Technology has transformed firefighting by allowing personnel to survey a site via drones, better understand how fires spread with artificial intelligence, and manage staffing schedules with specialized software. While these developments improve safety and efficiency, they also run the risk of infiltration. Cyber threats are on the rise and show no sign of slowing down, making cybersecurity essential for fire departments. As an insurance agent, you can assist by offering firefighter insurance.
The Cyber Threats Addressed by Firefighter Insurance
Cybercriminals use several tactics to gain access to digital systems:
- Ransomware
- Social engineering
- Malware
- Phishing
Of these, phishing is the most likely to work, as 90% of data breaches stem from fake emails.
Once bad actors can access networks, they can steal sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, and names. Health records are especially vulnerable, as the contained information can allow criminals to fraudulently apply for governmental benefits and pay for expensive medical procedures.
Fundraising introduces additional risks, as participants’ financial information may be on record. If hackers steal this information, they can spend thousands of dollars before the victims know anything is wrong.
The Potential Consequences of Cyber Breaches
Organizations holding sensitive information have a legal duty to protect it. If a firehouse’s network gets compromised, those affected may sue for damages. Court costs can put a dent in any budget, even if the case ends in a settlement. The firehouse must also take steps to mitigate the damage, which means even more expenses.
Finally, a breach negatively impacts the organization’s reputation. People may be less likely to offer support due to lost trust.
The Role of Cyber Liability Insurance Coverage
Firefighter insurance provides a safety net in the event of a breach, allowing emergency organizations to respond to the crisis quickly and efficiently. Policies can pay for court costs and mitigation services such as credit monitoring and contacting affected parties.
Cyber liability coverage can even help organizations avoid breaches with consultation services. During a consultation, an expert analyzes the digital system for risks and recommends changes to strengthen security.
Finally, the right policy, like Provident FirePlus, can help organizations recover from the bad publicity of a data breach. A claim can pay for a data forensics investigation, which pinpoints the failings leading to a breach, as well as public relations efforts to rebuild trust with the community.
The Reasons to Recommend Firefighter Insurance
Cyber liability insurance is a must for organizations in the technological age. Criminals continually seek new ways to infiltrate systems; even vigilant adherence to security protocols can’t protect against new hacking tactics. For first responders, cyberattacks can affect life-or-death situations.
The good news is that as an insurance agent, you can provide clients with the tools to avoid and recover from such crises. By explaining the benefits of firefighter insurance and helping clients find a policy that fits their needs, you can cement your reputation as an insurance expert with coverage for every situation. Expanding your offered policies to include Provident FirePlus also means a larger customer base and more sales opportunities. To learn more, contact us.
About Provident Fire Plus
At Provident Fire Plus, we offer custom-tailored packages to best protect firefighters and volunteer firefighters. We understand the risks that emergency response teams are subjected to on a daily basis, and have worked to serve these dedicated professionals for over 87 years. For more information about our products and policies, we invite you to contact our experts today at (855) 201-8880.