News

Is your anti-ransomware strategy in place? Are you adequately insured in the event of an attack? If the answer is NO to either question, then you need to review your cyber-security urgently.

PwC’s 2018 Global Economic Crime and Fraud Survey reveals that only 49% of global organisations admit that they’ve been the target of fraud and economic crime. But, what about the remaining 51%? Does a lack of awareness mean you may not even realise that you’ve fallen victim to fraud? 

‘Vishing’ or 'voice-phishing' involves a fraudster making a phone call and posing as an official caller from a credible organisation, such as your bank, the police or your internet provider to gain access to sensitive personal information, such as financial details and security codes. Here are some of the latest scenarios these criminals are using to commit fraud.

In a climate of increasing cyber-crime, CLEAR asks could data security vulnerabilities in your business expose you to a GDPR fine? And if so, what remedy can cyber insurance provide?

At CLEAR we take the protection of our clients’ data very seriously. So, with the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we thought we’d let you know what we’re doing to keep your data safe.

Following the disruptions caused by the 'Beast from the East' over the past few days, the Met office has issued red warnings as 'Storm Emma' is set to hit the UK.

Damage to homes and businesses can be caused by a variety of severe weather conditions and we would therefore like to share some practical tips which should give you some safety guidance and help avoid those unwanted losses occurring: 

Damage to homes and businesses can be caused by a variety of severe weather conditions and, following the first big freeze of the winter, we would therefore like to share some practical tips which should give you some safety guidance and help avoid those unwanted losses occurring: 

Many small- and medium-sized businesses in the UK are risking their own survival by unwittingly remaining underinsured.

The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) report, although conducted in 2012, revealed that 40% of businesses do not have enough business interruption cover to get them back on their feet. Furthermore, in 25% of SME claims reviewed by the FCA in 2015, the indemnity period expired before they returned to the normal trading position.

You may only find out that your business is underinsured when you experience a major loss event, such as a data breach, flood or fire, and need to make a claim. Be proactive and know your status now so you can fix that gap and be prepared for anything.

2017 has been filled with businesses reporting cyber-attacks and with ransomware now the most likely cyber-threat to UK businesses, have you made sure your business is ready?

If you are an employer, owner, landlord, occupier or anyone else with control of a premises, you are responsible for fire safety. Conducting fire risk assessments helps to prevent fires, keeps the property and employees safe, and increases the chances that your business can recover should a costly fire happen. Keep reading for more information on how to conduct a fire risk assessment.

On 1st March, the penalties for using a mobile while driving doubled. Now, if you are caught using your mobile while behind the wheel, you will receive six points and a £200 fine. For new drivers that have been driving for less than two years, this means that their licence will be revoked and they must retake their practical and theory tests.

The significant penalty increase is in response to the high number of deaths and injuries every year caused by drivers using their mobile phones. The DfT said that of 88 deaths caused by distractions in 2012, 17 were because of mobile use – a higher death rate than other in-car causes. In 2014, this had risen to 21 fatal accidents and 22 in 2015.

Within the last 24 months, 44% of UK organisations have been infected by ransomware, and 27% of those were infected more than once, according to recent research published by cyber security firm, Trend Micro.

There's lots of debate at the moment about the existence of zero hour contracts. However, most vending operators are probably more concerned about their exposure to a minefield of legal changes covering a wide range of issues. It’s tough enough trying to make a profit and stay in business and made harder if you have issues dealing with employment problems with a member of your workforce.
 
Keeping pace with developments to employment law is now a full-time job. However, the majority of vending operators are unlikely to have an in-house legal or human resources department, or the available funds to cover legal disputes as they arise. So, unless a company has in house legal expertise it can be very expensive to ensure compliance on all issues and can place considerable strain on the resources of a small business.

RBS and Natwest have alerted us to the Bogus Boss scam which has already cost UK businesses millions of pounds.

Please take note of these guidelines, so you don’t get caught out:

The weak pound may be good news for UK exporters but for firms that use parts, equipment and raw materials from abroad to make their products – business is getting much tougher. What’s more, the government’s caginess about what the terms of ‘Brexit’ will be may cause the value of sterling to sink further in the coming months.

One effect of this downward trend is that firms that bought parts or materials from overseas when the pound was stronger will find it more costly to replace them if, say, they’re damaged or stolen.

Despite increased regulation and more stringent internal controls, fraud, theft and dishonesty are still major threats to organisations.

In a fraud barometer report, conducted by a leading auditor earlier this year, it was highlighted that the total cost (£732 million) of fraudulent activity in the UK remains worryingly high, up from £717 million in 2014.

If your organisation is looking to minimise potential losses from fraud, theft or dishonesty, insurance can offer valuable protection. Here are our 7 reasons to buy crime cover:

There are now more digitally connected devices than there are people on the planet. This vast interconnected system of devices, vehicles and even entire buildings are all part of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Despite the potential benefits of utilising the IoT to support your company, there are some associated hazards. But with the proper knowledge and preparation, you can effectively mitigate those risks while securely strengthening your company and reaping the benefits.

Published in April of this year, the Panama Papers—a collection of 11.5 million documents with information on the identities of shareholders and directors for more than 214,000 offshore companies—represent the largest data breach in history (dwarfing the data released by the Wikileaks organisation in 2010) . The information contained in these documents is concerning, since the files reportedly show how several corporations were able to launder money, dodge sanctions and avoid tax. The breach not only highlighted the importance and value of a robust cyber security system, but it also highlighted how cyber criminals are accessing more than just financial information.

While hobbyists have been using drones for some time, businesses are now adopting the technology. Small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS), also known as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), have rapidly become more common in the Commercial sector. 

However, while drones may present your company with new business opportunities, the technology introduces new risks. And, in response, legislators and insurers are working hard to keep up.