Should you pay ransom demands?

Ransomware is a major threat, with 85% of organisations more worried about ransomware attacks than any other cyber threat. While there is no law against paying ransom when data and/or systems are taken hostage, it is strongly discouraged by both IT experts and law enforcement representatives. Around 80% of companies that paid a ransom demand were hit again, with nearly 50% paying a second ransom and almost 10% paying a third time...

Noteworthy news in numbers

+1 million: number of award-winning Wonderbags used globally, to help limit deforestation and reduce high-risk, open-fire cooking.

+20 years: the time it took to create this unique calendar of solely African history that details what happened on any given date.

$2-trillion: amount of private wealth held on the African continent, inspiring Barclays to expand its private-banking services.

Saving our arboreal heritage

A collaborative effort has saved the indigenous Warburgia salutaris from extinction because of unsustainable harvesting methods. Commonly known as the pepper-bark tree or 'isibhaha' in isiZulu, this tree is prized for its medicinal anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The bark, now registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Body, has been used by traditional healers to cure colds and chest infections for centuries.

Are you adequately covered?

Events during the past twelve months, which include the July 2021 unrest, catastrophic flooding, and the Jagersfontein dam collapse, have highlighted the importance of being adequately insured in the event of damage to or destruction of fixed property. Many building owners were underinsured and had a shortfall to reinstate their buildings. How do you ensure that you are properly covered for building insurance claims?

Wills Week 2022

National Wills Week was held from 12 to 17 September this year, with the Law Society of South Africa aiming to emphasise the importance of having a valid will. Which of the four main types of wills (simple, testamentary trust, joint, and living) you need, depends on your circumstances. Anyone of 16 years and over, unless they are mentally incapable of appreciating the consequence of their action, can make a will. Create a free digital DigiWill here, with Shackleton Life.

Proudly South African thrills

South Africa hosts some legendary high-rise adventure challenges, including the world's highest bridge bungee jump, some 216 metres above the Bloukrans River; the world's only stadium swing at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium (the Guinness Book of Records' Tallest Swing in the World); and the Oribi Gorge Swing, the world's highest gorge swing with a 70-metre freefall. Feeling really brave? Then try the world's highest SCAD (Suspended Catch Air Device) freefall - completely without attachments - inside the Orlando Tower in Soweto. Have a look ...

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.