DAS launches cyber guidance for Google and Amazon assistants

DAS UK has, it says, become the first legal expenses insurer to launch a suite of cyber security information and guidance for customers using the virtual assistant devices released by Google and Amazon.

People can ask their voice-activated Google Home or Amazon Echo device a range of questions regarding cyber security, and DAS has provided answers to those questions.

The responses will help them to understand cyber risks, learn how to stay safe online, and know what to do if things go wrong.

The DAS Cyber Security action or skill is available to anyone who has a Google Home account or an Amazon Echo and will be free to download from both the Google and Amazon stores.

This isn’t the first skill DAS has launched for the Amazon Echo. Back in January, it launched a skill allowing customers to ask questions regarding legal expenses, insurance and common legal issues.

Now, on the back of research by DAS and HSB Engineering Insurance, which found widespread confusion and misunderstanding concerning cyber security, DAS has expanded that skillset to include cyber security.

“Exciting landscape”

Kevin Neal, head of strategy & innovation, DAS UK Group said: “Technology is changing how we work and play, with a wide range of digital platforms and ‘smart’ devices helping us to communicate, shop, interact, and share information in ever more dynamic ways.

”It’s a truly exciting landscape but one that introduces new and evolving threats that we need to be aware of; such as different types of malware or social engineering scams.

”It’s important for everyone to properly understand what these risks are, know how to avoid problems, and to be able to fix things quickly if they do happen. It’s fairly easy to get the basics right, but unfortunately, most people aren’t doing so at the moment.”

James Henderson, managing director of insurance UK & Ireland at DAS UK Group, said: ”The development and launch of these assistants follows on from the granular research we carried out in our ‘DAS Market Barometer: Cyber’, which highlighted potential issues for both small businesses and individual consumers with cyber awareness, understanding, and security.

“The legal expenses insurance industry needs to work much harder to help brokers and consumers understand the value of its products. Therefore it is vital that we are at the forefront of technical innovations that will digitise our business and provide us with opportunities to reach potentially vast new audiences.”

The DAS Cyber Security action for Google Home, for example, can be launched by saying: “OK Google, talk to DAS Cyber Security.”

When asked for comment, Google Home said: “Welcome to DAS Cyber Security, I can help you learn about cyber threats, give tips to help you stay safe online, and help you know what to do if things go wrong. Ask me a question, or say help for guidance.”