Author Archives: INF_WP_U53r

Make the Most of Your Legal Malpractice Policy: Don’t Overlook Ancillary Coverages

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When it comes to legal malpractice insurance, you might have heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” While it’s true that nothing in life is entirely free, your legal malpractice insurance policy may include valuable features known as ancillary coverages. These are not “free” in the traditional sense, but they are part of the package you’re already paying for — and they can provide significant benefits. Here’s why you should take full advantage of these offerings.

Continuing Education (CE) Classes: Boost Your Credits at No Extra Cost

One of the most useful ancillary coverages included in many legal malpractice policies is access to free Continuing Education (CE) or Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes. These classes are typically available online, making them convenient and flexible for your schedule. Even better, in states like Pennsylvania, these classes often qualify for ethics credits.

Think about it: If you’re currently paying out-of-pocket for these courses, why not save that money? Whether it’s $10, $20, or even $50 per credit, those savings add up quickly. This is an excellent example of utilizing the resources already available to you within your policy to keep your hard-earned money where it belongs — in your pocket.

Disciplinary Coverage: Protection When You Need It Most

Another key feature of ancillary coverages is disciplinary coverage. No attorney wants to receive that dreaded letter notifying them of a disciplinary charge, but if it happens, it’s reassuring to know that your policy may help cover some of the costs associated with hiring legal representation. Having access to a lawyer who can help you navigate the disciplinary process and prepare a defense is invaluable. This support can make a challenging situation a bit less stressful.

Risk Management Resources: Tools to Help Prevent Claims

Risk management websites provided by your insurance carrier are another great resource you might be overlooking. These websites offer a wealth of information, including sample engagement and disengagement letters, updates on legal trends, and best practices for minimizing your risk of malpractice claims. By tapping into these resources, you can stay informed about the latest industry developments and enhance your practice management — ultimately helping to reduce your exposure to potential claims.

Don’t Miss Out: Review Your Policy Today

Your legal malpractice policy likely includes a highlight sheet listing the various ancillary coverages and resources available to you. Take a moment to review it. You might be surprised at the number of valuable tools and services you already have access to, all included in your policy.

In conclusion, while there may be no such thing as a free lunch, there are plenty of beneficial features baked into your legal malpractice policy. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of them to save time, reduce costs, and protect your practice.

Beware the Phishing Scams: Staying Vigilant in the Digital Age

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In today’s digital age, phishing schemes have become rampant, with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. These malicious activities pose significant risks, including financial loss and identity theft. Understanding how these scams operate and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial in safeguarding your personal information.

How Phishing Schemes Operate

Phishing scams typically involve fraudulent emails that appear to come from legitimate sources. These emails often contain urgent messages designed to trick recipients into providing sensitive information such as social security numbers, credit card details, and login credentials. Common tactics include:

  • Impersonating Trusted Entities: Scammers often masquerade as banks, credit unions, internet service providers, or even government agencies. They create emails that look convincingly real and request verification of personal details.
  • Creating a Sense of Urgency: Many phishing emails claim that immediate action is needed, such as verifying account details to avoid suspension or confirming payment information due to a system update.
  • Using Familiar Branding: Fraudulent emails often incorporate logos and branding elements from legitimate companies to enhance their credibility.

Potential Risks and Damages

Falling victim to a phishing scheme can have severe consequences, including:

  • Financial Loss: Scammers can quickly rack up charges on your credit cards or drain your bank accounts.
  • Identity Theft: Providing personal information can lead to identity theft, causing long-term damage to your credit and financial standing.
  • Data Breaches: Sharing login credentials can compromise your online accounts, resulting in data breaches and unauthorized access.

Importance of Vigilance

Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of these scams, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Here are some tips to help you identify and avoid phishing schemes:

Tips to Identify and Avoid Scams

  1. Verify the Sender: Always check the sender’s email address carefully. Look for slight misspellings or unusual domain names that may indicate a fraudulent email.
  2. Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests: Be wary of emails that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly. Take the time to verify the request through official channels.
  3. Avoid Clicking on Links: Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking.
  4. Use Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
  5. Educate Employees: If you manage a team, ensure that your employees are aware of these scams and know how to handle suspicious emails.
  6. Consider Cyber Liability Insurance: Cyber liability insurance can provide coverage in the event of a data breach or cyberattack, helping to mitigate financial losses and recovery costs.

Phishing schemes are a growing threat, but by staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your personal information. Remember to verify email senders, be skeptical of urgent requests, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Educating yourself and others about these scams is the first step towards safeguarding against potential risks.

Take the time this summer to enjoy some real fishing—the kind that lets you relax and maybe even catch a meal. Stay safe and vigilant online.

I’m Don I, Your Insurance Guy!

Have any questions about the topic discussed in this blog post? Contact us today! 412.563.2106

Celebrating 18 Years of INtegrity First Corporation!

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It’s hard to believe that 18 years have already passed. We often say, “My, how time flies,” but this year, it really hit home for me. June came and went in a flash, and with it, our 18th anniversary. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it’s easy to let important dates slip by. But this milestone is too significant to overlook.

Over these years, we’ve grown, adapted, and continually strived to serve you better. I look at the color of my hair now, and it’s a clear sign of the time that has passed! Yet, despite the changes, one thing has remained constant: our unwavering commitment to you, our clients.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or joined our family of insured just recently, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you. Your trust and support are the foundation of our success. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and meet your insurance needs.

Each one of you plays a vital role in our story, and we are honored to be a part of your journey. We strive to treat all our customers like family, providing personalized and dedicated service.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead to the future. The past 18 years have been incredible, but we are committed to making the next 18 years even better. We will continue to innovate, improve, and ensure that our services meet your evolving needs.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, knowing that Integrity First Corporation is here for you. And remember, I’m Don I, your insurance guy, ready to serve you for many more years to come.

The Essential Guide To Password Managers

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Passwords – it’s a topic that gets discussed a lot, but surprisingly, many people still don’t use effective methods to manage their passwords.

A Common Mistake: The Post-It Note Dilemma

Let me tell you about an experience I had recently. I was at a client’s office, helping him complete an application that required access to his bank account. He turned around, grabbed a yellow Post-It note from his credenza, and handed it to me. I was taken aback. He had his banking password scribbled on that little piece of paper!

I didn’t say anything at first; we completed the application without a hitch. But before I left, I couldn’t help but bring it up. “You know,” I said, “there’s a much better way to keep track of your passwords.” He shrugged it off, saying it was no big deal and that he only wrote down the passwords he used the most.

The Risks of Traditional Password Storage

Storing passwords on Post-It notes or in a notebook in your desk might seem harmless, but it’s fraught with risks:

  • Easy Access for Intruders: Anyone who gains access to your office can easily find your passwords.
  • Loss or Damage: A Post-It note can fall off, get thrown away, or simply be misplaced, leaving you locked out of your accounts.
  • Lack of Security: Physical notes don’t offer any encryption or security features, making it easy for anyone to steal your information.

The Solution: Password Managers

That’s where password managers come in. A password manager is a digital tool that securely stores and organizes your passwords. Here’s why you should consider using one:

Benefits of Password Managers

  1. Security: Password managers use strong encryption to keep your passwords safe.
  2. Convenience: You only need to remember one master password to access all your accounts.
  3. Password Generation: Many password managers can generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
  4. Accessibility: Access your passwords from any device, anywhere.

How It Works

You enter all your accounts and passwords into the password manager, and it keeps them securely stored. The best part? It can create complex passwords for you, significantly enhancing your security. All you need to remember is one master password, and the password manager does the rest.

My Personal Experience

I use a password manager myself, and it has been a game-changer. No more scribbling passwords on sticky notes or worrying about losing access to my accounts. It’s a great tool, and I genuinely believe everyone should look into it.

So, if you’re still using Post-It notes or notebooks to store your passwords, it’s time to make a change. A password manager is a small investment for a huge payoff in security and peace of mind.

Stay safe online, and remember, I’m Don Ivol, your insurance guy.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Its Importance In Protecting Small Firms

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In today’s digital age, protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is not just a necessity for large corporations but a critical task for small firms as well. The rise in cyber threats has made PII protection paramount for businesses of all sizes. But what exactly is PII, and why is it so crucial for small firms to safeguard it?

Understanding PII

PII refers to any data that can be used to identify a specific individual. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and more. For small firms, this information is often collected from customers, employees, and even business partners. The protection of this data is essential in maintaining trust and ensuring compliance with various regulations.

The Growing Threat of Cyber Attacks

Cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and small firms are not immune. In fact, small businesses are often seen as easy targets by cybercriminals due to their sometimes lax security measures. A single breach can lead to significant financial loss, legal repercussions, and a damaged reputation.

Why PII Protection is Crucial for Small Firms

  1. Trust and Reputation: Customers trust businesses with their personal information. A breach can shatter this trust and damage the firm’s reputation.
  2. Compliance: Various regulations require businesses to protect PII. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal issues.
  3. Financial Protection: Data breaches can be costly. Protecting PII helps prevent financial losses associated with cyber attacks.

Engaging and Informative Resources

To illustrate the importance of PII protection, we’ve created a video featuring “Don I, Your Insurance Guy!” Don breaks down complex insurance topics into simple, easy-to-understand segments, making it clear why PII protection is a must for small firms.

Don’s engaging explanations and real-world examples will help you understand the critical steps needed to protect your business from cyber threats.

In summary, PII protection is not just a regulatory requirement but a business imperative. By taking proactive steps to safeguard personal data, small firms can prevent cyber attacks, maintain customer trust, and ensure long-term success. Stay informed, stay protected, and ensure that your business is a fortress against cyber threats.

For more information and detailed guidance, contact us today! Protecting PII is an ongoing effort, and staying vigilant is the key to safeguarding your small firm.

Protect Your Investment: The Importance of Cyber Insurance

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The Realities of Cyber Threats

In today’s digital age, the threat of cyber theft and wire transfer fraud is more prevalent than ever. As we navigate through significant life events, such as buying a new home, it’s crucial to ensure that all aspects of the transaction are secure. This includes verifying that your wire transfers are protected by cyber insurance.

A Personal Experience from Don I.

Recently, my wife and I made the exciting decision to purchase a new home. Sitting at the closing table, a day that should have been filled with joy and celebration, I found myself distracted by a nagging concern: Does this transaction have cyber insurance coverage for wire transfers?

My wife noticed my unease and asked what was wrong. I expressed my concern to her and then to the closer, asking, “Do you have cyber insurance that covers wire transfers?” To my surprise, the closer didn’t know and had to check with a supervisor. Fortunately, they returned with confirmation that the insurance was in place, allowing me to relax and enjoy the moment.

Why Cyber Insurance Matters

The experience highlighted the importance of cyber insurance, especially in protecting against wire transfer fraud. Cyber threats are not just a distant possibility; they are real and can strike at any time, potentially turning a joyful occasion into a stressful ordeal.

Assess and Update Your Policies

Given the evolving nature of cyber threats, it’s essential to regularly assess and update your insurance policies. Here are some steps to ensure you’re adequately protected:

  1. Review Your Current Coverage: Make sure to understand the specifics of your current policy. Does it cover cyber threats, including wire transfer fraud?
  2. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your insurance provider detailed questions about your coverage. If they can’t give you a clear answer, consider seeking a second opinion.
  3. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest trends in cyber threats and how they can impact your financial transactions and personal information.
  4. Consult an Expert: An experienced insurance agent, like myself, can help you navigate the complexities of cyber insurance and ensure you have the right protection in place.

Final Thoughts

Buying a new home should be one of the happiest days of your life. Don’t let concerns about cyber threats dampen your joy. Take proactive steps to ensure your transactions are secure and covered by appropriate insurance.

Have any questions about the topic discussed in this article?

Contact us today at 412.563.2106 to discuss your insurance needs and ensure you’re protected against cyber threats. Remember, I’m Don I., your insurance guy, always here to help you safeguard your most valuable assets.

Spring Check-Up: Assessing Your Insurance Policy This Season

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Spring will be here soon and usually during spring we do what is called spring clean ups or check up.  We look at the lawn mower, the weed whacker and car wash stuff all because Spring is a new start. 

In my world, the same holds true for insurance.  I like to review my policies and make sure I have what I think I have and make any tweaks that I feel are necessary to be properly insured. 

Knowing that most people renew or purchase a policy and stuff it away somewhere for the year, the spring check up might be a good idea for you.  Things I look at during my check up and you should too are:

1. Limits: are they sufficient?  Will there be enough there to protect you in the event of a claim.  Make sure you review both the per claim limit and the aggregate limit.  Aggregate being the total amount available during the policy year.

2. Deductible:  Are you comfortable with the current amount?  Will you be able to pay it when it comes time?  On paper 5 or 10k might not seem like a lot of money but during a claim sometimes money can be a little tight.  

3.  Defense costs:  How are they handled?  Are defense costs/cost of defense  included in your limits of liability or are they in addition to your limits?  If you carry lower limits, say 100k and your defense costs are included in that limit it may not take very long to go through the limit before the case is resolved.

4. Insureds: Make sure you know who actually is insured on your policy – you, your staff, independent contractors, of counsels, former employees.  It always good to know who is covered and who is not

5. Prior acts: Check and make sure that your prior acts coverage is correct.  We all know that claims can and usually do stem from professional services we performed prior to the start of your current policy period.  Make sure your policy contains prior acts coverage.

6. Effective date. Make sure your policy is current and that you didn’t miss the renewal date.  Sounds stupid but it does happen.  People just forget to renew or just put it off until it is too late.

So before you start to cut your grass or use the weed whacker make sure you have a new spark plug in place and give your LPL policy a check up too.  

Unveiling the Risks: How the ‘Of Counsel’ Title Can Impact Your Insurance Coverage

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Titles in business are considered very important: President, CEO, VP etc……law firms the same thing…Partner, senior partner, member, associates.  But did you know there is one title in a law firm that can cause confusion and sometimes affect insurance coverage?  The title OF COUNSEL. 

I’ve been told, ask 10 lawyers the definition of OF Counsel and you’ll get 10 different answers.  At some point, we can discuss and try to narrow down a more specific definition of what an OF Counsel is but today I want to point out how the term OF COUNSEL may affect your legal malpractice insurance coverage at retirement.

Most policies provide what is called a free retirement tail endorsement when an attorney from the firm retires.  Usually there are a few requirements that must be met in order to qualify for that free tail.  On some policies OF COUNSEL attorneys are not eligible for the free tail strictly because they are titled OF COUNSEL.  This usually is not an issue for a solo but for firms with 2 or more attorneys it can cause great concern.

I have seen instances where firms with 3 or 4 attorneys give the title OF COUNSEL to the founding member of the firm with no consideration of how this could affect the founding members coverage, his or her estates coverage or the retiring attorneys financial position during retirement.  Usually the change to OF COUNSEL is a result of the attorney working less hours and nothing more.  In this case it seems a shame for the attorney to lose coverage and in some cases not be able to get back because of working less time?  

So before changing anyone’s “title” to OF COUNSEL and printing new letterhead check your legal malpractice policy. Contact your broker/carrier and ask them for an interpretation of the coverage.  Make sure the change to OC won’t affect the retirement tail coverage. OR if it does you know and are ok with any change.  Who knows, maybe it won’t change but then again maybe it will.  Better safe than sorry.

Real-life Cyber Claim Examples: The Importance of Cyber Insurance

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It seems as though everyone likes to hear a good war story and it is no different when it comes to cyber claims. Besides price, it may be the most asked question I hear – What kind of claims are being filed? Can you give me an example of a claim to show that this is real and I should be buying a policy? So, let’s delve into this topic and let me tell you a couple of real-life cyber claim scenarios:

War Story 1: The Case of Accidental Data Loss

A small law firm lost all of their data, including backups, from a shared office space when the IT administrator formatted the hard drive on the office equipment. The firm, which had three lawyers, was operating inside unused space at a larger firm. As part of the arrangement, the smaller firm also used the IT systems of the larger firm.

In an effort to segregate the data of the smaller firm, the larger firm gave them access to their own file server, which was normally used for email only. The server began having issues, so the IT administrator backed up the emails on the server, formatted the hard drive, and reinstalled all the software. Unfortunately, the IT administrator did not remember to backup the data from the smaller firm before formatting the hard drive.

The firm suffered an interruption of operations as a result and incurred significant expense to recover the data manually. In this case, the damages and loss are as follows:

  • Data Restoration Expense: $23,000
  • Loss of Billable Hours: $8,900

War Story 2: The Case of Accidental Data Breach

A law firm handling Qui Tam cases suffered an accidental data breach resulting in legal liability and disciplinary proceedings for alleged ethical violations. The firm used a cloud storage service for all firm data. The cloud storage provider offered two tiers of service to clients, free and premium.

Data in the “free” storage service is searchable and can be downloaded by other customers. The firm neglected to pay their renewal fees for the “premium” service, so the firm’s account reverted to the “free” service and all of the firm’s data was searchable and available online for several months. During that time, numerous parties downloaded the details of a sensitive whistleblower case.

As a result, the firm faced a lawsuit from the former client in the whistleblower case as well as a disciplinary proceeding. Several other suits from other current and former clients are also pending. In this case, the damages and loss are as follows:

  • Notification Expense: $27,000
  • Defense Expense: $305,000
  • Damages: $2,150,000
  • Fines & Penalties: $120,000

Note: pending suits from other clients are not included in loss amounts listed above.

These examples illustrate the real-life implications of not having a robust cyber policy. In today’s digital age, where data breaches and cyber attacks are becoming more common, having a comprehensive cyber insurance policy is not a luxury, but a necessity. It’s time to take a proactive approach to protect your firm and clients from potential cyber threats.

Maximizing Your Cyber Insurance: Understanding the Full Range of Protection

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Most of the calls I receive about cyber insurance are for Fraudulent Funds Transfer.  This seems to be what the caller is most interested in and for good reason especially if your profession is in the area of law, real estate, or title/escrow work.  However the cyber policy is much more than just fraud transfer coverage.

The policies are usually what I consider a program or a suite of coverages made up of first and third party benefits and a strong risk management team.  Several of the carriers that write cyber insurance will perform or run an analysis of your website/online presence and identify weakness that exists and exposures that may lead to a cyber attack or event.  The carrier prepares a report that will not only identify the weakness but will also offer suggestions on how to correct or eliminate the exposure.  They also will rank or compare your cyber situation and scan results to other companies of similar size and industry. Allowing you to see if you’re keeping up with others in your industry in keeping your business, your clients and your customers safe from cyber attacks.

Other benefits provided by most cyber policies include: Notification costs.  Did you know that the government requires you to notify your customers in the event you have a cyber attack and personal/confidential data is compromised?  Think of how many files you have.  It won’t be cheap to notify and complete this task.  Ransomware.  Think you’ll never become a victim of this because your office is too small, and you don’t have or keep large amounts of personal confidential information? Think again.  Everyone is a target for this type of claim.  A hacker breaks into your computer system and stops your ability to use it or shuts down the entire system unless you pay XX amount of dollars.  How long can your office run with no access to your computer system?  

Fraudulent transfer of funds, risk management team services, strong claims team, notification costs and Ransomware coverage only scratches the surface of what coverages/benefits are provided in most cyber policies.  Although you may only have interest in one or two of these you need to be aware of all the coverages available to you in your cyber policy.  Rarely in a cyber claim is only one benefit/coverage part triggered.  Usually several parts come into play.  Don’t short yourself by not knowing all of the coverages and assistance that is available to you under your policy.  Read it and call your broker, and or the risk management team of the program with your questions.