Assured Standard Logo
FREE Quote

Cyber Liability Insurance in 2022: Coverage & Costs

Cyber Liability Insurance in 2020: Coverage & Costs

Nearly every business today uses computers to store, send, and collect electronic data. This data could include everything from your company’s tax information or proprietary secrets. You might also store private information regarding your employees, customers, vendors, and others. 

With so much crucial data being stored on company computers and cloud-based servers, there is a risk of a cyber attack. These attacks could spell disaster for companies. Security breaches can cost your business a great deal. 

Luckily, you can protect your business against the costs associated with data breaches by purchasing cyber liability insurance.

What is Cyber Liability Insurance?

Cyber liability insurance covers the financial losses that come from data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other cyber events that result in a loss. Any company that collects, stores, or deals with sensitive data can benefit from a robust cyber liability insurance policy. There are two significant kinds of coverages: first-party and third-party coverages:

First-Party Cyber Security Insurance Coverage

If your company directly incurs expenses from a data breach, first-party coverage cyber insurance comes into play. Coverages may be subject to a deductible, and policies can vary from company to company. 

Here are the most common first-party policies:

  • Loss or Damaged Electronic Data

Covers the cost to replace or restore data or software that has been damaged, destroyed, or stolen. It doesn’t matter if that data belongs to your company or to a client if that data is in your care. The losses must result from a hacker, cyber attack, virus, etc. Some policies might also cover the cost of hiring a firm or consultants to help.

  • Loss of Income and Extra Expenses

If you suffer income losses or extra expenses due to data loss or a cyber attack, this policy can help.

  • Cyber Extortion

When a hacker breaks into your system and locks you out or threatens to damage, sell, or steal private data, it’s considered a ransom attack. This coverage helps to cover ransom payments or expenses involved in responding to the attack.

  • Notification Costs

Some laws require that businesses notify anyone whose data was accessed by a cyber attack, while companies often volunteer this information. Notification costs help cover the cost to inform these parties, as well as potentially providing credit monitoring services or creating a call center to help those impacted.

  • Reputation Damage

There are even some policies that help cover the costs of hiring public relations or marketing firms to help your company’s reputation after a data breach.

Third-Party Cyber Security Insurance Coverage

Third-party coverage applies to claims against your company by other parties that have been injured or damaged by your company’s actions or failure to act. For example, if a hacker steals one of your customer’s personal data and then sells it online. That customer could potentially sue your company for their damages. Here are the most common types:

  • Network and Security and Privacy Liability

This policy covers claims against your company for a negligent act, errors or omissions, unauthorized access, computer viruses, and more. Some plans even cover claims alleging that your company didn’t adequately protect sensitive data.

  • Electronic Media Liability

If you have suits brought against you for acts like libel, slander, defamation, copyright infringement, and more. These acts are typically only covered if they are published electronically on the internet and won’t cover things your company says or prints.

  • Regulatory Proceedings

If your company is fined or penalized by regulatory agencies or you need to hire an attorney to represent you in regulatory proceedings, this policy will cover those costs.

Ultimately, cyber liability insurance helps cover the costs of:

  • Repairing damaged computer systems from a cyber attack
  • Recovering compromised data
  • Restoring personal identities of impacted customers
  • Notifying customers about a data breach
  • Representing your company in regulatory matters

Cyber insurance does not cover bodily injuries or property damages from your products, services, or operations. These kinds of events are covered under your company’s general liability policy.

How Much Does Cyber Insurance Cost?

The average cost for a policy with a $1,000,000 in liability with a $10,000 deductible is around $1,500 per year. Like any kind of insurance, cyber liability insurance quotes depend a great deal on several factors, namely:

  • Your type of business and its size
  • Number of transactions performed
  • How sensitive information is stored
  • The kinds of security measures in place to prevent cyber attacks
  • History of cyber attacks on your business

The level of coverage your company needs, along with your deductible, can also impact your cyber insurance quotes.

How to Build a Defense Against Cyber Attacks

With the high financial and reputation costs associated with cyberattacks, it’s crucial that companies have a strong plan to reduce their risk. It’s worth noting that small doesn’t mean safe. 

Some business owners believe that cyber-attacks only happen against large companies. Hackers and cybercriminals make attempts on businesses of all sizes. In some cases, smaller companies make better targets since they tend to lack the same security measures that you find with larger enterprises. 

Here is what companies should consider when planning their anti-cyber attack policies:

  • Create and enforce appropriate cybersecurity policies
  • Use up-to-date antivirus software and antispyware, and keep them updated
  • Use a firewall for your company’s internet connection
  • Keep your computer’s operating system up-to-date with security patches and other updates
  • Make regular backups of critical data and store it off-site and offline
  • Secure Wi-Fi networks with strong passwords
  • Regularly change user passwords
  • Limit employee access to install software and access non-essential data

Assured Standard: Your Technology Partner

A data breach or cyberattack could ruin your business or costs thousands of dollars in lost sales, damages, and a hurt reputation. Even with an aggressive plan to prevent cyber attacks, companies that store, collect, and use data are at risk. The best way to mitigate your company’s risk is to partner with a cyber liability insurance company. Not only will you do everything to prevent cyber issues from taking place, but you’ll be covered in case they do. Call Assured Standard today for your free cyber insurance quote and consultation.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo
About the Author
assured standard logo
Assured Standard will protect your business with the right insurance, depending on your needs. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to have the right general liability insurance experts on your side. Protecting the future of your business starts today.
Commercial Truck Insurance
Business Insurance
Copyright © 2023 Assured Standard. All Rights Reserved.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram