Protecting data privacy requires establishing sound policies and training plans.
At Cincinnati, we don’t have to look far to see the importance of privacy. The Cincinnati Ethic — our principles for treating employees, customers, agents and business partners fairly — includes putting people first and living the golden rule every day. That’s why we treat your privacy the way we want our privacy to be treated. We do not sell personal information.
Our business requires that we collect and use confidential information that includes personal information about applicants, policyholders, account holders, claimants, beneficiaries, our associates and other individuals. Protecting the privacy of information is every associate’s responsibility, and every associate is responsible for complying with the company’s privacy policies, procedures and practices. We emphasize that responsibility with annual training.
In observance of Data Privacy Day January 28, Cincinnati is posting an article each day this week on our internal website highlighting the importance of our privacy program. Associates are reminded to protect the valuable business plans of our company, agents and third-party service providers as well as our proprietary information, such as project plans, sales figures and new products. Customer information is always a top priority and the primary focus of the educational campaign. Protecting that information highlights the critical role of our information security professionals and the importance of staying knowledgeable about the latest cybersecurity issues and avoiding phishing campaigns of cybercriminals.
Finally, we stress the importance of our record retention and disposal policies. Proper destruction practices ensure the confidential information entrusted to us is protected throughout the data lifecycle.
MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about privacy and security in these articles and blogs.
Blog post: Strategies to protect yourself from cyber security risks
Blog post: Strengthen your data privacy practices
From USA.gov: Protecting Your Privacy
From the Federal Trade Commission: Children’s Privacy
Learn about cybercrime and online risks with these articles from the FBI:
- Business email compromise scams exploit the fact that so many of us rely on email to conduct business—both personal and professional—and it’s one of the most financially damaging online crimes.
- Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, like your Social Security number, and uses it to commit theft or fraud.
- Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return.
- Spoofing and phishing are schemes aimed at tricking you into providing sensitive information to scammers.
- Online predators are a growing threat to young people.
- More common crimes and scams
Implement better cyber and privacy controls with these tips from the FBI:
- Taking the right security measures and being alert and aware when connected are key ways to prevent cyber intrusions and online crimes. Learn how to protect your computer, network, and personal information.
Learn how to report issues to the FBI:
If you are the victim of online or internet-enabled crime, file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center as soon as possible. Crime reports are used for investigative and intelligence purposes. Rapid reporting can also help support the recovery of lost funds. Visit ic3.gov for more information, including tips and information about current crime trends.
Find a shred day near you to get rid of sensitive documents securely. Our company, in collaboration with the local ARMA chapter, hosts a shred day annually. Many local governments also have free shred days as well. Check your local department of environmental services, recycling or Earth Day observance.
This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Neither The Cincinnati Insurance Company nor its affiliates or representatives offer legal advice. Consult with your attorney about your specific situation. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.