COLUMBUS, Ohio – There is a high level of concern among consumers about the risks associated with cybercrime from their smart devices, and one in four claims to be a victim of a cyberattack. Yet, the vast majority of consumers are unaware of what they can do to protect themselves or feel they’ve already taken sufficient safety measures. These are among the key takeaways of a new study of consumer attitudes about cybersecurity commissioned by Grange Insurance and conducted by Research America.

“Our research suggests that while most consumers worry about the disruption cybercrime can cause in their lives, they are not fully aware of what can be done about it and too often don’t know where to turn for help,” said John North, Personal Lines President, Grange Insurance. “We hope this study will lead to more awareness and action, particularly as we mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month.”

• On average, households contain six devices that access the Internet. And the majority of consumers (65%) intend to add more devices in the future.
• The vast majority (81%) use public Wi-Fi networks, with about half (48%) doing so once a week or more. Consumers are most likely to access public Wi-Fi networks from a mobile phone.
• The vast majority (77%) are at least somewhat concerned about the risks of accessing the internet from their devices. 31% are very or extremely concerned.
• Hacking and having personal information stolen are the most frequently mentioned top-of-mind risks. But, overall, there is a high level of familiarity and concern about all types of risks.

Key findings about cybercrime protection and resources:

• About a quarter (23%) have experienced a cyberattack, with hacking, viruses and identity theft the most common types.
• Among those who have experienced a cyberattack, about three out of four say they had taken safety measures prior to the attack.
• One in four have never taken safety measures against cybercrime.
• Lack of awareness and believing their existing measures are sufficient are the top reasons consumers don’t take more safety measures to prevent cybercrime.
• Consumers say they would most likely seek advice about cyber protection from an antivirus or cybersecurity company. About 1 in 10 say they don’t know where to go for advice.
• Nearly one in five (17%) believe that doing more to protect themselves from cybercrime is too much of a hassle.
• About seven in 10 have not purchased identity theft insurance coverage or home cyber insurance protection, but nearly a third have considered it.

“As the number of devices connected to the internet in our homes increases, it is more challenging than ever to keep information secure. Consumers must be proactive in learning about the risks around them – even from common items such as baby and pet monitors and smart toys – and take steps to adequately protect themselves.” said John North.

As part of its commitment to protecting consumers, Grange is introducing Home Cyber Protection that provides coverage against computer or home system attacks, cyber extortion, online fraud and data breaches. Grange offers this protection in partnership with CyberScout, the premier provider of identity protection solutions, identity theft recovery services, breach services and data risk management solutions. Consumers can learn more about this coverage by talking with their independent agent or by visiting grangeinsurance.com.

Research America designed and executed the survey in August and September, using a nationally representative sample for age, gender and region. The study is part of Grange’s initiative to uncover attitudes, behaviors and trends that consumers might find helpful in their consideration of insurance products.

To see an infographic of this study, please click here.

Many of us live fast-paced lives, and our professional and personal demands can keep us in a tizzy. It’s easy to become fatigued—sometimes to the point that it affects work performance. The National Sleep Foundation indicates that sleep-related fatigue costs for U.S. businesses have been estimated at $150 billion a year for absenteeism, workplace accidents and lost productivity.

What causes worker fatigue?
Fatigue is the body’s signal that rest is needed. Too little, poor quality or interrupted sleep over a period of time can cause fatigue—and a demanding work schedule can lead to additional physical, mental and emotional stress.

How can fatigue affect worker safety and health?
Worker fatigue increases the risk of injury and illness. According to OSHA, accident and injury rates are 30 percent greater during night shifts when compared to day shifts, and working a 12-hour shift, as opposed to an 8-hour shift, is associated with a 37 percent increased risk of injury.

Worker fatigue can contribute to:

• Loss of concentration and memory
• Reduced alertness
• Difficulty handling stress
• Increased errors
• Impaired decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Increased injuries

The cumulative effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have also been associated with a wide range of health consequences, including a compromised immune system and increased risk of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, heart attack and stroke.

How can you help control worker fatigue?

• Make adjustments for staffing issues, such as workload, hours, understaffing and planned and unplanned absences.
• Arrange schedules to allow for rest breaks and a regular sleep schedule.
• Provide worker education and training on the hazards, symptoms and impact of sleep deprivation on physical and mental health.
• Encourage a healthy diet, proper exercise and stress management strategies to minimize the adverse effects of fatigue.

Online safety training videos

Our insureds and agents have access to an extensive library of online safety training videos and supplemental materials. Click here to view this month’s recommended video, Fighting Fatigue in the Workplace. Insureds and agents can request login credentials by emailing SafetyResourceRequest@summitholdings.com. (Videos provided through Long Island Productions, Inc., dba Training Network NOW, a Summit Vendor)

Please contact your Summit loss prevention consultant if you have any questions.

Sources:
http://www.sleepcenterofgreaterpittsburgh.com/downloads/Sleep_Performance_the_Workplace.pdf
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workerfatigue/index.html
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workerfatigue/hazards.html
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workerfatigue/prevention.html

The information presented in this publication is intended to provide guidance and is not intended as a legal interpretation of any federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations applicable to your business. The loss prevention information provided is intended only to assist policyholders of Summit managed insurers in the management of potential loss producing conditions involving their premises and/or operations based on generally accepted safe practices. In providing such information, Summit Consulting LLC does not warrant that all potential hazards or conditions have been evaluated or can be controlled. It is not intended as an offer to write insurance for such conditions or exposures. The liability of Summit Consulting LLC and its managed insurers is limited to the terms, limits and conditions of the insurance policies underwritten by any of them.

Millennials are the largest generation of current home renters, but may have alternate priorities than other generations when it comes to protecting their belongings. A new study conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance reveals that 43 percent of Millennials are renters and less than half (42 percent) of those millennials have renters insurance. The study also found that while Millennials are choosing specific protection for their personal technology and even their pets more than other generations, approximately a quarter of Millennials are looking for ways to cut back on their auto, home and renters insurance. Why the lack of protection in certain areas? For Millennials, a lack of knowledge is the driving factor for insurance gaps, which is leaving them exposed to potential loss or damage. A third (33 percent) of Millennials said it never occurred to them to get renters insurance, for example, and 31 percent admitted the process is too complicated.

“The unexpected is inevitable and it’s important for all generations to understand the importance and value of having good insurance coverage that is customized to your individual needs,” said Emily Fink, chief marketing officer, Global Retail Markets at Liberty Mutual Insurance. “Our products are designed to be accessible, affordable and tailored to you so you only pay for what you need. Having a protection plan in place now can provide confidence and peace of mind, ensuring you’re covered should an unexpected accident occur.”

According to Millennials, tech is an important personal property worth protecting—and this is significantly higher than other generations. Nearly one-third (29 percent) report having special insurance coverage that protects their technology. Of the Millennial renters who have personal technology insurance, half (51 percent) do not have renters insurance, indicating that smartphones and computers may be considered more important for some than other belongings. While Millennials indicate they’re trying to save money, their personal property value is still considerable—the study found that Millennials own on average more than $2,000 in jewelry. However, only 22 percent of Millennials find it extremely important to have insurance to cover their valuables with just 20 percent opting for additional coverage for these items.

Pets are also important to Millennials—the study indicates Millennials are the most likely generation to purchase or adopt a dog or cat in the next year and, as pet parents, they make trade-offs for their pet’s wellbeing more than any other generation. More than half (57 percent) of Millennials own a pet and almost a third (31 percent) of Millennial pet owners report having pet insurance, compared to GenXers and Boomers (15 percent and 8 percent, respectively). Millennials are also more likely to skip their own medical treatments or appointments to cover their pet’s healthcare costs (37 percent) compared to GenXers (28 percent) and Boomers (21 percent).

Millennials are potentially exposed to more risk on the home front as well—they are the most likely generation to entertain at home or throw house parties (57 percent). One-third of Millennials who entertain in their home recall experiencing at least one negative event such as damage to the home, theft or injury (37 percent) compared to GenXers and Boomers (16 percent and 5 percent, respectively). Of the Millennial renters who entertain in their home, 55 percent do not have renters insurance, leaving them exposed to liability. It’s important for all generations to know that renters insurance gives you an added layer of liability protection and can cover you if you accidentally damage someone else’s property or if someone sues you for injury in your apartment.

Liberty Mutual offers a variety of products and coverage options that are customized to meet your individual needs and ensure you’re only paying for what you need. To find a policy that’s right for you, call us at 1-800-524-9400 or visit www.libertymutual.com.

About the Study

Liberty Mutual Insurance conducted a quantitative survey that looked at home and auto topics among adults across the United States. The survey was conducted August 2018, among 3,023 consumers 18 years of age and older. Overall the findings from the study can be interpreted at a 90 percent confidence interval.