I was watching an episode of the Good Wife and their files were being held for ransom. I thought it was something that was fictional, but when I was speaking to Marcus of ASCE Solutions I learned otherwise. He has helped businesses when they find their files held hostage- truly the only avenue is to pay.
What can be done?
Since 2010 Massachusetts required every business or individual who uses a Massachusetts resident’s personal information to have a Written Internet Security Program. Many people do not know about this requirement.
To start what is personal information?
(a) Social Security number;
(b) driver’s license number or state-issued identification card number; or
(c) financial account number, or credit or debit card number.
What WISP is requiring is that paper files are locked and their access is limited. For computer files they require firewalls, virus programs and if you backup then that needs to be secured, too.
You mention ransoms?
There are individuals that hack into computers and will hold files hostage. It has happened to many companies, but is not publicized. A case that was publicized was that of Swansea Police Department. They were forced to pay $750 in ransom earlier this month to hackers after a virus locked all of their computer files.
Meet the WISP protocols at least, but think about working with a technology expert. Adhering to the law is important, but being protected.
For more information on WISP: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/docs/idtheft/sec-plan-smallbiz-guide.pdf

In a two week time span the same thing happened.
I was asked about creating a business entity. I would love to create the entity for them, but the truth is that insurance is more important and you are better off by putting the money you will pay to create a business entity towards insurance.
Don’t believe me?
I will share one of the experiences. A dog walker contacted me and I listed three companies that provide insurance. Where money is an issue, insurance is a better investment unless you plan on selling your business in the very near future or have the extra money to put towards a business entity.
Did the dog walker listen?
No.

What happened?

A dog got away from one of the handlers and was hit by a car, but scampered off and has not been seen as of yet.

The result?

If the dog is never found then sorry dog lovers, a dog is considered personal property and the dog walker will be liable for the cost of the dog only. If the dog is found and is injured, this could be a problem with the cost of the veterinarian bills which may exceed the value of the dog.

Would a contract have helped?

Possibly as it would have given the amount to which the dog walkers are liable, limiting exposure.

Would the business entity have helped?

Not at all. The idea is that a business entity protects personal assets, but the business entity or the individuals involved will have to make some sort of payout, and had there been insurance, then the insurance company would have made payment.

Remember, insurance and business law go hand in hand.