EXPERTS are warning photographers not to be too lax in protecting their work from cyber-related dangers.
Research conducted by Hiscox revealed only twenty two per cent of SMEs are concerned about e-risks and cyber crime.*
E-risks can include viruses and spamming programmes damaging websites, hacker attacks, confidential data loss and online identity fraud. Photographers are being urged to check their policy to see if it covers claims for computer damage, misleading pricing issues, slander and sexual harassment on email and legal costs in copyright cases.
Experts say photographers are particularly vulnerable to e-risks despite high profile online copyright cases like recently with The Daily Mail being accused of lifting Flickr images without the photographer’s knowledge or authorisation.
Peter Stevenson, director at specialist photographer insurer In Focus Insurance, said.
“Protecting a photography business with insurance for photographers from crime is about much more than door locks and security alarms. E-risks are an increasing concern but often when it is too late and the damage has been done. Data in some professions can easily be retrieved but wedding days are different!
“Worryingly, when taking out policies photographers check their offices and equipment are covered from potential theft but aren’t considering e-risks which are not covered by traditional insurance policies.
“If internet use is essential for your business it’s vital you check your business policy covers e-risks. It can also benefit photographers as it covers infringement of someone else’s trademark or copyright online too. Being fully insured can get your business up and running quickly in the event of a successful cyber attack.”
Jon Walton, managing director at Getfirst, an IT Technical consultancy firm that advises businesses on cyber crime prevention, said:
“All businesses using the internet could be targeted as criminals are increasingly turning to cyber crime to defraud companies. Employees, especially those leaving employment can sabotage systems or steal data. Practicing good online security such as updating antivirus software, having regular backups and changing passwords is just the starting point.
He advises:
“If storing information on a central file server, manage who has access to files. This can help prevent data loss, whether accidental or deliberate. Encrypt important information for extra security so only authorised users will be able to access it.
“Photographers must remember, running an enterprise is a full-time activity and IT expertise is rarely a specialisation. If you do not have in-house or comprehensive remote technical expertise, seek professional advice on security.”
For further information or photography,
please contact:
Heidi Boden
0161 927 3131
heidi@rmspr.co.uk