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Monthly Archives

May 2016

May 02
Love32

When Is Hacking Illegal?

By Cyber Security Awareness

0516-cyber-1People tend to treat “hacker” and “cyber-criminal” as interchangeable terms. The truth is that legal hacking isn’t the exception to the rule, illegal hacking is the exception. All hacking really consists of is cracking a system, and not all systems are illegal to crack. If you hack a video game without infringing on copyright, the worst that can happen is you might have your online multiplayer privileges revoked. If you hack your phone so that you can use homebrewed apps, but you don’t tamper with the firmware, then the worst you’ve done is voided your warranty.

Computer crime usually doesn’t even involve any sort of special knowledge of coding. Most identity theft has to do with credit cards being physically stolen and password-guessing. Chances are if you’re the kind of person who devotes years of your life to learning how to code well enough to break into a bank, you have so many job offers coming at you that you wouldn’t even put any serious consideration into cyber-theft.

The question remains: At what point does hacking become illegal? Can you crack into a company’s private data just to have a looksie, do you have to actually leak information before you’ve broken any laws? Are you risking jailtime by taking just one guess at a bank account PIN?

The Computer Misuse Act deems it an offense to hack into a system belonging to someone else, or to send them a virus that will allow you to obtain private information. There are exceptions to this, of course. Many websites like Google actually offer bounties for anyone who can crack into their system, as the assistance of white-hat hackers can help to make their system stronger against legitimate threats. This said, you’ll want to make sure that a website’s owners want it to be hacked before you take a shot at it. Some companies won’t take it lightly and may pursue legal action against a benign hacker.

The short answer is that, while hacking itself isn’t necessarily illegal, the act of hacking is punishable when it’s attached to a more serious crime, or the potential to commit a more serious crime. If you’re hacking so as to break through copyright protection, or if you’re hacking into a system where private data is held and there isn’t an open invitation out there to see if you can do it, then you could be looking at serious consequences, and as with any misdemeanor or felony, an unsuccessful attempt can be punished just as easily as a successful attempt.

May 02
Love1

How to Keep Your Valuables Safe

By Personal Perspective

0516-pp-3 (1)What do important documents, expensive jewelry and antique collectibles have in common? They’re all valuables you store in your home. Instead of worrying if they’ll be safe while you go on vacation or when contractors works on your home, protect them.

Rent a Bank Safe Deposit Box

For items that you don’t access regularly, consider a bank safe deposit box. It’s ideal for collectibles, photographs and coins, and your valuables will be protected from theft, fire, flood and other disasters when they’re stored safely in the bank vault.

There are several drawbacks to this storage solution. One is accessibility. You’ll only be able to retrieve or inspect your valuables during bank hours. Also, your box will be sealed when you or the owner dies, so it’s not the ideal solution for protecting your advance directives or will. The contents are not insured by the bank or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) either. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy should cover your valuables, though, in the event that they are damaged.

Buy a Home Safe

Items you want to access regularly could be stored in a home safe. It sits in your closet, under the bed or anywhere in your home and protects your legal documents, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, photos, passports and other items.

Select a small safe when you wish to protect jewelry, papers or coins. You’ll need a larger safe for large, bulky or odd-shaped items like artwork, guns and furs. Some models include adjustable shelves for increased versatility, and you can choose a safe that locks with a key, combination, electronic lock or mix of lock options.

Next, choose a safe that is certified to provide protection from a variety of threats.

  • Theft and Vandalism

    Purchase a safe with solid steel construction, pry-resistant doors and a bolt-down kit.

  • Fire

    Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) symbol that shows your safe is fireproof, and be sure to latch and lock your safe to ensure it remains fireproof.

  • Water

    Live in your home for 30 years, and you have a one in four chance of suffering water damage. Select a safe with an ETL verification that certifies one of two things. Waterproof safes allow only eight drops of water to the safe when it’s submerged in water. Water-resistant safes keep the interior dry when the safe stands in six inches of water for one hour or when it’s sprayed with 1,000 gallons of water within a 15-minute time period.

Protecting your valuables should be a priority. Whether you choose a bank safe deposit box or home safe, be sure everything you own is insured. Contact your insurance agent today to purchase or review your coverage.

May 02
Love0

How to Tell a Coworker to Stop Sexual Harassment

By Personal Perspective

0516-er-3Employees are entitled to a safe work environment. Any unwelcome sexual conduct, including slurs, physical assaults or interference with work, is considered harassment and violates federal law. If you or someone you work with is the victim of sexual harassment, learn how to tell your co-worker to stop.

Take it Seriously

Any incident of sexual harassment is a big deal. Don’t dismiss the little touches on the arm or the subtle innuendo. Every incident of sexual harassment is illegal and wrong. Plus, it’s degrading and negatively affects office morale, and if you let it ocntinue, the offender can argue that you were okay with it, which could hurt your case.

Write It Down

Documentation of sexual harasment is important. Whether the incidents happened a minute or a year ago, record as much about them as you can in a formal letter. It should include when the incident happened, where you were, who was involved, what was said and the witnesses. Keep a digital and paper copy of the letter in a safe place for future reference.

Confront the Offender

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends that you address sexual harassment as soon as possible to show the offender that you have taken a stand against harassment. This step is important if you decide to sue later and removes any argument that the harassment isn’t a big deal.

When confronting a sexual harasser, be professional, firm, direct and specific. Tell him or her what you don’t like and how it makes you feel. If you need support, ask someone you trust to participate in the conversation with you. You should also send the offender a copy of your documentation letter, the company’s sexual harassment policy and a clear statement asking him or her to cease the offending behavior.

Maintain Distance

Stay away from the offender as much as possible. If you work with him or her every day, continue your professional relationship but avoid unnecessary contact.

File a Complaint

If the harasser doesn’t listen when you confront him or her, follow EEOC protocol and file a complaint with your employer. Follow every detail of the company’s sexual harassment reporting policy, save a copy of your compliant and record when you filed it and with whom.

Go to Court

Your employer is obligated by law to investigate any sexual harassment complaints, but the harassment may continue. In this case, contact the EEOC and file an administrative charge. The EEOC will review the documents and then authorize you to sue, set up mediation between you and your employer or dismiss the claim.

Sexual harassment is illegal and wrong. If you’re the victim, confront the offender. Talk to your HR manager for more information as you create a safe workplace environment.

May 02
Love0

How to Avoid Apartment Rental Scams

By Personal Perspective

0516-pp-2When you’re excited to move into the perfect apartment or need a new home fast, you may overlook key red flags about a potential apartment or landlord. Learn more about apartment rental scams and how to avoid them before you sign your next lease.

Phantom Rentals

You see an apartment ad that features amazing views, low rent and large closets. The problem is that the landlord wants the deposit and first month’s rent right away. You want the apartment, so you send the money. Unfortunately, the landlord conveniently disappears after your check is cashed, and you’re out the money and the home. Chances are high that the apartment wasn’t even real and you’ve become the victim of a phantom rental scam.

Multiple Rentals 

After you find and tour a great apartment, you decide to pay the deposit and first month’s rent. However, several other renters have the same idea. The landlord takes your money and runs, leaving you to deal with the aftermath of a multiple rental scam.

Renting for the Owner

You find an apartment you like and ask for a tour. The person who shows you around claims to have the landlord’s permission to rent the apartment. You hand over the deposit and rent, but the actually apartment owner has no clue about the transaction, the tour guide skips town and you become the victim of a renting for the owner scam.

How to Protect Yourself From Rental Scams

Avoid these and other creative rental scams when you take these steps.

  1. Search for the property online. In a few minutes, discover if the apartment is listed on multiple sites and verify the legitimacy of the apartment and the seller.
  2. Never wire money. Legitimate landlords ask for a check.
  3. Sign a lease before you send payment. It’s a legal document that ensures the landlord is legally able to rent to you and that you are the legal tenant.
  4. Meet the landlord. Instead of trusting the contact person, insist on meeting the actual landlord. If he or she lives far away and refuses to contact you, pass on the deal.
  5. Don’t share personal information. There’s never a reason for a potential landlord to know your social security, bank account or credit card numbers.
  6. Avoid doing business with anyone who claims to be affiliated with Zillow. It’s a legitimate online real estate database with no involvement in the actual apartment rental process.
  7. Report any potential scammers to your local police and the Federal Trade Commission.

 

Apartment hunting can be stressful, but take your time and avoid these scams. Once you do find your next home, contact your insurance agent for renter’s insurance that protects you and your belongings.

May 02
Love0

Insurance Coverage for Your New Hoverboard

By Personal Perspective

0516-pp-1Marty McFly rode a hoverboard in the 1989 move “Back to the Future II”, and today’s version was one of the hottest gifts of 2015. If you received one or know someone who did, learn more about insuring your new toy.

What is a Hoverboard?

Basically, a hoverboard is a battery-powered skateboard without wheels. To operate it, you place it on the ground, stand on it and use your body’s balance to propel yourself around your driveway, down the sidewalk or around town. Balancing can be tricky until you get the hang of moving forward, backward or to either side.

The hoverboard is small enough to place in a duffle bag or locker and weighs only 20-25 pounds. It’s made from a metal alloy and features an anti-slip foot grip. Some models support up to 200 pounds and can go up to 15 miles per hour. Certain models hold a charge that lasts 10 hours and allows you to ride for miles. You can purchase the toy for $200 to $2000.

Hoverboard Safety Risks

Despite their popularity, hoverboards have faced criticism over their safety.

Batteries

The very batteries that give the hoverboard its power can also overheat. Some have been known to catch on fire after being ridden short distances and others have ignited while being charged.

Obstacles

You need to navigate sidewalk cracks, bumps and other obstacles to remain on your hoverboard. Watch out for other people, too, because you don’t want to lose control and collide with anyone.

Balance

Riders need a strong core and abdominal muscles to handle their hoverboard successfully. Without these two physical traits, you’ll lose your balance and could suffer from a concussion or break your elbow, wrist, tailbone or ankle.

Riding Tips

Stay safe on your hoverboard when you:

  • Know where you can ride them. Many cities, colleges, stadiums and other public places have banned hoverboards.
  • Wear a helmet and knee pads.
  • Do exercises that strengthen your core and abdominal muscles.
  • Practice balancing on flat surfaces and take short rides before trying to master uneven terrain or longer treks.
  • Stay with your hoverboard as it charges.
  • Supervise kids and make sure they can and do ride safely.

Insuring a Hoverboard

Your insurance agent will assist you in insuring your hoverboard under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. If your hoverboard malfunctions, contact your agent. He or she will want to record any evidence and assess the damage before you toss the toy or clean up the mess.

May 02
Love0

Tips for Choosing a Security System for Your Building

By Risk Management Bulletin

0516-rr-4Keeping your building secure is important for your business. You can’t afford to lose valuable inventory, equipment or data. When choosing a security system, your options vary, so consider several tips as you select the system that works for your business.

Employ Security Guards

During the day and overnight, you could hire security guards to patrol your property and look for suspicious behavior. They can use a mixture of physical patrols and virtual monitoring depending on the size of your property, its location and your business type. You may contract with a security company or hire guards directly.

Erect a Perimeter Fence

A large fence keeps unwanted snoopers out and protects your employees, customers and inventory. Select one with visual appeal that does not inhibit visibility for security personnel, and choose an entry access, such as lock and key or electronic keypad, that’s convenient for everyone.

Install a Lighting System

Be sure all areas of your property, including doors, windows and gates, are well lit. A lighting system protects visitors and employees from tripping and allows you to see intruders. Remember to use vandal-proof covers over the lights and power sources.

Choose an Alarm System

A variety of alarms protect your property from different threats. Consider installing burglar alarms and fire alarms as well as a surveillance system. Talk to industry professionals as you customize the alarms that work best for your business.

Protect Data

Sensitive data, including customer information and sales data, must be protected or you could face hefty fines and even jail time. Store hard copies of important papers in a fireproof safe. Other information should be stored in a secure network off premises.

Write a Security Policy

Your business should have a security policy that details the security measures your business takes and how you plan to keep information, inventory, employees and customers safe. The policy also addresses topics like who is welcome on the property and how to report a theft.

Promote Responsibility and a Safety Culture With Employees

Every person on your team should support safety awareness and be responsible to do his or her part. That includes locking doors, protecting client data and notifying the safety manager about potential threats.

Update Your Insurance Coverage

After your security system is in place, contact your insurance agent. Be sure your property is covered with general liability, Workers’ Compensation and other protective coverage. Your agent will assist you in selecting the right types and amounts of insurance for your specific business as you prioritize security.

May 02
Love0

How to Get Employees to Prioritize Safety

By Risk Management Bulletin

0516-rr-3Do your employees expect you or a manager to take care of all the safety details? As the CEO of a small business, you are 100 percent responsible for workplace safety, but safety has to be everyone’s priority. Get your employees on board in several ways.

 

  1. Make safety part of your employee contract.New employees should understand from the beginning that they are responsible to follow safety protocols and precautions. This way, everyone is on the same page, understands their role in safety compliance and doesn’t feel called out if they fail to follow the safety rules.

 

  1. Share safety statistics and facts.Employees may take safety more seriously when they understand the risks they face. Share injury and illness statistics regularly, and be honest about the risks associated with unsafe practices.

 

  1. Offer training.Unsafe acts of workers cause 88 percent of all accidents. Make sure your employees know how to do their jobs safely, and maintain training records. Offer ongoing training when an employee changes jobs, if you update procedures, as required by law, after an employee’s extended leave and as needed.

 

  1. Add safety inspections to job descriptions.Employees who perform safety inspections in their workstations every day are more likely to prioritize safety. Remind your staff that you and all the managers are monitoring employees and safety precautions daily, too.

 

  1. Establish a reporting system.When employees see potential hazards, close calls, injuries or illnesses, they should report them. Be sure everyone knows the procedure for keeping the workplace safe and healthy.

 

  1. Inform employees of safety inspections.You and your safety manger should not be the only people who know the details of safety inspections. Everyone should help to prepare for OSHA inspections and regular inspections you perform.

 

  1. Hold employees accountable.Chances are high that your employees will pay more attention to safety if they know that they’re accountable. Set up a rewards system to encourage employees to follow safety precautions, and recognize workers who achieve so many accident-free days on the job. Make safety part of the performance reviews, too. If necessary, discipline employees who behave in a manner that’s harmful to themselves or others.

 

  1. Take employee feedback seriously.If your employees share a safety hazard or concern, don’t brush it off. Inspect the concern and find a solution no matter what the cost. Your favorable response to complaints shows that you value your employees and encourages ongoing cooperation.

Safety comes first, and your employees can partner with you to create a safe workplace environment. Use these tips and talk to your insurance agent for more information on keeping your business safe for everyone.

May 02
Love0

Crime Prevention Strategies for Your Retail Store

By Risk Management Bulletin

0516-rr-2The success of your retail store requires a variety of crime prevention strategies. You can’t afford to lose inventory or customers because your store is a popular target for thieves. Protect your store, employees and inventory with these tips.

Analyze Your Problems

Every business faces different crime risks. Analyze your property, employee training and community crime statistics as you determine which crime prevention strategies you need.

Train Employees

Your employees are on the front line of crime prevention. They should know basic emergency procedures and understand the importance of greeting customers, maintaining eye contact, moving away from the cash register whenever possible and confronting loiterers.

Make Friends With the Local Police

Law enforcement can partner with you to prevent crime as they perform regular patrols near or in your business. They can also train your staff how to notice details of crimes and respond to crime emergencies and evaluate security weaknesses on your premises.

Clear the Clutter

An unobstructed view of your store’s entrance allows employees to see who comes in and goes out. Clear the clutter from your store aisles, too, to improve visibility at all times.

Use Natural Surveillance

Instead of covering your front windows, keep them clear. This strategy allows passers-by and police to see inside your store and note any suspicious activity.

Install Lighting

Indoor and outdoor lighting prevents crime. Remember to install vandal-proof bulbs and power covers, too.

Control Access

Criminals are lazy and want to get in and out of a business quickly. Consider the number of doors and their locations and material plus your interior design as you seek to prevent crime. Install fencing or bushes by alleys, too, as you limit a criminal’s escape route.

Limit Cash

By limiting the cash you have on hand, you can cut robberies by 80 percent. Empty the cash register often, use a drop box and post signs about limited cash to deter robberies.

Prohibit Loitering

This strategy reduces the potential for robberies in your store.

Install Cameras

Improve your ability to catch criminals when you install surveillance cameras. They can monitor the front door, cash register and other high traffic areas.

Implement Security Strategies ASAP

Research shows that incarcerated robbers doubt that victimized businesses install crime preventive measures. Prove them wrong when you implement security strategies immediately.

Reevaluate Regularly

Crime statistics change regularly, and your crime prevention strategies should too. At least once a year, evaluate your neighborhood and threats as you continuously protect your business.
Purchase Adequate Insurance

Insurance won’t prevent crime, but it will help you recover your losses after a crime. It also gives you peace of mind that you have done your part in protecting your inventory and staff.

May 02
Love0

Fire Safety Tips for Your Business

By Risk Management Bulletin

0516-rr-1A fire in your business can quickly destroy your inventory, computer equipment and other assets. A fire also threatens your employees’ lives. Reduce your fire risk and be sure everyone gets out safely when you follow several fire safety tips.

Provide Two Exits

Your business should provide at least two exits. They must unobstructed and clearly marked and labeled at all times.

Create a Detailed Evacuation Plan

It’s not enough to tell employees that they should escape from a burning building. You also need a detailed evacuation plan. It clearly marks the exact escape routes from anywhere on your property, including the number of steps to each exit, an important safety precaution if visibility is limited. Post the plan in prominent places around your building.

Practice Escaping the Building

Even the most detailed evacuation plan is worthless if you don’t practice it. Schedule frequent drills to ensure all your staff can escape safely no matter where they happen to be when a fire starts. Remember to make provisions for rescuing disabled workers and visitors, too, and assign someone to perform a headcount after the evacuation.

Install a Fire Suppression System

Many businesses need a fire suppression system in place before they can open. If your business doesn’t have this safety measure, consider implementing it. The system will activate and release fire-suppressing chemicals when the temperature rises, and they will also turn on if the emergency switch is turned on. Be sure to test your fire suppression system regularly to ensure it works properly.

Purchase Fire Extinguishers

Purchase and strategically place fire extinguishers throughout your building. Provide training to employees so that everyone knows how to operate an extinguisher if necessary.

Reduce Fire Hazards

There are several things you can do to reduce your fire hazards.

  • Designate a smoking area away from flammable objects. Provide proper cigarette butt disposals.
  • Remove paper, trash and other flammable items.
  • Give electrical equipment, including computers and other office equipment, adequate breathing room so they do not overheat.
  • Do not overload circuits.
  • Limit the use of extension cords.
  • Don’t bend or crush electrical cords.
  • Unplug appliances when they’re not being used.
  • Use, store and dispose of hazardous materials, including cleaning chemicals, safely.
  • Report all fire hazards to maintenance immediately and encourage your staff members to do the same.

Never Ignore a Fire Alarm

Even if you suspect that the alarm is false, treat it as a real fire. Be sure your staff takes alarms seriously, too.

Fire safety is important. Follow these tips and discuss other safety strategies with your insurance agent. He or she will ensure you have adequate insurance coverage and assist you in maintaining a safe work environment.

May 02
Love0

Temporary Employees and Workers Comp: What You Need to Know

By Workplace Safety

0516-wc-4Taking on temporary employees is attractive to businesses because they don’t have to pay full time wages or provide benefits either. There are many risks to taking on these employees though, and some aren’t well known until you’re faced with a problem. You don’t have a chance to really check out their qualifications, and you’re setting them up in an environment where they have to be more or less ready to start the job at the moment they arrive. Even if the have experience in similar situations, your company still has its own quirks and hazards. This increases the likelihood they’ll make a mistake. So what do you need to know about protecting yourself when you’re in need of a little extra help?

The truth of the matter is that when an employee is on your premises, then you are responsible for them. However, if you hire these workers from a temp agency, it can be argued they actually bear some of the responsibility as well. Recently Taylor Farms and the agencies they hired their workers from were both cited during an emergency situation. Workers faced injuries from chlorine gas and the blame was placed on both Taylor Farms and the temp agencies for not preparing the workers to correctly handle matters. Half of their entire workforce was full of temporary employees, so it stands to reason that many of the workers simply didn’t have the time within the organization to go over all of the proper safety security measures for every situation. Again, this is a risk that every company takes who hires temp employees. In California, it’s partially on the agency who actually cuts the checks to care for their employee’s safety too.

It’s a big move around the country to hire lots of temps, but many companies don’t report their numbers, making it difficult to know how the system is really working. While some people laud the temp programs as allowing employees and employers to find the best fit before either take the real plunge, it actually seems more likely that employers would simply rather save on benefit costs and the hassle of firing an employee and risking some sort of unfair treatment claim. Because temps are often left in the dark about how long they’ll be able to keep their job, they’re often in the dark about what their rights are as well.

Your best bet before you hire temporary workers is to go through an agency you trust and to treat them as fairly as possible. Ensure you know the safety precautions the agency takes for their employees and how they screen the people they recommend. If you can, go through a formal interview process with the employee so you can be sure you’re limiting your liability as well.

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