The 2026 Verizon Data Breach Report Is Out: Why Law Firms Should Pay Attention

Verizon recently released its 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report, and law firms should take note. 

Each year, the DBIR provides a useful look at what is actually happening in cyber incidents and confirmed data breaches. It is not based on speculation or scare tactics. It is based on real-world reported incidents.

For law firms, especially small and mid-sized firms, the report is another reminder that cybercriminals are not only targeting large corporations. They are looking for opportunity. If a system is exposed, software is unpatched, credentials are stolen, or remote access is poorly protected, that may be enough to create a serious problem.

The DBIR does not break out Pennsylvania law firms as their own category, but law firms generally fall within the broader professional services category. In that category, Verizon reported 3,578 incidents and 2,558 confirmed data breaches. The top breach patterns for professional services were system intrusion, social engineering, and basic web application attacks.

That should not surprise anyone. Law firms hold valuable information. Client files, settlement details, trust account information, tax records, employment records, business documents, family information, medical information, and other confidential materials may all be sitting inside a law firm’s systems. To a cybercriminal, that data can be valuable.

One of the most important findings in the 2026 report is the rise of vulnerability exploitation. According to Verizon’s SMB-focused summary, vulnerability exploitation as an initial access vector is now up to 31%, which is jump from the prior year. The same summary also notes that the median time to fully resolve a critical vulnerability is now 43 days.

In plain English, attackers are increasingly getting in through unpatched software, exposed systems, remote access tools, web applications, and other technology that has not been properly secured.

For a law firm, that matters. 

Most firms now rely heavily on technology to operate. Email, case management software, cloud storage, billing systems, document management platforms, remote access tools, outside IT providers, phone systems, and payment processors may all be part of the firm’s day-to-day operations. Every one of those systems creates some level of exposure if it is not patched, configured, monitored, and protected.

The second major issue is ransomware. 

The DBIR explains that ransomware was involved in 48% of breaches, while also cautioning that this statistic should not be read as the probability that any one organization will be hit. Instead, it means that among the detected and reported breaches in the DBIR dataset, 48% involved ransomware.

For a law firm, ransomware is not just an IT inconvenience. If systems are locked, the firm may not be able to access calendars, client files, email, billing records, or key documents. Attorneys may have trouble communicating with clients, meeting deadlines, sending invoices, or continuing normal operations.

If data was taken before the systems were encrypted, the issue becomes even more serious. The firm may also be dealing with client notification obligations, reputational harm, possible ethics concerns, and an insurance claim.

That is why cyber risk cannot be viewed only as an IT issue. For law firms, it is also a management issue, a risk management issue, and an insurance issue.

The key takeaway from the first part of this discussion is simple: law firms should not assume they are too small, too local, or too specialized to be targeted. Cybercriminals are looking for weak points. An unpatched system, stolen credential, exposed remote access tool, or poorly protected application may be enough to create a breach.

Now is a good time for law firms to review the basics with their IT provider. Are systems being patched? Is remote access protected? Are backups in place? Are critical applications monitored? Are vulnerabilities being addressed quickly? Are access points protected with multifactor authentication?

Law firms should also look at these issues through the insurance lens. If a breach or ransomware event happens, does the firm understand what its cyber policy may cover? Are there exclusions, sublimits, or security requirements that could affect coverage? Has the firm accurately represented its security controls on the insurance application?

The 2026 Verizon DBIR is not a reason for law firms to panic. It is a reason to prepare.

Cybercriminals are looking for opportunity. Law firms need to make sure their systems, procedures, vendors, and insurance coverage are ready before an incident happens.

Will Cyber Insurance Cover a Law Firm Wire Fraud Loss?

Law firms are prime targets for wire fraud. 

Attorneys regularly handle sensitive financial transactions involving trust accounts, retainers, settlements, real estate closings, vendor payments, and client funds. That makes law firms attractive to cyber criminals who know that one convincing email can lead to a very expensive mistake.

A typical wire fraud scenario:

It starts with an email that looks legitimate. It may appear to come from a client, a title company, opposing counsel, a vendor, or even someone inside the firm. The email may include a real matter name, familiar language, and wiring instructions that seem reasonable. In some cases, the fraudster has gained access to an actual email account. In other cases, the email address is simply spoofed or altered slightly.

The firm wires the money. Then, after the transfer is complete, someone realizes the instructions were fraudulent.

At that point, the firm has two immediate concerns. 

First, can the money be recovered? 

Second, will insurance cover the loss?

Many attorneys assume that if their firm has cyber liability insurance, a wire fraud loss will automatically be covered. Others assume the loss will fall under crime coverage or lawyers professional liability insurance. Unfortunately, the coverage answer is not always that simple.

Wire fraud can fall into a complicated area between different types of policies. A cyber policy may include coverage for social engineering fraud or funds transfer fraud, but that coverage may be limited by a sublimit. The policy may also include conditions that must be satisfied before coverage applies. For example, the firm may be required to follow specific verification procedures before transferring funds.

A crime policy may also provide coverage in certain situations, but not every fraud scenario fits neatly into the policy language. Lawyers professional liability insurance, meanwhile, is generally designed to respond to professional negligence claims. It should not be treated as a catch-all policy for every financial loss connected to a cyber event.

That is why law firms should not assume they are covered just because they have “cyber insurance” listed on a policy. The details matter.

Firms should review whether their policies address social engineering fraud, fraudulent instruction schemes, and funds transfer fraud. They should also pay close attention to sublimits, exclusions, deductibles, and any required internal controls. A policy may provide a $1 million cyber limit, but the amount available for social engineering fraud could be much lower.

Just as important, the firm’s internal procedures should match the risk.

Email alone should never be enough to change wiring instructions or authorize a transfer. 

If new or revised instructions are received, the firm should verify them using a trusted phone number already on file – not the phone number included in the suspicious email. Any last-minute change, unusual urgency, or request to bypass normal procedures should be treated as a red flag.

Wire fraud prevention is not just an IT issue. It is a law firm management issue, a risk management issue, and an insurance issue.

Before a loss occurs, attorneys should speak with their insurance advisor and review their coverage carefully. The goal is to understand what coverage may apply, what limits are available, and what procedures the firm must follow.

The worst time to discover a gap in coverage is after the money is gone. If your law firm handles wire transfers or client funds, make sure you know how your insurance would respond before a fraud attempt turns into a claim.

What Happens to Prior Acts Coverage When an Attorney Leaves a Law Firm?

Are You Leaving Your Law Firm? 

What are you doing about your Prior Acts Coverage?

When an attorney leaves one firm to join another, merges a solo practice into a larger firm, or shuts down an existing office, there are usually many practical issues to address. Client files have to be transferred. Engagement letters may need to be updated. Conflicts need to be checked. Staff, leases, technology, and client communications all have to be handled carefully.

But one issue that can easily be overlooked is lawyers professional liability coverage — specifically, what happens to your prior acts.

Prior acts are the legal services performed before the attorney joins the new firm or before the old policy ends. Even if the attorney has no known claims, no pending disputes, and no reason to believe anything went wrong, that does not mean the exposure disappears. 

Unfortunately, a malpractice claim can arise months or even years after the legal work was completed…That is why attorneys need to know exactly which policy will respond if a claim is made later.

A common mistake is assuming that the new firm’s malpractice policy will automatically cover the attorney’s past work. 

In many cases, it will not. 

The new firm may be willing to cover the attorney for work performed after joining the firm, but that does not necessarily mean it wants to accept responsibility for past files.

From the new firm’s perspective, that is understandable. The firm did not supervise the attorney’s prior matters. It did not collect the fees. It did not manage the client relationships. It had no control over how those services were performed. As a result, the firm may not want its insurance limits exposed to a claim involving work done before the attorney ever joined the firm.

Even if the new firm is open to the idea, its insurance carrier may not be. The carrier may agree to add the attorney going forward, but refuse to include prior acts coverage. That leaves the attorney with a critical question: 

How will claims arising from past work be covered?

In many situations, the answer is tail coverage, also known as an extended reporting period. 

Tail coverage allows an attorney to report future claims based on work performed before the policy ended. It does not provide coverage for new legal work. Instead, it protects against claims tied to past services.

The cost of tail coverage can surprise attorneys. It is typically based on the last premium paid. 

For example, if the attorney’s annual premium was $3,000, an unlimited tail might cost somewhere around $9,000. In many cases, tail coverage can be approximately 255% to 300% of the current premium.

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That cost should be discussed before the move happens, not after. If a solo attorney is closing a practice to join another firm, or if an attorney is leaving a multi-person firm, the parties should address prior acts coverage directly.

Key questions to discuss include:

  • Who is responsible for the prior acts exposure?
  • Will the new firm’s policy pick it up?
  • Will the new firm’s carrier allow it?
  • Does the attorney need to purchase tail coverage?
  • Who will pay for that tail?

In some cases, the attorney may be able to negotiate the issue. The new firm might agree to pay for the tail instead of adding the prior acts to its own policy. The parties might split the cost. Or the cost might become part of the overall merger, acquisition, or compensation discussion.

The important point is that this should never be assumed.

Before leaving a firm, closing a solo office, or joining a new practice, attorneys should speak with their lawyers professional liability insurance advisor. A careful review can help prevent a dangerous gap in coverage.

Your prior work does not disappear just because you move to a new firm. Make sure your prior acts are protected before the transition is complete.

Cyber Insurance Gaps I See Most Often in Law Firms

Cyber insurance has become an important part of risk management for law firms. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing attempts are now common risks in the legal industry, particularly because firms handle sensitive client information.But one thing I’ve noticed over the years is that many small to mid-sized law firms have cyber insurance coverage that isn’t fully aligned with the risks they actually face.

The issue is usually the details of that insurance policy.

There are several coverage gaps that tend to show up repeatedly when reviewing policies for law firms.

Common Cyber Insurance Gaps Law Firms Should Watch For

While every policy is different, there are a few areas where coverage often falls short. Understanding these gaps can help firms avoid unpleasant surprises if a cyber incident occurs.

Below are some of the most common issues I see.

Inadequate Coverage Limits

One of the most common cyber insurance gaps is insufficient coverage limits.

Cyber incidents can become expensive very quickly. Even a relatively contained incident can involve multiple layers of cost.

Potential Costs of a Cyber Incident

A cyber event may involve:

  • Forensic investigations to determine what happened and how the breach occurred
  • Legal costs associated with responding to the incident
  • Client notification requirements depending on the type of data involved
  • Credit monitoring services for affected clients
  • Business interruption losses if systems are unavailable

For example:

  • A forensic investigation alone can cost $15,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the breach.
  • Credit monitoring services can run up to $30 per person per month for 12–24 months.

When you add those costs together, the financial impact can expand quickly.If a firm’s coverage limit is too low, the policy may still provide assistance—but it may not go nearly as far as the firm expected.

Missing or Limited Social Engineering Coverage

Another gap I often see involves social engineering coverage.Social engineering fraud occurs when someone is tricked into sending money or sensitive information because they believe the request is legitimate.

Examples of Social Engineering in Law Firms

These situations might involve:

  • An email that appears to come from a client
  • A request that looks like it came from a colleague
  • Instructions from what appears to be a trusted partner in a transaction

Because legal transactions often involve sensitive documents and financial transfers, law firms can be particularly vulnerable to these types of scams.

However, not every cyber insurance policy automatically includes strong protection for social engineering losses.In many cases, it requires a specific endorsement or additional coverage to be added to the policy.

Lack of Meaningful Business Interruption Coverage

Business interruption is another area that is sometimes overlooked.

If a cyber incident shuts down a firm’s systems, the consequences can extend far beyond the technical problem itself.

How System Downtime Can Affect a Law Firm

When systems are unavailable, firms may experience:

  • Delayed cases and legal filings
  • Staff unable to access important files
  • Disruptions to normal operations
  • Potentially missed statutes of limitation

Even a temporary disruption can have significant operational and financial consequences.Business interruption coverage is designed to help address these situations. However, not every policy includes this coverage in a meaningful way, and some policies may include limitations that firms don’t realize until after an incident occurs.

High Deductibles That Surprise Firms Later

Another detail that often gets overlooked is the policy deductible.Many firms understandably focus on the coverage limit, but the deductible plays an equally important role in determining how the policy functions.

Why Deductibles Matter

Some cyber policies carry deductibles that are much higher than firms realize.

This means that before the insurance coverage begins responding, the firm may need to absorb a significant portion of the costs themselves.

If that deductible is higher than expected, the financial impact of an incident may be greater than anticipated.

Reviewing this number carefully is an important step in understanding how the policy will actually work in a real-world situation.

Misunderstanding the Retroactive Date

One final detail that deserves attention is the retroactive date.The retroactive date helps determine how far back the policy coverage applies if a breach or cyber incident began before it was discovered.

Why Retroactive Dates Matter

Many cyber incidents are not discovered immediately. In some cases, malicious activity may have started months before anyone realized there was a problem.

The retroactive date helps determine whether that earlier activity is covered.If the retroactive date isn’t fully understood, firms may assume coverage exists when it may not apply in certain situations.

Why These Gaps Happen

It’s important to note that these gaps usually don’t happen because law firms are careless.

In most cases, the issue is simply that:

  • Cyber insurance has evolved rapidly in recent years
  • Policy language can be complex
  • Coverage options can vary significantly between insurers

As a result, many firms end up with policies that made sense when they were purchased—but may not fully reflect how the firm operates today.

Reviewing Your Cyber Insurance Coverage

Because cyber risks continue to evolve, it’s helpful for law firms to periodically review their cyber insurance policies.

A simple policy review can help answer important questions such as:

  • Are the coverage limits still appropriate?
  • Does the policy include social engineering protection?
  • Is there meaningful business interruption coverage?
  • Are the deductibles reasonable?
  • Do we fully understand the retroactive date?

Often, a short conversation can clarify many of these details and help firms feel more confident about the protection they have in place.

Final Thoughts

Cyber insurance has become a critical component of risk management for modern law firms.

However, having coverage isn’t always the same as having the right coverage.

Taking the time to review the details of a policy can help ensure that the protection in place truly aligns with the risks law firms face today.

Want Help Reviewing Your Policy?

If you’re not sure how your cyber insurance policy would respond in a real-world incident, it may be worth taking a closer look.Give INF a call at 412-563-2106 and we can review the key areas discussed in this article to make sure your firm has coverage that’s right for you.

I’m Don I. Your Insurance Guy.

Trust Your Systems

I just got back from playing a round of golf, and while I had a great time thanks to my playing partner, my actual game was pretty lousy. Like most golfers, on the drive home I caught myself thinking: maybe it’s time for a new putter, a different set of clubs, or a new brand of golf balls.

But then it hit me — my clubs didn’t suddenly get worse in the past two weeks. My golf balls didn’t change. And my putter didn’t lose its magic. The truth was simple: it wasn’t the equipment, it was me.

My tempo was off. I was swinging too fast. I wasn’t focused. And that got me thinking: the same thing happens in business — especially in law firms.

The “Equipment” Problem in Law Firms

When something goes wrong in a firm — a missed statute of limitations, a conflict of interest issue, or a client complaint — our first instinct is often to blame the system.

  • “The calendaring program let us down.”
  • “The conflict checker didn’t catch it.”
  • “We need a better case management tool.”

That knee-jerk reaction leads many attorneys to shop for the “latest and greatest” software. But just like with golf, buying new equipment doesn’t always solve the problem.

It’s Not the Tools, It’s the Process

Before rushing out to invest in new programs, it’s worth asking: Are we using the systems we already have, properly and consistently?

A few examples to consider:

  • Calendaring systems: Are you and your staff updating them daily without fail?
  • Conflict of interest checks: Are all clients, former clients, and ownership interests properly logged?
  • Client documentation: Are you recording every conversation, every update, in the system right away — or are you telling yourself you’ll “do it later” and never getting back to it?

When these steps slip, it’s not the software that failed. It’s the process.

A Weekly (or Bi-Weekly) Check-In

The fix isn’t shiny new tools. It’s discipline. Take a few minutes each week — or at least every two weeks — to sit down with your team and review:

  • Are we updating systems the way we should?
  • Are we putting in accurate, complete information?
  • Are we letting bad habits slide?

Your systems are only as good as the information you feed into them. If you don’t use them consistently, even the most expensive software won’t save you.

Back to the Golf Course

Golf taught me this: you don’t need a brand-new set of clubs every time you have a bad round. You need to slow down, adjust your swing, and focus on the fundamentals.

In the same way, law firms don’t always need new programs when mistakes happen. They need to look inward, review processes, and make sure the team is disciplined in using the systems already in place.

Remember: success isn’t about the latest equipment — it’s about how you use it.

Real-Life Cyber Claim Examples With Don Ivol

Lawyers often ask for proof that cyber events and data mistakes really hit small firms—and what those losses look like in dollars. Below are two real-world claim scenarios to help you see how quickly costs add up and which safeguards (and coverages) matter most.

#1: Shared Office, Shared IT… Total Data Loss

The setup:


A three-lawyer firm subleased space from a larger firm and piggy-backed on the larger firm’s IT. To “separate” data, the small firm was given its own file server (originally used for email).

What went wrong:


The larger firm’s IT admin backed up email, formatted the shared server, and reinstalled software—but forgot to back up the small firm’s files. Result: complete data loss and an operational shutdown while the firm tried to rebuild.

Documented impact:

  • Data restoration expenses: $23,000
  • Lost billable hours: roughly $98,900 (about “$99k” in the narrative)

Why this matters:


Not every disaster is a hacker. Plain old human error and poor segregation of systems can be just as destructive.

How to prevent this (practical steps):

  • Own your backups (don’t rely solely on a landlord’s/host firm’s IT). Use a 3-2-1 backup strategy and test restores.
  • Put clear, written data-segregation and change-management terms in your office/IT agreement.
  • Keep off-network backups (immutable/cloud snapshots) and run recovery drills twice a year.
  • Maintain a simple RPO/RTO target (how much data you can afford to lose/how fast you must be back).

Where insurance can help (policy-dependent):
Cyber policies with data restoration and business interruption coverage can respond to accidental data loss; some tech E&O or malpractice policies may also come into play depending on facts. Terms vary—review your policy.

#2: Cloud Downgrade → Confidential Case Exposed

The setup:


A firm used a cloud storage provider with two tiers: free and premium. The premium tier kept data private; the free tier made content searchable/downloadable by others.

What went wrong:


The firm missed the renewal. The account reverted to the free tier, quietly exposing the firm’s files online for months. During that window, third parties downloaded details of a sensitive whistleblower matter.

Documented impact (one case):

  • Notification costs: $27,000
  • Defense expenses: $35,000
  • Damages: $2,150,000
  • Fines & penalties: $120,000
  • (Additional client lawsuits were pending and not included in these totals.)

Why this matters:


Most breaches aren’t Hollywood hacks—they’re misconfigurations, missed renewals, or lax vendor settings.

How to prevent this (practical steps):

  • Use auto-renew with multiple payment methods and billing alerts for critical SaaS tools.
  • Enforce least-privilege access, MFA, and default private sharing settings; require approvals for any public link.
  • Turn on configuration monitoring and data-loss prevention (DLP) alerts for exposure of sensitive matter names/IDs.
  • Keep a data map: what you store, where it lives, who can access it, and how long you keep it.

Where insurance can help (policy-dependent):


Cyber policies commonly address privacy liability, regulatory investigations (where insurable), breach response (forensics, notifications, PR), and defense. Coverage for fines/penalties depends on jurisdiction and policy language. Some professional liability (LPL) policies may also respond to alleged ethical violations—review both with your broker.

What These Stories Prove

  • It’s not just “hackers.” Human error and billing lapses can trigger seven-figure exposure.
  • Shared or “free” is risky. If you don’t control the system, you don’t control the risk.
  • Time is money. Even “small” incidents bleed billable hours and momentum.

Insurance is a backstop, not a substitute for sound IT practices.

10-Point Cyber Hygiene Checklist for Small & Mid-Size Firms

  1. 3-2-1 backups with quarterly restore tests
  2. Vendor billing safeguards (auto-pay + backup card + calendar reminders)
  3. MFA everywhere (email, practice management, cloud storage, VPN)
  4. Least-privilege access and quarterly access reviews
  5. Encrypted, private-by-default cloud repositories; ban public links
  6. Patch/update cadence for OS, apps, and network devices
  7. Incident Response Plan with breach-coach contact and a tabletop twice a year
  8. Data map & retention policy (limit what you store; purge on schedule)
  9. Security awareness training (phishing, sharing, and file-handling)
  10. Annual policy review (cyber + LPL) to close obvious gaps

These aren’t edge cases—they’re everyday risks for modern law practices. A few process tweaks plus the right blend of cyber and malpractice coverage can be the difference between an expensive lesson and a swiftly managed incident.

If They Can Breach an Insurance Giant, What’s Stopping Them from Hitting Your Law Firm?

I recently read something eye-opening in an insurance journal — a reminder that cybercrime isn’t just evolving, it’s organizing.

There are now cybercriminal groups that no longer just pick off random companies with weak cybersecurity. Instead, they target entire industries, strategically identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities across the sector. 

One such group is known as Scattered Spider, and their newest target? The insurance industry.

In recent months alone, major players like Philadelphia Insurance Company, Erie Insurance, and Aflac have been hit with significant cyberattacks. These breaches not only disrupted their operations, but in Erie’s case, have already led to multiple class action lawsuits.

Let’s think about that…

These are companies that:

  • Handle sensitive data every day
  • Have risk management baked into their company DNA
  • Invest hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not millions) into cybersecurity infrastructure

… and they still got breached.

So here’s the question every law firm should be asking:

If these highly protected insurance companies aren’t safe, what makes you think your firm is?

The Ugly Truth – Law Firms Are Prime Targets

You might be thinking, “We’re a law firm — not an insurance company. Why would hackers bother with us?”

Here’s why:

  • You store the same type of sensitive data: personal information, financial records, privileged communications.
  • You likely don’t have the same kind of IT budget or internal safeguards that large insurers do.
  • And from a hacker’s perspective, that makes you low-hanging fruit.

Whether you’re a solo practitioner in Pittsburgh or part of a mid-sized firm in Cleveland, you’re exposed — and attackers know it.

The Smart Next Step For Your Firm: Cyber Liability Insurance

Even if you have antivirus software, firewalls, and employee training in place (and you should), there’s another essential layer of protection… 

A tailored cyber liability insurance policy.

This isn’t just about protecting your firm — it’s about protecting your clients and your reputation. A single breach can take down your operations, cost tens of thousands in recovery, and damage your trust with clients.

Cyber policies are more affordable than most firms realize, especially compared to the cost of recovering from an attack.

Want to Learn More?

I go deeper into these risks and solutions in my book, Game Over? Not Today! 

It’s written specifically for professionals like you — attorneys, advisors, and business owners who want to understand the threat landscape and take action before it’s too late.

Pick up my free book today here -> https://bit.ly/INF-Game-Over-Not-Today 

Stop procrastinating. Protect your firm, your data, and your clients.

If you’re in Pennsylvania or Ohio and want to explore your cyber coverage options, I’d be happy to help.

I’m Don Ivol — your insurance guy.

Game Over? Not Today — Why Every Business Needs to Read This Free Cyber Insurance Book

We recently published a brand-new book titled Game Over! Not Today and the best part? It’s absolutely free. This guide is designed to help business owners like you understand the ins and outs of cyber liability insurance, and more importantly, how to protect your business from the growing threats in today’s digital landscape.

Why You Should Download It

Cyber threats aren’t just a big-business problem anymore. Small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly being targeted by hackers, and unfortunately, many are caught unprepared. That’s exactly why we wrote this book—to demystify cyber insurance and give you the tools and knowledge to confidently face these challenges.

Every chapter in this book offers valuable insights, but there are two chapters I really want you to pay close attention to: Chapter 6 and Chapter 8. These contain immediate, actionable advice that could make all the difference if your business ever experiences a cyber event.

🔐 Chapter 6: Building a Strong Incident Reporting Process

When a cyberattack happens, chaos can follow—unless you have a plan. Chapter 6 walks you through exactly how to build a strong incident reporting process, so you’re not left scrambling in the heat of the moment.

Inside, you’ll learn:

  • Who you need to contact (with phone numbers and email addresses already laid out)
  • What your immediate next steps should be
  • How to document and report the incident to your insurance carrier
  • What details are critical to have on hand before something goes wrong

This chapter ensures that when you’re hit with a cyber event, you’re not asking, “What do I do now?”—because you’ll already know.

👥 Chapter 8: The Importance of Employee Education

Your employees are your first line of defense, and Chapter 8 dives deep into why education and engagement are critical. A team that understands what a cyberattack looks like—and feels confident raising their hand when something seems off—can prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

You’ll discover:

  • How to create a team-oriented cyber-safe culture
  • What to include in your employee training
  • Why employee involvement in your cyber response procedures is non-negotiable

From phishing emails to ransomware, your team needs to know what to look for and how to act fast—and this chapter gives you the playbook to make that happen.

Your Next Step: Download the Book

If you’ve ever felt unsure about cyber liability insurance or what steps to take if your business is attacked, this book is for you. It’s practical, straightforward, and best of all, it’s free.

📘 [Click here to download Game Over? Not Today now!] 

Get My New Book on Cyber Liability Insurance – Absolutely Free!

https://youtu.be/fumjTg9gVb0

I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, and I’m thrilled to finally share some exciting news — I’ve completed my book on cyber liability insurance, and I want you to have it for free!

The book, titled Game Over, Not Today,  is designed to be your roadmap for preparing your office to defend against cyber threats, while also demystifying the coverages found in a typical cyber liability policy.

Through the experiences of two fictional small businesses — Legal Eagles LLC and Helping Hands Chiropractic Corp. — you’ll follow their journeys navigating the cyber landscape using smart risk management practices and the right insurance coverage. I’ve included real-world examples and simple, effective explanations of policy terms and definitions to make even the most complex topics easy to understand. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your current protections, this book will help you upgrade your cyber defense strategy.

Why did I write this book?


One of the most common questions I hear from clients and prospects is, “I don’t even know what cyber liability is — why would I need to insure against it or implement cybersecurity systems?” This book answers that question and many others. It was written with the goal of helping you better understand the cyber risks your business faces every day, and why taking action now is so important.

Here’s what you’ll get from the book:

  • A clear understanding of cyber liability insurance
  • Real-life solutions to common cyber exposures
  • Practical steps to enhance your office’s cybersecurity
  • Peace of mind — and it won’t cost you a dime!

In fact, by applying the strategies outlined in the book, you could end up saving money by reducing the likelihood of a cyber claim in your business.

Getting your free copy of “Game Over, Not Today” is easy. 

Click here to download the book now!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your business against today’s growing cyber threats. It’s a quick, valuable read that could make all the difference!

Beware the Phishing Scams: Staying Vigilant in the Digital Age

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!

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