We’ve covered the subject of cyber-security myths before, but all it takes is one critical misunderstanding to harm your network, and we could write a phone book’s worth of content on all the misunderstandings floating around out there.
The Internet’s Safer Now
Some users are under the impression that the Internet is no longer the Wild Wild West that it was in the late nineties and early 00’s. Your computer is probably safer, cyber-security software has gotten more advanced, the general public has gotten smarter about web safety, but the Internet itself is still a Petri dish of viruses and worms that have only had greater opportunities to evolve and proliferate over the last two decades. Viruses don’t disappear from the Internet, they keep floating around out there, finding new means of distribution. The Internet is more dangerous than ever, we’ve just gotten a lot tougher.
Security is the Tech Team’s Job
Put simply: leaving security to the techies on staff is a little bit like leaving a tire to the mechanic when it’s low on air. There are a lot of things that you and the rest of your team can do to make the tech team’s job a little easier, and to keep the ship running a little more smoothly. Brief your people on basic security protocol, and you’ll be far less likely to have your tech guy come to you saying that he needs to hire three more people to handle all this extra workload.
It’s All in the Cloud, so What’s at Risk?
Your definition of valuable data might not quite be the same as a hacker’s. You’re thinking about work-related data and personal information. A hacker is looking for any access they can find. A hacker who gains access to your network might not even have any interest in accessing the encrypted information you keep on the cloud, they might be satisfied with simply using your system as a proxy through which to attack other users. Your system is a gateway, it isn’t just a locker for sensitive data, so keeping it empty won’t keep it safe.
Keeping your network safe isn’t that great of a challenge. All it takes is the right software, a little bit of common sense, and a basic sense of responsibility. Invest a little time, money and effort into your system, and it’s not hard to keep it running clean.
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OSHA frequently introduces or revises safety rules to remain up to date with new technologies and workplace procedures. In early 2017, two new major rules regarding injury and illness reporting will be in effect that all employers and establishments should be aware of.
OSHA’s electronic reporting rule will require some establishments to electronically submit data from their work-related injury records to OSHA. This rule becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2017. Under the new rule, establishments with 250 or more employees must electronically submit data from their OSHA 300, 300A and 301 forms. OSHA will then remove any personally identifiable information (PII) and post the establishment-specific data on its website.
In response to the electronic reporting rule, OSHA released an anti-retaliation rule that went into effect on Dec. 1, 2016. This rule includes two major requirements for employers:
- Employers must inform their employees that they have a right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without any form of retaliation.
- Employer must ensure that “reasonable” procedures are in place for employees to report work-related injuries and illnesses.
Because these two new rules may dramatically change how establishments and employees report injuries and illnesses, it’s important for employers to understand their reporting responsibilities. For more information, contact us today and ask for our two compliance bulletins, “OSHA Issues Final Rule on Electronic Reporting” and “OSHA’s Anti-retaliation Rules to Take Effect Dec. 1, 2016.”
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Assembly Bill No. 2883 was approved and filed August 26, 2016 and it’s causing quite a disruption with existing businesses. The bill focuses on revising the exceptions as what a defined “employee” is considered. The existing law states that officers and directors of a private corporation, and working members of a partnership or LLC were not required to be covered under the company workers compensation policy unless they opted to be covered.
However, the Assembly Bill No. 2883 revises the exceptions so that a director or officer is required to be covered under the company policy. There is still a, albeit narrow, definition of exclusion, but if they do fall under this exclusion they can only opt out if they sign a waiver under penalty of perjury and file it with the company insurer. The officer and director must own at least 15% of the issued/outstanding stock or a general partner, partnership or managing member of an LLC to be considered exempt.
The specific changes were put in place to discourage companies from abusing the previous exemption. Many companies were listing all employees as directors or officers to avoid having to purchase workers compensation insurance. By requiring the waiver to be signed under penalty of perjury, they hope to ensure employees are properly covered and protected in the event of a work-related injury.
The new bill affects all polices that will be in effect on or after Jan 1, 2017 including policies in force any time after this date.
For more information on this new bill or to review your current workers compensation policy, contact us today at 831.661.5697.
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It’s that time of year: February 1, 2017 marks the deadline for you to tabulate your annual OSHA Log Summary (OSHA Form 300A) and post it in a common area wherever notices to employees are usually posted.
The summary must list the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during the previous calendar year and were logged on the OSHA 300 Form. And don’t forget to leave the Summary posted until April 30, 2017.
If you need additional assistance, have questions about recordability, or would like to compare your loss performance trends against benchmarking data, contact us today at (831) 661-5697 for more information.
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Down through the ages Scurich Insurance Services expertise in Customer’s support we do not work for you but we work with you. Rather speaking about ourselves let our works speak by itself through our customers. In Business Review 360° our customers give away their feedback that confirms you are at right landmark for your insurance.
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Scurich Insurance
320 East Lake Avenue, PO Box 1170
Watsonville, CA 95077-1170
Office: 1-831-722-3541
Toll Free: 1-800-320-3666
eMail:[email protected]
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