Greg shares tips for protecting yourself against cyberattacks in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: He says it's not a matter of if you'll ever be attacked. It's a matter of when you'll be attacked.
We're talking about ransomware. We're talking about criminal activity. We're talking about your computer programs. Greg Marcyniuk, Heritage Insurance on Ask The Expert on 800 CHAB today. Greg, it's happening across the country. It's happening around the world. And it can cost people a lot of money. In some cases, it can cause business owners their business.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's correct, Rob. And what I want to do right now is I want everyone to really stop and think about if you come in, sit down at your desk — whether it be in your business or at home, and you go and you open up your computer first thing in the morning and here's what is on your computer screen.
And this is an actual screenshot that I have gotten from someone that was hit here locally. And it just goes, "Server ransomware.Your documents, photos, database, and other important files have been encrypted. If you understand all importance of the situation, then we propose to you to go directly to your personal page where you will receive the complete instructions and guarantees to restore your files."
And there is a list of temporary addresses to go onto your personal page, and that's all listed. You cannot do anything more than that. Your business is basically shut down. Your accounts receivable, URL access, your clients, any orders. Like, we're talking serious situation.
And again, this is an actual situation. Fortunately, the person was able to retrieve his data through getting some intrinsic computer specialist to come in. He had to pay a fair amount of money — which I cannot disclose — and he was down for two days. He was a lucky person.
You know, it's just so frustrating for me to see these people out there — especially business owners — without having the proper coverage in place. And I want you to think about these statistics as well.
First of all, after a business is hit by a ransomware or cyber attack, 60 perecnt of these businesses will be out of business within 6 months. So, that is a very scary statistic.
In fact, you have a higher chance of having a cyber attack, which is a one in four chance now — and it keeps increasing — than receiving a customer complaint. Hopefully, you don't get a lot of customer complaints. But you can't please everybody.
In fact, there is a cyber attack every 36 seconds, or 4,000 per day in North America. A chance of a fire or a storm of your business is only 1 in 20. A chance of theft or burglary is 1 in 18. So, again, we can't stop the ransomware from happening, but we certainly can provide protection — so it will allow you to keep your doors open.
Rob: You have an insurance that covers people for this?
Greg: That's right. And, you know, we've had situations where the insurance was put into place. They bring in these intrinsic auditors where they'll find out first and foremost where this came from. And secondly, they will negotiate with these ransomware people, so that is all covered with the deductible. Like, we should be really getting these coverages in place for all of our business owners out there.
Rob: I'm assuming there is a number of options.
Greg: There are a number of options. It's not that expensive. And if you'd like, you can sure give us a call and we'd be more than happy to just discuss a little bit about it, and also provide quotes for you.
Rob: What if I just want to protect my personal computer? Should I have insurance?
Greg: Most of your personal policy, again, I'd want you to come in and talk to our brokers. We do provide some cyber coverages and have that coverage in place for you right now, if you have the right coverage on your homeowner's policy.
Rob: Very good. If you'd like details, and more information about protecting yourself against ransomware and cyber attacks, just drop in to Heritage Insurance.
Greg: Yes, corner of Fairford and First Street West — the one with the red truck. And we'd be more than happy to sit down and talk to you about it.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)