computer,” says Brenda Jo.

“That’s going to either start going through all your files and looking for stuff. They’re gonna track your emails or they’re going to track your keystrokes.”

Phishing is huge right now. Brenda Jo continues. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure that your computers and data is secure from others. There are a lot of what are called ‘bad elements’ or ‘bad actors’ out there that are trying to steal your data… Right now data is money. And the more data you have, the more money you can make.”

How Dangerous is Phishing for Small Businesses?

The statistics speak for themselves. Right now, 60% of small companies that have been hit by a cyber attack are closing their doors within six months. The reason? It is very costly to come back from a cyber attack.

Most small businesses don’t have the collateral, backing, or lines of credit to make themselves whole again after an attack of this caliber.

How Can Small Businesses Protect Themselves from Phishing?

Training

Focus on training.

  • Training your employees: (For example, they need to know how not to send excel spreadsheets emails! Instead, create a zip file or convert the document into a PDF. Why? It is very easy to scrape data from an excel file while in an email.)
  • Training IT: They need to know what to look for.

Due Diligence

Due diligence is the bare minimum. Document your training and go over it on a weekly or quarterly basis. Next, ensure your IT systems are multi-layered. This means not only having firewalls on your computers and servers but also helpful, educated IT personnel available.

Develop a Planned Crisis Response

A planned crisis response includes a cyber liability policy. As Brenda Jo says, “one of the things that kills the small business is the lack of PR or response to their clients and/or vendors when a phishing attack occurs and data has been compromised.”

“It’s very expensive to go and let everybody know, ‘Hey, your information was taken and here’s the year’s worth of credit monitoring’”—especially if the data is health-related. 

You might face both federal fines as well as fines from the state government. The costs add up, and that’s where cyber liability comes in to help.

Reach Out to Competitive Edge Today

As you look at your coverage, think of the potential for cybersecurity issues, evaluate your tolerance for risk, and take the time to look at your policies in detail. As experts, we at Competitive Edge can tell you where you are vulnerable and what the risk might cost you. It is then your decision to accept the risk or mitigate it with coverage. You know what we would do.
Interested in learning more about the dangers of ransomware and why the need for cyber liability coverage is increasing? Read on in cyber liability coverage for the new era of ransomware.

How does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Work?

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Picture this scenario: You’re at a construction site and a worker falls off the roof and falls and breaks their leg onto floor tiles, also breaking the tiles. What would be covered in that situation, the leg or the tiles? 

What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance are policies that provide medical benefits and wage compensation to workers injured on the job, in exchange for eliminating their right to file a lawsuit against their employer’s negligence.

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help employees if they are unable to work, cover medical expenses, as well as other expenses and rehabilitation costs associated with disability or illness. As you look to explore workers’ compensation options, it’s important to look for one that provides adequate coverage and compensation for your employees.

When you invest in a properly designed policy, it ensures you and your employees remain financially secure. It’s also important to look at the specific benefits that are offered within your policy. Typical workers’ compensation insurance policies cover medical benefits.

So, the worker’s comp covers the worker’s injury for falling off the roof. 

What is Covered with Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Specific workers’ compensation laws vary depending on your state; however, the most common compensation states that require workplace injury insurance include the following:

  • Payment for lost wages
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Permanent disability
  • Temporary disability
  • Medical costs and treatment 

Bonds 

One helpful way to understand this scenario is knowing the difference between performance and payment bonds.

Payment Bonds

In simple terms, a payment bond enforces that everything must be paid once a project is completed. Payment bonds are also surety bonds and are required for most state projects based on the Miller Act. 

The Miller Act was passed by the U.S. General Services Administration Public Buildings Service (GSA) with the intention to explain how payment bonds protect subcontractors and suppliers.

The GSA responds to any reports of nonpayment, following the legal action needed and protected by the Miller Act. The GSA states that “the Miller Act requires that prime contractors for the construction, alteration, or repair of Federal buildings furnish a payment bond for contracts in excess of $100,000.” 

Payment bonds additionally play a major role in construction. As an insurance company, we have relationships with carriers who understand the specifics of construction risk and can provide better solutions, better prices, and more comprehensive coverage—even for hard-to-place and high-risk companies.

Performance Bonds 

The main differentiator between payment and performance bonds is that a performance bond ensures the employer is satisfied with the job. While both are surety bonds, performance bonds can be helpful in industries apart from construction. 

A performance bond, according to Investopedia, “ensures the completion of a project. Setting these two together provides the proper incentives for laborers to provide a quality finish for the client.” 

Any type of bonding will cover e tiles or building materials that were broken.

Overview

If an employee falls off the roof and hurts their leg and breaks the tile, the  Workers comp covers the worker’s injury for falling off the roof. Bonding covers the broken tiles from his attempt not to fall off the roof. 

The first step is to show us under the hood so we can help you find the right carrier and coverage to protect your business today and always.

Read about Worker’s Compensation for Independent Contractors here. 

Hiring in California: How to Reduce Your Risk

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Hiring new employers can be risky for company culture and the bottom line. 

Since new employees are hard to come by, sometimes the decision to hire is rushed and there can be increased risks involved with the hiring process. 

Even Brenda Jo Robyn, founder of Competitive Edge Insurance, screens employees pre-hire on Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs). This checks if they have a clean record and can they legally drive for your company, which ultimately will help with company rates. 

Screening Employees

Who you work with matters.

On one hand, creating a positive company culture will benefit your employees and overall employee retention, which reduces financial and social risk. One way to create this company culture concerns how you screen potential employees in order to avoid a toxic environment. 

A DMV screen costs 60 dollars and has proved to be worth the extra step. This DMV screen includes a general background check and driver’s license check. 

It’s important to require DMV screens every year. This can save your company a lot of time and money in the long run by retaining the right employees. 

Lastly, if your employee is driving on company time, it is important to make sure that the employee has their own car insurance.

Intellectual Property

In California, your client list can be considered intellectual property. In each employee offer letter, however, it’s crucial to have a separate section outlining that all clients will stay connected with the company if they were to leave. 

If you have failed to do so already, you might consider reaching out to current employees and stating the new company policy. 

Physical Space

The separation of class (for example, warehouse space vs. office space) for employees might take a couple of extra steps as a business owner but will reduce risk when hiring new employees. The separation between the physical warehouse and office space is the main separation to be considered as a business owner.

There are regulations for how the space is separated. For example, for some, areas being separated by chain link is considered acceptable. 

Invest in EPLI

The Employer’s Professional Liability, also known as EPLI, causes different claims to arise from employees. There are a few ways to protect your business from a flood of EPLI claims. Employee lawsuits are rising and in return, settlements are becoming even more expensive. Although there are different types of insurance, workers’ compensation and EPLI are both ways to reduce risk with employee benefit plans. 

EPLI is crucial to invest in as a company if it comes to a disgruntled employee—even if you are a small business. In the chance that your company gets sued, your EPLI insurance will cover it.

High-Risk Coverage

High-risk insurance addresses companies whose coverage was either terminated because of a claim, those who are new and cannot get coverage because of industry risk, or those who have experienced drops in revenue or industry disruption such that carriers are broadly refusing coverage. 

You might be wondering, what risk class am I in? Luckily, there are various ways to determine this subgroup:

“An insurance risk class is a way for insurers to underwrite policies based on one’s belonging to a particular risk group.

People in each risk group will generally share similar characteristics that help insurers better estimate the chances that the policyholder will file a claim

Riskier risk groups will pay higher premiums—for example, people who are sick, older, or have a poor driving record.” 

As a business owner, it is important to put the gates, systems, and processes in place to protect yourself, and Competitive Edge is here to help! 

We follow the practices we write about because we believe in the importance of preventative risk. For those who are interested in reading more about what classifies as high risk, read on.

What Classifies High Risk?

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At Competitive Edge, we specialize in high-risk insurance. We often get the question, “What is high-risk insurance, and how do I know if I need it?”

Well, the answer is, if you’re a small business owner, general contractor, or even car owner, you likely need high-risk insurance. Depending on the industry you’re in, however, it can be difficult to fund coverage or losses. 

There are a couple of ways to identify what classifies high-risk insurance. 

Risk Class

Investopedia defines risk class as, “A group of individuals or companies that have similar characteristics, which are used to determine the risk associated with underwriting a new policy and the premium that should be charged for coverage.” 

There are some main points that are needed to understand the risk that is associated with coverage: 

  • “An insurance risk class is a way for insurers to underwrite policies based on one’s belonging to a particular risk group.
  • People in each risk group will generally share similar characteristics that help insurers better estimate the chances that the policyholder will file a claim
  • Riskier risk groups will pay higher premiums—for example, people who are sick, older, or have a poor driving record.” 

Once you determine if you qualify for high-risk insurance, there are additional factors that will determine your premium. These might include: 

  • Age
  • Amount of coverage
  • Number of years the coverage is guaranteed
  • Risk class
  • And more!

Additional Classifications

One example of a scenario of hard-to-place insurance is from our very own founder, Brenda Jo Robyn of Competitive Edge Insurance. Brenda Jo had to pay an extra $15,000 in order to get her directors on board for her project.

If you have had excessive losses, shock loss, or are a startup (tech and service), it can be challenging to get professional liability coverage. There are, in fact, some extreme costs associated with high-risk coverage.

So, even the professionals have dealt with the difficulties and hoops that surround high-risk insurance (trust us, we get how frustrating it can be to navigate). That’s also why we’re here to help! 

Contact Us Today! 

Competitive Edge Insurance can help you perform a comprehensive review of all your risk exposure. 

Reach out today for more information from our experts on high-risk insurance! 

BEWARE: Workers’ Comp Insurance for Independent Contractors

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As you may know, most states require employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. These insurance policies can help recover most of your employee’s lost wages while they recover from a work-related injury or illness.

It also helps to cover your employee’s medical expenses as it provides their family with death benefits if they, unfortunately, pass away.

What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance are policies that provide medical benefits and wage compensation to workers injured on the job, in exchange for eliminating their right to file a lawsuit against their employer’s negligence.

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help employees if they are unable to work, cover medical expenses, as well as other expenses and rehabilitation costs associated with disability or illness. As you look to explore workers’ compensation options, it’s important to look for one that provides adequate coverage and compensation for your employees.

When you invest in a properly designed policy, it ensures you and your employees remain financially secure. It’s also important to look at the specific benefits that are offered within your policy. Typical workers’ compensation insurance policies cover medical benefits.

What is Covered with Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Specific workers’ compensation laws vary depending on your state; however, the most common compensation states that require workplace injury insurance include the following:

  • Payment for lost wages
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Permanent disability
  • Temporary disability
  • Medical costs and treatment 

How to Prepare for Employee Claims

Accidents happen. It’s part of life. It doesn’t matter how safe your business is, there’s always the chance an employee will get sick or injured on the job. For this reason, nearly every state requires business owners to have coverage for their employees. Different states, however, have various regulations. 

Ensure you have an expert on your team to help understand what your specific business needs are. For example, if your business is in California, you are required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance even if your business is as small as just one employee. In Florida, however, you need this coverage if you have at least four employees. 

Signing up for workers’ compensation depends on the location of your business. Typically, states recommend you purchase workers’ compensation insurance through a private insurance company, while others may require you to buy it through a state-run insurance fund.

It’s also important to understand the cost associated with investing in workers’ compensation insurance. The risk associated with your specific business will determine the cost of your insurance payments. This all sounds pricey, but remember: the costs associated with not having workers’ compensation insurance might be the motivation you need to start considering your options.

Without workers’ compensation insurance, you put yourself and your business at risk of fines, and could even face potential jail time for not complying with regulations. If an employee runs into a problem that would have been covered by workers’ compensation insurance, you may be responsible for covering their expenses, and you may also open yourself up to litigation.

What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation as an Independent Contractor

Every contractor needs general liability insurance. While the law does not require it, it is considered best practice to ensure against the kinds of injuries and lawsuits general liability is targeted to.

Large contractors may own commercial buildings that require property insurance, where smaller contractors or those with a specialty may need different coverage. 

At Competitive Edge, we don’t claim to know your needs until we talk to you. What’s right for one company may not be a choice that meets your needs. Even if you have suffered a shock loss, large claim, or lawsuit, and find that your options have narrowed, we can work with you.

The first step is to show us under the hood so we can help you find the right carrier and coverage to protect your business today and always. Contact Competitive Edge Insurance today for more information about high-risk coverage today!

Your Guide to Reducing Cybersecurity Risk

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Cyber threats were at an all-time high during 2020. As a large portion of the population transitioned to a work-from-home environment, cyber attackers viewed this new reality as a wonderful opportunity to prey on cyber vulnerabilities. 

According to SonicWall, in 2020, 304.6 million ransomware attacks occurred. As well as 81.9 million crypto hacking attacks, 4.8 trillion intrusion attempts, and 5.6 billion malware attacks. With these statistics in mind, it’s important to start working toward mitigating your cyber risk today. 

Let’s start by understanding what a cybersecurity threat is. 

Cybercriminals target individuals and businesses alike. Cyber hacking ranges in damages– it can be as small as a pesky popup, or as large as malware that destroys your entire organization’s system. Understanding where your business may be at risk is just the beginning. 

As you likely know, data is one of your greatest assets as a business and is becoming increasingly important. Protect your digital assets, and ensure you have the protection needed to ensure the safety of your business and your client’s information. 

Preparing for a cyber attack.

Before an attack

First and foremost, you should put the proper controls in place. These controls may include:

  • Using secure Password-protected networks
  • Avoiding suspicious links
  • Ignoring online requests for private information
  • Password-protecting all devices that connect to the internet
  • Adding variation to your passwords
  • Reporting suspicious activity right when you see it.

You should also ensure your train and inform your employees of the proper protocol to begin mitigating your cyber risk. Employees need to be trained on how to avoid:

  • Email threats: Email is one of the most common ways for hackers to get sensitive information from your employees. Your employees should always verify the sender, never open suspicious attachments, and never click on links if you don’t trust the source. 
  • Spam threats: Ensure your employees know to use their spam filter, flag spam when it appears in your inbox, and know to only give their email to trusted sources.
  • Phishing threats: Employees should know to never offer sensitive information, be aware of potential suspicious links, double-check website addresses, verify who they’re communicating with, and trust their suspicions. 
  • Social Media threats: Employees should be sure to manage their privacy settings on social media, never click on suspicious links that have been shared with them, and think twice before posting and ensure they aren’t sharing information that may be harmful. 

During a cyberattack

In the case that a cyberattack occurs, you need to understand the steps you should take. First and foremost, you must take immediate action. If a problem is found, disconnect your device from the internet and restore your system fully. Lastly, report the incident to your IT Department as soon as possible! 

After a cyberattack occurs

Once you’ve taken the steps listed above, three are a few follow-up steps you should take. 

  • File a report with the local police: Ensure there is a record of the incident.
  • Report to the internet crime-compliant center: Report any identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
  • Consider other information: If your personal information was compromised, what else could be at risk? 

Cyber Insurance for Cybersecurity Threats

As you start to consider the potential cyber risks associated with your business, consider investing in Cyber Insurance. It’s important to understand what would be covered under your cyber insurance policy. 

  • Data Breaches
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • System Failure
  • Damages to a Third-Party System
  • Cyber Extortion
  • Business Interruption

Traditional business liability insurance likely won’t cover the cybersecurity risks associated with your business. 

As cyber threats continue to proliferate, ensure your business remains protected.

How to Measure Your Company’s Cybersecurity Risk

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With the increase of cyber attacks on the rise, companies every day worry they will become the next victim. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the number of cyberattacks has nearly doubled since 2019 and quadrupled since 2016 — with a cyberattack incident occurring every 11 seconds in 2021. 

At Competitive Edge, we believe all businesses are vulnerable to cybercrimes, not only large tech corporations. Global cybercrime losses are estimated at $400 billion per year. But not to fret — there are preventative measures your company can take, starting with learning how to measure your company’s cybersecurity risk.

Be Weary of Third-Party Risk

According to a recent study, 59% of companies experience a breach because of a vendor or third party. Although most companies have a variety of security regulations in place, many still fall susceptible to third-party or vendor risk.

The biggest challenge considering third-party risk is gaining real-time data. For example, most companies evaluate third-party risk through an assortment of questionnaires, assessments, or tests. This assortment of data gathering makes it difficult to see beyond just the snippet of information provided, and beyond into the ever-changing terrain of cybersecurity risk.

We recommended evaluating and refreshing what cybersecurity metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) your company is currently tracking. There are many tools that can help  evaluate third parties’ risk prior to onboarding—but the diligence shouldn’t stop there. Continue to monitor your third parties and vendors even after they’ve onboarded to ensure they are upholding best safety practices. 

Don’t let third-party risk slip through the cracks!

Define your Company’s Strategy for Measuring and Communicating Risk

Data, data, and more data! When it comes to analyzing cybersecurity risk, it can be difficult to know where to focus your efforts. Risk-based reporting, however, is your best bet. Risk-based reporting, “as opposed to comprehensive, compliance-based, or incident-based reporting… is the approach best suited to reducing your organization’s exposure to cyber threats,” according to BitSight.

Risk-based reporting focuses on the big picture—not the small blips—and forces you to use context to deliver reports, delving into data concerning:

  • “Past performance
  • Risk concentration
  • Industry benchmarks
  • Financial quantification
  • Cybersecurity frameworks”

Furthermore, the phrase, “stay in your own lane,” does not apply to companies when measuring cybersecurity risk! In fact, we recommend you look to your competitors to gain further context on your own stance in terms of cybersecurity risk. By measuring your own risk in comparison to similar companies or competitors, you might take more pointed action about where your team’s focus is needed to stay safe.

Make Your Data Digestible

Now, you’ve done all the work, but how can you make it clear and easy to understand? Security ratings are the most widely used and understood language when delving into cybersecurity risk. Ensure that all company team members understand the data and what efforts will be made as a result to combat the risk and why.

Measures You Can Take to Stay Secure

The consequences of poor cybersecurity are catastrophic. Geospatial World says, “The best cybersecurity strategies are ones that are proactive in nature. Being able to respond to and recover from an instance of hacking is important, but stopping the incident before it even starts is what saves your organization more time, money, and pain in the long run.” To avoid these consequences, Competitive Edge recommends you:

  • Keep a tight rein on who has access to company information
  • Conduct employee background checks
  • Create individual accounts for employees
  • Of course, not only to have strict cybersecurity policies, procedures, and practices but to enforce them

Cybersecurity is the type of threat you don’t want to put off dealing with until it’s too late. That’s where we come in! Talk to our experts at Competitive Edge today to measure your company’s cybersecurity risk and see how you can obtain proper coverage. 

Don’t risk it.

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