It’s a necessary piece of cover for most businesses in the UK, even relatively small sub-20 employee operations. Cyber attacks are regular, organised and automated these days and the reputational damage can be as serious as the immediate financial or data loss. So can insurtechs, brokers and MGAs deliver flexible cyber cover, that’s also affordable?
Let’s start with some commentary is from David Nicolas Bartolini, Head of Cyber Risk Engineering Tech at HDI Global:
- Are insurance brands open to cyber-attacks via platforms and legacy integration, how can brands build defenses?
The exposure for insurance firms depends on their relevance for hackers as well as their cyber security set up. In general insurance firms are indeed exposed to cyber-attacks especially through outdated systems and extensive platform integrations. Legacy IT environments often lack modern security updates, leaving insurers vulnerable to exploits of known weaknesses. At the same time, heavy reliance on third-party digital platforms means a broader attack surface. Cybercriminals can exploit these weak links, so insurers must fortify their defenses. Key strategies include modernizing or segmenting legacy infrastructure, rigorous patch management, and enforcing strong third-party risk management protocols. Investing in new digital/zero-trust-architecture and cutting-edge security measures is helping build a more resilient, future-proof insurance operation.
- Is crisis support and IT expertise actually more valuable in some cases than cash payouts after cyber claims?
In the wake of cyber incidents, companies often value expert support as much as (or more than) a check from the insurer. Cyber policies typically consider immediate crisis services – legal counsel, IT forensics, public relations. This is especially HDI Global’s strategy: insurers are expected not only to indemnify losses but to act as a partner, e .g. in recovery from claims. Many insured businesses now prioritize rapid incident response and technical expertise provided by HDI Global. Therefore, in practice, a swift breach response can be more valuable than a cash payout alone, because it helps contain damage and resume operations quickly.
Meanwhile, here are some comments by Zac Warren, (above) Chief Security Advisor at Tanium;
“Cyberattacks are high-stress moments where the first few hours can define the outcome.
The best insurers don’t just cover the cost of a breach; they seize the opportunity to become trusted cyber resilience partners. By helping clients cut through the noise and respond with confidence, they can offer real value in the moments that matter. Simple, actionable frameworks like an ‘ABC’ guide can be invaluable at that time.
“When you’re in crisis mode, clarity and speed are everything. A practical response model might look like this:
“A: Assess – Identify the scope and impact of the attack in real time. Which endpoints are compromised? What vulnerabilities were exploited? With autonomous endpoint management, clients can interrogate their entire environment instantly, no blind spots, no delays.
“B: Bolster – Move fast to contain the threat. Automatically isolate affected devices, deploy critical patches, reset credentials, and restore trusted configurations. This is where automation comes into its own, speeding up the transition from detection to remediation.
“C: Communicate – Armed with accurate, real-time data, organisations can brief internal stakeholders, regulators, and their insurer with confidence. It also accelerates recovery and forensics, helping avoid repeat incidents.
“In my role, I work with clients every day who are building this kind of resilience into their organisation’s DNA – where visibility, control, and intelligent automation form the backbone of their response strategy. For insurers, supporting that shift reduces risk exposure, while building long-term trust and stronger security outcomes for everyone involved.”
Be the first to comment