Cyber Liability Insurance

Cybercrime is the fastest growing crime in the world, but most attacks are not covered by standard property or crime insurance policies.

If your business uses computers for any function, from paying bills to storing customer personal or financial information, you are vulnerable to a cyberattack. Small business cyber insurance provides protection that your general liability insurance may not. 

Small businesses are especially vulnerable because they often don’t have the sophisticated cyber protection systems that large companies do. 

A cyberattack can be:

• A data breach and theft exposing your customers’ personal or financial information
• A system hack that prevents you from operating your business
• Small businesses are the targets of 71% of ransomware attacks because they often don't have security or training to prevent attacks.
• Or ransomware extortion, where a computer assailant demands money to give you back access to your files. 

Cyberattacks Can Be Expensive, But Small Business Cyber Insurance Isn't

A cyberattack can prevent your business from managing customer orders, completing projects, lead to regulatory fines, or leave you responsible for financial losses to your customers.

• According to Verizon's 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report, 43 percent of cyberattacks target small businesses. 
• According to J.D. Power, 91% of small businesses with 50 employees or less do not have cyber liability insurance coverage.
• 60% of small businesses go out of business within six months after a cyberattack.

Cyber Insurance FAQs

Do you have coverage already? What coverage do you need?

Many general business policies do not cover cyberattacks. Review your current coverage with KJE to determine what coverage you have – and what you should have.

What if a vendor causes a cyberattack on my business?

Depending on the type of computer interactions you have, a vendor can make a mistake that causes your business to have a cyberattack. If this is a concern, your cyber insurance may offer an option to cover it. It’s also important to see if your vendors have cyber insurance.

What if an employee error causes a cyberattack?

Some cyber insurance policies only cover attacks from an outside source. If you feel your business may be vulnerable to employee errors, discuss getting the proper coverage – and train your employees. 

Is an attack on computer data stored in the cloud covered?

Some policies limit attacks on cloud data. Determine what coverage your cloud provider has, and determine if you needed added protection of the cloud provider’s policy is limited.

Can my business lower premium costs with preventive measures?

Insurance carriers may lower premiums if you can show them your business has implemented policies and applications to prevent cyberattacks. 

If my business has a cyberattack, how do I inform my insurance company?

As soon as you become aware of a cyberattack, inform your insurer. Oftentimes, an attack is not discovered until days or weeks after it happened. Depending on your policy, your coverage can include resources to help your business recover. Be sure you determine in advance the point of contact and procedures should an attack occur.

Strategies for Fighting Cyberattacks

• Human error is one of the main causes for cyberattacks. Email scams can release a virus onto your computer system. Employee training to avoid errors makes a difference.
• According to anti-virus software company McAfee, only 3 in 10 employees get training to prevent cyberattacks. Limit employee access to computers to just tools they need to do their jobs.
• A ransomware attack occurs when a hacker virtually "kidnaps" your computer system and demands payment to release it. If you have daily backup or duplicate files on another system that the hacker has not accessed, you can often restore your computer system’s information.
• Anti-virus software, computer firewalls, and other tools detect viruses and prevent them from harming your system. Authentication systems can also prevent hackers from accessing your computers.

At KJE Insurance Services, our agents want to learn about your business operation, so we can advise what coverage is best suited to protect your company.

Cyber insurance can cover recovery costs, including business interruption costs, ransomware protection, plus support to prevent attacks from happening. Most General Liability policies do not include cyber insurance coverage.

Coverage options can include notification of your customers in the event their identity is compromised and repairing damaged computer systems. If a cyberattack results in a lawsuit against you, your coverage can include attorney and court costs, settlements and court judgments, and fines. 

The type of cyber insurance you need depends on your industry, the number of customers you have, regulatory requirements, and how your business is computerized to conduct business.

Based on your risks and needs, the agents at KJE Insurance Services will advise you what coverage is the best fit to protect your business. Contact us today for a cyber liability insurance quote.