Are you doing all you can to keep hackers out of your house?

We all know that smart appliances like televisions, refrigerators, thermostats and the many other systems that are controlled from our smart phones offer many benefits to our busy lives. But they also present some very real risks if not managed. As the number of us using home networks for these applications rises, so does the risk of cyber attacks. Most of these devices carry easily-hacked default codes and password which, when used right out-of-the-box, can expose your IP address to the internet where hackers can find it.

What does a cyber invasion look like?

Once they have access, these thieves will breach your home network security. If this happens, they can use your personal and financial information. Moreover, they can hijack your devices and extort high-dollar ransoms from you for computer files held hostage. They can even control your appliances – perhaps setting the temperature all the way up via your smart thermostat on the hottest day of the year and not releasing it until you pay the ransom. Often however, these criminals will continue to use your network for their own purposes without you even knowing it.

Can you avoid these cyber attacks?

There are steps you can take and habits you can adopt to help keep your home network safe from hackers. Here are tips from the experts to secure your devices. Here are 10 tips to help homeowners keep their home systems safe:

Software Updates: don’t ignore the latest updates and security patches that become available for phones, appliances and other electronics. Often, they include “fixes” for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the device was sold.

Password Authentication: Whenever possible, take advantage of two-factor authentication offered by many financial institutions. A code (usually only valid for a matter of minutes) is sent via a separate text or e-mail to be used along with a password during log-in. If a hacker is monitoring your device, they will not have access to the separate code and thus cannot gain access to the account you are opening.

Network Security: Treat your home network as you would your business office network. Prevent unauthorized access by changing default settings, user names and passwords when devices are installed and periodically thereafter. When installing new devices, use a firewall rather than a link through another device. Take the time to see that your passwords are complex – not easily guessed.

Bluetooth Device: If your network has any vulnerability, hackers can exploit your Bluetooth function to listen in or gain access to other connected devices. Turn off your Bluetooth device when not in use.

Financial Data: consider isolating your financial transactions such as online banking on a single computer that is not used for any other online activities including social media and even e-mail.

Smartphone Security: Because most other devices and appliances on a smart home network are typically accessed through your smartphone, gaining access to your smartphone is the goal of a hacker. Be sure to password-protect your smartphone using a password of letters, symbols and numbers. Better still, if your phone offers fingerprint access, strongly consider it.

App Purchases: Not all apps are created to be safe. Your best chance to get safe apps is to purchase them through verified app stores such as Google where the apps are tested for flaws and malicious code. Downloading apps from an unverified third party or without knowing that the app’s privacy policy shows how your information will be handled could allow access for hackers.

Smart Device Purchase: When you purchase a new smart device for your home network, be sure that it is still in its original packaging to avoid tampering. Hackers have been known to purchase a device, infect it with malicious code, return it to the retailer and then wait for an unassuming shopper to purchase and install it.

Safely Disposing of Smart Devices: If you are getting rid of a smart device, be sure to remove any data and reset back to factory default settings to prevent someone else from gaining access to your network through the device later.

In short, be aware and be prepared. Know that, when you deploy smart technology, there are risks. Regard your smart devices the same as you would your phone or computer.

Homeowners Insurance Tip

Take the time to contact your insurance agent to check your homeowners and identity theft coverage before you find you need it. You could find that your coverage includes assistance in identity recovery and/or other forensic expert assistance in the event you do suffer a breach.

Feel free to contact any of our very capable and experienced agents at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency here in Lutherville/Timonium MD to discuss your home insurance.  We can help you review your current insurance policy and explore your options to be sure you have the best coverage and protection according to your circumstances.

Ask 10 people how their Auto Insurance premium is determined, and you’ll get 10 different answers. 

The reason that you'll get different answers is largely because of the many elements that influence the amount of your auto insurance premium.  In addition to the amount of coverage and type of coverage, insurers must consider many other factors – some of which you can control but others you cannot.  The relative importance and weight of these factors varies from insurer to insurer. Thus, your Auto Insurance premium will vary as well. 

Just what is involved? Check out this infographic from the Insurance Information Institute to see the WHAT and the WHY of factors that impact your auto insurance premium. http://bit.ly/2XUsrCB

Before you purchase an auto insurance policy, we suggest that you consult with a trusted insurance agent who will ask the right questions and get to know you.  Only then can your agent help you find the insurance policy that is right for you and explain the process involved in arriving at the amount you’ll pay. 

Do you already have Auto Insurance? Then, maybe it’s time to sit down with your agent to review your current coverage and determine whether you still have the best policy for your needs at the best rate available. 

Feel free to contact any of our very capable and experienced agents at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency here in Lutherville/Timonium, MD to discuss your insurance questions.  We can help you review your current insurance policy and explore your options to be sure you have the best coverage and protection according to your circumstances. 

When we get a referral from a client or a friend in the community like yourself, it means a lot to us.  The experienced agents here at William M. Sparks Insurance in Timonium, MD, work hard to earn each referral by providing “top notch” service with every call and visit.  Now, we’ve found a way to say thank you for this business through our Sparks Insurance Referral Program.   It’s our way of showing appreciation for all the referrals our loyal friends have sent our way.

Patti Click is our winner for Fall/Winter 2020.

We appreciate Patti's confidence in our agency, and we're pleased to award her prize -- a $100 Amazon Gift Card.  

Could you be our next Referral Winner?

We'll be drawing another lucky winner in Spring/Summer 2021.  If you've been satisfied with our agency and share it with others, it could be your name that we draw next time.  Check out our website for the Referral Program details, and then decide who you know that could use the service and expertise of Timonium/Lutherville's best insurance agency.

By referring your friends, neighbors and family to William Sparks Insurance Agency, you can enjoy a win-win.  Not only will you be automatically entered into our drawing to be the next Referral Program Winner, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped those that you care about to have access to the best insurance service and expertise in Lutherville/Timonium and beyond. 

See our website for all the Referral Program details.

Feel free to contact any of our very capable and experienced agents at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency here in Lutherville/Timonium, MD to discuss your insurance questions.  We can help you review your current insurance policy and explore your options to be sure you have the best coverage and protection according to your circumstances.

As a business owner, you know the effect that workers’ injury and illness can have on your business productivity and bottom line. Perhaps you also know that putting in place the right Workplace Safety Program can help to mitigate the risk and expense and help to hold down work-related injuries and illness and thus minimize the cost of your Workers Compensation coverage at the same time. This is especially true since a large part of your premium for workers comp insurance is based upon claim frequency.

Workplace Safety Program should be OSHA compliant

The safety program you implement should comply with the Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA). Why is this important? Because insurance carriers typically have an interest in how effective and comprehensive your Workplace Safety Program is as they decide whether to provide your coverage. If you need help with compliance, OSHA can provide information, consultation and/or training as needed.

How can an in-house Safety Manager help?

Each company’s Workplace Safety Program should be uniquely tailored and should typically include written guidelines and safety procedures for employees’ reference.  Your company’s plan should designate an in-house Safety Manager who will implement the program, coordinate periodic safety inspections, train and educate new as well as existing employees, and motivate employees to avert unsafe work practices.

On-site first aid care and return-to-work protocol are important

Workplace accidents may still occur, even with a well-designed safety program in place. Thus, it is important that your program provide for on-site first aid care.  Ultimately, if/when an employee requires absence from work due to work-related injury or illness, your program should include an effective return-to-work protocol.

Workers Comp just one type of Business Insurance

Here at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency, we are available to answer your questions regarding Workers Compensation coverage and to discuss any other business insurance needs. Feel free to contact us any time for more information.

Learn More about Workers Compensation

Here at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency in Lutherville/Timonium, MD, our experienced agents welcome your questions and can assist you by reviewing your current insurance policy and helping you to exploring your insurance coverage options. Why not contact us at your convenience?

We've all heard the stories:  A company loses key resources due to a shooting spree by a former employee... A business is wiped out by earthquake or flood... A corporate data center is destroyed by fire and brings down a national network.  As a business owner, you probably sympathize but then rationalize that business insurance or government agencies like FEMA will be able to help. 

While business insurance benefits and government support offer financial assistance, will affected companies continue doing business in the wake of such disaster? 

Would your business survive a significant disaster? 

It should –  if you have an up-to-date Business Continuity Plan that includes a tested Disaster Recovery Plan, and provided that all key people in your organization know how to use it.

What’s that?  You have a Business Continuity Plan? 

On the shelf since 2001, you say?  In that case, you might only consider yourself safe if supply vendors, computers, employees and business process are all exactly as they were back then. (Of course, that would likely mean that you have other business issues.)  You might ask yourself the following questions:

• When was your business continuity plan (BCP) last updated?  In fact, have you designated someone to maintain it?
• If so, how well is that working?
• How do you know whether your BCP is “in shape “ and ready to see your business through a disaster, large or small?

Don’t have a Business Continuity Plan or a Disaster Recovery Plan? 

Wondering where to start and how to create one?  If you are a large corporate organization, this is a good time to seek out a reputable consultant who knows your industry.  If you are a smaller business, the following guidelines might be all you need.

• List your key employees and their alternates, and be sure to add their critical functions and all possible contact information for each.  It might be worthwhile to determine who among them is able to telecommute if necessary.
• Then list vendors, contractors and other resource contacts who are critical to your business operation, including those external professionals and services you would need to help you restore your processes.
• Identify important in-office equipment as well as heavier, external equipment and vehicles, and note important details such as vendors, serial numbers, etc.  Also consider how you might quickly replace these items if they are destroyed, and note the details.
• List primary legal documents, insurance policies, bank records and details, etc., and note where each is kept.  Consider attaching copies to your plan.
• Research and decide upon an alternative location where you can resume business if your primary site is destroyed, and collect all necessary contact details so that you could make arrangements quickly if needed.
• Organize all your material and document exactly what steps are needed to carry out the plan.
• Compile all material and make copies for your key participants, and keep the master copy in a safe place.
• Educate your internal and external contacts and then test your plan, making changes as needed.
• Designate someone to handle Business Continuity Management in your organization so that this plan remains current and available.

The Impact on Your Business Insurance

Your business insurance portfolio and your business continuity plan complement each other.  How can you know how much and exactly which insurance coverage you need if you have not analyzed your processes and resources to develop your business continuity plan?  How can you complete your BCP without considering your business insurance coverages?  Together they provide your business with a strong safety net.

Is it time to evaluate your business insurance portfolio? 

Here at the William M. Sparks Insurance Agency in Timonium, MD, we welcome the chance to review your policies with you, answer your insurance questions, and offer advice to make your business as prepared as possible to handle any disaster.  So why not contact us today?