Cybersecurity a growing issue in the U.S.

According to U.S. cybersecurity analysts, 12 small groups of hackers from China are responsible for more than $1 billion worth of data from companies throughout the nation. These groups have been monitored by McAfee, a prestigious Internet security company, who drew upon information collected over time. Earlier this year, McAfee tracked intrusions into the U.S. energy grid back to China, where the hacker groups were finally identified after years of arduous investigation. Last month, U.S. intelligence officials formally rebuked China for its part in the intrusions, but no other action was…

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Statewide brings contractor insurance services into Washington state

Leading general liability insurance, commercial vehicle coverage, workers compensation and bonds provider for contractors, Statewide Insurance Brokers, has announced that it has broadened its contractor insurance offerings to include Washington State. The insurer has been providing these products to thousands of contractors of all forms from painters to electricians, since 1995. Today, Statewide Insurance is operating in seven states – Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Minnesota, and California – but has plans for widening. According to one of the company’s senior underwriters, Lana Matar, demand is what is fueling their…

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Chubb launches interactive Risk Conversation social resource

The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has announced the launch of its Risk Conversation resource, which provides consumers with an interactive community that addresses struggles to risk management for individuals and businesses. The Risk Conversation resource is available at riskconversation.com, and provides information for prevention, risk assessment tools, and blogs that can help its users to pinpoint, understand, and manage a number of different risks to which they can be exposed in their professional and personal lives. Chubb’s public relations manager, Mark Schussel, said that risk is something that affects everyone…

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The need for cyber insurance grows in light of recent attack on 48 chemical and defense companies in the U.S.

A new report from Symantec Corp., a leading security firm, highlights the dangers of cyber attacks and the value of cyber insurance. Late last month, approximately 48 chemical and defense companies in the U.S. were the targets of a large cyber attack that was traced back to one man in China. Symantec did not identify the companies in the report, but noted that few had any kind of insurance to protect against such an attack. The attack has been linked to industrial espionage, as the compromised information detailed chemicals, formulas…

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Legislators meet to determine a course of action for cybersecurity

A bipartisan cybersecurity bill may be heading for Congress this week. Federal lawmakers have been discussing the growing threat residing in the digital world and what it means for national security and that of citizens. Over the years, several companies have been the target of cybercrimes such as hacking and data theft. The recent security breaches at Sony Online Entertainment, which compromised the financial information of thousands of consumers, highlight the need for new legislations that encourage cyber insurance. Cyber insurance – that is, insurance that protects against cybercrime –…

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