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Is leaving a legacy on your bucket list?

10. September 2020 esbrokers (0)



Most people have a unique bucket list of adventures and achievements they are keen to experience in their lifetime. Some include trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro, others long to take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia in Turkey (In the photo above) or watch the Monaco Grand Prix live in person.

No two bucket lists are alike, but there is one item that adults of all ages need to consider including on it, and that’s developing a storm-proof financial plan.

A robust long-term financial plan will not only empower you to make those bucket list items a reality, it will also enable you to leave a lasting legacy for the people you love.

The younger you are when you put those plans in place, the better.
It’s easy to be distracted by things that give instant thrills like a new 4x4, but there are significant long-term benefits for those who plan ahead and delay some of these thrills. (Delayed gratification apposed to instant gratification).

A key motivator for savers is compound interest. The sooner you start saving, and the longer you save for, the greater the positive impact of compound interest on your savings. As you get to earn interest on your interest, it accelerates the rate at which your savings grow.

When you are young, your overall financial dependents and responsibilities tend to be lower, which means it’s the ideal time to start investing in your future and lay the foundations that will enable your money to grow.

Ingraining financial discipline in your daily life when you are young also helps to make saving an effortless habit. You get used to paying yourself first to amplify your future wellbeing.

The first rule of building a stable future that will take you through the various stages of your life in comfort and style is to decide what you want your money to do for you.

Answering this question will help guide every financial planning decision you make. For instance, if you decide that you want to retire early, this will shape your investment strategy.




Here are a few steps you could take to amplify your financial future:

• Establish exactly how much money is coming in and out every month
• Work out a plan and a budget that includes setting funds aside for saving and investing
• Control spending so you don’t spend more than you earn. An overdraft and buying on credit may help raise your lifestyle but they are very costly
• Set up debit orders for your fixed monthly expenses as well as your savings and investment accounts
• Save for unexpected short-term emergencies as well as retirement
• Invest in insurance: life insurance as well as risk cover. Unexpected curveballs are a part of life and being insured helps protect you and your loved ones from financial setbacks
• Guard against making hasty and costly financial decisions in response to volatile markets. Stick to your financial plan and check your investments at set times
• Speak to a certified financial adviser about balancing your investment portfolio so that if the value of some investments dip, others will compensate for this. Avoid having all your assets in one basket. Diversity is key
• Create a ‘life file’ which lists all your accounts, investments, passwords and people to contact about financial and personal affairs
• Get advice on drawing up a will, funeral and other insurance

There is no doubt that a professional adviser will help to ensure that all the essential elements of a financial plan are covered.

Music legends speak out

J Something and Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse were among the legendary artists who shared their wisdom and financial life skills in the sixth episode of the Old Mutual AMPD Live series, now available on YouTube.

Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse stated that his royalties are keeping him alive, but if he had known then what he knows now about money, he would be a billionaire today!

J Something was clearly financially smart from a young age. “The first thing I did with my initial paycheque was to get a retirement annuity. It was nice to know that it was there when I needed it and I was providing for my future,” he says.



Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not intended as giving advice.
EB Brokers is an authorised and licensed Short term Insurance provider and we are not authorised to  offer services on Life insurance or investments.
We simply wanted to share this information as there is content displayed that would add value.

Credits for the article goes to- FA News, AMPD Studio’s and John Manyike, head of Financial Education for Old Mutual.


85% of SA wallets hit hard by COVID-19. 10 Tips to spring clean your budget and avoid disaster.

9. September 2020 esbrokers (0)



Spring is in the air, and while we get ready to embrace the warm days of summer, we should also brace ourselves for the financial challenges that lie ahead.

A new survey conducted by Debt Rescue revealed that 85% of consumers polled said that their financial situation was adversely affected by Covid-19. 45% of respondents said they’d been affected by either retrenchment, temporary layoffs or salary reductions, with many of them resorting to measures like digging into their savings, relying on credit and applying for payment holidays.

The aftermath of Covid-19 has dealt consumers with a major financial blow. Keeping budgets in check has become more important than ever.
Whether you are still coping, or staring a full-blown crisis in the face, there are quite a few practical things that you can do to spring clean your budget and streamline it to save anything from a couple of hundred to thousands of Rands.

Here are 10 tips  for reviving and refreshing your finances:




1.     Update your income and expenses

If the last time you reviewed your budget was in January, consider the significant changes that have taken place since then, like inflation on the cost of goods, energy tariff hikes and the petrol price increases. An up-to-date budget gives you a good idea of where you need to save more, or where you now have a couple of Rands free to pay off debt a bit faster.

2.    Be smart with your spending

It’s not always easy to keep track of your spending, especially when making payments and purchases happens at the tap of a card or a click of the mouse. Luckily, advancements in technology have also made tracking your spending easy too. Take advantage of the various budget planners and apps that are available like MyFinancialLife and Spending Tracker. Also make sure to always shop around first to make sure that you get the best value for money.

3.    Make some changes behind the wheel

There’s nothing you can do about the petrol price increase but there are things you can do to help your tank go further. Did you know that at 110km/h your car uses up to 25% more fuel than it would cruising at a more moderate 90km/h? Add to this: keeping a safe following distance, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration, and regular vehicle maintenance checks, and you could reduce your fuel spend significantly.  According to the Department of Energy in the US, smart driving could increase your fuel economy by as much as 40%!

4.    Update your insurance

Now’s the perfect time to ensure that your home contents insurance is up-to-date. If you’ve bought new items for your home, the amount you’re currently insured for may not be sufficient and you could be underinsured. On the flipside, some items may have devalued, you may have sold items or downsized and may want to reduce your home contents cover, which could save you a substantial amount of money

5.    Delete unnecessary and outdated fees

Are you paying membership fees for a gym you never go to? Fees for a bank account you no longer use? This is wasted money that could be going towards saving or paying off debt, so cancel these to free up extra cash.

6.    Budget for debt repayments

From credit cards to store cards, it’s easy to get carried away buying on credit. Go through all your statements and pay off outstanding debts or at least put a plan in place to do so. It’s a good idea to pay off debt with the highest interest rate first. So if you have a mortgage bond at an interest rate of 10%, a retail card at a rate of 20% and a personal loan at a rate of 25%, pay off the loan first.

7.     Kick bad habits

From piling up paperwork and not keeping accurate records, to slacking on saving, we’ve all done it from time to time but when it becomes a habit, it’s time to take action and make a change. So wherever there are areas to improve, like brushing up on your admin skills or revisiting your saving goals, there’s something that each of us can do to improve our financial health.

8.    Compromise and reprioritise

Those designer sneakers, pricey takeaways and online shopping splurges… they all add up and sometimes that leaves you making compromises where you shouldn’t. So to ensure you have enough money for the things you and your family need first, and then compromise on the things you want – find a more affordable deal, do without the sneakers or have less takeaway meals a month.

9.    Reap from your rewards programmes

Many of us are part of loyalty programmes offered by entities from banks and supermarkets to healthcare providers. Understanding how to make the most out of these programmes is critical to really enjoying their benefits – from earning the most amount of points to receiving the highest possible discount or cash back. Read the terms and conditions and frequently asked questions on the relevant websites to ensure you know exactly how and when you should be rewarded.

10.  Stick to your saving goals

Saving is hard but it’s not impossible!  There are many different ways to save from setting up a monthly debit order to an investment account and opening a tax-free savings account to increasing your pension fund contribution. It’s best to build savings into your budget as a non-negotiable monthly expense, which should help you to be more disciplined and save more.

Implementing simple changes like taking advantage of technology, kicking bad habits and saying goodbye to unnecessary expenses will go a long way to regaining and maintaining control of your budget – putting the spring back in your financial step.


For assistance with your insurance premium savings-  please call our office on 031-5021922 or visit our website www.esbrokers.co.za.

 

Article source – iafrica.com, written by Susan Steward of Budget Insurance

South Africa’s criminals have a new target

8. September 2020 esbrokers (0)



Criminals in South Africa have locked on to a target following the popularity of online ordering in a post Covid-19 environment – couriers.

 

An increase in courier vehicle theft has followed hot on the heels of the increase in online shopping under lockdown.

According to Statista’s market and consumer data, the eCommerce industry in South Africa is expected to reach approximately R62 million in revenue in 2020 and grow by 10% each year.

And with a projected total of 31.6 million local users by 2024, it’s clear that online shopping is fast becoming the way forward. Unfortunately, criminals have identified courier companies and vehicles as easy targets.

“We have noticed a spike in courier vehicle theft. In a few of these cases, the vehicles have been recovered but the goods are missing. The fact that the majority of these vans and vehicles are being taken by force or in armed robberies and hijackings is of great concern.

Theft of courier vehicles in Gauteng is markedly higher than in any other province, and currently poses a significant and growing risk.

The times at which delivery/courier vehicles are most often stolen are generally ‘off-peak’ traffic hours, with 6% of total thefts occurring between 3-4 AM, 8% between 10-11 AM and 6% between 3-4 PM.

Tracking firm Netstar also pointed to an increase in the numbers. The trend, it said, is to loot the vehicle and leave it behind in the form of a hit and run.

Netstar said that criminals generally target before close of business, as the vehicles travelling at night are normally returning to the depot and they are in most cases empty.

The red zone is typically the first few hours of the day when vehicles are followed from the depot. Employees should be extra vigilant during this time and routes should be varied so that there is no predictable route.

Here are some safety tips for online shoppers:

  • Make sure that you know which courier company will be making a delivery and when they will do so, just to ensure that you are fully alert and prepared.
  • Include clear instructions to the courier company for when they reach your home to avoid them spending extended periods of time outside the property, making them an easy target.
  • If security alerts have been issued in your area, share these with the courier company.
  • Pick the most secure spot available for collection of the parcel and signing of the delivery receipt – ideally one that isn’t publicly accessible.
  • When collecting a parcel, always keep an eye out for suspicious individuals or vehicles. Alert the courier driver and authorities if anything is amiss and do not open your gate unless it’s 100% safe to do so.

Don’t forget to insure your parcel or to take out Goods In transit insurance. For assistance phone 031-5021922 or visit our website www.esbrokers.co.za

 

Photo Credits: ACT Logistics
Article featured in Ofm by Alex Terblanche, head of Budget Business

10 Tips for households and businesses to mitigate against damage caused by load-shedding

7. September 2020 esbrokers (0)



 

1.     1. Unplug appliances and sensitive equipment: It is always a good idea to unplug appliances or any other sensitive equipment or electronic devices that may be vulnerable to power surges. The list of items that could be affected include cell phones, laptops, desktop computers, servers and LCD screens, all of which could be badly damaged when the power comes back on due to a spike in electricity flow. It is advisable that commercial clients install inverters to power critical equipment such as cash registers and point of sale equipment as well as UPS protection or surge protection on sensitive electronic equipment.

2. Beware your generator: It is critical that generators are never used inside a home or enclosed workplace area as the emissions can cause asphyxiation. The heat from the generator or a faulty connection to your home’s power supply can also cause fire damage, which would not be covered as this would likely be deemed as negligence. Ensure that generators are installed by qualified electricians and that they issue you with an electrical compliance certificate. Generators that switch on automatically can also pose an increased risk and must be carefully managed.

3.     3. Test your alarm system: During load shedding, alarm power packs and batteries may wear out faster, resulting in reduced functionality. This may also cause alarm systems to produce false alarm signals or even to malfunction altogether. Many insurance policies require that you perform an annual or bi-annual alarm system check, which must be logged by your security company to ensure that it is in proper working order and that the battery is still functional. Failure to do so could impact your claim. You should also ensure that all alarm peripherals have fresh batteries if a wireless alarm system is being used.

4.     4. Install reserve power: To ensure that electric fencing and gates still work during load shedding, reserve batteries should be installed and maintained. While reserve batteries generally last for six to eight hours when the power goes out, load shedding dramatically decreases a battery’s lifespan, so it is incredibly important that these are tested or replaced, especially if the policyholder is planning to go away or shut down over a holiday period. Backup batteries are particularly important for commercial premises as their alarm systems typically require more power which necessitates the use of heavy-duty batteries. Clients with stock that requires continuous cold storage should consider installing back-up generators with an automated system that informs them of a power outage so that mitigating steps can be taken.

5.     5. Secure your premises: In the event that the power goes out, homeowners and commercial building owners are advised to ensure that their properties are locked up and adequately secured to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft. Not only will this reduce the risk of the theft occurring, but it will also make the claims process a lot easier in the event that a theft or robbery occurs.

6.     6. Be vigilant: Because the load shedding timetables are open to the public, criminals unfortunately may see blackouts as an opportune time to undertake illegal activities. As such, extra vigilance is required, particularly when arriving at or leaving one’s home or commercial premises during the evening. Keep a torch in your car should you arrive home in the dark and need to open your perimeter security gate manually.

7.     7. Light up your premises: Using solar power or battery-operated lighting to light up your premises can reduce the chance of opportunistic crime occurring. However, be sure to keep all such items fully charged.

8.     8. Review your insurance policies: Policyholders need to review the wording in their policies to see what is covered in the event of loss or damage to the contents of a home or building during a blackout. Policyholders are advised to speak to their insurance brokers about any additional cover that may be needed.

9.     9. Follow the load shedding schedule: Rather switch off sensitive equipment in a managed and planned way, particularly if you know that your area is likely to experience load shedding at a particular time. Some equipment that uses heat in the manufacturing process (e.g. plastic extrusion) can be damaged if not switched off properly.

 

Be positive and hang in there: We have been through this before, so we know what the risks are and how to mitigate them. All we need to do now is buckle down and execute to mitigate the impact on our lives and businesses.



Information provided courtesy of  Christelle Colman Old Mutual as it appeared in moneymarketing.co.za


Comprehensive Car Insurance - and what does it cover?

3. September 2020 esbrokers (0)



Are you exploring the best car insurance options? Understanding insurance types can be exhausting. That is why we are bringing all the information that you would need to know about comprehensive car insurance. We will also cover what the comprehensive car insurance can cover for you.


If you have a car, you should probably be looking for vehicle insurance. Comprehensive car insurance can provide you with peace of mind through varied options. It can also help you to cover the damage that may have happened to your vehicle as a result of some accident, collision, or theft.

The car insurance can cover every part of the cost ranging from the repairs to replacements. It can also cover the cost of damages that might have been done by some third party or some other property. Below is all you need to know about comprehensive car insurance.





What is comprehensive car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is an amazing car cost coverage option that you can have. It is the type of product that will lead you to a higher level of coverage that is unimaginable. It can protect the loss caused by any car accident that can involve the other vehicle as well. It will also help you through your way of car repair by paying for the damages that may have occurred to your car due to several unwanted events.

Comprehensive car insurance can be involved in incidents like theft, vandalism or any other natural event that caused any damage. This indicates that comprehensive car insurance is a miracle that can save you from loads of monetary losses to save your pocket. It is quite clear that without the option of comprehensive car insurance, you would be putting your car and yourself at risk for paying a bulk of amounts for the repairs.

The cost of this comprehensive car insurance also varied from person to person. For instance, the person with less age and less experience of driving the car might tend to pay more for the insurance due to more risk associated with it. The cost could also vary according to the location, the value of the car, claim records, etc.

These costs could also surpass significantly to the price of the policy. Firstly, you will have to know what is the need for you to have comprehensive insurance?



Why do I need comprehensive car insurance?

This type of insurance is a must-have if you own a car. This is because it can protect you from any unusual event and help you out in any accident faced by your vehicle. This insurance will save and protect you from the loss caused against events like theft, vandalism, damage caused by a third-party and all types of legal liabilities associated with it.

What does a comprehensive car insurance cover?

·       There are several benefits of having this insurance. Here is a list of coverage options that this car insurance policy can provide to you.

·       Comprehensive car insurance can protect you from any loss of your car gets stolen

·       The insurance would also cover damages that are weather-related

·       The damages caused by vandalism will also be covered by this insurance

·       One other amazing policy of this insurance is that it will even cover any damage if your car gets hit by the third party whether it is some animal, some other entity or vehicle

·       This amazing car insurance will also help you to cover any damage caused by flood

·       The damage caused by fire will also be covered in this insurance policy

·       Another advantage of having this car insurance is that it will cover the damage even extends to anyone who is driving your car.


Even if the damage is deemed to be your fault, this insurance will cover it. This means, if your fault is not proven, the comprehensive car insurance can cover your damage. For example, it is possible that someone has hit your car and drove off. This means you will have a premium type of coverage from risk-based on any usual circumstances.

For a comprehensive quotation on your vehicle simply leave your details on our website www.esbrokers.co.za, its that easy.

 

Article courtesy of Biz Community South Africa


How having the right Business insurance can save you from Bankrupcy!

3. September 2020 esbrokers (0)


When it comes to Business Insurance, sometimes financial decisions to save premiums outweighs the risk of "what if something catastrophic happens".

We have been through the pain of Fire claims many tines before and lets be real, the client rarely ends off in the same or better situation prior to the loss.

This photo is a prime example of a Kawasaki motorcycle dealership going up in flames and the devastation it causes.
Having the right insurance in place can save a business from bankruptcy.

Here are a couple of TIPS on the cover that should be in place:

1) The Building
2) cover for Loss of Rent
3) Fire cover for the contents of the business
4) Business interruption (loss of profits)
5) Additional Extensions:
* Increase cost of working
* Fire brigade charges
* Disposal of salvage (debris removal)
* Additional preparation costs
* Spread of Fire Liability

There are too many to mention them all, but these are just a few examples that come to mind.

A Fire, if not caught in time, can spread very quickly and could possibly be a total loss.
When considering Business insurance always think of the worst case scenario.

For any assistance with your Business insurance please phone 031-5021922 or visit our website www.esbrokers.co.za.

Article written by Andrew Ensor-Smith (Owner at ES Brokers)

Keeping your car for longer? 14 parts most likely to fail, and how to prevent it

2. September 2020 esbrokers (0)



Nine out of 10 motorists in South Africa intend to keep their cars for longer, according to research conducted by the Automobile Association (AA).

The AA found that about four out of 10 South Africans intend to drive their cars for between five and 10 years.

It may be a good financial move to keep your vehicle for longer to save on repayments, but the older the vehicle, the higher the risk of a mechanical breakdown – often with parts that are expensive to repair. Proper, proactive maintenance is key to protect you against a mechanical breakdown, massive expenses, an accident or worse.

 




These are the parts that you should frequently inspect and maintain as they are most likely to fail on older cars:


·       Timing belts: The belt’s teeth can sheer off or it can snap in two or more pieces, leading to catastrophic engine failure and costly full engine rebuild. Warning signs: The loss of power or a loud rattling/knocking noise. 

·       Braking system: Brake pads can wear down completely, damaging brake discs and leading to complete loss of braking power. Warning signs: Grinding noise of metal to metal, preceded by an apparent loss of brake fluid due to a drop in the brake fluid level - a clear indication that the brakes are worn down. Brake hoses or brake system seals: Leaking or ruptured hoses and seals can lead to brake system failure. Generally intended for a five-year service life. Warning signs: Deterioration can lead to blockages and/or leakages at joints as well as either a spongy or hard pedal feel with limited stopping effect. Brake fluid: Absorbs moisture during use, which reduces the resistance to heat during braking and can lead to brake failure. The brake system can also deteriorate internally, requiring costly refurbishment. Brake fluid is considered old at the two-year mark. Warning signs: Brake fade (the vehicle takes longer to stop). Spongy pedal feel, or hard pedal feel. The brake fluid in the reservoir appears dirty.

·       Radiators and radiator hoses: Numerous heating and cooling cycles could see the radiator and hoses deteriorate and fail. Resultant overheating could lead to engine failure. Warning signs: The temperature gauge is in the red. Hissing sound from the radiator cap. Hoses can display signs of bulging or collapse. A loss of power may also be experienced.

·       Alternators: Failure means that the battery and the electrical system won’t be kept at the necessary charge, leading to electrical failure. Warning signs: Loud screeching noise from the alternator if its bearings are failing. The vehicle’s charge/battery light may be on constantly. The vehicle may also struggle to start.

·       Water pumps: Failure will result in the insufficient circulation of the coolant in the engine, causing the engine to overheat and, if not rectified, engine failure. Warning signs: Elevated temperature reading. Signs of water leakage at the front of the engine.

·       Shock absorbers: Failure will cause an inability to efficiently control the vehicle. Generally designed for a service life of approximately 80 000 km. Warning signs: Poor ride quality. Reduced directional stability, increased braking distance, nosediving when stopping, poor handling and increased tyre and brake wear. Fluid leaking from the shock absorbers.

·       CV joints: The CV can collapse, causing the vehicle not to move and requiring removal and replacement. It’s best to replace CV joints on both sides of the vehicle. Warning signs: You’ll hear a loud clacking sound at low speed when turning sharply.

·       Clutches: A slipping clutch will not allow the gearbox to engage fully with the engine, leaving limited or no drive. Poor driving skills, such as riding the clutch, make a clutch wear faster. Warning signs: Shuddering on pull away, the engine revs without the vehicle accelerating.

·       Engine and gearbox seals: Failure leads to loss of lubricant and engine or gearbox seizure. Warning signs: Oil leaks from the front or rear of the engine, or rear of the gearbox. High oil consumption. Oil dripping onto the road surface. Total loss of lubricant.

·       Starter motors: Bearings wear out over time, causing an increased effort to turn the engine and, very quickly, a flat battery. Warning signs: The engine will turn sluggishly and take time to start, with symptoms similar to those of a flat battery, even when the battery is still charged.

·       Oil pumps: Failure means insufficient lubricant to the engine, parts seizing/engine failure. Warning signs: The oil pressure gauge or oil level warning light will indicate low oil pressure. It’s imperative to stop immediately.

·       Engine and gearbox mountings: Failure results in the engine and gearbox not being kept in their correct position/alignment, causing damage to engine and gearbox parts. Warning signs: Engine - a loud knocking sound or vibration on start-up and pull away. Gearbox – a knocking sound or vibration during pull away and gear changes.

·       Wheel bearings: The wheel bearing can disintegrate and cause the hub assembly to detach from the vehicle. The wheel, literally, comes off, resulting in no steering control. Warning signs: A shudder in the steering wheel during braking or cornering is an early warning. A good shake of the wheel top to bottom with the wheel jacked up off the ground will indicate a slight knocking feel or sound as well.

·       Universal joints (in vehicles with rear or all-wheel drive): Failure will lead to the prop shaft dropping out of the vehicle, causing serious damage to the rear differential (“diff”) and other undercarriage parts. Warning signs: A vibration through the floor of the vehicle at speed. This is similar to the symptoms of bad wheel balancing, which should be eliminated first.

A good extended or pre-owned mechanical warranty is a smart investment to make. It can also help you out of a pickle when it comes to a rental vehicle and/or accommodation when you’re stranded far from home.

 

For Assistance with a quote on your existing or new car please contact us on 031-5021922 or visit our website www.esbrokers.co.za/contact-us.
We also offer extended Vehicle warranties

Article first appeared on Cape Talk, written by Ricardo Coetzee, Head of Auto & General
Es brokers would like to thank our Business partners for sharing such valuable content.


DATA Breach: You could be next!

31. August 2020 esbrokers (0)



As you probably know by now, the credit bureau, Experian, was hacked and it resulted in 24 million South Africans' personal data potentially being exposed. Experian reported the breach to law enforcement and regulatory authorities.  

Nischal Mewalall, CEO of the South African Banking Risk Centre (Sabric) says, "The compromise of personal information can create opportunities for criminals to impersonate you but does not guarantee access to your banking profile or accounts. However, criminals can use this information to trick you into disclosing your confidential banking details." This is one of the biggest data breaches in South Africa in terms of client records and if a bureau as big as Experian can be hacked, it can happen to anyone.


7 Ways to mitigate the risk of a data breach

It's vital for a company to protect its data, especially when dealing with clients and confidential information. Data is king!  And with this being said, on all aspects of modern life, data is captured, stored, and processed online. So how do you mitigate the risk of being a victim of a data breach? 

 Below are useful 7 tips to help you minimize the risk of cyber threats:

1. Update Your Software Frequently 
The first step is to ensure that all IT software and operating systems are patched with the latest security and operational patches from the vendors. Microsoft and other vendors release monthly updates which should be applied as soon as possible. These updates contain patches that resolve the latest known exploits and vulnerabilities. Ensure that you and all of your employees update their software. 

2. Install Anti-Virus Programs 
Most AV protection suites are updated almost daily with the latest fixes to security exploits, ensuring systems are as safe as possible against virus outbreaks. If a virus signature is detected, the AV software will simply intercept and quarantine the virus, preventing the virus from spreading onto other systems.

3. Back-Up Your Data 
Make backup copies of your systems which you can roll back to in case of major incidents. One can never be too cautious!

4. Train and educate your employees
This training should typically include information about the latest security trends such as ransomware, phishing, spyware, rootkits, denial of service attacks, and viruses. Educate your users on how to spot fake URLs and attachments with bogus macro-codes embedded within, as these can be used to harvest data from a compromised system.


5. Secure the infrastructure

Choose an infrastructure that audited for security and compliance of system data, and you will take a huge step forward to achieving a secure digital platform.

6. Multi-factor authentication is vital 
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) is another strong tool which can be utilised to help mitigate cybersecurity risks.

7. Identify threats and plan ahead
Many of these steps will help you to identify and discover vulnerable technology assets, and as you proceed through the implementation of your security strategy, ensure that everything is documented and that the documentation is regularly updated. Once internal and external threats have been identified, it is important to make a plan of how to prepare for the worst-case scenario, such as a data breach of confidential information. 

Also, remember to work out a strategy to learn from any mistakes made.

For any assistance with CyberRisk Insurance please contact our offcie on 031-5021922 or vistit our website www.esbrokers.co.za.

Atricle courtesy of Atlantic

What colour personality quadrant are you?

30. August 2020 esbrokers (0)



It is amazing that virtually no school in the world gives its students a Personality Test. Once you take this test you will have a much better understanding of who you are and what your natural tendencies are, and more importantly, you will understand the people who are not like you much more clearly, and uncover a much easier and more effective way to interact and communicate with those people. While no one can be totally defined by which of the four basic groups they fall into, once you learn how to read peoples colors (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow) you will have a competitive advantage in understanding what will be the most effective way to communicate with them.

Four quadrant personality tests are very common. The DISC test is the most popular version being used today. It is used by many Fortune 500 companies. The basic four personality groups goes back as far as 340 BC to Plato. He called the groups Choleric (Red) Sanguine (Blue) Phlegmatic (Yellow) and Melancholy (Green). We use the colors because it makes the process very simple, and as you will soon see, it lends itself more to the idea of reading others colors, rather than simply discovering your own.

After you take the test we strongly suggest you watch the video that is provided. In a very short couple of minutes, Marc will help you truly understand how to apply Personality Profiling to help you become a master communicator.

Take the test as HONESTLY as you possibly can. Most people have a tendency to answser the questions the way they wish they were, as opposed to the way they really are. By getting an honest score, you will be able to best use the information provided. We also recommend that you do not take a great deal of time with each question. While there is no time limit when the test is taken on line, there is one when you are at one of our live workshops. It should take you less than ten minutes to take the full test. You will score most accurately if you go with you initial reaction to each question instead of over analyzing each one. (if you find yourself doing that, you will probably test to be a Green)


Take your time to read the simple directions thoroughly and have fun discovering your true colors.

http://marcaccetta.com/personality-test/test/





We had the privilege of meeting Marc Accetta a few times at our Personal growth training seminars around the World.
Through Marc's living in full colour personality test, we started evolving much quicker as we understood our own personality traits as well as being able to read that of our customers.
Being able to go into meetings knowing your customers personality and buying decision is a real advantage.
I would like to take this time to personally thank Marc Acetta for transforming our life from black and white to living in Full Colour.

Drunk driving costs economy R18.2-Billion

28. August 2020 esbrokers (0)



Drunk driving accounted for 27.1% of fatal crashes in South Africa and is estimated to cost the economy R18.2-billion each year, new research revealed. The research was done by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council and Unisa. This as the government is pushing for a 0% alcohol level for motorists with the introduction of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill. The research found that alcohol-attributed crashes accounted for the smallest proportion of cases at 5.5% while speeding stood at 52%, followed by other driver risks at 42%. It also found that pedestrians were three times more likely to die in a crash where the driver was intoxicated. RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said drunk driving operations had to be prioritised during the night, weekends and throughout the year as evidence showed that 55% of fatal crashes occurred at night.


“About three out of five happen over the weekends and 70% happen during non-vacation periods,” said Zwane. He recently called on law enforcement authorities to step up their drunk driving operations every night and make it difficult for drunk drivers to use public roads. This comes as minister of transport Fikile Mbalula during an alert level 2 transport directions media briefing, spoke of a bill that introduced a 0% alcohol level for all motorists. “The Road Traffic Amendment Bill was introduced earlier in June this year in parliament and introduces 0% alcohol level for all motorists,” said Mbalula. He said section 65 of the principal act had been amended as follows: “No person shall be on a public road and drive a vehicle; occupy the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle as the engine runs, while there is any concentration of alcohol in any specimen of blood taken from any part of a person’s body.” The amendment follows the recent death of three Tshwane Metro Police officers were killed in a head-on collision with a suspected drunk driver at the weekend. “We need to strengthen the law and ensure that innocent lives are saved,” said Mbalula.


To add to this article, remember that your Insurer follows the Laws set out by the department of Transport. If drivers are over the legal alcohol limit it is a policy violation and claims will not be paid.

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Article courtesy of Pretoria Rekord