What is cyber security insurance?
Cyber insurance protects you against financial losses should cyber criminals target your business. Typically, it covers the costs associated with responding to and recovering from cyber attacks and data breaches. These costs can include legal fees, customer communications, technology recovery and restoration and loss of business. Insurance is a safety net that enables your business to leverage digital systems and technologies safely in the knowledge that you are financially protected.
What businesses benefit from cyber insurance cover?
Cyber security insurance benefits any business that utilises digital systems. However, there is a sliding scale. Those companies that handle large amounts of sensitive data, facilitate financial transactions or rely heavily on digital technology and services may require more extensive cover and should prioritise cyber insurance. Examples of specific businesses that benefit significantly from this type of insurance include:
- IT companies – heavily reliant on digital technologies and often tasked with managing large amounts of data, IT companies are a tempting target for cybercriminals.
- Healthcare organisations – healthcare providers handle sensitive medical data and rely on digital technologies to deliver life-saving care.
- Accountants – manage confidential financial data. Data breaches could result in costly legal cases.
Benefits of cyber insurance
Businesses typically benefit from cyber insurance in several ways. These include:
- Financial protection – covers any costs accrued due to cyber security breaches, such as notification expenses and legal fees.
- Operational assistance – Insurance provides the support required to minimise outages and get your business operating again as quickly as possible.
- Compliance – digital and data management processes are subject to complex regulations and legislation. Insurance can help cover the costs of complying with these regulations in the event of a data breach.
- Managing reputational harm – the ability to cover costs, fund crisis management efforts and respond promptly to cyber attacks can help minimise damage to your brand’s reputation.
- Peace of mind – cyber security business insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring you know you are covered in the event of a security breach.