Data Protection Is Becoming Increasingly Important for Small Business Owners

We've all seen the headlines: Major organizations such as Sony, Citigroup, Google and AOL experiencing a "data breach" in which private details is affected.

But did you know:

According to a 2011 report from Verizon Company of more than 760 details breaches examined in 2010, nearly two-thirds involved companies with fewer than 100 workers.

It's remember that most details breaches aren't sophisticated computer-hacking schemes targeting multinational organizations. They're simple scams that target little organizations through stolen:

    Bank cards information
    Paper files that aren't shredded
    Company laptop computers

Any business that handles details involving private dealings, clients, sufferers or workers - in other words, virtually any organization - is at risk. Key industries that need to consider insurance coverage security for details violation security include:

    Professional solutions (e.g., lawyers and accountants) and healthcare practices, depending on the private characteristics of client and patient details handled
    Retailers and restaurants, depending on the significant number of debit and credit score cards dealings incurred
    Financial solutions and insurance coverage organizations, depending on the sensitive characteristics of client details stored

Regardless of the characteristics of your online business, the potential harm from legal cases and responsibility loss is real - and the long-term harm to your company's popularity could be harmful.

Data Breach Insurance Coverage: Why You Should Consider It

As a entrepreneur, you have a deep sense of responsibility to your clients, workers, vendors, sufferers and other stakeholders. The right security can ensure that, in the occasion of a violation, you and all of your stakeholders are protected - and that you'll receive expert help throughout the process.

Additionally, in the occasion of a violation, you won't just need responsibility. You'll also want to be covered for costs suffered in restoring your organization's popularity, including:

    Legal expenses
    Public relations
    Good faith advertising
    Expenses for informing affected people and companies
    Services for affected people and organizations, e.g., credit score monitoring or establishing a help line to provide them details and advice

Important Options

You may want to buy details violation security as a separate plan or as part of a comprehensive business insurance coverage security. The best agents will provide both.

Also, make sure that the plan and solutions you buy are proactive in helping you avoid details breaches. You should have access to details and guidance to help you analyze your organization's weeknesses and take remedial action to avoid breaches before they occur.

Talk to Your Insurance Agent

Your broker understands your online business and how to provide you the right security for all the risks you face, such as the growing threat of details breaches. Provide him or her a call now to discuss your security alternatives.