PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), tomorrow will host an educational Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore® symposium aimed at helping businesses prepare for and respond to cyber threats. In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the symposium will address the evolving cyber risks facing companies, with a specific focus on small and midsized businesses.
The 2019 Travelers Risk Index revealed that cyber risks were the top concern among the business leaders that were surveyed. Although 89% of Travelers Risk Index respondents from small businesses reported feeling confident that their company has implemented best practices for cybersecurity, many of those same organizations may be unprepared for a cyber attack. The survey showed that just 27% of small businesses owners said they have a written business continuity plan, and only 23% said they have conducted a cyber assessment of vendors who have access to their data.
“Despite cybersecurity being top of mind, many organizations seem to be overlooking some of the most effective strategies to defend against cyber threats and protect their information,” said Jessica Kearney, Second Vice President, Travelers Institute. “This program will convene thought leaders from the public and private sectors to share insights, firsthand experiences and recommendations to help businesses and organizations prioritize data security as part of their cyber risk mitigation strategy.”
The event, held in partnership with the Portland Business Alliance, the region’s chamber of commerce, will take place at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront at 11:30 a.m. PT. Kearney will moderate a panel discussion on managing cyber threats and will be joined by:
- Edward Chang, Second Vice President, Cyber Risk Management, Travelers.
- Aaron Davies-Morris, Vice President, Americas Consulting, Symantec Cyber Security Services.
- Charles Harwood, Director, Northwest Region, Federal Trade Commission.
- Simone McCormick, Partner, Lewis Brisbois.
“Cybersecurity is an issue that companies face all year long, and it can’t be forgotten about after this month ends,” said Phil Slinkard, Special Agent, Cyber Division, Portland Field Office at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who will deliver the keynote presentation at the event. “There are many steps that can be taken to avoid falling victim to an attack that could be potentially devastating, particularly to a smaller business.”
Visit the Travelers Institute’s website for more information on the Cyber: Prepare, Prevent, Mitigate, Restore symposium series.
About the Travelers Risk Index
Hart Research conducted a national online survey of 1,200 business decision-makers from July 8 to July 19, 2019. The survey was commissioned by Travelers.
About the Travelers Institute
The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc., engages in discussion and analysis of public policy topics of importance to the insurance marketplace and to the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers’ senior management, as well as the technical expertise of many of Travelers’ underwriters, risk managers and other experts to provide information, analysis and solutions to public policymakers and regulators. Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.
