By Matt Pouncy

Personal cyber protection insurance now available

Jul 12, 2018 | 5:41 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Everyday technology is becoming a larger part of our lives and homes.

 Smart televisions, computers, connected appliances have become essential to some homeowners, and these advancements come with an increased risk of being hacked.  You can now insure those devices with personal cyber protection.

Theresa Perchaluk, insurance advisor with Westland Insurance, says as long as you’re connected to the internet, there are potential threats.

“If you are using any kind of computer or personal device, you need to understand that you are at risk, there’s an exposure there,” said Perchaluk. “There sadly, are people that are willing to do what they can to get your information.”
The insurance will cover cyber attacks, cyber extortion, online fraud and data breach.

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Hacking can happen quickly, and often most people don’t realize their personal information has been compromised until it’s too late.

Right now the cost starts at $45 per year and has a maximum coverage limit of $50,000.

There’s a $500 deductible and the coverage extends to many issues including viruses.

“So, the coverage that is available will help you not only have the virus removed, but have your hardware updated and fixed back to how it was running prior to the virus being in your computer,” said Perchaluk.

Rhys Jalbert, vice president of operations with Something Techy IT Solutions, suggests there are some other ways people can protect themselves, if they don’t want to shell out money for insurance.

“There’s many different IT hygiene processes such as strong passwords, not using the same password for every site, not clicking on malicious links that you can do to protect yourself. As opposed to buying insurance just in case something happens,” said Jalbert.
There are also ways to protect yourself that are related to the device itself.

“Making sure your software is up to date is probably the first step. The only sure fire defence, don’t have it in your house,” said Jalbert.

Jalbert says everything that’s connected online could record your audio or video from that camera. He advises everyone to tape over the cameras on your devices if you aren’t using them.

In the end it’s up to the consumer to buy protection or create the necessary security measures.