Top Considerations For Businesses’ To Staying Safe Online

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Cybersecurity, from a business’s technological point of view, is essential more than ever simply because it is more prevalent to have parts of the company that would need the use of the world wide web. From emailing different departments to accessing documents over the network or cloud services, to businesses that use the web for communication and engagement with clients and customers. In today’s standards, modern-day business ranging from all small, medium, or large scaled enterprises, will need to be even more vigilant and incorporate web technologies, along with safety and cybersecurity, as part of the business framework and will need to adapt protocols or procedures to make sure of workplace safety and that the company and its assets are protected.

StrategyDriven Risk Management Article | Top Considerations For Businesses' To Staying Safe Online

Network administrators are usually the go-to department for medium and large enterprises and corporate entities, that will be in charge of keeping the workings of the internet of things functional and performing to the best standard for the company. Ranging from the creation of user accounts, privileges, and to monitor software and traffic coming into the business network, to port monitoring and implementing software installation and updates were needed on the different devices, around the business. But for a small business, cyber security may be more doable with being confident and its capability to deploy its own procedures that can help protect the presence of the company when being online.

Here are a few things to consider for any business whether small, medium or large, that would be generally good working practise to adapt within the online procedures, to protect the company from threats from online.

Firewalls

Firewalls are a security system that will monitor all the network traffic and the software that will run through the ports on the network. Generally, Firewalls are the first port of call when protecting the network from numerous types of attacks, but there are other things that can help reduce this risk even further.

VPN’s

Meaning Virtual Private Networks can be implemented to further the security of data transference across the network, especially if the business network needs to communicate to the wider web, which is untrustworthy, to complete tasks. Firewalls and VPS’s can come in software but also can be found in the router settings for some brands.

Virus Scanning Software

When a company has its work that is primarily sorted out on a device such as a PC, or even have the use of services such as emails and Voice Over Internet Protocol communications, it is usually a good idea to make sure that there is a Virus Protection element implemented, to minimise the chance for viruses or malware that can compromise your data and business logic, even data breaches.

PC Procedures and Conventions

The idea for password conventions and procedures is to educate and train company users and employees to have a decent basic understanding of what is to be expected by them, in order to contribute to the security of the company. Such as passwords not to be shared, and created with an uppercase, inclusive of numbers and a special character. That they should not be allowed to plug personal devices or even log into private email accounts while working on the companies PCs.

Being secure and safe online is an important focal point for many businesses, these points mentioned here are a few generic ones to be considered. What do you include as part of your way of keeping the company safe online? Let us know in the comments below.

Strategies for Overcoming Crisis in The Hospitality Industry

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article | Strategies for Overcoming Crisis in The Hospitality IndustryEvery organisation is likely to face a crisis now and again. Significant problems may arise once or twice a year, with smaller issues appearing sporadically in the time in between. Predicting what a crisis will entail is impossible in many situations – but it’s how a team prepares and responds that can dictate whether and to what degree a business recovers.

The Covid-19 pandemic is one obvious example of an uncontrollable crisis affecting almost every industry in one way or another. While many wise businesses will have a crisis management strategy in place, it’s a situation few could have directly planned for.

The hospitality sector has been among the hardest hit. Unfortunately, it’s also likely to feel the situation’s impacts the longest due to ongoing social distancing rules and a consequential reduction in demand and revenue.

Sales slumped by 87% in the second quarter of 2020, and despite tentative signs of recovery, over half of small business owners in the sector fear the pandemic will force them to permanently close. The situation has forced many to pivot their approach in order to survive – but effective crisis management could allow some to emerge stronger.

Below we discuss other uncontrollable factors the hospitality industry faces, as well as the strategies businesses can implement to overcome them.

What uncontrollable factors affect the hospitality industry?

The aforementioned Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted what is perhaps the primary uncontrollable variant for the hospitality industry – flow of tourism.

Accommodation providers, food and drink establishments and other leisure facilities all rely on visitor numbers, but tourism can be fragile even in the best of times. Weather, political events, area decline and the arrival of competitors can all lead to unpredictable cashflow and a variety of other challenges from one season to the next.

Another variant looming large over the sector is Brexit. The hospitality industry is a large employer of migrant workers, but new regulations are likely to lead to problems with labour availability. It remains to be seen whether abolishing freedom of movement will also turn international tourists away.

Strategies for overcoming uncontrollable crises

Periodically reviewing plans is one important strategy for managing crisis. By building in trigger points to assess factors such as operational and market performance as well as basic financial metrics, a company can assess whether a long-term plan is still fit for purpose. In light of some of the events discussed above, this process can be vital in adjusting to new parameters to keep a company on track.

There are other practical steps that can be taken to prepare for the eventuality of a crisis. Taking out hospitality insurance with Gallagher for example can protect against damages to a commercial property or other unforeseen disruptions.

When such a situation does arise, establishing an effective solutions team allows a business to focus the right people on the task in hand. Members should have a clear understanding of their roles and ideally some of their typical responsibilities will be delegated. Electing forward-thinking individuals will help generate the most positive and proactive response.

With a crisis management team in place, wider communication is essential in keeping everyone working towards the same goal. Creating a clear ‘change story’ that all workers can understand and get behind – from front of house staff to board members – can be an important step in establishing a collective sense of urgency.

The hospitality industry is undoubtably facing a crisis right now – but with the right team and strategies in place, many will already be on the road to recovery. If you have any additional insights, please feel free to share best practices in the comments section below.

Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your Data

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StrategyDriven Article |Cyber Security Tips|Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your DataAs cyberattacks are occurring more frequently, cyber security has become more of a necessity than just mere information that helps you keep your computer safe.

A wide variety of things can be done to keep your system safe from hackers and other threats, regardless of how you’re using your computer every single day. You can check this website for tips or work on your own to protect your data from hackers. This is an essential task as keeping your computer virus-free is one way to avoid cyberattacks and any other malicious programs.

What Are The Dangers Of Cyberattacks?

When it comes to how to cope with the effects of cyberattacks on your business, many companies make the mistake of assuming that it will only affect them and, then, they’ll be okay. However, the reality is that the potential scope of undesired (imprecise) consequences of cyberattacks can be considerably greater than those of an ordinary cruise missile or nuclear bomb simply because of the less certainty in their desired effects. If you’re not careful, then you could easily lose your reputation and credibility in the business community.

Reputational damage can range from a simple hit-or-miss loss of goodwill to a devastating blow, such as being blacklisted by your chosen social media platforms, being banned from online employment opportunities, and being unable to secure a job in the future. All of these are possible if you fail to take action against the attack on your business, or you try and put your own efforts in place without properly planning for the negative consequences of these attacks.

For example, if you’ve taken the time and money to build a positive online reputation for your business, then the damage may well be limited to a few negative stories in the press.

The effects of the attacks on physical and/or psychological reputations, however, can be much more damaging and can impact greatly upon the ability to attract the best candidates to your company. There are many people in the business world who are seeking work, and your reputation can literally be a determining factor as to whether or not you can secure the position you need. If your online reputation is damaged by an attack of another person or organization, this can have a far more detrimental effect on your chances at landing that new job than a hit-or-miss story in the local paper.

Additionally, having a negative reputation online may result in the inability to get a job at all in the future. You need to be very careful when it comes to the effects of these attacks because you never know what they could possibly bring.

How Can You Protect Your Data Online?

In the present day and age, there are so many people around the world who are being victimized by cyberattacks. They’ve lost their jobs, credit cards, identities, and even their lives. Having said that, it’s of the essence to protect your online data to the best of your ability.

It’s important to make sure that you’re doing everything that you can do to protect your computer from cyberattacks. The Internet has been a safe haven for hackers, but the good news is that there are many effective ways you can protect your data online. These include the following:

StrategyDriven Article |Cyber Security Tips|Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your Data1.Use An Anti-Virus Program

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be tech-savvy to protect your digital files and information from cyberattacks. Merely downloading and using an anti-virus program is enough to do the trick.

The software is available for both Windows and Macintosh, and it protects your computer against worms, viruses, Trojans, and malware. You can set up an anti-virus program to protect your computers, regardless if you’re using them for work or at home.

With the number of ant-virus programs available today, choosing one can be tough. So, if this is your first time using one, make sure to read this blog and other online articles so you’ll know better what to choose.

2. Avoid Downloading From The Internet

One of the most important cyber security tips from the experts is to be aware of the dangers and risks of using the Internet and downloading software from there. For instance, if you’re not sure about the security of a certain website or program, you should never click on a link or download a file from it.

However, if you’ve already downloaded the file and are curious about the security of it, then you should run a virus scan on the file. Viruses can cause much harm to a computer. Therefore, you should always be careful of what you do and what you download while online.

3. Don’t Give Away Confidential Information

The simplest cyber security tip you can follow is that you should never give away any confidential data, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords. Any information like the ones mentioned should be protected by a password or two, and these need to be a secret. This can be especially important if you’re more tech-savvy since you want to protect those who may be trying to get into your email or, worse, access your financial account.

The same is true for passwords that are shared with other people. There will be a lot of people out there who’ll try to break into those. You can also make sure that your system doesn’t contain any viruses, spyware, adware, or any other type of harmful software. This will help keep your computer free from any malicious elements.

4. Encrypt Information

Another important cyber security tip from the experts is that you should keep your information encrypted and safe from prying eyes. If you want to keep your information private and safe, then it should be in your best interest to encrypt your files, send them through the encrypted email, and keep them safely inside a hard drive.

Although this sounds almost too simple, it’s true that encryption is used to make certain that no one can read any of your data. You should make sure that your data is encrypted even if you’re not using a secure system. You should also make sure that it’s in a location that will be inaccessible to anyone, and that you have a backup plan in case anything happens to your computer.

5. Improve Your Password

It’s becoming a common problem among computer users to experience a sudden rise in data being sent or received over the Internet, and hackers are becoming more creative in their attacks on data. Many times, these hackers can also gain access to your network, so they can send their own data into your system as well. A hacker has many different ways of gaining access to a network, but the most common way to gain access is through the use of passwords or keylogging software.

You can prevent this from happening by using a password protection program. With password protection, it becomes impossible for a hacker to get any such information out of your system.

6. Install A Firewall

To avoid having your computer and the security system hacked, you can install a firewall. Firewalls are very effective when used together with anti-virus software to scan your network for malicious codes.

Protection is as easy as getting a firewall installed in your personal computer. This will allow you to set up a physical barrier between your computer and the Internet. When you don’t have an Internet connection, your firewall will block any hackers or outsiders from accessing your computer. This type of system is very effective because you’ll never have to worry about your personal data getting stolen. A firewall is typically installed on all new computers, or given to you when you buy one.

Firewalls don’t just stop data that’s coming into your computer from going out, but they also monitor your incoming and outgoing data. So, even if a hacker was able to bypass the firewall on your network, they won’t be able to get any information at all out of your system.

There are many different types of firewalls that you can choose from, but they all work in a similar fashion. When a hacker tries to access a computer, the system will detect that they’ve done so and will immediately close the window to prevent them from accessing your system any further. By doing this, your computer is now protected. The firewall is designed to prevent the use of unauthorized software, which can cause a number of problems if a hacker manages to get their way past your firewall.

7. Back Up Your Data

You should have a few different types of backup to protect your data in case something happens. For example, you can get a hard drive recovery system in case your computer fails because of a virus or any other security-related issue.

Another important thing you should have is a backup application that can be used in the event of a computer crash, as well as a reliable firewall that protects your system from outside sources. The most important thing is to have a complete set of software in place that you can use in the event of a failure.

StrategyDriven Article |Cyber Security Tips|Cyber Security Tips From The Experts: How To Protect Your Data8. Scan Your Computer Regularly

If you want to stay safe from cyberattacks, make sure to scan your computer regularly for errors and viruses, which may have occurred during the past. The software that you use to scan your system for these errors will work with the Windows registry, which will help identify the errors that have occurred in order to remove them. Once these errors have been removed from, your PC should run smoothly and without any glitches

However, it’s important to ensure that you’re running the correct version of the software so that your machine can be identified as being fully functional before attempting any further steps.

9. Avoid Visiting Unknown Sites

There are many different ways your data can be stolen from your computer, such as through phishing. A phishing scam is when someone uses your personal details in order to try and sell to another company. They may ask you for your bank account number, social security number, and other important information. If they’re successful in obtaining these pieces of information from you, then they’ll use these to either gain access to your bank account or make purchases.

In order to protect your data from cyberattacks, you should try and keep your computer running as fast as possible. You should also try to stay away from unknown websites. When visiting unknown sites, it would be very easy for malicious programs to steal your information. By avoiding the use of these types of sites, you’re giving yourself much better protection against phishing scams.

10. Work With A Professional

The best way to secure data storage system or vital information online is by hiring a computer security professional to look into the matter on your behalf. It would be much better if you would hire an experienced one to do the job for you.

While there are plenty of them who are not very efficient and are only concerned with their own profits, there are also many out there who are actually more efficient and provide better protection than the rest of the companies. Investing in trained and experienced computer system professionals is a cost-effective move for businesses, especially if you’re a novice to cyber security.

The professionals know what they’re doing, and you can be sure that they can provide the maximum protection that you could ever hope for. It’s just that most business owners aren’t aware that this kind of service is actually available today.

Knowledge Is Power

The Internet has become an integral part of people’s daily lives, and everyone uses it to communicate, research, and work. However, the fact is that the Internet is not safe enough to keep your data secure at all times. If someone hacks into a network you have, they can gain access to all your financial and personal information.

Make sure that none of these mishaps happen by using the tips in this article. As long as implemented regularly, these tips are enough for you to enjoy the World Wide Web without compromising your safety and identity!

6 Mistakes to Avoid During a Personal Injury Claim

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |Personal Injury Claim|6 Mistakes to Avoid During a Personal Injury ClaimIf you or someone in your family was involved in a preventable accident and there’s a possibility that the injuries could have come about as a result of negligent or careless behaviour, a personal injury claim may be the right choice. Taking legal action will hopefully lead to the liable parties being held responsible and ensure that appropriate compensation is awarded to the victim. Sounds easy on paper, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, the legal process can be long and complex. You have to ensure that you have the best workers compensation lawyer on your team so that your people get what they deserve. Having an injury at work, means that you need to pursue it when you can if you are the injured party. If you are a boss and someone is suing you because of workers compensation, then you need a lawyer as well. “The majority of personal injury cases are completed within six to nine months of the process being started. However, it should be noted that depending on the nature and details of your claim, the amount of time can vary from a few months to a number of years in order to see it through,” advises one expert in the field.

While you should always have the benefit of your personal injury solicitor’s expertise to guide you, it doesn’t do to underestimate the potentially huge physical and mental health implications on your ability to deal with the situation. In addition to physical pain and medical treatment, there may be emotional trauma to cope with, not to mention the added financial burden of medical bills, lost earnings and more.

You’ll want to understand how personal injury law works.  We’ve put together some of the most common mistakes you should absolutely avoid when making a personal injury claim.

1.Dealing direct, without the help of a lawyer

You may be tempted to do away with legal representation and deal with insurance companies yourself. Indeed, they may have advised you that settling a claim directly with them will lead to a better outcome for you, and without the need for costly legal fees. Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they? Given the vast in-house resources and legal knowhow of an insurance company, how well could you possibly do against them? What sort of a fight could you put up?

A specialist personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, will have built up vast experience in a wide range of injury, accident and medical negligence claims and know exactly how to approach your case. Many even offer no win, no fee agreements, meaning they will only charge you as and when your compensation is paid.

2. Assuming that all law firms are the same

With something as critical as a personal injury case, it pays to do a little research to find the best person to represent you. It’s your health and wellbeing at stake, so don’t be fobbed off by being allocated a law firm by an insurance company without checking that they are the best people for the job. You can, and should, choose your own lawyer.

Use the internet to shop around for personal injury specialist for your particular situation. Did you have an accident at work or on holiday? Are you making a medical claim or were you involved in a road traffic accident? There are lawyers with specialisations in warehouse accidents, motorbike accidents, anaesthetic negligence, cosmetic dentistry claims and much, much more. Make sure you choose someone you trust and who is local enough for you to visit, should you need to meet.

3. Not keeping key evidence

One of the most important things you must remember to do after the accident is to gather evidence and keep records safe. Any little detail may help you to prove that someone else was at fault, and make a successful claim later much more likely. Without compelling evidence, on the other hand, your claim has a greater chance of failing. Fortunately, an injury lawyer can help you in such a situation. You can learn more here about how experienced legal professionals can help you streamline the process and make things easier for you.

Take photos and video recordings on your mobile phone. Write down everything that happened, as soon as possible after it happened so it is still clear in your head. What were the weather conditions like? Was is sunny or were there street lights? Any shrubs obscuring your view? Speak to anyone who witnessed the accident as soon as you can, while they still remember every little detail and before they have a chance to change their mind about wanting to help.


4. Underestimating medical evidence

Expert medical evidence is at the heart of every successful personal injury claim. This is what determines the nature and extent of the injuries sustained as a result of an accident, as well as the prognosis for the claimant. If you are tempted to accept a sum of compensation immediately and without medical evidence, you may be making a grave mistake.

Neither is it wise to rely solely on your GP’s assessment, as they may not have the necessary expertise to diagnose complex issues. A whiplash injury resulting from a traffic accident, for instance, might need to be looked at by an orthopaedic surgeon and a consultant neurologist. Mistakes are all too common in medical reports and you are strongly advised to ask for a referral to a consultant.

5. Failing to report all symptoms

It is difficult to make an accurate medical diagnosis without having all the information, however good your doctor may be. If you don’t report all your symptoms, perhaps thinking they’re not important, your medical report won’t document the full extent of your injuries, and your compensation claim may suffer. Volunteer any information that you think may be relevant, even if your doctor doesn’t specifically ask.

Don’t forget that you may also suffer from mental/psychological symptoms, not just physical ones. Do you have trouble sleeping or are you acting strangely? What does your partner think about your behaviour? Are you drinking more or behaving aggressively? You could be suffering from Acute Stress Disorder. Make sure you disclose any change in mood or behaviour to your solicitor or medical expert.

6. Not keeping accurate financial records

While personal injury claims originate out the altered state of your health, the amount of compensation is calculated in hard cash. Here is a useful guide that explains what compensation entails.

The financial losses that you can claim for are wide reaching and go far beyond general damages. Make sure you don’t lose out by keeping all receipts and evidence of expenditure in a safe place. From hospital parking for medical appointments, to takeout food when you are unable to cook, loss of earnings of a family member caring for you or round-the-clock homecare where necessary, there are 101 items that may be claimable.

The Risk Of COVID-19 Lawsuits- Litigation Lessons For Businesses

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |COVID-19 Lawsuits|The Risk Of COVID-19 Lawsuits- Litigation Lessons For BusinessesThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way businesses operate. But remote work and economic downturn are not the only implications you may have to face. Right now, you have to gear up for the possibility of an onslaught of personal injury lawsuits that claim compensation for the victim contracting the virus due to your company’s negligence. In these circumstances, a risk management strategy can help you deal with the lawsuits with a better defense. Timely and proper action can save you from a lot of trouble, so you must be prepared with these effective litigation lessons.

Causation is the key

When it comes to COVID litigation, causation is the first and foremost issue. Primarily, the plaintiff will have to prove that the disease was contracted on your business premises. They will need to present reliable evidence to validate causation. The second fact that decides causation is whether the action or inaction of the business caused the victim to contract the virus. This can be decided based on facts such as whether training or different personal protective equipment would have prevented the victim from being infected.

Verification of infection is important

While a victim needs to prove causation of infection to file a claim against the business, they must also substantiate that they had the disease. After all, your company will have to pay them if they actually sustained damages, just as it happens with the compensation for injuries in a typical car accident claim. The victim gets compensation only for the value of injuries they sustain in the mishap. Similarly, if there was no disease despite the exposure, there isn’t a valid claim.

Warnings and precautions reduce exposure in litigation

The implementation of preventative measures and warnings by a business goes a long way in defending lawsuits. On the other hand, not doing so means you are flouting the standards of reasonable care and this can make you liable for spreading the contagion. According to experienced trial attorneys, you have a stronger defense if you have taken adequate actions to curb the infection at your premises or as a part of your operations. For example, closure during lockdowns and following the regulatory
healthcare norms after reopening can make a difference.

Beware of big damages

Personal injury cases involving the contraction of COVID-19 can be of high value as it has happened with infectious disease litigation in the past. The jury may assess large compensatory awards along with punitive damages, which can spell massive financial burden for your business. So it makes sense to have adequate insurance cover to help your business handle the implications of such lawsuits. After all, the last thing you would want during this financial crisis is a verdict that requires you to pay multi-million dollar compensation.

The COVID era is a time of crisis for businesses in more than one way. While an operational transition can keep your company up and running, you cannot forget the significance of staying safe from pandemic-related lawsuits. Being aware of these lessons and taking the right actions can help a lot.