Criminals could find out all about you

October is Cyber-security Awareness Month. With more people now working, shopping and studying from home, our online/offline, home and business lives are merging like never before, offering criminals easier access to our most private data, especially through internet-connected devices such as smartphones, computers and laptops. The snatching of personal phones is a quick way for criminals to get your personal information, including banking details. Connected vehicles also offer opportunities, with automotive cyber-security incidents almost doubling between 2018 and 2019. Information about your preferred routes, home address and other details could put you at risk of being hijacked, so check out these tips for removing personal data before selling your vehicle. Discover what else you can do to stay safe from cyber-criminals...

Noteworthy news in numbers

53.8%: estimated percentage of South Africans who are obese, according to the World Health Organization, as highlighted during National Nutrition and Obesity Week this month.

+300,000: estimated number of the 12.7 million vehicles in SA that are illegal imports, impacting new vehicle sales according to Naamsa, which represents local vehicle manufacturers and importers.

10dB: amount (in decibels) that the new “Active Road Noise Cancellation” system from Jaguar Land Rover will reduce unwanted noise, limiting distractions and reducing driving fatigue.

Our exciting new offering for prestige clients

We are proud to be launching our Stellar Lifestyle and Stellar Farming products - specialist insurance options for high net worth clients who expect outstanding quality and service. A major advantage of these new Safire Stellar products is the complete convenience that is offered - something that discerning clients will appreciate.

The major points of difference are:

The way we handle Unspecified All Risks.
Increased extension limits for increased cover.
Sedans and LDVs are covered for business use.
Stellar clients will have several value added products as standard benefits.

There are certain qualifying criteria for the Stellar products. Please contact your Safire broker for further information.

A worrying new device

A new device being marketed by Bulgarian company SOS Autokeys makes light work of opening a vehicle. The handheld SOS Key Tool is effectively a skeleton car key. It emulates the signals from various auto manufacturers’ key fobs to facilitate access to a diverse range of vehicles in seconds. By activating a proximity system through the press of a button, users can scan and record any signal coming from a targeted vehicle. The tool will even start cars that have keyless ignition systems. At roughly $25,000 it’s not cheap, and SOS Autokeys is quoted as saying that it doesn’t want to sell the device to anyone with “unlawful intentions”, but it appears to be readily available overseas without any background check or buyer identification required.

Better sleep not more

Studies show that most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night. Failure to do so can result in fatigue, loss of concentration, and could impact on physical abilities such as handling machinery and driving safely. But it isn’t only how much sleep we get - it is important that we have good quality sleep. If disturbed by sleep apnea (which causes frequent micro-awakenings), noise or restless leg syndrome, or even controllable factors such as alcohol or certain medications, you might be getting the right number of hours in bed but still feel exhausted during the day. Not enough (quality) sleep can lead to serious health problems such as cardio-vascular disease, depression, increased obesity, and a weaker immune system. Sadly, getting too much sleep is also not good for you.

The hazards of fireworks

The closing months of the year see several celebrations that involve fireworks: Guy Fawkes (5 November), Diwali (14 November in 2020), and New Year. In addition to the fire risk (the El Dorado wildfire that burned over 2,800 hectares, prompting the evacuation of 3 000 residents in California this September, was started by a firework), panicked animals, public disturbance and nuisance, studies by researchers at New York University (NYU) School of Medicine indicate that fireworks may pose a health risk to both humans and animals. Apparently, commercial fireworks that explode release heavy metals such as titanium, copper, strontium and lead particulates into the air. When inhaled, these metals can be harmful to humans and other mammals, with possible long-term health problems. This is in addition to the numerous cases of injuries caused by fireworks annually. Check your municipal bylaws before buying fireworks as many have strict rules controlling their use. Preferably choose low-risk, less invasive options such as glow sticks when celebrating.

An award for super-rat!

An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people, mostly children, are killed or maimed by landmines every year, according to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. But a savvy rodent has been taught to sniff out these deadly devices, and has received an award for doing so.

That's Life

We hope that bosses everywhere were spoiled on Friday 16 October, which was Bosses Day. Managing people is an art which only the greatest leaders can accomplish.

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.