The ALS Group Risk Management Articles

We manage more than a quarter billion dollars of premiums for a diverse range of clients around the globe. 

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OFAC Advisory Makes Paying Cyber Extortion Ransom Illegal

Cyber Extortion Ransom Illegal Ransomware continues to be a major issue for companies regardless of size. It may be hard to believe, but the reason for this lies with the victims. The quickest and most often used resolution to the attack is to pay the ransom. While paying the ransom may resolve a problem for an organization, it encourages cyber criminals to continue the attacks. To combat it, OFAC, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, issued an Advisory in October 2020 stating that paying the ransom to a malicious actor in a ransomware event could land a company in hot water; and by hot water

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How Long Should you Keep your Insurance Policies?

As, risk managers, we often get asked by clients, “what is the appropriate period to retain insurance policies” – the easy answer is “forever”… You are probably thinking that guidance seems a bit excessive, however quite a few types of policies, such as commercial general liability, may be triggered long after the policy has expired and thus should not be discarded but rather meticulously tracked.

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Is Your Insurance Compliance Fact or Fiction?

Let’s be honest—obtaining clarity on both a contract and the related insurance compliance has turned into one of the most daunting tasks for “upstream” parties like landlords, owners, and operators. When reviewing vendor contracts, are you confident that your insurance compliance is fact, or are you relying on fiction? Here are five key points to consider when verifying whether your insurance compliance is airtight or just wishful thinking: 1. Contract Clarity: Fiction or Reality? If the contract with your counterparty isn’t clear, you could be setting yourself up for a nightmare down the road. A legitimate, fact-based contract should include commercially reasonable insurance terms and limits that protect your interests.

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Contracts and Additional Insureds – Do You Really Have Protection?

The Pitfalls of Generic Insurance Language: A Case Study on Additional Insured Protection Recently, an intriguing and concerning case highlighted a significant issue with generic insurance obligation language in contracts. In the dispute between Seven Up Realty and AJ Greenwich Contracting, the lack of specific language in the contract left Seven Up Realty without the crucial Additional Insured protection they expected from their contractor. This example underscores the importance of detailed insurance requirements in contracts and the risks associated with relying solely on Certificates of Insurance. The Case: Seven Up Realty vs. AJ Greenwich Contracting In the case at hand, Seven Up Realty had engaged AJ Greenwich Contracting for certain

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Landlords Risk and Insurance Buyer Beware

New Jersey’s real estate market offers lucrative opportunities for property investors and landlords, but it also presents a complex web of risks—particularly regarding insurance. Proper insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your investment, but many landlords face pitfalls that can result in significant financial and legal issues. While most landlords rely on insurance brokers to secure their policies, a specialized advisor like The ALS Group can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing gaps in your coverage. Common Pitfalls in Landlord Insurance Inadequate Coverage for Property Damage One of landlord insurance’s major pitfalls is inadequate property damage coverage. Many standard policies may not include protection for specific risks such

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A person sits at a desk with their head in their hands displaying a ransomware message highlighting the severe consequences of cyber risk.

Top Ransomware Prevention Tips to Safeguard Your Business

Five Tips to Help Prevent Ransomware Attacks As businesses become more aware of the dangers posed by cyber-attacks and ransomware, they are enhancing their IT security tools and practices. However, cybercriminals constantly evolve, devising new tactics to breach systems and steal valuable data. Compounding the issue, the costs associated with cyber breaches are rising. According to Ponemon’s 2019 Cost of a Data Breach study, breaches originating from malicious cyber-attacks were not only the most common but also the most expensive. Here are five updated tips to help protect your organization from ransomware and other cyber threats: 1. Strong Passwords Are Not Enough—Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) While strong passwords are essential,

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A person sits at a desk with their head in their hands displaying a ransomware message highlighting the severe consequences of cyber risk.

Top Cyber Risks of 2024

Ransomware attacks have surged in recent years, becoming one of the most devastating cyber threats to businesses of all sizes. With new tactics evolving rapidly, it’s no longer enough to rely on outdated security measures. In 2024, businesses must adopt a more proactive and layered approach to cyber defense. At The ALS Group, we offer expert advice on protecting your business from ransomware through prevention and risk management strategies. Why Ransomware Is a Growing Threat Ransomware attacks have increased in complexity and frequency. Cybercriminals no longer just target large corporations—they are increasingly going after small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which often have weaker security infrastructure. With the rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service

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Close-up of a file tab labeled "Risks" in a filing system, highlighting the importance of risk management services.

There’s Value in Measuring the Total Cost of Risk (TCoR)

Businesses face a wide range of risks that can impact their operations, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Understanding and controlling these risks is crucial for staying competitive and positioning a company for growth. One essential tool for achieving this is by measuring the Total Cost of Risk (TCoR).

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A person is silhouetted against a sunset, leaping from a cliff symbolizing the transition from one year to the next with a sense of risk management.

Business Risks CEO’s Should be Aware of in 2024

Businesses face a wide array of risks that are increasingly complex and interrelated. From fluctuations in the economy and changes in immigration laws to the ongoing threat of cybercrime and new legislative changes, companies must stay vigilant to protect their operations, reputation, and bottom line. Ignoring these risks or failing to prepare for them adequately can lead to costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and, in some cases, the collapse of an entire business. In this article, we’ll cover the top business risks to be aware of in 2024 and how insurance solutions and expert guidance from The ALS Group can help mitigate them. 1. Economic Instability and Market Volatility The global

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Our areas of expertise include:

  • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
  • Cyber Security & Cyber Liability Insurance
  • Construction Management
  • Customized Risk Management Assessments (RMAs)

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