Hackable passwords - the latest advice

We’re supposed to regularly alter our passwords to keep us safe: changing them every 90 days was once the recommendation. And NEVER share passwords between accounts, we were told. But there’s been an astonishing turnaround from those in the know, namely the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which has announced that most of us are victims of ‘security fatigue’ and are fed up with the need to remember multiple passwords and change them every three months. This leads us to take the easiest route, taking risks to see what we can get away with when it comes to our online security. This is what they now recommend.

Spotting fake news

Fake news or “misinformation” involves stories deliberately used to misinform or deceive, often to influence views or for political motives. The term became mainstream terminology when it was used by then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2016 as a method of undermining media critical of his campaign. Fake news is nothing new. What is new is how easy it's become to share information, both true and false, on a massive scale through social media platforms, which allow almost anyone to publish their thoughts or share stories, genuine or otherwise, to the world.

Are your retaining walls legal?

Homeowners should be aware that all retaining walls have to be constructed in line with SANS 10400 building regulations:  “Part K of SANS 10400…covers the structural strength and stability of all walls, including those that form part of a house or other building, and both garden and boundary walls. They also deal with retaining walls which, by definition are intended to ‘resist the lateral displacement of materials’. If the wall is not designed the right way, it simply won’t resist the pressure of soil or other materials pushing against it, and it might collapse, injuring or even killing people. It is for this reason that it is essential for all retaining walls to be designed by a competent person, preferably an engineer, and for plans to be drawn up and submitted to the relevant local authority for approval before building begins.” Cover for retaining walls is generally excluded by insurers, so discuss this with your broker for clarification.

Revolutionary rim offers protection from potholes

It’s not only South Africa that has a problem with potholes. Recent news coverage reported that routine road maintenance budgets in the UK have fallen from £1.1-billion in 2009/10 to around £701-million in 2017/18, due to cut-backs, leaving an estimated 8 million potholes unrepaired. So an announcement that a pothole-proof rim has been developed is good news for drivers and insurers alike. Michelin and wheel company Maxion have designed a rim with flexible rubber flanges that can bend and return to their original shape after hitting a pothole or curb without cracking - even when the car is fitted with low profile tyres. The added bonus is that there is also an improvement in the quality of the ride. Great news!

Get in early!

Just over 6 weeks to go until this year’s Safire Baynesfield Classic MTB & Trail on Sunday 15 September 2019, at the historical, scenic Baynesfield Estate south of Pietermaritzburg. Riders and runners of all ages and fitness levels love this event. Enter on www.roag.co.za and join us for a springtime injection of fun, fitness, and festivity. Take a look to see what it’s all about.

That's Life

Never underestimate the importance of a trusted insurer. Or hairdresser! ;-)

Economic snippets

The Insurer newsletter and the content of any article published herein, should not be construed as forming part of any insurance contract or policy nor as constituting any form of advice. It is aimed at providing an informal and informative read to the readers thereof. Whilst every effort is taken to attempt to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information contained herein, Safire Insurance Company Limited does not give any assurance regarding such accuracy or correctness and accordingly does not accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential, arising from any reliance placed in the information contained herein.