More and more people are experiencing data breaches due to cyberattacks, according to the "Data Breach Report 2021" from The Personal Data Authority (AP). The number of reports increased 88 percent in 2021 compared to the previous year.

Earlier, CBS also reported that by 2021, 17% of Dutch people aged 15 and older - nearly 2.5 million people - will have been victims of online crime, CBS reported. Reports of hacking (7%) and purchase fraud (10%) were the most common. People aged 15 to 25 were the most frequent victims of account or device hacking, followed by those aged 25 to 45.

Minimizing risks

For an assignment, highly skilled independent professionals perform many activities online on a computer, laptop or phone. As a result, they are at greater risk of becoming victims of online crime. To prevent sensitive information from falling into the hands of other parties, it is important to minimize the risk of being hacked as much as possible. For example, regularly backing up critical data, running monthly software updates and using two- or multi-factor authentication for access to e-mail and remote access.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to completely shut out online crime. Fortunately, there is cyber risk insurance for this purpose. This helps in case of a security breach, cyber attack, cyber deception, cyber fraud or hacking. It also covers digital liability and costs such as further damage limitation, restoration of lost data, software, reputation and lost revenue. Thanks to our collaboration with insurance partner Alicia Benefits, we can facilitate the self-employed with such insurance. So they can keep their focus on entrepreneurship and work carefree.

Collective discounts on various insurances, including cyber risks, is one of the benefits of the Select Professionals & Partners services, HeadFirst Group's platform. In addition to the opportunity to acquire challenging assignments through HeadFirst Group, freelancers and suppliers of professionals can use the services for administrative support, accelerated payment of invoices and benefits in the field of personal development, among others, as they wish.