Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Cyber insurance is an increasingly critical part of an organization's approach to cyber defense and CISOs have realized that identity management and, in particular, Privileged Access Management (PAM) are some of the most important and influential aspects of any organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy.

As government-sponsored and widespread vulnerability attacks continue to result in larger damages, cyber insurers are looking for opportunities to still meet demand without incurring risk. It may come as a surprise, but cyber insurers aren’t in the business of issuing (and covering) cyber insurance policies; they’re in the business of staying in business. And that means identifying and reducing the highest sources of risk where the insurer will lose through paying on claims.

Cyber insurance is the fastest-growing sector of the world’s insurance markets. But, a recent increase in ransomware attacks and business email compromises has led to a sharp uptick in claims, resulting in significant losses for cyber insurers and increased premiums. Cyber insurance customers need a way to increase their cyber resilience, reduce premiums, and improve their cyber postures.

Food for thought as discussed on May 18, 2023, an article posted in The Australian Insurance Council: Banning paying a ransom to cyber hackers is counter-productive where Andrew Hall, the Chief Executive of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), stated that “attempts to ban businesses from paying ransoms for cyber attacks risks eroding trust and relationships with government.”

A new report highlights the direct connection between how strong your organization’s security stance is and how easy it is to obtain cyber insurance. Like any insurance policy, the insurer has figured out the indicators of risk and includes a form of assessment when considering issuing you a policy. When you want to obtain car insurance, they ask about your driving record, where you live, and even what your credit score is – all to determine how much of a risk you are.