In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology and the internet to operate efficiently and reach a wider customer base. However, this increased reliance on technology also comes with increased risks, such as cyber attacks, data breaches, and other forms of cybercrime.
For UK SME businesses, the consequences of a cyber incident can be devastating, ranging from financial losses and reputational damage to legal and regulatory consequences. This is why having adequate cyber insurance has become an essential aspect of risk management for UK SME businesses.
Here at The Insurance Centre, we want to support our customers in understanding this complex area, and making sure that you are covered.
What is Cyber Insurance?
Cyber insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect businesses against losses resulting from cyber incidents. These policies typically provide coverage for a range of risks, including data breaches, cyber attacks, business interruption, and other forms of cybercrime. The coverage may include costs associated with restoring systems and data, paying compensation to affected customers, and legal expenses. In some cases, cyber insurance policies may also provide public relations support to help mitigate reputational damage.
Why do UK SME Businesses Need Cyber Insurance?
UK SME businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber incidents because they often lack the resources, knowledge, and expertise to effectively manage cyber risks. A recent survey by the UK government revealed that 39%* of small businesses in the UK have suffered a cyber attack, and the average cost of a breach for SMEs is around £3,000. This highlights the need for UK SME businesses to have adequate cyber insurance in place to help mitigate the financial and operational consequences of a cyber incident.
In addition, the increased use of technology in the workplace has led to more stringent regulations regarding the protection of sensitive data. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires businesses to report data breaches to the authorities within 72 hours, and failure to do so can result in significant fines. Cyber insurance policies often provide support and guidance to help businesses comply with regulatory requirements and minimize the risk of fines.
What Should UK SME Businesses Look for in a Cyber Insurance Policy?
When choosing a cyber insurance policy, UK SME businesses should consider the following factors:
Coverage: Make sure the policy covers the specific risks relevant to your business, such as data breaches, cyber attacks, and business interruption.
Limit of Indemnity: This is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in the event of a claim. Make sure the limit of indemnity is adequate to cover the potential costs of a cyber incident.
Exclusions: Read the policy carefully to understand what is not covered by the policy. For example, some policies may exclude losses resulting from employees’ actions or lack of adequate security measures.
Policy Details: Make sure you understand the policy’s terms and conditions, including the claims process, notification requirements, and any sub-limits.
Price: Consider the cost of the policy in relation to the potential costs of a cyber incident. A cheaper policy may not provide adequate coverage, so it is important to strike a balance between cost and coverage.
In conclusion, UK SME businesses face a range of cyber risks, and the consequences of a cyber incident can be devastating. Cyber insurance is an essential aspect of risk management for UK SME businesses, providing financial protection against the costs of a cyber incident and support with regulatory compliance. When choosing a cyber insurance policy, UK SME businesses should consider the coverage, limit of indemnity, exclusions, policy details, and price to ensure they have adequate protection in place.
Some common cyber claims examples related to ransomware include:
Ransomware Attack: A ransomware attack occurs when an attacker gains access to a company’s data and threatens to encrypt or delete it unless a ransom is paid. In this scenario, a cyber insurance policy may cover the cost of the ransom payment, as well as the cost of restoring systems and data, and any legal or regulatory expenses.
Business Interruption: A ransomware attack can cause significant business interruption, leading to lost revenue and reputational damage. Cyber insurance policies may provide coverage for business interruption losses, such as lost profits and extra expenses incurred while trying to restore normal operations.
Data Recovery: In some cases, the encrypted data may not be recoverable, even after paying the ransom. A cyber insurance policy may provide coverage for the cost of data recovery and restoring systems, as well as the cost of notifying affected customers and providing credit monitoring services.
Legal and Regulatory Expenses: In some cases, a ransomware attack may result in legal or regulatory consequences, such as fines for failing to report a data breach within the required timeframe. Cyber insurance policies often provide coverage for legal and regulatory expenses, as well as support with compliance.
These are just a few examples of the types of claims that may be covered by a cyber insurance policy in the event of a ransomware attack. It’s important for UK SME businesses to understand their specific cyber risks and choose a policy that provides adequate coverage for these risks by discussing this with their insurance broker.
At The Insurance Centre, we can help you get this right, just give us a call on 01524 848506.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2022. Taken from 2022 figures as at 13 March 2023.
Back
