Flip the Script on Cyber Attacks

November 10, 2020 Leave a comment Cyber Director's Desk Property/Casualty
Did you know…   

Education is listed in the top five most targeted industries for a cyber attack? A cyber breach can wreak havoc on a public school system — compromising students’ private information, diminishing a community’s confidence in the school, and ultimately costing the district and the Pool membership thousands of dollars.

The arrival of the global pandemic has provided cybercriminals with the perfect cover for ramping up email attacks. According to Beazley, SET SEG’s trusted cyber security partner, since the increase in remote work, employees have been more likely to fall for social engineering scams, or email phishing techniques used to manipulate someone into providing confidential information like log-in credentials. SET SEG members have access to a team of nationwide industry experts, robust tools, and local support to help grow and strengthen cyber security within their organization.

Flip the images below to access helpful cyber support!

Customized Member Resource Center

Though they’re the largest at-risk group, your employees also provide the most powerful first line of defense to protect against cyber hackers and misuses of sensitive information. Access the SET SEG COVID-19 Resource Center for:

  • Best practices to address new risks and exposures as a result of COVID-19.
  • Security checklists, handouts, videos and more that address IT equipment and cyber security in a remote work environment.

MEMBER DISCOUNT!

KnowBe4: Security Awareness Training

Phishing continues to be one of the greatest risks for organizations and one where employees pose the greatest vulnerability. SET SEG provides members discounted access to KnowBe4, the world’s largest integrated platform for security awareness training. This training combines a library of information with simulated phishing attacks to teach employees to make smarter security decisions every day.

To access your discount or learn more information, click here.

Breach Response Team

A cyber breach isn’t always a disaster, but mishandling it is. To ensure an immediate and proficient response to a cyber attack, SET SEG members have access to our partner, Beazley, a global company that utilizes its own in-house breach response team to resolve any cyber incidents with a member district.

For additional resources and a list of cyber security best practices, visit our COVID-19 Resource Center.

 

MISecure.org

SET SEG is proud to serve on a task force organized by Michigan Education Technology Leaders (METL), a workgroup of Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA), to develop a guide to help Michigan K-12 school districts identify and improve their cybersecurity practices.

MISecure.org lists a variety of resources, from essential cybersecurity practices for K-12 to assessments and guides to implement in your organization. To learn more about this tool created for Michigan schools by Michigan technology experts, visit misecure.org/resources.

SET SEG Cyber Coverage

SET SEG’s cyber coverage is designed to respond to various forms of attack on personal data, and organization-wide IT infrastructure. Expenses arising from compromised Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and ransomware/extortion attack costs are covered, subject to policy conditions and limits.

If you believe a breach has occurred or your systems have been compromised, please notify SET SEG immediately. Legal and computer forensic reviews will be conducted to determine the extent of the damage and appropriate next steps.

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In Data We Trust

October 14, 2020 Leave a comment Director's Desk Employee Benefit Services
Health Insurance Renewal Decisions

As your organization prepares to renew employee health insurance benefits, remember your SET SEG employee benefits expert is here to help simplify the process!

While analyzing market trends helps to manage expectations, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health insurance. Each of our members is unique and faces a different set of opportunities when it comes to providing quality health insurance plans for employees. SET SEG works to structure the best health insurance coverages to meet the individual needs of our clients while working within their budget.

Trends in the Market

Identifying and evaluating trends in the market will provide guidance and insight into your health insurance plan. Though the full impact of COVID-19 has yet to be realized, many insurance pools and carriers are anticipating an increase in claims and an increase in healthcare costs.

Understand Your Renewal

Many factors contribute to an organization’s health insurance renewal process – from the group’s size and geography to its demographics and the overall health of the employee population.

When faced with an increase, districts should utilize SET SEG’s employee benefits expertise for a comprehensive market analysis. The benefits of this may result in:

  • A more effective insurance plan design
  • Utilization of additional carriers
  • Industry-leading consultation services to contain costs
 Assess Your Renewal

Although evaluating your renewal and market options is important, the following examples are additional areas to consider as you move forward in renewing your health insurance plan.

  • PA 579: Transparency and access granted to Michigan’s public schools
    The passing of this amendment in 2019 has allowed districts to have increased visibility and accessibility to their claims data, which can be critical to the bidding process when comparing health plans from competing carriers. Click here to access information as to what PA 579 means for Michigan school districts.
  • Claims versus Premiums
    While you may be fully aware of how much premium your district is paying on an annual basis, evaluating your claims data allows the organization to see just how much the carrier paid on the district’s behalf. Your SET SEG Employee Benefits expert will lead you through this crucial process of evaluating all market options.
  • Medical Loss Ratio
    Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) is a formula that provides a vital metric when evaluating your claims paid versus the premium paid. Your SET SEG employee benefits expert will help you evaluate whether your organization’s health insurance plan is performing within acceptable industry standards.

An acceptable MLR of claims paid to premium paid typically ranges between 75% and 85%. Click here for information related to calculating your organization’s MLR.

    • If an organization’s MLR is below this threshold, your SET SEG employee benefits expert can guide you through the bidding process to obtain alternative cost-saving options.
    • If an organization has an MLR higher than this threshold, additional options other than bidding can be reviewed by your SET SEG employee benefits expert.
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Rick Johnson, Wexford-Misaukee ISD, Honored with Gus Kihlstrand Award

September 14, 2020 Leave a comment Director's Desk Property/Casualty Workers' Compensation

The Gus Kihlstrand Award, created in 2019 and named after a valued, long-tenured member of the SET SEG family, honors the legacy of public-school personnel who exemplify exceptional hard work and commitment to their district. We are proud to announce that Rick Johnson, Maintenance Supervisor at Wexford-Missaukee ISD is the 2020 recipient of the Gus […]

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