In the controversial Citizens United case, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations have rights similar to those of an individual. It follows that they have identities and are vulnerable to identity theft.

Although insurance offers one way to manage this risk, it might well be a long time before a company discovers the identity theft — at which point, it would be too late. To avoid or minimize the danger of having your corporate identity stolen, we’d recommend a three-step approach.

Identity Theft: 3 Steps to Protect You

Storing sensitive information. Sensitive files and information (credit card numbers, medical data, Social Security numbers, etc.) might be stored on computers, external drives, filing cabinets, or mobile devices. It’s wise to consolidate and secure this data either physically behind lock and key or by using electronic network security measures. Be sure to train employees on handling, storing, and disposing of this type of information properly.

1. Your business documentation. Identity thieves might use highly sophisticated or surprisingly elementary and low-tech techniques for delving into a company’s records and misappropriating them. These might include intercepting paper mail, stealing trash, or physically taking documents. To safeguard this information, determine what records you need to run the business, inventory them, and use electronic statements to limit the amount of mail containing company information. Never share financial details or documents through e-mail!
2. Credit reports. Check your company’s credit reports regularly for unusual charges or bills.

The Federal Trade Commission (http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus69-protecting-personal-information-guide-business) provides a variety of resources you can use to help protect your corporate identity and confidential customer information against identity theft.

Our agency’s professionals would be happy to offer their help — just give us a call.

The nationwide debate over gun control in the aftermath of the Newtown massacre has raised a number of issues — including potential insurance liability for businesses in states that permit citizens to carry concealed weapons. Here’s why:

Concealed weapons and “reasonable care”

A company that allows customers or visitors on its premises has a legal obligation to exercise “reasonable care” in keeping them safe, a responsibility that includes warning them about any hidden dangerous conditions. For example, in states with “concealed carry” laws, a store owner might need to post warnings that sales clerks are armed.

Let’s say that an employee carrying a concealed weapon negligently or deliberately shoots a customer who is legitimately on the premises of the business — and the customer then sues the employer for bodily injury. On the other hand, suppose that an employer forbids workers from carrying weapons on the job. If an employee is attacked and beaten at work, he or she might sue for damages from bodily injury, claiming that the employer’s ban on firearms in the workplace impaired the employee’s ability for self-defense.

Although your Commercial General Liability (CGL) policy should provide coverage against such claims, it makes sense to minimize this risk by taking pre-emptive action. One effective approach: to seek an exemption from the scope of the concealed-weapon law (if one doesn’t already exist), giving you the authority to forbid weapons in the workplace. Make it clear to all employees and potential employees that company policy forbids bringing weapons onto the premises. You might also conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening to help hire stable, sensible people who are unlikely to settle disagreements with lethal force.

To learn more about protecting your business against the potential problems created by concealed carry laws, feel free to get in touch with us.

The holiday season is in full swing and for many companies, increased “business” = “BUSY-NESS”. In addition to the myriad of personal obligations on the calendar, and spending much anticipated time with family and friends, this is also the season when the security of your business may be threatened the most. Protect your business with these 5 Holiday Security Tips.

1. Long lines and lots of exhausted (and sometimes cranky) shoppers can leave your sales people and cashiers distracted. Counterfeiters take advantage of these circumstances and use this time of year to pass fake currency. The best way to detect a bad bill is to know the real thing. Check out “Know Your Money” at www.secretservice.gov to learn how to guard against this threat.

2. Instruct employees to refrain from using company computers to shop online. This practice could make your company vulnerable to attacks from computer viruses, phishing scams and malware attacks, according to a survey conducted by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), an information technology professional trade group.

3. Santa checks his list twice, and your cashiers should do the same with signatures. Training your staff to examine signatures — and even ask for ID, if necessary — can go a long way toward reducing your risk of loss due to fraud.

4. Make sure you have security cameras installed and that they are fully functional. Not only do security cameras serve as a deterrent to crime, they also provide film that can help you find — and prosecute — offenders.

5. Examine your policies to see that you have adequate and appropriate insurance limits. Many businesses operate with an increased level of inventory through the holiday season. Do your insurance policies account for that? Give us a call today with any questions.

Define your risk. Protect your business. Let us help, so you can be assured of a safe and successful season.