Risky Business is a commercial insurance education podcast for business owners, executives, and decision-makers who want to better understand risk before it becomes a claim. Each episode breaks down real-world threats—from cybercrime and fraud to workplace violence, liability, and regulatory change—and explains how insurance, risk management, and prevention strategies work together to protect businesses.Hosted by industry professionals at Butler Byers, the show focuses on practical insights, emerging risks, and how insurers evaluate exposure in today’s business environment. No jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear explanations of what’s changing, why it matters, and what organizations should be thinking about now.If you’re responsible for protecting a business, Risky Business helps you make smarter, more informed decisions about commercial insurance and risk.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/26/22/4693a4e7-e3ff-4387-9d4a-912ae23e1a27_bbi-pod-ep-24-04-bec-scams_1.mp3

Protect your business from one of the most sophisticated and costly cyber threats: Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams.For more expert advice on commercial risk reduction and insurance, and to contact Butler Byers for the free BEC Scams Guide discussed in this podcast, visit their website: 🌐 https://butlerbyers.com/What is a BEC Scam? Commercial Risk Reduction Specialist Colin Rooke of Butler Byers joins Paul Martin to dispel the myths around &#39;cyber&#39; and reveal what a cyberattack actually looks like for most businesses: a deliberate, targeted BEC scam. Learn why these criminals are not after your backups or credit card data, but are instead focused on key executives with access to company funds.In this episode, you will learn:Why the average successful BEC scam costs companies $4.9 million.How cybercriminals use your company&#39;s website, LinkedIn, and even AI to research and target a single person.Why top-level executives (CEO/CFO) are the most vulnerable targets.The surprising tactics criminals use to impersonate IT and attorneys to steal data and money.The bad guys are putting in the work, and so must you. Contact Butler Byers to get the quick-read guide (5-10 minutes) and learn how to recognize and repel these attacks.Host: Paul Martin, Business CommentatorGuest: Colin Rooke, Commercial Risk Reduction Specialist with Butler ByersPodcast: Risky Business Commercial Insurance with Butler Byers 00:00 – Introduction &amp; why BEC scams are exploding00:40 – What a Business Email Compromise scam looks like01:55 – Why BEC scams are harder to detect than ransomware03:20 – The psychology behind successful BEC attacks04:40 – Real-world examples of payment diversion fraud06:10 – Why traditional cyber defenses often fail07:25 – The role of social engineering in BEC losses08:45 – How criminals impersonate vendors and executives10:05 – The financial impact of a single successful BEC attack11:30 – Why banks often can’t recover stolen funds13:00 – Where cyber insurance responds — and where it doesn’t14:30 – Internal controls that reduce BEC exposure16:00 – Training staff to spot red flags17:15 – Final advice for businesses handling payments

The cyber scam costing businesses millions without malware

Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams are one of the fastest-growing and most costly forms of cybercrime. In this episode, we explain how BEC scams work, why they’re so difficult to detect, and how criminals manipulate employees into authorizing fraudulent payments. We also cover where cyber insurance may respond, where it won’t, and what controls businesses can put in place to reduce exposure.

BEC Scams Explained: Why Your Backups Won't Save You from Business Email Compromise

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/26/21/940acd21-1076-44cf-8de6-1504eb653a64_bbi-pod-ep-24-03-violence-prevention_1.mp3

Are you a business owner in Saskatchewan? There&#39;s new legislation you need to know about! In this episode of Risky Business Commercial Insurance, host Paul Martin is joined by commercial risk reduction specialist Colin Rooke of Butler Buyers, along with Grant Douziech and Sherry Timmerman from Apex Performance Consultants, to discuss the mandatory workplace violence policy and prevention plan.Since May 2024, every employer in Saskatchewan is required to have this plan in place under The Saskatchewan Employment Act. We dive into:The Mandate: Why the Saskatchewan government extended this protection to all employers and contractors, not just high-risk industries.The Insurance Angle: How having a proper plan implemented can help you secure better coverage and rates with your insurance provider, especially for employment practices liability.Employer Obligations: What the legislation requires, including investigation procedures for any violent incidents.Defining &#39;Violence&#39;: Understanding that it can include verbal threats and heated arguments, not just physical harm.Next Steps: Resources for businesses feeling overwhelmed and how experts can help implement the required policy and plan.Don&#39;t wait for litigation—get proactive about your risk management! Guests: Colin Rooke, Commercial Risk Reduction Specialist, Butler Buyers Grant Douziech, Apex Performance Consultants Sherry Timmerman, Apex Performance Consultants 00:00 – Introduction &amp; why this issue is flying under the radar00:45 – What “workplace violence” actually includes (it’s broader than you think)02:10 – New Saskatchewan legislation explained03:55 – Why every employer is now required to comply05:10 – Industries that triggered the legislative change06:35 – Why most business owners don’t know this exists07:45 – The compliance gap facing small and mid-sized businesses09:10 – Insurance implications: employment practices liability10:45 – How insurers view businesses without a prevention plan12:05 – What a violence prevention plan must include13:30 – Incident reporting, investigations, and documentation15:05 – Real-world examples that qualify as workplace violence16:45 – How risk reduction strengthens your insurance position18:00 – Final takeaways for business owners

What new workplace violence rules mean for employers

Workplace violence prevention is no longer optional. This episode explores new legislative requirements around violence prevention plans, what qualifies as workplace violence, and why many employers are unaware they’re now required to comply. We discuss insurance implications, risk management expectations, and how having a proper plan in place can affect coverage and claims.

Risk Alert! How to Mitigate Workplace Violence and Get Better Insurance Rates

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/26/21/7a99caf8-2576-469c-8204-313ce8295bf2_bbi-pod-ep-24-02-02-ransomware.mp3

Ransomware is back—and it’s bigger than ever.2023 shattered records for cybercrime payouts, with attacks now happening 4,000 times a day in the U.S. alone. But here’s the twist: hackers aren’t just locking your systems anymore—they’re stealing your most sensitive data and threatening to leak it. In this episode of Risky Business, Paul Martin and Colin Rook dive into: Why ransomware spiked after a brief dip in 2022 How criminals shifted from encryption to pure extortion The shocking stats every business leader needs to know for 2024 What small and mid-sized businesses can do right now to protect themselves If you think cyberattacks only happen to “the big guys”—think again. 00:00 – Introduction &amp; year-end cyber trends00:50 – Ransomware makes a major comeback02:10 – Why cybercriminals shifted away from AI-driven attacks03:20 – Ransomware payouts surge and success rates climb04:00 – Cybercrime as a for-profit industry05:30 – The shift from data encryption to data extortion06:55 – State-sponsored cybercrime and geopolitical ties07:45 – Why paying the ransom doesn’t protect you anymore09:15 – How cybercriminals are evolving their targets10:15 – Third-party vendors become the new weak point12:00 – Where cyber risk is heading in 2024–202513:25 – Why businesses need heavyweight cyber protection14:25 – How cyber insurance helps identify hidden threats16:15 – What small and mid-sized businesses can do now17:10 – 4,000 ransomware attacks per day: final warning 👉 Learn how Butler Buyers can help protect your business: https://butlerbuyers.ca #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #SmallBusiness

Why ransomware is surging again—and what it means for businesses

Ransomware is back in force, with 2023 setting new records for attacks and payouts. In this episode, we break down why ransomware surged after a brief decline, how cybercriminals have shifted from system encryption to data extortion, and what these changes mean for businesses of all sizes. Learn how insurers view ransomware risk today and what organizations should be thinking about before an attack happens.

4,000 Ransomware Attacks a Day?! The Hidden Cyber Crisis

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/1/26/21/4cb7047d-5d66-4714-bd6f-b4c22583a5be_bbi-pod-ep-24-01-ai_1.mp3

Artificial intelligence is exploding into the workplace — boosting productivity, reshaping jobs, and raising serious new risks. In this episode of Risky Business with Butler Byers, Paul Martin and Colin Rooke break down: How AI will change the way we work in 2024 and beyond The dangers of job insecurity and workforce unrest Cyber threats you’ve probably overlooked — like QR codes Why business leaders and insurers need to get ahead of AI’s risks now 👉 Stay informed, stay protected, and prepare your business for the AI era. 00:00 Intro  01:10 How AI Is Changing the Modern Workplace  03:16 AI Is Here to Stay  07:31 Productivity vs. Job Security  08:41 The Hidden Cyber Risks of AI  11:22 The Dangers of Unchecked AI Content  13:53 Preparing Your Workforce for AI  15:14 QR Codes The Cyber Threat You Missed  16:53 QR Codes in Your Living Room  17:34 Final Thoughts Staying Ahead of AI Risks

How artificial intelligence is changing workplace risk and insurance

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how businesses operate—but it’s also introducing new risks that leaders need to understand. In this episode, we explore how AI is affecting productivity, workforce dynamics, cybersecurity, and legal accountability. We discuss why insurers are paying close attention to AI use, how poorly governed AI can create exposure, and what businesses should be thinking about now to reduce risk. The episode also highlights an emerging cyber threat tied to AI adoption that many organizations overlook.

AI and Insurance: What Leaders Need to Prepare For

Commercial Insurance, Clearly Explained

Risky Business is a commercial insurance education podcast for business owners and decision-makers. Each episode explains real-world risks—cybercrime, fraud, workplace violence, liability, and regulatory change—and how insurance and risk management work together to protect organizations. Clear, practical insight with no sales pitch.