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Choosing the right deductible for your home insurance policy can significantly impact your premiums. Here's a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

What is a Deductible?

A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums, while lower deductibles lead to higher premiums.

How to Choose the Right Deductible:

1. Assess Your Financial Situation:

Article: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/06/21/us-kaspersky-ban/

Excerpt: “The US Department of Commerce has announced an upcoming US-wide ban of cybersecurity and antivirus software by Kaspersky, as its “ability to gather valuable US business information, including intellectual property, and to gather US persons’ sensitive data for malicious use by the Russian Government pose an undue or unacceptable national security risk.” Starting on July 20, 2024, Kaspersky is prohibited from entering into any new agreement with US persons involving its cybersecurity and antivirus products and services. Starting on September 29, 2024, Kaspersky and/or entities appointed by it must stop providing antivirus signatures and codebase updates, and must stop operating the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) in the US or on US persons’ IT systems. They are also prohibited from reselling, licensing and integrating software designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by Kaspersky into third-party products or services. “This Final Determination does not apply to transactions involving Kaspersky Threat…

LINK TO ARTICLE

First American, a leading insurance provider headquartered in Santa Ana, California, has confirmed a data breach that exposed the personal information (PII) of over 44,000 customers.

News of the incident first emerged in late December 2023, when the company's website went offline. While initial reports suggested a cyberattack, details remained scarce. Subsequently, First American filed a mandatory notification with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) acknowledging the potential compromise of customer data.

On May 28, 2024, the company concluded its investigation, revealing that the incident involved a ransomware attack and that the data of over 44,000 individuals was accessed without authorization.

Flood Insurance 101

As of March 23, 2023, there are about 22,600 communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). To do so, the NFIP partners with nearly 60 insurance companies to sell policies across the country.

What to ask

• What is the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)? A federal program created by Congress in 1968, that aims to reduce the impact of flooding across the country. It does so by providing flood insurance to property owners who live in communities that adopt and enforce floodplain management standards. The NFIP is designed to provide an insurance alternative to disaster assistance to meet the rising costs of repairing flood damage to homes, businesses, and belongings.

What is NFIP's Pricing Approach?

FEMA has updated the National Flood Insurance Program’s pricing approach, Risk Rating 2.0, as of April 2021. This pricing approach leverages industry best practices and cutting-edge technology to enable FEMA to…

Recent trends in cyber crime

In the first half of 2023, there was a notable shift in threat trends. While traditional consumer-focused cyber threats declined slightly, social engineering and web-related threats (such as scams, phishing, and malicious advertising) increased sharply.

It is predicted that generative AI, unsecured employee behavior, third-party risks, continuous threat exposure, boardroom communication gaps, and identity-first approaches to security will shape cyber-security trends as 2024 continues.

The different types of Cyber Attacks:

1. Pandemic-Related Phishing: Scammers have exploited COVID-19 fears by sending phishing emails related to health information, vaccines, and relief efforts.

2. Ransomware Attacks: Ransomware remains a significant threat, targeting both individuals and organizations. Cyber criminals encrypt data and demand payment for its release.

According to an S&P Global analysis of Texas Department of Insurance data Texas state filings show that home insurance rates have increased an average of 22% in 2023, which is twice the national rate. More billion-dollar disasters occurred in Texas in 2023, 16 total, than any other year before it on record. We are not even half way through 2024 and it does not look like the weather is letting up for Texans. The average 22% calculated is actually twice the average national increase of 11% over the same time period.

Texas is also prone to hurricanes, flooding, and even hail which are made more severe by climate change.

The rates used to calculate the averages are the same rates that insurance companies use to calculate customers’ premiums, and those rates go up every year.

Get more information from the Texas Tribune here: Climate change has sent Texas homeowner insurance…

The cosmos puts on a show on April 8th, 2024, with a total solar eclipse gracing parts of North America! This celestial event isn't just a beautiful spectacle; it offers a unique opportunity to learn about astronomy and the delicate balance of our solar system. But before you step outside to witness this wonder, let's delve into the purpose of eclipses and how to prepare for safe viewing.

Eclipses: A Celestial Ballet

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon perfectly aligns between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. The path of totality, where the sun is completely blocked, offers a glimpse of the sun's corona, its outer atmosphere. This fleeting moment allows astronomers to study the corona, which is usually obscured by the sun's intense brightness. By observing the corona during an eclipse, scientists can gain valuable insights into solar activity and its impact on Earth.

Are you piling your plate high with meat, eggs, and protein shakes in the name of good health? A new study suggests you might want to reconsider. Researchers have found that consuming too much protein, especially from animal sources, can harm your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.

https://kdhnews.com/living/health/eating-too-much-protein-is-bad-for-your-arteries-study/article_3fa7d21d-5a19-5b67-b4dc-3d42290fddfd.html

A study published in Nature Metabolism found that exceeding 22% of your daily calories from protein can activate immune cells that contribute to the formation of plaque in your arteries.

The culprit seems to be leucine, an amino acid abundant in animal-based proteins like beef, eggs, and milk.

The research suggests that plant-based protein sources might be a healthier alternative when it comes to heart health.

Owning rental property brings exciting income opportunities, but also unique risks. Before welcoming tenants, shield yourself from financial surprises with the right insurance coverages. Here's what every landlord needs:

1. Property Insurance:

• Dwelling Coverage: Protects your rental property from major events like fire, theft, weather damage, and vandalism.

• Other Structures Coverage: Ensures detached garages, sheds, and fences are also protected.

• Loss of Rent Coverage: Pays for lost rental income if your property is uninhabitable due to a covered event.

2. Liability Insurance: ⚖️