The Human Equation

05/06/2026

Read about it here:

How Businesses Can Reduce Operational Risk from Vendors And Suppliers   In today’s interconnected business environment, vendors, contractors and suppliers (Vendors) play a critical role in the ex*****on of operational and strategic processes. However, these relationships, while intended to suppor...

04/29/2026

Over 70% of data breaches in 2025 hit small and mid-sized businesses.

Cybercriminals aren't targeting you by accident — they're targeting you because they know you're less likely to have the defenses a large corporation does.

Here are 5 simple steps to protect your business:

✅ Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on ALL accounts — email, banking, and software
✅ Train your employees to recognize phishing emails before they click
✅ Back up your data regularly using the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different formats, 1 stored offsite
✅ Keep software and systems updated — outdated tools are an open door for attackers
✅ Have an incident response plan — know who to call and what to do if something goes wrong

Don't wait for the breach to find out where your gaps are.

04/22/2026

Inflation isn’t just a headline, it’s a real and growing risk to your business. Rising costs can quietly erode margins, disrupt operations, and make long-term planning more difficult.

Here’s where businesses feel it most:
- Higher costs for goods, labor, and services putting pressure on profitability
- Supply chain disruptions leading to unpredictable pricing
- Increased borrowing costs impacting cash flow and growth plans
- Reduced customer spending affecting overall demand

The good news, there are ways to stay ahead:
- Secure pricing through long-term vendor agreements when possible
- Diversify suppliers to reduce dependency and volatility
- Review and adjust pricing strategies regularly
- Strengthen cash flow management and maintain financial flexibility
- Focus on efficiency to control and reduce operating costs

Inflation may be unavoidable, but with the right strategy, its impact doesn’t have to be.

04/09/2026

Business owners may be liable if a customer slips and falls on a transitory substance in your establishment. To minimize risks:

1️⃣ Regularly inspect and maintain your premises to ensure they are safe.

2️⃣ Address spills or hazards promptly.

3️⃣ Train employees to recognize and respond to potential dangers.

4️⃣ Document cleaning schedules and safety measures.

Remember, plaintiffs must prove you had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazard, but prevention is always better than litigation! Stay proactive and keep your premises safe.

03/25/2026

From port congestion and extreme weather to vendor instability, supply chain disruptions continue to impact Florida businesses—causing delays, lost revenue, and strained customer relationships.

How to reduce your risk:
* Diversify suppliers and geographic sourcing
* Build backup vendors before you need them
* Review contracts for delivery guarantees and penalties
* Keep safety stock of critical items

Supply chain risk isn’t temporary—it’s structural. Businesses that plan ahead stay operational when others can’t.

03/04/2026

AI is transforming how mid-size businesses operate, but it’s also creating new security risks. From AI-driven phishing and deepfake fraud to data leakage through employee use of public AI tools, many organizations are expanding their threat surface without realizing it. Before adopting new AI platforms, business leaders should review data access controls, vendor security practices, and internal usage policies to ensure innovation doesn’t outpace risk management.

02/26/2026

Tariffs can unexpectedly increase the cost of materials and products, shrinking profit margins and disrupting budgets. Businesses can reduce this impact by diversifying suppliers, renegotiating contracts, and regularly reviewing pricing and cost forecasts. Planning ahead to address tariff risks as well as supply chain interruptions is a critical part of an organization’s risk management protocols.

02/18/2026

By Anita Byer, The Human Equation   Tax-related identity theft continues to be a serious and costly issue. This type of fraud occurs when criminals use someone else’s Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration r...

01/21/2026

Underwriting standards and premiums continue to evolve as insurers respond to emerging and escalating risks. Organizations that take a proactive approach to risk management, Loss Control, and Coverage strategy will be better positioned to secure coverage and obtain favorable terms.

Here are some trends impacting the 2026 commercial insurance landscape:

* Social Inflation and Litigation- increases in third-party litigation funding and nuclear verdicts have increased claim's severity.
* Artificial Intelligence - AI tools used by businesses are creating new liability risks, including algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and new cyber vulnerabilities.
* Supply Chain Volatility - increased tariffs and global supply chain disruption are inflating construction and repair costs, raising concerns of property valuation gaps and underinsurance.
* Cybersecurity threats and Fraud- steep increase in AI-powered cyberattacks, ransomware incidents, business email compromise scams and deep-fake enabled fraud are increasing claim's costs.
* Extreme Weather Events- natural disasters continue to leave businesses with significant repair and replacement expenses, globally.

12/19/2025

Read about it here: https://buff.ly/VVCvXQs

12/10/2025

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