Cyber Security Archives - INC Systems | Technology Done Different

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What Is Cyber Liability Insurance?

April 7, 2025/in Blog, Cyber Security, Managed IT

As companies become increasingly reliant on technology, the risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and system failures grows with it. While firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training are essential defenses, they don’t always guarantee protection. That’s where cyber liability insurance comes in.

At INC SYSTEMS, we help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture—and that includes understanding how cyber liability insurance fits into your overall risk management strategy.

Defining Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber liability insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to help businesses recover from financial losses related to cyber incidents. These incidents can include data breaches, ransomware attacks, phishing scams, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and other forms of cybercrime.

This insurance doesn’t prevent attacks—but it provides a financial safety net when things go wrong.

What Does Cyber Liability Insurance Typically Cover?

Policies can vary depending on the provider, but most cyber liability insurance includes coverage for:

Data Breach Response Costs
Including notification of affected customers, legal fees, credit monitoring services, and forensic investigations.

Business Interruption Losses
If a cyberattack shuts down your systems, this coverage can help replace lost income during the downtime.

Cyber Extortion and Ransomware
Coverage for ransom payments, negotiation costs, and system restoration following a ransomware attack.

Legal Fees and Regulatory Fines
If your business is sued or penalized due to a data breach, this coverage helps manage those expenses.

Third-Party Liability
Protection in case your cyber incident impacts partners, vendors, or customers and leads to legal claims.

Why Your Business Might Need It

Even with strong security measures in place, no business is immune to cyber threats. Small and mid-sized businesses are often targeted precisely because they may lack the sophisticated defenses of larger enterprises. And the consequences of a breach—both financial and reputational—can be severe.

Cyber liability insurance adds a layer of protection, helping your business recover faster and more completely in the event of an attack.

Here’s why it matters:

Cybercrime is on the rise – Threat actors are more active than ever, and attacks are becoming more complex.
Compliance requirements are tightening – Industries such as healthcare, finance, and education face strict data protection regulations.
Customer trust is fragile – A single breach can erode client confidence and damage your reputation.
Response costs add up quickly – The average cost of a data breach can reach hundreds of thousands—even for small businesses.

Cyber Insurance vs. General Liability Insurance

It’s important to note that general liability insurance typically doesn’t cover cyber-related events. That means without dedicated cyber coverage, your business could be left exposed. Cyber liability insurance fills that gap, offering protection where traditional policies fall short.

How Cyber Liability Insurance Fits into a Complete Cybersecurity Plan

At INC SYSTEMS, we view cyber insurance as a complement to—not a replacement for—your cybersecurity strategy. It’s there to help you recover after an incident, but it won’t stop threats from occurring. That’s why pairing insurance coverage with proactive IT solutions like:

Network monitoring
Endpoint protection
Backup and disaster recovery
Employee cybersecurity training
Compliance management

Final Thoughts

Cyber liability insurance won’t make your business invincible, but it can make the difference between a quick recovery and long-term fallout after a cyber event. In a world where digital threats are constant, having this coverage is no longer a luxury—it’s a smart business decision.

Need help strengthening your cybersecurity or understanding your risk profile? INC SYSTEMS offers tailored solutions to protect your business—before, during, and after a cyber incident.

In business since 2004, INC SYSTEMS based out of Flint, Michigan is an MSP that understands how to leverage technology, implement solutions to meet the needs of our clients, and exceed their expectations. We do this by taking the time to understand the needs of a particular business or project and recommending specific solutions to reach the goals set forth.

A Guide for Protecting Online Privacy

November 11, 2024/in Blog, Cyber Security

With our lives increasingly intertwined with the digital world, safeguarding online privacy has become more essential than ever. From cyber threats to data breaches, personal and business information is constantly at risk. At INC SYSTEMS, we are dedicated to helping clients secure their online presence and protect their sensitive data. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you better understand online privacy risks and adopt practices to keep your digital life safe.

Understand the Value of Your Data

One of the first steps to protecting your online privacy is understanding the value of the data you share. Information such as email addresses, passwords, personal identification numbers, and even browsing history can be exploited by cybercriminals. This data may be sold, used for phishing attacks, or lead to identity theft. Taking online privacy seriously begins with knowing that your data is a valuable asset worth protecting.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Password security is one of the simplest yet most effective steps in protecting online privacy. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords and avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Instead, create unique, complex passwords for each account, incorporating a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Password managers can help you organize and remember your passwords, eliminating the need to reuse or simplify them.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password, such as a text message code or an authentication app. 2FA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised. Enabling 2FA on all accounts that offer it, especially on email and financial platforms, is a critical step in maintaining privacy.

Limit Data Sharing on Social Media

Social media profiles often contain a wealth of personal information, which can be used for targeted phishing attacks or identity theft. Be cautious about the details you share publicly, such as your location, birthdate, or place of employment. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can view your information, and avoid sharing sensitive details publicly.

Secure Your Internet Connection

Using a secure internet connection is key to protecting your data. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks for any activity that involves sensitive information, such as online banking or shopping. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your data from potential hackers on the same network.

Regularly Update Software and Devices

Outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Regularly updating your operating system, apps, and antivirus software ensures you have the latest security patches, protecting you against newly discovered threats. Enable automatic updates on your devices whenever possible to minimize the risk of an attack.

Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing is one of the most common ways cybercriminals attempt to steal personal information. Phishing emails and fake websites are designed to look legitimate but attempt to trick you into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Always verify the sender’s email address, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and only enter personal information on websites with secure (https://) connections.

Regularly Review Privacy Settings on Accounts

Platforms like Google, Facebook, and online shopping sites offer privacy settings that allow you to control what data they collect and share. Regularly review and adjust these settings to limit the amount of data collected. Many websites also provide options to delete old data, which helps minimize your digital footprint and reduce the amount of personal information that could be exploited.

Back Up Your Data

Regularly backing up important data is a crucial part of protecting online privacy. In the event of a ransomware attack or data breach, having a secure backup can ensure you don’t lose valuable information. Use encrypted backups on cloud storage platforms or an external hard drive to keep your files secure.

Educate Yourself and Your Team

Staying informed about online privacy is one of the best ways to protect yourself. For businesses, ensuring employees understand best practices for online safety can prevent mistakes that lead to data breaches. At INC SYSTEMS, we offer training and resources to help teams build awareness around online security and privacy.

Safeguard Your Online Privacy with INC SYSTEMS

Protecting online privacy doesn’t have to be complex, but it requires a proactive approach. By following these steps and staying aware of the latest cyber threats, you can better secure your personal and business information. At INC SYSTEMS, we specialize in cybersecurity solutions tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your data secure and your online activities private.

In business since 2004, INC SYSTEMS based out of Flint, Michigan is an MSP that understands how to leverage technology, implement solutions to meet the needs of our clients, and exceed their expectations. We do this by taking the time to understand the needs of a particular business or project and recommending specific solutions to reach the goals set forth.

Grand Blanc MI, Managed Service Provider

Top Clicked Phishing Email Subjects

September 3, 2024/in Blog, Cyber Security, Managed IT

Phishing emails are one of the most common and dangerous cybersecurity threats facing businesses today. Cybercriminals use carefully crafted subject lines to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information. At INC SYSTEMS, we understand the importance of staying informed about these threats. In this blog, we’ll explore the most clicked phishing email subjects and offer tips on how to protect yourself and your organization from falling victim to these attacks.

Commonly Clicked Phishing Email Subjects

Phishing emails are often designed to look urgent or important, playing on emotions like fear, curiosity, or excitement. Here are some of the most effective phishing email subjects that have led to successful attacks:

“Your Account Has Been Suspended”

- Why it works: The fear of losing access to an important account prompts immediate action. Recipients often click before verifying the email’s authenticity.
- How to spot it: Be wary of any email that demands immediate action. Check the sender’s email address for any irregularities and navigate to the official website directly instead of clicking on any links.

“Urgent: Invoice Payment Required”

- Why it works: Financial matters create a sense of urgency, especially for businesses. Employees may feel pressured to resolve payment issues quickly.
- How to spot it: Verify the sender’s identity and ensure the email is from a trusted source. Always cross-check invoices with internal records before making any payments.

“Package Delivery Attempt Failed”

- Why it works: With the rise in online shopping, many people are concerned about missing deliveries, making this a highly effective phishing tactic.
- How to spot it: Cross-check with your recent orders and avoid clicking on links. Instead, visit the shipping company’s website directly to track your package.

“Unusual Login Activity Detected”

- Why it works: Concern over unauthorized access to accounts can lead to hasty clicks. This subject line plays on the fear of being hacked.
- How to spot it: Most legitimate companies will ask you to log in independently rather than through a provided link. Always access your accounts by typing the URL directly into your browser.

“You’ve Received a Secure Document”

- Why it works: The promise of a secure or confidential document often prompts immediate attention, especially in professional environments.
- How to spot it: Verify the sender’s email address and be cautious of unsolicited documents. When in doubt, contact the sender directly to confirm legitimacy.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Business

Awareness of common phishing tactics is the first step toward protection, but implementing proactive measures is equally important. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your organization:

Regular Employee Training: Educate your team on how to recognize phishing emails and the latest tactics used by cybercriminals. Continuous training can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack.
Use Advanced Email Filtering Solutions: Deploy email security tools that can detect and block phishing attempts before they reach your inbox. These tools can identify suspicious patterns and prevent harmful emails from ever being opened.
Encourage Verification: Promote a culture of double-checking any email that requests sensitive information or immediate action. A quick verification can prevent a potential breach.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to gain access even if credentials are compromised.
Stay Updated on Phishing Trends: Phishing tactics are constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest threats and ensure your security practices are up-to-date to combat these new strategies.

Phishing emails remain a serious threat, but by staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your organization. At INC SYSTEMS, we are committed to providing the knowledge and tools necessary to defend against these attacks. Remember, the best defense against phishing is a combination of awareness, training, and robust security measures.

In business since 2004, INC SYSTEMS based out of Flint, Michigan is an MSP that understands how to leverage technology, implement solutions to meet the needs of our clients, and exceed their expectations. We do this by taking the time to understand the needs of a particular business or project and recommending specific solutions to reach the goals set forth.