New research from the International Energy Agency (IEA) has revealed that even though Europe may outspend the US on clean energy this year, China’s clean energy spending plans will massively surpass that of Europe and the US combined.

China In First Place 

The ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report from the IEA, which tracks capital flows in the energy sector, shows that clean energy investments are set to be up by more than 50 per cent from 2020.

The report shows that whereas Europe is expected to be spending an estimated $370 billion on clean energy, while the United States spends $315 billion (about $970 per person), China is expected to lead in clean energy investment this year with approximately $675 billion (about $2,100 per person) – nearly twice as much as the combined investments of Europe and the US!

Investment In What And Why? 

The report shows that the focus of China’s investment is primarily on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, driven by falling module prices and strong domestic manufacturing capabilities. Solar PV investments alone are projected to exceed $500 billion globally, with China contributing a substantial portion.

Also, China’s investments are being bolstered by rapid growth in three new clean energy industries – solar cells, lithium battery production, and EV manufacturing.

Why Are Europe and The US Not Investing As Much? 

The lag in clean energy investment by Europe and the United States compared to China highlighted by the report, can be attributed to factors such as:

– Scale and speed. China’s aggressive scaling and rapid deployment of renewable technologies outpace Europe and the US. However, this is partly down to China benefitting from substantial state funding and low manufacturing costs, enabling quicker and more extensive deployment of solar PV and other technologies.

– China’s manufacturing dominance. China’s dominance in manufacturing solar panels, batteries, and EVs at lower costs due to economies of scale and cheaper labour allows it to invest more heavily in these areas. This competitive edge in production costs gives China a significant advantage over the US and Europe.

– Government policies. Chinese government policies provide strong incentives and subsidies for clean energy projects, fostering growth in the sector. In contrast, the US and Europe have more fragmented policies, with varying levels of support across states and countries, which slows investment.

– The cost of capital. Higher financing costs in Europe and the US hinder clean energy investments. In China, favourable financing terms from state-owned banks lower the cost of capital, encouraging more investment.

– Infrastructure challenges. Europe and the US face significant challenges in upgrading their grid infrastructure and energy storage systems to support renewable energy. China, however, appears to have been more proactive in modernising its grid infrastructure, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources.

– Strategic policy. China’s industrial policy focuses heavily on becoming a global leader in clean energy, emphasising both domestic production and export dominance. Europe and the US are still developing comprehensive strategies to match China’s aggressive approach.

– The different regulatory environments. Stricter environmental regulations and longer approval times for new projects in Europe and the US can delay investment and project implementation. In China, regulatory processes are often more streamlined, allowing for faster progress.

Isn’t China The Biggest Greenhouse Gas Producing Country? 

In short, yes. China is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. For example, in 2021, China accounted for about 27 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it the single largest contributor to climate change. This is largely due to China’s heavy reliance on coal for energy and its rapid industrialisation and urbanisation over the past few decades. However, as highlighted by the ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report, there now appears to be a strong commitment by China to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources. Its clean energy investments will be crucial for reducing its carbon footprint and addressing the global climate crisis.

Global Disparity 

The ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report highlights not just the fact that China’s clean energy investment will far outstrip that of that of the US and Europe this year, but also that there is an uneven distribution of clean energy investments globally. For example, other regions, particularly developing economies, struggle to keep pace. Clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies remains low, accounting for only about 15 per cent of global spending. High financing costs and lack of supportive policies are major barriers in these regions.

Fossil Fuel Investment Still Strong 

Another key point outlined in the report, however, is that investment in fossil fuels remains strong, with upstream oil and gas investments projected to increase by 7 per cent in 2024 to $570 billion, following a 9 per cent rise in 2023. Coal investments have also been rising, with more than 50 GW of unabated coal-fired power generation approved in 2023 (predominantly in China). Despite this, clean energy investments are growing faster – for every dollar invested in fossil fuels, nearly two dollars are now directed towards clean energy technologies.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

The disparity in clean energy investment revealed by the IEA’s ‘World Energy Investment 2024’ report carries significant implications for businesses in the UK and across Europe. For new clean energy industries, the rapid advancement and substantial investment seen in China underscores the urgency for Europe and the UK to bolster their efforts. The heavy investment in solar PV, lithium batteries, and EV manufacturing in China sets a high benchmark, illustrating the benefits of aggressive state support and strategic industrial policies.

For UK businesses, this disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in competing with China’s scale and speed of deployment. However, this also opens opportunities for innovation and collaboration in clean energy technologies. UK companies can leverage their expertise in renewable energy and look to form partnerships that tap into global supply chains. Also, businesses can advocate for more robust government policies that provide clear incentives and reduce financing costs, making clean energy projects more viable.

To increase investment in clean energy, Europe and the UK must address several key areas. First, there is a need for comprehensive and cohesive policies that provide consistent support across all regions. This includes streamlining regulatory processes to reduce approval times for new projects and ensuring that environmental regulations are balanced with the need for swift project implementation. Also, improving access to affordable capital through state-backed financial incentives or low-interest loans could help make a significant difference.

Enhancing infrastructure is another critical area. Upgrading grid infrastructure and expanding energy storage capabilities are essential to support the integration of renewable energy sources. Investments in these areas not only facilitate the transition to clean energy but also create new business opportunities in infrastructure development and maintenance.

Strategic industrial policies that focus on building domestic capabilities while engaging in international cooperation may also help to position Europe and the UK as leaders in the global clean energy market. By fostering innovation and supporting emerging technologies, the UK could develop a competitive edge and create sustainable economic growth.

Addressing these challenges, therefore, through targeted investments and supportive policies will not only help the UK and Europe catch up with China’s clean energy spending but also drive long-term benefits for businesses. Increased clean energy investment will enhance energy security, create jobs, and help position the UK as a key player in the global transition to sustainable energy.

This video-update explains how to customise your LinkedIn URL to something more relevant for you …

Quick Access in Windows File Explorer allows you to pin frequently used folders and files, making them easily accessible. Customising Quick Access can save you time when navigating to commonly used locations. Here’s how to do it :

– Open File Explorer.

– Navigate to the folder you want to pin.

– Right-click on the folder and select ‘Pin to Quick Access’.

– To remove an item from Quick Access, right-click on it and select ‘Unpin from Quick Access’.

Here we look at why organisations need to have an effective employee offboarding procedure in place and suggest a checklist for you that could form the basis of this procedure.

Why? 

Members of organisations inevitably change over time for various reasons, perhaps to relocate to another job and move away, or they may be asked to leave, or for many other reasons. However, when employees or contractors/third parties leave a business and there is no effective ‘offboarding’ plan or system in place, they are likely to still have access to your organisation’s systems and data through old passwords and access-rights. Like it or not, this makes them a potential threat to your business.

Creating an effective offboarding plan and process that can be actioned (immediately) as the employee leaves, therefore, can protect you and your clients, maintain the security plus help ensure safe continuity of the business, whilst help to fulfill legal and stakeholder responsibilities.

Such a plan and process can start with a simple checklist, although you may find it ends up being longer than you first thought. With this in mind, we take a close-up look at employee offboarding and provide a summary offboarding checklist that you may want to use to help with your own offboarding process.

What Kind of Threats? 

Examples of the kinds of potential threats that an organisation may need to guard against upon employee exit include:

– Damage, theft, and disruption. Departing employees can cause significant harm by stealing data, attacking company systems, or disrupting network operations due to lack of proper security measures.

– Insider threat. Ex-employees with active access rights can leak sensitive information, engage in industrial espionage, extort the company, or steal customer data. Insider threats account for a significant portion of data breaches.

– Data exfiltration. Departing employees might take sensitive information like client lists or intellectual property with them (intentionally or unintentionally), leading to competitive disadvantages and legal issues.

– Social engineering. Ex-employees may manipulate current employees using their insider knowledge to gain unauthorised access, often through phishing attacks.

– Sabotage. Disgruntled former employees might delete important files, corrupt data, or disrupt services, causing operational and financial damage.

– Legal and compliance risks. Failing to revoke access can lead to breaches of data protection regulations, resulting in legal penalties and reputational damage.

– Continuity of business operations. Inadequate access control can disrupt business processes, especially if the ex-employee held key roles or knowledge, leading to operational bottlenecks.

– Financial fraud. Ex-employees with access to financial systems may commit fraud, manipulate accounts, or process unauthorised transactions, impacting the company financially.

– Loss of customer trust. Compromised customer data due to inadequate offboarding can erode trust, damage the company’s reputation, and lead to business losses and legal actions.

How Big Is The Problem? 

A 2023 PasswordManager.com (US) survey found that 47 per cent of 1,000 workers admitted to still using their employers’ passwords even after leaving the company, with 58 per cent of them saying this was because the passwords had not changed since they left the company. Interestingly, 44 per cent said someone still working for the company shared it with them!

Also, a UK government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022 revealed that while many UK businesses are aware of the risks, implementation of robust off-boarding procedures remains inconsistent. For example, only 36 per cent of businesses had formal cyber-security policies, and even fewer medium-sized enterprises reviewed these policies regularly.

Examples 

Some high-profile examples of organisations who have suffered data breaches at the hands of ex-employees include:

– In 2023, Tesla reported that a significant data breach had been caused by two former employees who leaked personal information of over 75,000 individuals, including employee records and other sensitive data.

– Also in 2023, a former RAC employee was found guilty of stealing personal data of road traffic accident victims. The ex-employee had accessed and photographed sensitive data, which he later attempted to sell.

– Back in 2016, broadcasting watchdog Ofcom suffered a large data breach when a former employee downloaded around six years’ worth of third-party data before leaving for a new job at a major broadcaster. The data was then offered to the new broadcaster who informed Ofcom.

Legal Responsibility

The examples above highlight one important reason for closing any potential holes in security during an employee exit which is the legal responsibility under current data laws. The United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (an updated version of the DPA 1998) are the primary legislative frameworks governing how businesses or organisations in the UK should manage the protection and handling of data. Within these frameworks, the data controller (i.e. your company or organisation) holds the responsibility for data matters.

Protecting this data is crucial not only to safeguard the individuals whose data the company holds but also to protect the company itself from legal penalties, reputational damage, and other consequences. In addition to personal data, businesses must ensure the protection of other sensitive data such as financial records, intellectual property, and details about company security controls.

Procedure 

These threats and responsibilities demonstrate that businesses and organisations need to address them as part of due diligence. This can be done by developing a built-in company procedure when an employee leaves (offboarding).

The Checklist 

This company procedure could be built around a checklist / a kind of security audit that covers all the main areas from which leaving employees need to have their access revoked and which plugs any potential loopholes. The checklist could include, for example:

1. Notification and Planning 

– Inform the IT security team and relevant departments about the employee’s departure, especially if the departure is contentious.

– Plan the off-boarding process and assign responsibilities.

2. Email and Communication Management 

Emails are a window into company communications and operations and a place where sensitive data is exchanged and stored. It is also a common ‘vector’ for cyber-criminals. Therefore, Revoke access to company email accounts.

– Set up auto-forwarding and out-of-office replies with new contact details.

– Revoke access to other email programs and mass mailing services (e.g. Mailchimp).

3. Access to Systems and Networks

Revoke login details and permissions for company computer systems and networks.

– Disable VPN and remote access accounts.

4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems

– Revoke login access to CRMs containing customer and stakeholder data.

5. Collaborative Working Apps and Platforms

– Remove access to cloud-based platforms and collaboration tools (e.g. Teams, Slack).

– Ensure that the employee cannot access shared working groups.

6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

– Deactivate any 2FA or MFA devices or apps used by the employee.

7. Privileged Accounts 

– Revoke access to any privileged accounts, including admin rights and root access on servers and databases.

8. Physical Security Measures

– Retrieve all company-related keys, pass cards, ID cards, parking passes, and similar items.

– Update physical security systems like alarm codes and biometric access.

9. Return of Company Assets 

– Ensure the return of all company devices, including laptops, phones, and tablets.

– Keep a record of which devices were allocated to the employee.

10. Data and Document Access 

– Retrieve any backup/storage media (e.g. USBs).

– Transfer or delete any items stored in separate folders on the employee’s computer.

– Conduct a thorough audit of the employee’s digital footprint within document management systems.

11. Password Management 

– Change any passwords shared with multiple members of staff.

– Implement a regular password-changing policy as a fail-safe measure.

12. Financial Security 

– Change PINs for company credit/debit cards authorised for the employee’s use.

13. Social Media and Online Presence 

– Remove the employee’s email address and extension from the company website.

– Update company social media to reflect the departure.

– Ensure the ex-employee is not featured in the business’s online estate.

14. Legal and Compliance

– Ensure the off-boarding process complies with legal and regulatory requirements.

– Remind the departing employee of their obligations under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and data protection laws during the exit interview.

15. Monitoring and Follow-Up 

– Implement monitoring to detect any unusual activity associated with the former employee’s accounts.

– Regularly review and update access review processes to adapt to organisational changes.

16. Customer and Client Notification 

– Notify clients and customers of the change and provide new contact details to ensure continuity.

17. Physical Document Retrieval 

– Retrieve any physical documents (e.g. handbooks) that could contain sensitive information.

By following a comprehensive checklist like this one, you can effectively manage the security aspects of employee off-boarding, ensuring that all potential loopholes are addressed, and that the company’s data and resources remain secure.

BYOD Threat? 

Where companies offer ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) meaning that employees can bring in their personally owned laptops, tablets, and smartphones to work and use them to access company information, this could pose an additional level of threat during employee exit.

This threat may be lessened where companies opt for different types of BYOD such as corporately owned/managed, personally enabled (COPE), choose your own device (CYOD), personally owned and partially enterprise managed or personally owned with managed container application.

In any case, BYOD should always be accompanied by clear policies and guidance as part of effective management.

Ex-Employee’s Legal Responsibilities 

It should be remembered that, although the business / organisation has legal responsibilities to protect company data, the ex-employee is also subject to the law for their behaviour. This is of particular importance where an employee, who has dealt with the personal details of others in the course of their work, leaves or retires. For example, the ICO prosecuted a charity worker who, without the knowledge of the data controller (Rochdale Connections Trust), sent emails from his former work email account (2017) containing sensitive personal information of 183 people. Also, a former Council schools admission department apprentice was found guilty of screen-shotting a spreadsheet that contained information about children and eligibility for free school meals and then sending it to a parent via Snapchat.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

An effective offboarding procedure is essential to ensure that when employees or contractors leave an organisation, they pose a significantly reduced security risk. Without a proper system in place, departing employees may retain access to sensitive systems and data, which can lead to significant security breaches. This not only endangers the privacy and integrity of company and client information but also exposes the organisation to potential legal liabilities and reputational damage.

Implementing a comprehensive offboarding checklist is really a matter of due diligence and helps to systematically address all potential vulnerabilities. Such a checklist ensures that all necessary steps are taken to revoke access to company emails, systems, and networks, and to retrieve company assets. By meticulously following these steps, businesses can prevent former employees from inadvertently or maliciously accessing confidential information.

A well-structured, regularly updated checklist, therefore, facilitates clear communication among various departments involved in the offboarding process, ensuring that no critical task is overlooked. This organised approach can help maintain the continuity and security of business operations, safeguard the company from potential threats and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. A detailed offboarding procedure is a crucial element of any organisation’s overall security strategy, protecting both the company and its stakeholders.

Here we take a look at cyber security, why you may decide you need it, how much it costs, and where to get it.

What Is Cyber Insurance? 

Cyber insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect businesses and individuals from internet-based risks, and more generally from risks relating to IT infrastructure and activities. It provides coverage for financial losses that result from cyber incidents such as data breaches, network damage, and cyber extortion. For example, businesses may face costs resulting from data/security breaches, media content liability (e.g. intellectual property infringement), GDPR defence costs or paying GDPR fines, credit/debit card breaches, data breach response services, data breach notification, legal fees, system repairs, and more.

Why Would Your Business Need Cyber Insurance? 

Just as we need to ensure our most valuable and valued physical-world possessions are protected (e.g. our homes and cars), we now live in a digital age where people and businesses now rely heavily on technology and online platforms to operate efficiently. However, this dependence makes businesses vulnerable to a range of cyber-threats, including data-breaches, ransomware attacks, and hacking incidents. Even a single cyber-attack can result in substantial financial losses, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Cyber insurance, therefore, provides a safety net, so that businesses can recover financially and operationally from these incidents. By covering costs such as data-breach notification, legal fees, and system repairs, cyber insurance helps mitigate the financial burden of cyber-attacks.

Risk Management Too 

Cyber insurance can also play a crucial role in risk management. For example, it encourages businesses to assess their cyber vulnerabilities and implement robust security measures.

Insurers often require policyholders to adhere to specific security protocols, which enhances overall cybersecurity standards. This proactive approach not only reduces the likelihood of an attack but also ensures businesses are better prepared to respond effectively if one occurs. Therefore, having cyber insurance is not just about financial protection, but it’s also about fostering a culture of cybersecurity within the organisation.

Not Forgetting Regulatory Compliance 

In addition to financial and security benefits, cyber insurance is essential for regulatory compliance. Many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and non-compliance can, of course, result in hefty fines and legal consequences.

Cyber insurance policies, therefore, often include support for regulatory compliance, helping businesses navigate complex legal requirements and avoid penalties. By providing resources for legal counsel and regulatory guidance, cyber insurance ensures that businesses can meet their obligations and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders.

What Kind Of Things Does It Cover?

As mentioned above, broadly speaking, cyber insurance aims to provide financial cover for things like data breaches, network damage, and cyber extortion. Cyber insurance for UK businesses actually provides comprehensive coverage for various cyber-related incidents. Here are some examples of what it typically covers:

Data Breach Response 

– Notification Costs: Covering the expenses of notifying customers and affected individuals after a data breach.

– Credit Monitoring Services: Providing credit monitoring to those whose personal information has been compromised.

Business Interruption 

– Loss of Income: Reimbursement for lost revenue due to a cyber-attack that disrupts normal business operations.

– Extra Expenses: Covering additional costs incurred to keep the business running while dealing with the cyber incident.

Cyber Extortion 

– Ransom Payments: Payments made to cybercriminals to regain access to data or systems.

– Negotiation Costs: Expenses related to negotiating with extortionists and managing ransom demands.

Legal Fees and Defence Costs 

– Third-Party Claims: Legal expenses arising from lawsuits due to a data breach or security failure.

– Regulatory Fines and Penalties: Coverage for fines and penalties imposed by regulators for data protection breaches, such as those related to GDPR.

Crisis Management 

– Public Relations: Costs associated with managing and repairing the company’s reputation after a cyber incident.

– Forensic Investigation: Expenses for investigating the cause and extent of the cyber-attack.

Network Security Liability

– Liability Claims: Coverage for claims arising from failure to protect data, resulting in data theft or corruption.

– Defence Costs: Legal defence costs for claims related to network security breaches.

Media Liability

– Defamation and Infringement: Coverage for claims of libel, slander, copyright infringement, or defamation resulting from digital content.

Technology and Data Recovery 

– Data Restoration: Costs of restoring and recovering lost or corrupted data.

– System Repair: Expenses for repairing or replacing damaged hardware and software

You may be thinking after looking at this list that there are many more costs than you may have thought associated with dealing with the results of a data breach, cyber-attack, or serious and disruptive network issue. These costs, plus the high levels of ever-more sophisticated cyber-crime, may be the arguments behind many businesses now having cyber insurance.

What Proportion of Businesses Now Have Cyber Insurance? 

Considering the large potential costs of dealing with a serious cyber / network incident (as shown above) it may be a surprise to know that the proportion of businesses with cyber insurance in the UK is still relatively modest. For example, the latest data shows that only 43 per cent (UK Home Office 2024) of UK businesses have a cyber insurance policy in place and within this group, a small fraction, around 5 per cent (Insurance Business UK), have specialised cyber insurance policies tailored to their specific needs. Most companies rely on broader policies that include some form of cyber risk coverage as part of their overall insurance package.

This may be particularly surprising given that according to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT):

– 32 per cent of businesses and 24 per cent of charities experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the past 12 months.

– Among larger businesses, the figures are higher, with 45 per cent of medium businesses and 58 per cent of large businesses have reported cyber-crimes.

– The average short-term direct cost for businesses dealing with a cyber incident was £1,650, which increases to £6,490 for medium and large companies.

– Long-term direct costs, which include expenses incurred after the initial breach, averaged £782 for all businesses but reached £6,010 for larger firms.

Who Provides It? 

Several examples of the well-known insurers in the UK market that offer cyber security insurance include:

– AXA provides comprehensive cyber insurance that covers a range of cyber risks, including data breaches, business interruption, and cyber extortion.

– Aviva offers cyber insurance policies that can be tailored to businesses of all sizes. Their coverage includes protection against data breaches, cyber extortion, and business interruption caused by cyber incidents, and there is access to a 24/7 cyber incident helpline and expert support.

– Hiscox provides coverage which includes costs associated with data breaches, cyber extortion, and third-party liability, and it offers risk management tools and resources to help businesses improve their cyber security posture.

– Zurich’s offers cyber insurance policies covering a wide range of cyber risks, including data breaches, network security failures, and cyber extortion. Zurich also provides access to a global network of cyber experts and offers pre-breach services to help businesses mitigate their cyber risks.

There are, of course, many other companies that offer cyber insurance. For example, even Amazon now offers it with AWS Cyber Insurance Competency Partners, and through a partnership with Superscript is offering cyber insurance to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. For example, Amazon Business Prime users can access it product by logging in to Superscript using their Amazon account.

How Much Does It Cost?

Obviously, the price of cyber insurance varies according to factors like the size of the business, the level of coverage, and the industry. However, as a very general guide:

– Small businesses in the UK may expect to pay around £115 per month for cyber insurance / £1,380 annually (Insureon), which can fluctuate depending on the specific risks associated with the business and the amount of sensitive data handled.

– Medium-sized businesses may see premiums ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 per year, with the variation being due to the higher risk and more significant potential losses associated with larger volumes of data and more complex IT systems.

– For large businesses, cyber insurance costs can range from £10,000 to £50,000 annually and can include higher coverage limits and broader protection against various cyber threats (reflecting the greater complexity and risk involved).

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The rising tide of cyber threats highlights the urgent necessity for businesses to not just strengthen their cyber security measures, but also to consider adopting comprehensive cyber insurance policies. Cyber-attacks are not only becoming more frequent but also increasingly sophisticated, posing severe risks to financial stability and operational continuity. For businesses, this means that traditional security measures alone may no longer be sufficient. Cyber insurance provides a critical safety net, offering financial protection against the costs associated with data breaches, business interruptions, and other cyber incidents.

Investing in cyber insurance can significantly mitigate the financial and operational impacts of cyber-attacks. Policies typically cover a range of expenses, from data breach notifications and legal fees to system repairs and business interruption losses. This ensures that businesses can recover more swiftly and maintain their operations with minimal disruption. Also, cyber insurance often includes access to expert support and resources, helping businesses to manage incidents more effectively and reduce the risk of recurrence.

In addition to financial protection, it’s important to remember that cyber insurance also plays a crucial role in regulatory compliance. For example, many industries are subject to stringent data protection regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe, and non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. Cyber insurance policies frequently offer support for navigating these complex legal requirements, helping businesses to avoid penalties and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders.

For businesses evaluating their need for cyber insurance, it’s important to consider the broader benefits. Beyond immediate financial coverage, having a cyber insurance policy can drive improvements in overall cyber security practice. For example, insurers often require policyholders to implement robust security protocols, fostering a culture of proactive risk management within the organisation. This not only reduces the likelihood of successful cyber-attacks but also ensures that businesses are better prepared to respond effectively when incidents do occur.

Given the substantial costs associated with cyber incidents, the investment in cyber insurance becomes a strategic decision. Whether you are a small business, medium-sized or a large corporation, the protection and peace of mind offered by cyber insurance can be invaluable.

The evolving landscape of cyber threats, therefore, appears to necessitate a multifaceted approach to cyber security and you may decide, for all the reasons mentioned above, that cyber insurance should be a cornerstone of this strategy for your business.

Although cyber security insurance may be all very well for after the event, keeping your software and drivers up to date is crucial for helping to prevent security issues in the first place, and for maintaining the security and performance of your Windows device. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Here’s how to make sure your security is up to date:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Click ‘Check for updates’ to see if there are any new updates available.

Install any available updates to ensure your system is protected.

Additionally, check for updates for your installed applications and hardware drivers through their respective software or the manufacturer’s website.