Latest news with #digitalprotection
Telegraph
27-06-2025
- Telegraph
Who's looking after your home this summer?
In the modern world, high-profile individuals aren't just securing their super-prime homes with more locks, higher fences or better CCTV, they're looking to protect their properties from digital break-ins too. 'It's about converged security, where physical security meets cyber security and human intelligence,' says Jack Charman, managing director of National Private Investigators. 'Security is extremely important to our clients, especially international buyers, in regard to both their person and homes,' says Rosy Khalastchy, head of Beauchamp Estates St John's Wood. 'This is especially so for those with large and detached houses, where primary security is the concern solely of the homeowner.' Jo Eccles, founder of buying agency Eccord, agrees. '[They're] much more security-conscious than they used to be, not just in terms of protection against break-ins but also in safeguarding their personal cyber-security. We'll often recommend to our buying clients that a specialist security survey is carried out to identify and rectify any weaknesses before they move into their new home, and that can include their digital domain.' The so-called 2016 'grandpa robbery' of Kim Kardashian in Paris, which saw £7.5m of her jewellery stolen, including a £3m engagement ring, is a good example of how digital and physical security are interconnected. 'During Paris Fashion Week, she posted photos of her jewellery and real-time updates of her location on social media. That information was enough,' says Charman. 'The attackers conducted hostile reconnaissance online, identified her security weaknesses, and struck when she was alone. The lesson? Even the best physical security can be undone by a careless post.' Since the incident, the TV star only has personal drivers, hires security guards to sleep outside her room and refuses to keep jewellery anywhere she's staying overnight. Closer to home, Petra Ecclestone and Frank Lampard were the victims of a £26m series of London celebrity burglaries that took place in December 2019 and, in May this year, PM Keir Starmer saw two of his homes targeted in an arson attack. 'Modern threats exploit the gaps between physical, digital, and human elements of security. It's these blind spots, the assumptions we make and the systems we overlook, that expose high-profile households to real danger,' adds Charman. While Charman can't divulge who his clients are, the services he provides to secure their homes, tech and possessions are extensive. 'Many breaches come from within. Whether intentional or not, household staff pose one of the biggest risks.' Along with comprehensive background checks before they're hired, staff are regularly reassessed, particularly if they exhibit any behavioural changes or financial distress. Part of this ongoing monitoring includes social media checks for red flags. 'Many of our clients have different alarm codes for their housekeeper, property manager, and anyone else who might be visiting the property, so they can see exactly when they arrived and left – and keep tabs on what they're doing while they're there,' explains Eccles. When it comes to protecting against external threats, there's been a growth in smart security in recent years. 'Today's break-ins don't always involve a crowbar. They happen through your doorbell or wifi network,' says Charman. 'Avoid Hikvision and similar systems; these brands have been linked to Chinese state surveillance and remote backdoor vulnerabilities.' As well as the obvious, using unique, complex passwords, app-based access controls and two-factor authentication, Charman helps clients create segmented networks, so there's one for smart home devices, one for personal use and one for guests, and set up end-to-end encrypted platforms for calls and emails of legal or financial importance. HNWIs still use traditional methods of security because the price of insuring their property has increased so significantly. 'House insurance is usually arranged ahead of exchange, so that will always raise questions about alarms, locks on the doors and windows, CCTV, safes and so on,' says Eccles. She flags that, in order to satisfy an insurer, anyone with £500,000 of jewellery is expected to have a grade 4 or 5 safe, which costs £20,000 to install somewhere discreet, such as behind a sliding panel or mirror. Some residents also employ private security patrols, particularly if they spend long periods abroad. 'We look after properties that are rarely used, where people have their main home overseas... We offer patrols or can go in and check that the place is secure,' says Geoff Davies of City Keyholding. Alongside this, they might also engage a maintenance company to be on hand, should there be a leak or fault that might damage the property while they're away. 'Much of our work is concentrated in SW3, in privately owned flats, houses and mews,' says Robin Westlotorn of Aspire Construction London. 'Our clients include high-profile footballers and horse-racing correspondents. We don't always get to meet them or get to know them, but we sign NDAs and can't photograph the properties.' While London's physical crime is on the wane, digital offences are up and HNWIs are targets because of their status, wealth, and online footprint. 'Threat actors now go to great lengths to gather information and plan targeted attacks. That means protecting the physical estate is only half the battle,' says Charman. 'The rapid spread of connected devices, smart tech, and online exposure has made the digital space just as vulnerable and often overlooked.'
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: QIC launches new personal cyber insurance coverage
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has introduced its new personal cyber insurance, an innovative coverage designed to protect individuals from cyber risks, ensuring they can navigate their digital lives with extra confidence. QIC's new personal cyber insurance is the first in Qatar to offer individuals a comprehensive financial protection against the cyber risks of daily online life, including those occurring while shopping online and using connected devices. With a QIC personal cyber insurance policy in hand, individuals in Qatar can now fulfill their digital needs worry-free knowing they are protected against financial losses from cyberattacks, online shopping fraud, credit card fraud, phishing scams, cyber extortion threats, identity theft, and cyber damage to their connected devices and wearables. In the event of a covered cyberattack, the insured person will benefit from financial support to restore or retrieve their digital systems and data. The policy also covers theft of funds, and ransom payments in the case of cyber extortion, ensuring that customers have the backing they need to recover without bearing the financial burden alone. Commenting on the new product, Salem Al Mannai (pictured), Group Chief Executive Officer, said: 'Qatar is one of the most connected countries in the world, with one of the highest internet penetration rates. People rely heavily on the internet for their daily needs, which can increase their exposure to cyber threats and risks, sometimes leading to significant financial losses. As Qatar's leading insurer, our responsibility is to empower everyone to navigate the digital world with confidence, staying protected while enjoying the convenience of a networked life.' Al Mannai added: 'In line with the National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030 and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, QIC is proud to be the first insurer to introduce this groundbreaking personal cyber insurance in the country. As Qatar continues its digitalization at all levels, we are confident that this new product will enhance the confidence with which people in Qatar go online, ensuring our community stays protected while engaging with an increasingly connected world.' QIC's new personal cyber insurance is exclusively available to QIC customers as an add-on coverage to home contents insurance, comprehensive car insurance, and travel insurance for QR100 per year. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
QIC launches new personal cyber insurance coverage
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), the leading insurer in Qatar and the MENA region, has introduced its new personal cyber insurance, an innovative coverage designed to protect individuals from cyber risks, ensuring they can navigate their digital lives with extra confidence. QIC's new personal cyber insurance is the first in Qatar to offer individuals a comprehensive financial protection against the cyber risks of daily online life, including those occurring while shopping online and using connected devices. With a QIC personal cyber insurance policy in hand, individuals in Qatar can now fulfill their digital needs worry-free knowing they are protected against financial losses from cyberattacks, online shopping fraud, credit card fraud, phishing scams, cyber extortion threats, identity theft, and cyber damage to their connected devices and wearables. In the event of a covered cyberattack, the insured person will benefit from financial support to restore or retrieve their digital systems and data. The policy also covers theft of funds, and ransom payments in the case of cyber extortion, ensuring that customers have the backing they need to recover without bearing the financial burden alone. Commenting on the new product, Mr. Salem Al Mannai, Group CEO of QIC, said: "Qatar is one of the most connected countries in the world, with one of the highest internet penetration rates. People rely heavily on the internet for their daily needs, which can increase their exposure to cyber threats and risks, sometimes leading to significant financial losses. As Qatar's leading insurer, our responsibility is to empower everyone to navigate the digital world with confidence, staying protected while enjoying the convenience of a networked life." Al Mannai added: "In line with the National Cyber Security Strategy 2024-2030 and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, QIC is proud to be the first insurer to introduce this groundbreaking personal cyber insurance in the country. As Qatar continues its digitalization at all levels, we are confident that this new product will enhance the confidence with which people in Qatar go online, ensuring our community stays protected while engaging with an increasingly connected world.' QIC's new personal cyber insurance is exclusively available to QIC customers as an add-on coverage to home contents insurance, comprehensive car insurance, and travel insurance for QAR 100 per year. To learn more about coverage limits and policy terms, visit
Khaleej Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GIG Gulf launches the UAE's first home insurance with built-in cyber protection
GIG Gulf, a leading insurance provider in the Mena region, is raising the bar for personal protection with the launch of the UAE's first home insurance product that includes cyber-fraud cover as standard. This market-first offering extends protection beyond physical assets, helping safeguard families from the growing threat of online fraud and digital attacks. From phishing scams and identity theft to online shopping fraud and ransomware, the new Cyber Comfort cover provides policyholders with a multi-layered defense against a range of cyber threats. Every family member of the household is included under the policy, and GIG Gulf provides direct access to a dedicated cyber resolution team available 24/7 to guide victims through recovery in case of a digital breach. This enhancement comes at a time when cybercrime is escalating globally, and the UAE is taking proactive measures to protect residents and businesses. As the digital economy grows, so do the risks. GIG Gulf's cyber cover ensures policyholders are protected at home and online – reinforcing the company's commitment to customer-centric innovation. Commenting on the launch, Franck Heimburger, chief personal lines officer at GIG Gulf, said: 'Today, our homes are more connected than ever, and with that connectivity comes new risks. By embedding cyber protection into our home insurance, we're taking a bold step to meet the evolving needs of our customers. It's not just about insuring what's inside your home anymore – it's about securing the digital lives of the people who live in it.' The cyber cover is available on all new and renewing home insurance policies issued in the UAE from March 2025 onwards. GIG Gulf plans to roll out similar coverage across other regional markets and product lines, continuing to set the pace for innovation in the insurance industry. GIG Gulf continues to redefine what customers can expect from insurance – combining smart technology, practical protection, and human support to deliver peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. Explore GIG Gulf's enhanced home insurance today and take the first step toward protecting your digital world.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GIG Gulf launches the UAE's first home insurance with built-in cyber protection
Dubai, UAE: GIG Gulf, a leading insurance provider in the MENA region, is raising the bar for personal protection with the launch of the UAE's first home insurance product that includes cyber-fraud cover as standard. This market-first offering extends protection beyond physical assets, helping safeguard families from the growing threat of online fraud and digital attacks. From phishing scams and identity theft to online shopping fraud and ransomware, the new Cyber Comfort cover provides policyholders with a multi-layered defense against a range of cyber threats. Every family member of the household is included under the policy, and GIG Gulf provides direct access to a dedicated cyber resolution team available 24/7 to guide victims through recovery in case of a digital breach. This enhancement comes at a time when cybercrime is escalating globally, and the UAE is taking proactive measures to protect residents and businesses. As the digital economy grows, so do the risks. GIG Gulf's cyber cover ensures policyholders are protected at home and online – reinforcing the company's commitment to customer-centric innovation. Commenting on the launch, Franck Heimburger, Chief Personal Lines Officer at GIG Gulf, said: 'Today, our homes are more connected than ever, and with that connectivity comes new risks. By embedding cyber protection into our home insurance, we're taking a bold step to meet the evolving needs of our customers. It's not just about insuring what's inside your home anymore – it's about securing the digital lives of the people who live in it.' The cyber cover is available on all new and renewing home insurance policies issued in the UAE from March 2025 onwards. GIG Gulf plans to roll out similar coverage across other regional markets and product lines, continuing to set the pace for innovation in the insurance industry. GIG Gulf continues to redefine what customers can expect from insurance – combining smart technology, practical protection, and human support to deliver peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. Explore GIG Gulf's enhanced home insurance today and take the first step toward protecting your digital world.
