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Hyderabad, October 05, 2024:  The three-day Global South Conference on Infection Prevention, Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship(G-SPARC)-2024 which is being attended by well over 2000 delegates concluded on Saturday evening.

Prof. GVS Murthy, President, PRASHO; R Govind Hari, Chairman, PRASHO; Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri, Chairman G-Sparc; Dr. Raghu N Reddy, Co-Chair of G-Sparc and Continental Hospitals; Dr. Shamanna, Professor, University of Hyderabad; Sri. B J Rao, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad; Mr. Gareth Wynn Owen, Deputy High Commissioner, UK Consulate, Hyderabad and Mr. Nkwan Jacob Gobte, Honorary Secretary, ICAN graced the closing function

R Govind Hari, Co-Chair, G-SPARC 2024 gave a welcome address.

The organisers have unveiled G-SPARC 2024, Hyderabad Declaration. Two White papers on AMR and State Action Plans for containment in India and Oral Health and AMR Declaration. It presented 21 recommendations in its Hyderabad Declaration. The following are a few highlights of the 21 recommendations.

The declaration said AMR is a manmade disaster and has to be fought by concerted action.

Countries must institute effective and efficient surveillance and monitoring mechanisms.

Strong collaborations must be forged between Global South countries. The countries must support each other and stop the emergence of AMR and newer strains.

All countries in the global south must articulate strategies and action plans to combat AMR.

The high-income countries in the world should allocate a healthy proportion of their GDP to help Global South countries to fight AMR.

To see that at least 60% of countries have funded national action plans on AMR by 2030.

The Global Anti-Microbial Resistance Multi-Partner Trust Fund mooted by the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) should prioritize countries of the Global South.

UNGA should target that at least 70% of Antibiotics used for Human Health globally should belong to the WHO Access Group Antibiotics with relatively minimal side effects and potential to cause AMR.

The One Health approach should be the cornerstone of all AMR activities.

Adequate funding should be earmarked for awareness campaigns

It strongly recommended that across the Global South, no Antibiotics including topical preparations should be dispensed without a qualified health practitioner’s prescription

G-Sparc calls for India’s remaining g states and union territories to develop and implement state-level Action Plans by 2026.

Every health facility must have an Infection, Prevention, Control and AMR committee

Community engagements are critical in reducing AMR and improving IPC practices.

During the closing ceremony, three MoUs were signed and exchanged.

One MoU was signed and exchanged between PRASHO & Oxford Brookes to Design and Offer Academic Programs to improve public health capacity including in WASH, IPC & AMS. The MoU was exchanged between Dr. Sarah Howcutt, Lead of Public Health & Sri. R Govind Hari, Chairman, PRASHO.

The second MoU was between SCIINV from Telangana, India & Microbira UK. Two prominent startups who are building digital tools for improving AMR diagnostic capacity to form a Joint Venture to jointly invest & further develop tools for containment of AMR. Dr. Marianne Ismail of Microbira, Dr. Ratnakar, Dr. Pradeep and Mr. Krishna Burri from SCIINV participated and exchanged the MoU.

The 3rd MoU was signed between ICAN & IFCAI, for a deeper collaboration for improving policy and practices of IPC and AMS in Global South. Prof. Chedli Azouzz and Prof. Ranga Reddy Burri exchanged the MoU.

Awards were presented to five leaders in AMR and IPC (Infection Prevention Control) and Three hospitals for best practices in AMR. They include Prof. Purva Mathur – AIIMS Delhi; Prof. Chedili Azzouz, Chairman, ICAN; Dr. Anuj Sharma – WHO India Country Office; Ms. Shailaja Teacher – fomer. Health Minister Kerala. She was not present in person to receive the same. Dr. Annie Thakore received the Award on her behalf.

The other recipients were Prof. Shaheen Mehtar – South Africa. Mr. Nkwan Jacob Gobte, Honorary Secretary, ICAN received her behalf.

Awards for excellence in the IPC & AMS Hospitals category were presented to AIIMS, Delhi, Dr. Purva Mathur received the award; Continental Hospitals, Dr. Guru N Reddy received the award and Pranaam Hospitals, Dr. Maneesh Gour received it on behalf of the hospital.

The objective of the conference was to provide a platform for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and Patient Safety stakeholders from Global South.

G-Sparc was organized by the Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI); University of Hyderabad (UoH); Pragyaan Sustainable Health Outcomes Foundation (PRASHO)

Bangalore, 2nd October, Arrtha Cars, the authorized dealer for JSW MG, proudly celebrated a major milestone today with the launch of the all-new Windsor EV, held at Arrtha Cars, No. 190/266 Gangadhar Appa Complex, Magadi Main Road, Sunkadhakatte, Bangalore. This event marks three months of rapid growth since the company’s commencement of operations in July 2024. Led by Mrs. Nikkita Paramesh, who transitioned from the education sector to the automobile industry, Arrtha Cars has been steadily expanding its presence in the automotive market as a trusted partner for JSW MG.

Headquartered in Bangalore, Arrtha Cars operates with a strong value system built on trust and integrity. The company is driven by a mission to be the most dependable and ethical solution provider for all its stakeholders, striving to offer a seamless experience for customers in the automotive sector.

In line with its growth strategy, Arrtha Cars also announced the upcoming inauguration of new showrooms and workshops in Yelahanka and Yeshwanthpur. These expansions further underscore Arrtha Cars’ commitment to delivering top-notch customer service and satisfaction across Bangalore.

Adding to the excitement of the event was the launch of the Windsor EV, an innovative electric vehicle that marks MG’s sixth car in the Indian market. The Windsor EV sets a new standard in driving technology, positioning Arrtha Cars at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution in the country.

The event was attended by prominent guests, including:

• Nupur Jain, Head of Dealer Development, MG South Zone
• Sapthami Gowda, Actress and special guest
• Kiran Manelli, Regional Business Head – South, JSW MG
• Chezain, CEO of Arrtha Cars
• Nagashree, Head of HR, Arrtha Cars Group

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Nikkita Paramesh, Founder of Arrtha Cars, expressed her gratitude to the customers and stakeholders for their support, stating, “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in our journey and launch the Windsor EV, a vehicle that represents the future of mobility in India. At Arrtha Cars, our focus remains on excellence in service, customer satisfaction, and commitment to quality, as we continue our journey towards becoming a leading name in the automotive sector.”

Arrtha Cars is committed to providing unmatched customer service and innovative automotive solutions, cementing its position as a trusted JSW MG dealer in the region. The launch of the Windsor EV reflects the company’s vision of driving the future with sustainable mobility solutions and setting new benchmarks in the automotive industry.

Mela Activities, Giant Wheels, and Food Stalls Adds to the Festivities

Delhi, 15 September 2024 – The Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust in Delhi, overseen by Mr. Rakesh Bindal, the chairman of the trust, along with other trustees, is hosting its grand 10-day Ganesh Pooja celebration at DDA Ground, near Sant Nirankari Samagam, Burari, Delhi, feeding over 10,000 devotees through a daily Bhandara. The event running from September 7 to September 16, has drawn lakhs of visitors, making it a major cultural and spiritual highlight in the city.

The Bhandara, which serves free meals, is a key part of the trust’s mission to give back to the community. Throughout the 10 days, volunteers have been tirelessly working to ensure that every devotee receives a nourishing meal. Even the paramilitary forces and security personnel are provided meals daily. This large-scale act of service reflects the trust’s dedication to fostering a sense of togetherness and devotion.

In addition to the religious activities, the mela surrounding the event offers a wide range of entertainment options, including paid food stalls, giant wheels, and various attractions for families and children. The combination of spiritual and festive elements has turned the Ganesh Pooja into a community celebration that blends devotion with enjoyment.

“We are proud to serve 10,000 people through our Bhandara and offer a space where families can enjoy the festivities as well. We aim to make sure no one leaves without experiencing both the blessings of Ganesh and the joy of the mela,” said Mr. Rakesh Bindal, Chairman of Lalbagh Ka Raja Trust, along with other trustees.

The event also features spiritual discourses and prayers, including Hanumant Katha and Ram Katha by renowned spiritual leaders Bageshwar Maharaj and Aniruddha Maharaj. The presence of celebrities and political figures has further elevated the significance of the event.

About Lalbagh ka Raja Trust
Lalbaghka Raja Trust, based in Delhi, is devoted to organizing religious festivals and serving the community through various charitable endeavors. Their annual Ganesh Pooja event is a unique blend of spiritual devotion and social welfare, aiming to create lasting connections with the community.

New Delhi, September 14, 2024: After the successful execution of Divya Darbar by Bageshwar Maharaj, Lal Bagh Ka Raja (regd) Trust, is all set to dive into Acharya Aniruddhacharya Maharaj’s Ram Katha. Devotees from all over Delhi are joining the grand celebration filled with cultural and spiritual atmosphere.

On the 8th day of the Ganpati Mahotsav, Dandiya Nights have been organised for the visitor’s amazement, which has added special significance to the festivities.

The festivities held at the DDA Groud Burari, Delhi, will continue with a series of spiritual significant activities till 16th of September. The Mahotsav also features daily food stalls, devotional offerings and prasad distribution.

Esteemed dignitaries like Chairman Rakesh Bindal, Vice Chairman Satyabhushan Jain, Event Head Pradip Kumar Agarwal, Chief Sporson Dharmpal Singhla and Chief Secretary Anil Wadhwa were present to enrich the grandeur and spiritual fervor of the 8th Grand Vighnaharta Ganpati Mahotsav.

Visitors are encouraged to participate and indulge in the spiritual atmosphere, have live darshan and blessings from Lord Ganesh. All the arrangements are personally overseen by the Lal Bagh Ka Raja Trust to make the event a memorable spiritual experience for everyone.

Mumbai, September 4, 2024: In a significant effort to bolster healthcare services in Meghalaya, the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has dedicated a fully-equipped ambulance to Nongpoh Civil Hospital in Ri Bhoi District. This initiative aims to improve the hospital’s capacity to provide timely and effective medical care to the local community, particularly for remote outreach in the district.

The Ambulance handing over ceremony was led by Dr. Manan Kaushal, Independent Director of ITDC and graced by Shri Abhilash Baranwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District, Government of Meghalaya. ITDC’s contribution underscores its commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities, reaffirming the corporation’s dedication to social responsibility.

Dr. Manan Kaushal, Independent Director of ITDC emphasized the critical role that corporate entities can play in supporting public health initiatives. He noted that the dedication of the ambulance is a significant step towards improving emergency medical services in Ri Bhoi District, ensuring better access to healthcare for its residents. This initiative is part of ITDC’s broader mission to contribute positively to the well-being and development of communities across the country, with a focus on areas where the need is most pronounced.

Bengaluru, 4th September 2024: Shri Priyank Kharge, the Hon’ble Minister of IT & Bt, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Govt. of Karnataka chose to travel by Bengaluru’s Namma Metro on the Purple Line today. The Minister journeyed from Vidhana Soudha Metro Station to Whitefield Metro Station to attend the Nasscom Design and Engineering Summit 2024. During the 40-minute ride, he interacted with fellow passengers and gained valuable insights into their daily public transportation experiences in the city.

Mumbai, 4^th September 2024: Godrej Vikhroli Cucina, the culinary owned media property of the Godrej Industries Group, in partnership with renowned celebrity Chef Ajay Chopra, is on a mission to transform your nugget experience. Introducing the “Nibbler’s Guide to Nugget Nirvana”, a comprehensive manual to unravel the secrets to crafting the perfect nugget while avoiding common mistakes, featuring Godrej Yummiez Chicken Nuggets.

Chef Chopra shares his expert tips for elevating the nugget experience:

• Skip the thaw: Cook nuggets straight from the freezer for the crispiest bite.
• Master the oil: Use about half an inch of oil in a pan and ensure it’s hot (but not smoking) before adding nuggets. If its too hot it will burn your nuggets and if it is not hot enough, then the nugget becomes greasy
• The Temperature Hack: Dip a chopstick or a wooden spoon, if it starts bubbling then your oil is ready
• Perfect the timing: Cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
• Embrace the air fryer: For a healthier option, air fry frozen nuggets at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

This guide further adds Chef Ajay Chopra’s top 3 picks for dips beyond the ketchup like guacamole, creamy ranch, and sweet chili sauce. The Nugget Nirvana guide also focusses on the common issues in most households- left over meals. It comes with 2 creative recipes which repurposes leftover dal or gravy with crispy nuggets for innovative meals.

“People often forget how versatile nuggets can be. Through this guide, I want to inspire people to approach nuggets with a fresh perspective. Something as simple as oil depth or temperature can make or break your dish. It can be frustrating comparing the home fried nugget to something your order and it all comes to how you fry it. Smoking point is key, the same varies from oil to oil and one can’t possibly memorize those and stand at the stove with their kitchen thermometers every time you are craving a quick and simple nibble.  This short and simple guide will give you the hacks that don’t require complicated tools and help everyone avoid the common pitfalls. This isn’t just restricted to nuggets, frying like a pro is not rocket science.” says Chef Ajay Chopra.

The guide goes beyond basic cooking instructions. It delves into the science behind nugget cooking, explaining why certain methods yield better results. By following Chef Ajay’s guidance, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and achieve consistent perfection with every batch.

For more captivating details about this guide scan the QR code and discover how to make every nugget meal an intriguing experience!

Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of joy, celebration, and devotion. Ganpati idols are brought home, and pandals are decorated with all sorts of themes. People visit each other, holy and divine prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha, and good wishes and blessings are shared by everyone in the family. Let’s not forget about you grabbing every opportunity to savor soft and melt-in-mouth modaks.

In this festive atmosphere, give your loved ones a gift that treats all five senses (smell, touch, sight, taste and hearing) by gifting them a thoughtful and personal gift.

Spoiler alert: It’s not your average sweets, snacks, chocolates, or dry fruits, which is an old-time thing now; it’s 2024 and people are switching to hair growth products (hello!).
Let’s explore right now!!

1. Soulflower Lavender Self-care Gift Hamper:

Your loved ones deserve a pleasant relaxation that calms the mind and body with self-care essentials made with ingredients grown on Soulflower’s own farms in Rajasthan. The gift set has to be your sure shot way to make them feel truly special and cared for. The gift hamper includes: –

• Bath salt: Add 3 spoons of the bath salt to warm water and mix well. Settle in and soak your body or feet into the warm water.
• Lavender Soap: The soap is made with pure lavender essential oil and, castor and coconut oil for gentle moisturizing. Rub between hands to create a rich lather and apply generously on face and body. Use daily for best results.
• Aroma oil: After a relaxing bath, spray lavender aroma oil on your curtains or cushions for peaceful and uninterrupted sleep.
• T-candles (2): Soft glow with long-lasting aroma encourages healthy-breathing.
• Massage oil: Before your bath to help your skin release stress. Massage gently and thoroughly.
• Loofah: It’s made with 100% natural plant fiber that doesn’t catch fungus and gently exfoliates without leaving skin irritated and inflamed.

2. Soulflower’s Rosemary Gift Hamper for Hair Growth:

What’s more special and thoughtful than a gift of healthy, growing hair? Yes, that’s exactly what the Rosemary gift hamper does. It’s specially curated to give your loved one’s great hair. Here’s what you’ll get in this gift hamper: –

• Rosemary Essential Oil: Contains 100% pure, natural, undiluted Rosemary with clinically proven hair growth efficacy.
• Rosemary Lavender Healthy Hair Oil: Scientifically formulated with active ingredients like Rosemary, Lavender, Amla, Castor and more to control hair fall, makes hair 2.6x stronger hair and nourishes scalp.
• Rosemary Redensyl Hair Growth Serum: 4-5 pumps a day on scalp for 10.200+ new hair in 90 days. The serum is enriched with Anagain, Redensyl and Melanogray to help control hair fall and prevent premature greying.
• Rosemary Tea Tree Shampoo: Makes hair 13.3x stronger and tackles growth of dandruff-causing fungus; cleanses scalp without leaving it dried out.
• Rosemary Argan Conditioner: Packed with Argan Oil, Rosemary, Lavender and Avocado to promote volume and reduce dryness and dullness.
• Rosemary Water with Mint: Whenever you don’t feel like oiling your hair, just a few spritzes on hair will make your hair 10.6x stronger, frizz-free, shiny and smooth. Daily usage recommended.

3. Soulflower Glow Like No Other Gift Hamper:

Get healthy and glowing skin by Ganesh Chaturthi with our luxurious skin care gift set. Featuring a blend of vitamins, antioxidants and botanical extracts, this collection helps brighten, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. The hamper contains: –

• Orange Carrot Soap: Vitamin C-enriched soap to nourish and brighten skin; abundant snowy lather; long-lasting fruity and sweet aroma for a refreshing start to your day.
• Kumkumadi Face-wash: Gives you fresh, scar-free and radiant skin without leaving skin dried out.
• Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF: 50+ SPF protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. So go out in the sun without worrying about it!
• 20% Vitamin C Face Brightening Serum: Get a festive glow with the unique, lightweight serum for soft and plump skin.

4. Soulflower Vitamin C Brightening & Protecting Gift Hamper:

Say hello to brighter and youthful skin! The gift box is specially curated to make them go “wow”. It’s perfect for everyone, men or women, after all, who doesn’t love to pamper their skin. It is packed with the goodness of Vitamin C. The gift set includes: –

• Ceramide Face Gel Moisturizer: Fast-absorbing moisturizer protects your skin barrier and provides 24-hour hydration to skin.
• Hyaluronic Invisible Sunscreen: SPF 50+ PA++++ protection to protect skin from UV rays for up to 6 hours.
• Ubtan Face Mask: With multani mitti, papaya and sandalwood to brighten skin tone, draw out impurities and reduce painful acne bumps.
• Vitamin C Serum: To boost collagen, fade acne scars and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

5. Soulflower Try Me Gift Set:

Not sure which products to choose? Souflower’s “Try Me” gift sets offer a variety of options to explore and discover your favorites. From hair care to skincare, these sets are perfect for trying new products and finding your ideal routine.

6. Soulflower Aromatherapy Gift Box:

Infuse the feelings of joy, purity and good luck with the range of aroma oils, including exquisite flavors like Rajnigandha, Orange, Jasmine and White Oudh, along with our very own signature scents like Aqua Forest, Soulgreen and Love is in the Air, among others. This will certainly light up the recipient’s face with absolute joy.
You can use a ceramic diffuser, an electric diffuser or mix 4-5 drops of the aroma oil with 100 ml of water and spray it on curtains, pillows and other areas of a room.

7. Soulflower Pooja Oil + Agarbatti Combo:

For a blissful, divine prayers and pooja experience, add this combination of Kesar and Sandalwood Puja Oil and Incense sticks (Rose, Sandalwood, Kesar, Mogra).

There you have it! When you visit your relatives, friend,s or neighbors, get them a gift that shows your admiration, respect, and love towards them. Because nobody goes ‘Khaali Haath’ when one is visiting their loved ones. This Ganpati stands out and makes a lasting impression with our range of thoughtfully curated and designed gift sets containing products made with ingredients grown fresh on Soulflower’s farm in Rajasthan.

BenQ Group’s Unwavering Commitment to Sustainability, ESG, and Progress Toward RE100 Has Been Reaffirmed with Two Sustainability Action Awards and Consecutive COMPUTEX ISO Certification

BenQ Group (BenQ), an advocate of the RE100 initiative aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, announces that it has successfully implemented the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System for the second consecutive time at this year’s COMPUTEX show. This makes BenQ the only participant at COMPUTEX to have achieved this feat. BenQ’s ISO 20121 implementation at this year’s COMPUTEX show is just one component of its holistic commitment to sustainability. The Group was also recently recognized for its sustainability advocacy with six awards at the 2024 Taiwan and Asia Pacific Sustainability Action Awards (TSAA and APSAA), including two gold-level awards.

“BenQ is a human-centric brand. What matters to people matters to us. We believe that technology, product designs, and everything else we do should address people’s needs and well-being,” said Conway Lee, President and CEO of BenQ Corporation. “We aim to continue delivering solutions and experiences that are of value to our customers and positively impact society and our environment.”

BenQ Group’s environmental and sustainability commitments are rooted in its pledge to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the RE100 global initiative led by the Climate Group and CDP, which aims to achieve 100% renewable energy usage by 2050. With a mission of “Bringing Enjoyment ‘NQuality to Life,” BenQ strives to bring a better future to customers, consumers, society, and the planet we call home.

BenQ Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability is exemplified by its active participation in the RE100 initiative. This initiative aims to achieve 100% renewable energy usage by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050 and has seen BenQ Group collaborate with numerous partners and suppliers on carbon emissions reduction.

BenQ’s Two-Pronged Strategy Guides Its ESG Sustainability Efforts

Sustainable Product Lifecycles

As a significant component of its business, BenQ places importance on reducing its carbon footprint through its products via a comprehensive assessment of every stage of the product lifecycle. Whether helping customers go green by incorporating energy-saving features, reducing the use of raw materials for packaging, or incorporating more clean energy into the production process, BenQ stands firm in its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint to net zero by 2050.

Key Avenues for Achieving Sustainability

From a larger corporate perspective, BenQ strives to achieve its ESG goals through three main avenues: reducing energy consumption, optimizing raw materials usage, and manufacturing with clean energy.

BenQ’s Latest ESG Sustainability Efforts and Initiatives

At the corporate level, BenQ’s primary focus is assessing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing internal carbon pricing, adopting self-generated solar energy, verifying green energy purchases, setting carbon emissions reduction goals, implementing energy management strategies, and planning sustainable events.

From a product-level perspective, BenQ’s momentum in this category focuses on four main initiatives.

Product Design

Both the BenQ Board Pro RP04 and LCD/laser projectors feature power-saving Eco mode. The BenQ Board Pro RP04 offers advanced power-saving technologies, including power scheduling, ENERGY STAR®- certified Eco mode, sleep mode, and a real-time power usage dashboard, while BenQ’s LCD and laser projectors with the Next-Gen SmartEco technology save up to 62% of power.

Product Manufacturing

The BenQ Board 04 series is 9% lighter, reducing carbon emissions by 100 kilograms of CO₂ per device. BenQ SSI projectors are made with 50% of the post-consumer recycled materials. BenQ’s production process is also PAS-certified and validated for product carbon footprint. For example, the BenQ Board Essential RE7503A is recognized as the first interactive display to achieve ISO 14067 certification, which reduces the product’s carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle.

Packaging

The BenQ Board RM8604 packaging is 35.2% lighter and uses recycled cardboard with a simplified logo to reduce ink use, and SSI projector packaging is 80% plastic-free.

Shipping

BenQ SSI projectors are 30% more compact, and the BenQ Board 04 series is also designed to be more compact. This results in a 25% reduction in transportation frequency, lowering the carbon footprint.

“Bringing Enjoyment ‘N Quality to Life” Through ESG Sustainability BenQ’s “Bringing Enjoyment ‘N Quality to Life” mission lies at the forefront of everything it does. This mission extends beyond products and services, including initiatives that benefit society and the environment. From enhancing inclusivity in education and work with smart classrooms and workplaces to addressing climate change through corporate and product-level initiatives, BenQ strives to be a proactive global citizen towards the RE100 goals.

By Barnaby Page, VP of IR & Cyber Risk at SentinelOne

Cybersecurity failures are alarmingly common among small and medium businesses (SMBs), making them prime targets for cybercriminals. Operating with minimal cybersecurity measures, often due to limited budgets, lack of expertise, or the naive mindset of “My company is so small, who would think to attack us?” small and medium businesses (SMBs) are a prime target. However, these failures are precisely what cyber thieves hope for as they continue to bombard websites with attacks and inboxes with increasingly sophisticated phishing attempts. According to recent reports, ransomware attacks have surged 261% against websites this year in India alone, often leaving insurance companies to foot the bill for a policy they underwrote.

This forces the average person to ask: How can organisations that continuously calculate risk have been caught off-guard by a cybersecurity blind spot? The core reason is a widespread lack of adequate defences, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), insufficient employee training on phishing, immutable back-ups, and endpoint detection and response. Further, so many SMB clients moving to the Cloud presents a dizzying array of new configurations and best practices that are likely beyond a small company’s skill set.

Insurance Companies Calculate the Cyber Risk Profile

Insurance companies have recognized the growing risk posed by cyber threats and have responded by upping the minimum standard protection needed to qualify for a cyber policy. Insurers now demand robust cybersecurity measures, including authentication with multiple confirmation steps, such as sending a code to a trusted phone or email. They also require regular security scans, endpoint detection and response capabilities, and reliable, offline hard data backups.

The challenge is that insurance companies are not inherently equipped to assess and manage cybersecurity risks. Organisations that lack a trusted cybersecurity solution on their networks and endpoints are ill-protected and cannot generate the insights necessary for insurance companies to accept the policy risk. This outside-looking-in approach requires insurance teams to fill in the gaps and leaves too much room for uncertainty. It hinders the ability to respond quickly since the digital clean-up crew will first have to reconstruct what exactly the system was like before the breach. At the same time, the lack of adoption of a proper security stack leaves much room for insurance companies to change today’s security landscape.

An Insurance and Cybersecurity Partnership

In the 20th century, building owners were reluctant to install costly sprinkler systems to extinguish contained fires before spreading to other areas. Having lost far too much on paying out claims for people who lacked proper protection, they stopped underwriting policies for buildings that failed this critical safety measure. Sure, it helped keep people safe, but this fiscal move protected countless residents from harm.

Insurers typically rely on third-party cybersecurity firms to contain the damage, recover compromised data, and evaluate the impact when a breach occurs. This reactive approach is costly and inefficient, leading insurance companies to bleed money to cover the extensive damages from cyber incidents. We are now at a breaking point where underwriters need to switch from an outside-looking-in approach to a more transparent inside-looking-out vantage point, where companies send over relevant insights.

Making this a reality lies in fostering a partnership between insurance companies and cybersecurity firms. By aligning efforts, these entities can create a robust ecosystem aimed at preventing cyber attacks while protecting sensitive data. Such a partnership can invigorate the approach to cybersecurity and insurance, ensuring that both sectors work towards a common goal of risk mitigation and data security.  Healthcare companies are already employing the FitBit for telemetry and other monitoring systems that can keep healthcare costs in line.

One security standard that is widely accepted by insurance companies is the Center for Internet Security’s Critical Security Controls (CIS18). These controls provide a comprehensive framework for securing a company’s networks and systems. By referencing theCIS18 as best practice, insurance companies can ensure that SMBs implement industry-standard cybersecurity measures. This alignment offers several benefits:

1. Standardised Security Assessments: By assessing an organisation’s data, insurers can assess where they are and develop a timeline of how to strengthen the company’s security over the next 12 months, moving them in the right direction.
2. Transparent Data Sharing: Insurance companies can gain access to detailed reports on SMBs’ cybersecurity postures, enabling more accurate risk assessments and tailored policy offerings. This can be done via data sharing.
   As a result, the insurer can accurately assess the risk level and determine appropriate coverage options while the business gains valuable insights into areas needing improvement.
3. Enhanced Coverage and Discounts: Businesses that meet a heightened level of cybersecurity may be eligible for policy discounts and other benefits, such as higher limits, lower deductions, or no co-insurance requirements.
4. Resource Efficiency: With standardised security measures in place, the renewal process for cyber insurance policies can become more streamlined, reducing administrative burdens for both insurers and SMBs.

Instead of undergoing a lengthy renewal process based on forms and interviews companies can automatically share data from their systems, which reduces the amount of questions the insurers need to ask. This streamlined process reduces administrative burdens and allows insurers to quickly renew policies for businesses and improve their book of business.

A Secure Future with Controlled Ransomware Threats

The integration of cybersecurity and insurance efforts represents a rare business win-win-win scenario. Insurance companies benefit from reduced claims and financial stability, SMBs gain better protection and access to comprehensive insurance coverage, and end-users enjoy enhanced data security. By embracing this collaborative model, the industry can pave the way for a more secure and resilient digital future.