The increasing prevalence of cybercrime has arguably made it the most significant threat for any company operating online. A single effective cyber assault can devastate an organisation’s image and financial standing. The average cost of a data breach in Australia is $3.35 million per breach and it is this frightening statistic that is leading businesses to question if they should have cyber insurance.
Securing cyber insurance is essential in safeguarding against the monetary consequences of a cyber incident; however, it is critical to grasp the extent of coverage and, more significantly, the exclusions. In this piece, we will explore the exclusions of such policies and illuminate the possible vulnerabilities that may subject your company to disastrous threats.
Where are cyber insurance exclusions?
The possible repercussions of a cyber-attack on an enterprise can be disastrous. A firm may not only experience monetary setbacks and harm to its reputation but could also be subject to legal obligations and regulatory fines. Consequently, an increasing number of organisations are adopting cyber insurance as a means to safeguard against such threats.
However, it is important to keep in mind that all cyber insurance policies are not identical, and grasping the exclusions within your policy is vital to guarantee sufficient coverage. Exclusions refer to clauses in an insurance policy that delineate what is not protected by the policy. Concerning cyber insurance, these exclusions hold particular significance, as they can expose your business to specific kinds of cyber attacks or events that you might have presumed were included. By acquainting yourself with prevalent exclusions and meticulously examining your policy, you can pinpoint possible coverage lapses and implement measures to rectify them.
Additionally, being aware of your policy’s exclusions enables you to make educated choices regarding your cyber risk management approach. By identifying the risks not included in your insurance coverage, you can focus on addressing those risks and distributing resources as needed. Thus, comprehending cyber insurance exclusions is not just crucial for safeguarding your business, but also serves as a vital component of an all-inclusive cyber risk management strategy.
Common cyber insurance exclusions
Although the precise exclusions in a cyber insurance policy may differ based on the insurance provider and the particular policy, it is essential to know about several standard exclusions. These consist of:
Physical harm and property destruction: Usually, cyber insurance plans concentrate on addressing monetary losses and responsibilities arising from a cyber incident, leaving out coverage for physical injuries and property damage. In cases where a cyber assault leads to bodily harm or property destruction, your overall liability or property insurance might be better suited.
Contractual obligations: Certain cyber insurance plans do not include coverage for liabilities that stem from contractual commitments, like indemnity provisions or service-level contracts. Consequently, if your business is legally bound to reimburse a third party for damages caused by a cyber event, your cyber insurance policy might not provide coverage for those expenses.
Unlawful or deliberate actions by policyholders: Cyber insurance plans usually do not cover losses caused by criminal or purposeful acts carried out by the insured party or its staff members. This exclusion is common in the majority of insurance policies, as insurance providers aim to avoid encouraging illicit or immoral conduct.
Insufficient security precautions: The majority of cyber insurance companies establish particular standards related to cybersecurity practices and procedures for safeguarding information. Noncompliance with such requirements may result in being denied insurance coverage.
Legal charges and punishments: Cyber insurance does not offer protection for any monetary fines, penalties, or sanctions your company may be obligated to pay, regardless of them being criminal, civil, or regulatory.
Warfare and terrorist activities: Numerous cyber insurance plans do not cover losses caused by war-related actions, terrorist incidents, or cyber-attacks sponsored by governments. This exclusion can be crucial, particularly for businesses functioning in industries or areas with elevated risk levels.
Geographical scope: Ensuring the territorial extent of a cyber insurance policy is crucial. Generally, policies purchased in the UK provide coverage in the European Union and numerous other worldwide regions, but North America might not be included.
Secure your cyber insurance needs with Intelliworx
Each organisation has a distinct combination of risks and weaknesses concerning cyber dangers. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the exclusions in your cyber liability insurance policy to guarantee sufficient safeguarding measures. Need assistance? The cybersecurity experts at Intelliworx can aid your enterprise in upholding the criteria demanded by cyber insurance providers and confirm that you are prepared for any situation.
