How Hackers Can Control Your Car

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Marijana Dabic

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 1.4 million vehicles—not for a manufacturing flaw or a faulty part, but for a vulnerability to hacking. The company deemed the recall necessary after two software programmers demonstrated how easy it was to remotely tamper with a Jeep Cherokee’s radio, air conditioning, dashboard display, windshield wipers, brakes and transmission.

This hack is an example of what the security industry calls a zero-day exploit—a vulnerability in a piece of software that the vendor is unaware of. In the case of Fiat, hackers, through wireless access gained via the Internet, sent commands through the vehicle’s entertainment system, taking control of any number of vehicle functions. This could, in theory, be performed from a laptop across the country.

But this type of vulnerability isn’t limited to Fiat vehicles, as most auto companies produce models that are susceptible to breaches. Industry leaders like General Motors, Ford and Toyota are atop a long list of auto makers believed to be the most susceptible to hacking.

As vehicles become increasingly connected, the risk of hacking becomes more apparent and no longer limited to select models. By 2022, an estimated 82.5 million automobiles worldwide will be connected to the Internet.

Since the hack, Fiat has taken strides to prevent remote manipulation by distributing USB drives to vehicle owners that they may use to upgrade vehicle software and deter hackers—but that may not be enough. While automakers are aware of cyber risks and are even taking steps to prevent attacks, experts say that the auto industry is far behind when it comes to cyber security and that current solutions aren’t yet strong enough to thwart hackers.

Mobile Device Cyber Security

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Marijana Dabic

Because of their convenience, smartphones and tablet devices have become a universal presence in the modern business world. As usage soars, it becomes increasingly important to take steps to protect your company from mobile threats, both new and old.

The need for proper phone security is no different from the need for a well-protected computer network. According to the computer security software company McAfee, cyber attacks on mobile devices increased by almost 600 per cent from 2011 to 2012—and experts expect that number to continue to increase.

Gone are the days when the most sensitive information on an employee’s phone was contact names and phone numbers. Now a smartphone or tablet can be used to gain access to anything from emails to stored passwords to proprietary company data. Depending on how your organization uses such devices, unauthorized access to the information on a smartphone or tablet could be just as damaging as a data breach involving a traditional computer system.

Lost or Stolen Devices

Because of their size and the nature of their use, mobile devices are particularly susceptible to being lost or stolen. According to a 2012 study by the Ponemon Institute, nearly 40 per cent of organizations experienced a data breach as a result of a lost or stolen mobile device. Since most devices automatically store passwords in their memory to keep users logged in to email and other applications, gaining physical possession of the device is one of the easiest ways for unauthorized users to access private information.

To prevent someone from accessing information on a lost or stolen device, the phone or tablet should be locked with a password or PIN. The password should be time sensitive, automatically locking the phone out after a short period of inactivity. Most devices come with such security features built in. Depending on your mobile provider, there are also services that allow you to remotely erase or lock down a device if it is lost or stolen. Similarly, it is possible to program a mobile device to erase all of its stored data after a certain number of login failures.

Malicious Attacks

Mobile devices are just as susceptible to malware and viruses as computers, yet many businesses don’t consider instituting the same type of safeguards. Less than 20 per cent of mobile devices have anti-virus software installed, which is practically an invitation to thieves or hackers to pillage whatever information they want from an unprotected device. Furthermore, it doesn’t matter what operating system the devices have, whether it be Android, Apple’s iOS, Blackberry or Windows Mobile—all are vulnerable to attacks.

As reliance on these devices continues to grow, so will their attractiveness as potential targets. Third-party applications (apps) are especially threatening as a way for malware to install itself onto a device. These apps can purchase and install additional apps onto the phone without the user’s permission. Employees should never install unauthorized apps to their company devices. Apps should only be installed directly from trusted sources.

Hackers can use “ransomware” to restrict a user’s access to their device’s data, contacts, etc., and then demand a ransom to get it back. Even if the user pays the ransom, there is no guarantee that he or she will get the data back. Employees should know to never pay the ransom if this type of software finds its way onto a company device.

A big difference between mobile devices and laptops and other computers is the ability to accept open Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals without the user knowing. Hackers can take advantage of this by luring devices to accept connections to a nearby malicious device. Once the device is connected, the hacker can steal information at will. To prevent this, make sure all mobile devices are set to reject open connections without user permission.

Preventive Measures

While the current mobile device security landscape may seem lacking, there are plenty of ways to be proactive about keeping company devices safe from threats.

Establish a Mobile Device Policy

Before issuing mobile phones or tablets to your employees, establish a device usage policy. Provide clear rules about what constitutes acceptable use as well as what actions will be taken if employees violate the policy. It is important that employees understand the security risks inherent to mobile device use and how they can mitigate those risks. Well informed, responsible users are your first line of defence against cyber attacks.

Establish a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

If you allow employees to use their personal devices for company business, make sure you have a formal BYOD policy in place. Your BYOD security plan should also include the following:

Installing remote wiping software on any personal device used to store or access company data.
Educating and training employees on how to safeguard company data when they access it from their own devices.
Informing employees about the exact protocol they must follow if their device is lost or stolen.

Keep the devices updated with the most current software and anti-virus programs.

Software updates to mobile devices often include patches for various security holes, so it’s best practice to install the updates as soon as they’re available.

There are many options to choose from when it comes to anti-virus software for mobile devices, so it comes down to preference. Some are free to use, while others charge a monthly or annual fee and often come with better support. In addition to anti-virus support, many of these programs will monitor SMS, MMS and call logs for suspicious activity and use blacklists to prevent users from installing known malware to the device.

Back up device content regularly.

Just like your computer data should be backed up regularly, so should the data on your company’s mobile devices. If a device is lost or stolen, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your valuable data is safe.

Choose passwords carefully.

The average Internet user has about 25 accounts to maintain and an average of six-and-a-half different passwords to protect them, according to a recent Microsoft study. This lack of security awareness is what hackers count on to steal data. Use the following tips to ensure your mobile device passwords are easy to remember and hard to guess:

Require employees to change the device’s login password every 90 days.
Passwords should be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters and special characters, such as asterisks, ampersands and pound signs.
Don’t use names of spouses, children or pets in the password. A hacker can spend just a couple minutes on a social media site to figure out this information.

The Risks of Vacant Property

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Marijana Dabic

Theft, trespassing, fires and other losses are constant threats on vacant construction sites. Losses might include not only the value of damaged or stolen materials but also the liability from an individual being injured on the property and the loss of time if a crucial piece of equipment is damaged or stolen. The insurance risks and liabilities associated with vacant construction sites can be extensive. To ensure that you are adequately protected, it is important to know the risks you face. In addition to purchasing comprehensive insurance coverage, there are numerous preventive strategies you can adopt to maintain vacant properties in a way that reduces risk and liability.

Potential Risks

Like any vacant structure, vacant construction sites are first and foremost obvious targets for theft, trespassing and vandalism. Keep in mind that contractors can be held liable for injuries sustained by children who trespass or play on vacant construction sites. Moreover, vacant construction sites are susceptible to fire. Firefighters on construction sites are twice as likely to be struck by debris or objects than firefighters in home fires are.

Other Ways to Mitigate Risk

In addition to extending coverage, there are some simple steps that contractors can take to limit their risk and liability.

Prevent vandalism – Keeping construction sites properly lit and posting sufficient signage can help keep thieves and vandals out.
Limit liability – Make sure property is free of significant hazards that could cause injuries to anyone on the property—this could include police officers, maintenance workers, firefighters or even trespassers. Walls, equipment, ditches and other physical features could be classified as attractive nuisances should they cause the injury of anyone on the property.
Avoid damage – Remove all access material and combustibles from in and around the site. Inspect the site regularly for potential fire hazards and remediate them as soon as possible.

Builder’s Risk Insurance

Many times your contract with the property owner will require you to purchase builder’s risk insurance, which protects the property and any insurable materials you may have on-site against fire, vandals, lightning, wind and other similar forces while it is under construction.

Because of the increased risks and liability associated with a vacant site, these types of insurance tend to be costly. It is important, though, to look beyond the price and consider the suitability and comprehensiveness of the coverage being purchased.

Special Event Insurance

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Marijana Dabic

Hosting events such as concerts, festivals, conferences, trade shows, sporting events and celebrations subjects a business to a variety of liabilities and business risks that must be considered to avoid costly litigation or other losses when something goes amiss. Appropriate coverages for events include Property Insurance, General Liability Insurance, Employer’s Liability Insurance and Cancellation Insurance.

Property Insurance

A Property Insurance policy protects equipment at events ranging from sophisticated audio-visual systems to folding chairs, whether they are owned, borrowed or hired for the event. The policy generally covers property while in transit to and from the event as well as during the event. Damaged, destroyed or lost property is reinstated on a “new-for-old” basis, meaning that it is generally not appropriate for things like antiques, collectibles or other irreplaceable property.

Special Event General Liability Insurance

A Special Event General Liability Insurance policy provides broad protection for situations in which an event holder or concessionaire must defend itself against lawsuits or pay damages for bodily injury or property damage to third parties. When alcohol is served without a transfer of money, the policy can also include host Events & Liquor Liability. Limits and premiums vary greatly depending on the type of event and location.

An Additional Insured endorsement to the policy provides protection to the venue and sponsors of the event. Commonly, facilities and venues require that all parties using the site name them as an Additional Insured on a General Liability policy. In fact, the wording of the required Additional Insured endorsement is often included in the Insurance Requirement section of the Facility Use Agreement signed with the venue.
A Third-Party Property Damage Liability policy pays for damage, destruction or loss of property belonging to others while it is in the care, custody or control of the policyholder.
Contractual Liability is a legal obligation voluntarily assumed under the terms of a contract, as distinguished from liability imposed by the law (legal liability).
Automobile Liability coverage pays for damages resulting from the ownership, maintenance or use of a covered auto are covered by an Automobile Liability policy. This liability arises whenever you or one of your employees leases, hires, rents or borrows a vehicle for business reasons. If you do not normally use vehicles for business reasons but will be using one for an event, consider this type of coverage.
Events & Liquor Liability coverage is necessary if you are charging for alcoholic beverages at an event or if a liquor licence is required to distribute them. You may be held liable during the course of an event by reason of:

o Causing or contributing to the intoxication of a person

o Furnishing alcoholic beverages to a person under legal drinking age or under the influence of alcohol

o Violating any statute, ordinance or regulation relating to the sale, gift distribution or use of alcoholic beverages.

Employer’s Liability Insurance, protects your business against lawsuits due to employment-related injuries or illnesses attributed to alleged employer negligence.

Cancellation Insurance

Similar to Business Interruption Insurance in other industries, cancellation policies are essential to preventing serious financial consequences in case of the event’s cancellation. These policies can be useful even when the event is not entirely cancelled – expenditures due to unforeseen circumstances (such as alternate forms of transportation to the event during inclement weather) are generally covered as well. The policy generally covers all perils that are beyond the control of the event’s host, including inclement weather, a speaker dropping out, strikes or disease outbreak. In some cases, the same policy can cover multiple events.

Policies are less expensive if they are purchased well in advance, and the cost of premiums depends on the time of year, the type of event and the level of environmental risk in the surrounding geographic area.

Cyber Liability: Protect Your Email

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Marijana Dabic

Email is a critical part of everyday business, from internal management to direct customer support. The benefits associated with email as a primary business tool far outweigh the negatives. However, businesses must be mindful that a successful email platform starts with basic principles of email security to ensure the privacy and protection of customer and business information.

Set up a spam email filter.

It has been-well documented that spam, phishing attempts, and otherwise unsolicited and unwelcome email accounts for more than 60 per cent of all email that an individual or business receives. Email is the primary method for spreading viruses and malware. Consider using email-filtering services that your email service, hosting provider or other cloud providers offer. A local email filter application is also an important component of a solid anti-virus strategy. Ensure that automatic updates are enabled on your email application, email filter and anti-virus programs. Additionally, ensure that filters are reviewed regularly so that important email and/or domains are not blocked in error.

Protect sensitive information sent via email.

With its proliferation as a primary tool to communicate internally and externally, business email often includes sensitive information. Whether it is company information that could harm your business or regulated data such as personal health information (PHI) or personally identifiable information (PII), it is important to ensure that such information is only sent and accessed by those who are entitled to see it.

Email is not designed to be secure, so incidents of misaddressing or other common accidental forwarding can lead to data leakage. If your business handles this type of information, you should consider whether such information should be sent via email, or at least consider using email encryption. Encryption is the process of converting data into unreadable format to prevent disclosure to unauthorized personnel. Only individuals or organizations with access to the encryption key can read the information. Other cloud services offer secure Web-enabled drop boxes that allow secure data transfer for sensitive information, which is often a better approach to transmission between companies or customers.

Implement a sensible email retention policy.

It’s important to manage the email that resides on your company messaging systems and your users’ computers. You should document how you will handle email retention, and you should also implement basic controls to ensure information is retained for the necessary period. Many industries have specific rules that dictate how long emails can or should be retained, but the basic rule of thumb is only as long as it supports your business efforts. Many companies implement a 60- to 90-day retention standard if not compelled by law to use another retention period.

To ensure compliance, consider mandatory archiving at a chosen retention cycle end date and automatic, permanent email removal after another set point, such as 180 to 360 days in archives. In addition, discourage the use of personal folders on employee computers (most often configurable from the email system level), as this will make it more difficult to manage company standards.

Develop an email usage policy.

Policies are important for setting expectations for your employees or users, and for developing standards to ensure adherence to your published polices.

Your policies should be easy to read, understand, define and enforce. Key areas to address include what the company email system should and should not be used for, and what data is allowed to be transmitted. Other policy areas should address retention, privacy and acceptable use.

Depending on your business and jurisdiction, you may have a need for email monitoring. The rights of the business and the user should be documented in the policy. The policy should be part of your general end user awareness training and reviewed for updates on a yearly basis.

Train your employees in responsible email usage.

The last line of defence for all of your cyber risk efforts lies with the employees who use email and their responsible and appropriate use and management of the information under their control. Technology alone cannot make a business secure. Employees must be trained to identify risks associated with email use, how and when to use email appropriate to their work and when to seek professional assistance. Employee awareness training is available in many forms, including printed media, videos and online training.

Consider requiring security awareness training for all new employees and offering refresher courses every year. You can provide monthly newsletters, urgent bulletins when new viruses are detected and even posters in common areas to remind your employees of key security and privacy do’s and don’ts.

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How Hackers Can Control Your Car

Mobile Device Cyber Security

The Risks of Vacant Property

Special Event Insurance

Cyber Liability: Protect Your Email

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