Ask any business owner – from the huge retailer to the one-person shop, and they’ll likely tell you that the security of their business data is a top concern for them. The latest high profile victim of data theft is Home Depot where the recently-discovered data breach could reach back through months of processing and potentially affect all of the retailer’s 2,200 U.S. stores. However, perhaps of greater concern is that 55 percent of small businesses responding to a recent survey said they experienced a business data breach.

How does it happen? There are many vulnerabilities – from poor office procedures causing improper document handling to theft of a computer or staff compromise. The result is lost or stolen data – whether your local database is hacked or that “cloud solution” you rely on is suddenly exploited or goes belly-up overnight – taking your business data with it. If you have not done your own secure data back-ups and kept copies of critical data, then you are at risk.

ErieSense.com says: “The personal information of customers, employees and/or tenants entrusted to you is critical to the day-to-day functioning of your business… Whether it’s a misplaced computer, an improperly shredded document or a hacked database, business data can easily become exposed. If it does, a business data breach could occur.”

Read this article to learn what measures to take to help avoid a data breach.

The William M. Sparks Insurance Agency in Lutherville - Timonium MD is a full service agency offering homeowners insurance, auto/car insurance, business/commercial insurance and life insurance to all of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania since 1981. Our experienced insurance agents welcome your inquiries and are glad to discuss your coverage needs at any time.

When we think of summer weather phenomena, hurricanes are often top of mind. But in fact lightning occurs more frequently, affects more areas, and packs a huge – although different – punch. Lightning strikes without warning and, in an instant, can cause devastating structure fires, deaths and hundreds of millions in damage expenses – not to mention the threat to your personal safety. How much do you know about lightning? For example, would you know what time of day and month of the year most lightning occurs? It is worthwhile to know as much about this threat as you can so you are able to protect yourself and your family as well as your property.

ErieSense.com says: “From 2007 to 2011, local U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 22,600 fires per year that were started by lightning. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths and $451 million in direct property damage per year. Home fires accounted for 19 percent of the lightning fires.”

See the article, view the video and study the infographic to learn more about lightning and lightning protection systems.

The William M. Sparks Insurance Agency in Lutherville - Timonium MD is a full service agency offering homeowners insurance, auto/car insurance, business/commercial insurance and life insurance to all of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania since 1981. Our experienced insurance agents welcome your inquiries and are glad to discuss your coverage needs at any time.

This year, Take Your Kids to Work Day falls on April 24^th. As an employer or business owners, you will need to know about the liability, compliance and insurance issues in advance. Using this opportunity to share your workplace with your child can add new dimension to your relationship and offer your child the chance to begin thinking about their own work future. No matter what your role is in your company, it might be worthwhile to know how this special day began and how it has evolved.

From ErieSense.com: “It’s also a good idea to leave younger kids at home or at school. Though it depends on your child’s maturity level, age 12 is usually a good age to first bring a child into the workplace… make sure to check in with your child’s school well ahead of time regarding your plans.”

 Read the entire article for a few Take Your Kids to Work Day Guidelines to make the day worthwhile.

The William M. Sparks Insurance Agency in Lutherville - Timonium MD is a full service agency offering homeowners insurance, auto/car insurance, business/commercial insurance and life insurance to all of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania since 1981. Our experienced insurance agents welcome your inquiries and are glad to discuss your coverage needs at any time.

Happy Valentine’s Day! February is "Insure Your Love" month. Find out how you can leave a legacy of love for your family.

You’ll want to view this short video from the Life Foundation. We think you’ll find it compelling. It will make you think about how your choices affect the lives of your loved ones and how their futures depend upon your decisions and actions.

We challenge you to watch this video and then answer honestly: Would you be the "before" or the "after"? Be sure to watch all the way through to see the creative twist.

Since we can’t predict what is in our future, taking the necessary steps to protect your family’s financial future will give you and them priceless peace of mind. You will know that your loved ones will be able to go on with their lives and pursue their dreams even if they must go on without you.

Here at the Sparks Insurance Agency we know Life Insurance. We’d welcome the opportunity to help you in exploring the many policy options available. Why not give us a call at your convenience?

Dave and Janet Miller’s home near Denver. Colorado was destroyed by fire. Following that ordeal, they have been motivated to share the lessons they learned during the experience. In their video, you’ll see how an everyday 9-volt battery was actually responsible for this fire. The devastation which began in the garage quickly spread to the inside of the home, and dangerous thick black smoke penetrated throughout. It left extensive damage in every room. Dave was able to escape along with his pets, but it was a close call.

This family is sharing this story to alert you to the potential for something as seemingly harmless as a 9-volt battery to cause a raging fire and put a family out of their home.

Watch the video (6:26) for all the details.

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Video Note: You will hear loud beeps that might seem that your own smoke detectors are sounding. However, rest assured that it is sound from the video. Because the power had been turned off, the remaining smoke detectors in the Miller’s house were beeping periodically.

Homeowners Insurance Tip

You might be wondering whether your homeowners insurance would cover the replacement of your home and all your belongings in the event that your home were to be destroyed by fire. Unsure of your coverage? Then we encourage you to meet with your insurance agent for a homeowners insurance policy review so that you know what protection you now have. If needed, your agent can help you explore your options if you need to make changes.

Here at the Sparks Insurance Agency, our agents help residents of Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania, each day to understand their insurance coverage. We would welcome the chance to do the same for you. Why not contact our office at your convenience?