Small Firms Targeted by Hacker Thieves

Small firms are no longer immune from attacks on their customer database and have now become targets for computer and internet hacking attacks. Thieves may find it easier to attack smaller firms or to attack large firms but in small increments.  For example, there have been at least 21 separate attacks on Sony, rather than just one large attack.  It’s easier for hackers to go after small pieces of a database than to try to attack the entire database.

Companies should review computer operations and online activities to identify the computer related risks they have regarding electronic commerce.  Many states and even the federal government have new laws that dictate the actions a company must take if their database is exposed.  This can be very costly and time consuming.  A recent review by the Digital Forensics Association indicates the average cost per record of a data breach is $318.  The best action a company can take to avoid these costs is to build good hardware and software systems that will make it difficult for hackers to access a database.  Cyber insurance can also be purchased that will provide coverage for some of these expenses should a company be affected by a hacking attack.

Western Growers Insurance Services is a full service brokerage providing health, workers′compensation, other business insuranceand personal insurance for all types of business and personal needs.  If you are interested in Cyber Insurance or other insurance needs, please contact us.