Oct. 17, 2018 – The frequency of hacks and cyber scams continues to soar, says Tom Widman, president and CE​O of Identity Fraud Inc.

“Our claim activity reveals that crypto-locker type ransomware and credential theft are our top two sources of claims,” says Widman. “However, simple human errors, burglaries, and lost laptops are also resulting in claims.”

Widman offers tips to become more cyber secure at the Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference, Oct. 25-27, in Wisconsin Dells. He will discuss why cyber prevention remains paramount and how cyber insurance can come to the rescue when all else fails.

“Cyber insurance is now becoming affordable and commonplace,” Widman said.

At the conference, you’ll learn the basics of cyber insurance policies, including key coverage terms, conditions, and exclusions. In addition, explore various types of coverage for liability, regulatory fines, extortion, business interruption, and breach response.

To survive in a chaotic cyber risk environment, consider cyber insurance as an essential final layer of security. “When all other security and prevention measures fail, cyber insurance can help save the day,” Widman says.

Tips for Protection​

He offers these protection tips that you can use right now:

1. Educate yourself and your staff on phishing and spear phishing emails, the number one attack vector right now.

2. Ensure proper backup of all relevant data. This includes having multiple sources of backup in case one fails and testing that your backup actually works.

3. Patch vulnerabilities and ensure automatic updates are turned on (and ensure that your anti-malware and firewalls are working).

4. Ensure that passwords are strong and complex, any remote desktop access is secure, and two-factor authentication is being used wherever it's available (for example, online banking).

5. If you use Microsoft 365, log in as Admin to activate two-factor authentication and logging. At the same time, carefully review if any unauthorized rules have been created or any emails have been deleted or forwarded. (Thieves are gaining access, monitoring activity, cherry picking key emails, and masquerading as you to pillage, steal, and spread malware.)

Visit the member benefits/insurance offerings area on WisBar.org and read InsideTrack to review new cybersecurity benefits for State Bar members.

More about the Conference

At the Solo & Small Firm Conference, you'll walk away with practice tips and tricks, earn CLE, EPR, LPM, and LAU credits, and make new connections. Discover how you can feel better, work smarter, and reduce strain in an atmosphere of learning, networking, and fun.

Choose from 32 CLE sessions in four tracks, including topics on everyday ethical issues, organizing your practice, and setting client boundaries.

Plus, free access to recorded sessions after the conference ends means the chance to earn even more CLE credits.

Register Today

First-time registrant? Take $50 off the regular tuition rate of $349.

Here's how to register:

• On WisBar’s Marketplace (credit card or Ultimate Pass only)

• By phone: (800) 728-7788 (credit card or Ultimate Pass only)

• By fax: (608) 250-6020 (credit card or Ultimate Pass only)

Already registered? Be sure to join the conference’s Facebook page for updates.