Cyber Liability Insurance for Your Home or Office
As technology advances and gadgets become more affordable, smart homes are on the rise.
According to the National Council for Home Security and Safety, 81% of consumers say that they would be more likely to purchase a home with smart home products. This means that a growing number of homes will have more gadgets attached to their smart phones. From locks and alarms to lighting and even carbon monoxide detectors, smart gadgets have the ability to control many features of our homes.
While these may be convenient, there are cybersecurity risks with these gadgets. The inevitable wave of smart technology means that these devices are hackable. Hackers can access smart home devices through weak access points, controlling thermostats, lighting, and even cameras.
What are steps you can take to protect your home and devices?
- Make sure you have password protected WiFi. It is relatively simple to create a password code for your wireless internet. Most smart home systems also require users to be connected to the home WiFi. An easy deterrent to hackers is to ensure that your WiFi is private and protected by a password.
- Regularly evaluate what security updates are available and immediately install them when they are available. Companies are constantly making updates to their system to ensure that any known security loopholes can be better protected. Installing security updates can take a few minutes, but they can save you peace of mind knowing that your systems are less hackable.
- Malware protection is important. Hackers install malware and infect systems. Malware protection helps ensure that your devices are checked regularly and interference from outside viruses are blocked before they are able to infect your devices.
- Check to see if your insurance carrier offers any cyber risk solutions for you. Many premier insurance carriers now offer cyber liability coverage that can protect you from home systems attack. This extra protection can also provide access to cybersecurity professionals and experts to better protect your home before your personal or financial data is compromised or stolen.
If you have smart devices in your home, contact your trusted insurance advisor to see what steps you can take to keep your home, your family, and your devices safe.
