Cyber Security Awareness Month

-

 


Protecting Personal Information

October is recognized as the Cybersecurity Awareness Month which promotes awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and making sure Americans have the resources needed to remain safe online.


Protecting Your Home


Everything in our homes are becoming smart devices. More smart devices means more network dependent items. It is important to be safe and protect your digital homes. Here are some tips:


Tips:

  • Secure Your Network - Be sure to change all factory-set passwords and usernames. 
  • Security - Be sure to add security software for all devices, updating web browsers, and updating operating systems. Scan for viruses and malware. 
  • Social Media - Resist the urge to post information on social media. Personal information has no place on social media.


Passwords


The easiest way to take first steps toward protecting yourself online is ensuring passwords are strong and complex. Here are some tips:


Tips:

  • Use a long passphrase - Use the longest password permissible. Add some punctuation and capitalization to increase complexity.
  • Easy passwords - Do not include any personal information in your password like your name, pets, or information on social media.
  • Get creative - Think about using misspelling or deliberate replacements of letters like "Phrog123” instead of “Frog123”
  • Protect passwords - Do not tell anyone about your passwords. Look out for phishing emails as well.



Phishing


Phishing attacks are basically when hackers have malicious intent using emails or websites to steal personal information from online users. It can look like a legit website login, be an email you respond to, or even bank logins. Here are some tips:



Tips:


  • Stranger danger - Be wary of any strangers or strange, unexpected emails at all times. 

  • Protect personal information - Do not give out personal information ever unless you specifically know the login site is protected, the financial site is protected, or you have met the person. 

  • Hyperlinks - Ensure hyperlinks are verifiable. Hover over them and see the link path. Ensure the URL begins with “https” because the “s” indicates encryption is enabled to protect users’ information.

  • MFA - Multi-Factor Authentication is a security measure to ensure the only person logging in  to your account is you. 

  • Software - Make sure all devices have updated antivirus software, firewalls, email filters, and anti-spyware. 



Call us for a Quote


Elementary is focused on helping you increase your savings, raising your deductible, providing you with discounts and applying credit as much as possible. Learn more about Elementary insurance products, or if you’re ready to take the next step, call (813) 212-8505 for a FREE no obligation quote.


https://www.cisa.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why Should You Call Your Insurance Agent Before Filing a Claim?

-
Image
If there has been damage done to your property or your possessions that you think could possibly be claimable, be sure to call our agent first. There are many reasons why we at Elementary need to be your first phone call. Some of the reasons are due to specific policy information, communication, and contacts that are available.  Policy Information  We as your agents at Elementary know everything about your policy. Specific coverages and the deductible information as well. How much you pay annually for insurance How much your deductible is - the amount you pay out of pocket before an insurance company will pay a homeowners claim Whether you’ll be covered for the costs of temporary living expenses, if your home is uninhabitable and for how much Amount of time you have to file a homeowners claim after an incident occurs  Communication Needs The Elementary Insurance agency wants to always have open lines of communication with our clients. We can also help you decide whether to file a claim
Read more

South Florida Carriers

-
Image
  Why Are There Limited Insurance Carriers in South Florida? It has been a lingering thought in many people's minds why South Florida has such trouble insuring homes. South Florida includes Broward, Miami- Dade and Palm Beach counties and those counties are known as the TRI- county area.  When seven different carriers reduced their policies in Broward and Miami- Dade throughout the 2017 year, c arriers such as Universal and Citizens had to insure the excess homeowners. In 2018, Universal ended up with over 24,000 additional policies and Citizens accrued more than 5,000 policies. Universal again faced the obstacle of rising reinsurance costs and insurance fraud, when having to cancel or non renew a significant number of policies before the 2021 storm season. Citizens Property Insurance used to be known as a last resort insurance carrier, but now they are the first choice of many homeowners in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.  Other counties that have been denied coverage are Lake, O
Read more

Changing your Insurance from a Mortgage? It’s Simple!

-
Image
It is important to state that it is the insured’s right to change their insurance carrier at any time for any reason. For example, changing could save money and reduce mortgage payments.  What is an escrow account? An escrow account is an account where the mortgage lender will keep a small portion of each mortgage payment and use it towards the insured’s homeowners insurance and any property taxes. Mortgage companies require an escrow account to verify there are adequate funds for the payments.  The decision to get an escrow account is up to the mortgage lender and the insured, it will determine if the payments are automatic or if the insured wants to make payments themselves.  If the insured decides to switch insurance carriers, ensure the mortgage company has adequate notice of the insurance change in order to redirect any funds. If the insured switches during a policy term, the prior insurance company will owe for the unused premium, which is sent directly to the insured.  The proc
Read more