The Power of Cyber Insurance: What Every MSP Should Know

Welcome to the digital era, where cyber insurance has emerged as an indispensable tool in the battle against cyber threats. As a managed service provider (MSP), you play a crucial role in safeguarding your clients—that means you must also be well-versed in the intricacies of cyber insurance to ensure their (and your) protection.

This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of our recent three-part webinar series on the importance and benefits of cyber insurance. This enlightening series, led by Fifth Wall Solutions’ Dustin Bolander and Will Brooks, brings to light the power of cyber insurance, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting its multifaceted role in today's digital environment.

Watch the full three-part series here.

Understanding Cyber Insurance for Small Businesses and MSPs

Cyber insurance provides financial protection to businesses in the event of a cyber incident, such as data breaches or ransomware attacks. For small businesses, it is a critical safety net to help them recover and mitigate potential losses. For MSPs, it’s vital to educate clients about the importance of cyber insurance and guide them in selecting the right policy to suit their needs.

But how do you do that exactly?

To start, it’s important to consider measures such as 24/7 endpoint detection and response (EDR) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) in mitigating cyber risks. Additionally, vulnerability management, people controls in security and the role of legal counsel in navigating insurance claims are all necessary.

In our masterclass series, we emphasized the importance of Tech E&O (errors and omissions) and cyber insurance for MSPs, the role of deploying security measures and user awareness and the need for efficient organization and a proactive approach towards insurance policies. The decoding of cyber insurance policies and the future of cyber insurance in this rapidly evolving digital landscape also formed a significant part of our discussion.

Let’s get into the key takeaways from our sessions.

Understanding the Misconceptions

Let’s clear the air by debunking some common misconceptions about cyber insurance. It’s tempting to think that having a managed service provider (MSP) will fend off all cyber incidents. In truth, not all clients fully leverage an MSP's services, leaving potential vulnerabilities unaddressed. Moreover, MSPs aren't equipped to handle legal matters or recover lost funds—this is where cyber insurance shines.

Cyber insurance surpasses traditional insurance policies by covering financial losses and liabilities linked to cyber incidents like data breaches, ransomware attacks and business interruptions. It acts as a safety net, offering financial backing to help businesses recover and regain their footing.

“Their exposure is your exposure.”

But businesses should also understand the realities of their cyber vulnerabilities and how MSPs and cyber insurance can mitigate them.

“...that 24/7 EDR is the thing that we see the most coming up on those high risks. If we're getting a pushback and they say, ‘hey, you need this additional control’ it's going to be that 24/7 EDR.”

Cyber Insurance and Modern Security Measures

Our exploration into cybersecurity measures has shown that 24/7 endpoint detection and response (EDR) is favored by companies, particularly those that have already suffered breaches. Insurance requirements also champion security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA). The industry is gradually moving from call and SMS-based MFA to hardware devices and push notifications for improved security.

Vulnerability management is also pivotal in reducing cyber risks. Removing local administrator rights for users and implementing formal vulnerability management are critical steps. Insurance companies are becoming more aware of these threats, emphasizing the necessity for these protective measures. Notably, 24/7 managed EDR is instrumental in mitigating the damage from cyberattacks, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.

People Controls in Security

In addition to technical controls, people controls are equally vital in fortifying security. MFA and security awareness training are key components in averting user errors that lead to breaches. Insurance can persuade management to prioritize these controls, as a significant number of incidents result from individuals clicking on malicious links.

Deploying Security Measures and User Awareness

While cyber insurance provides financial protection, it's essential to remember that prevention is better than cure. Security measures should not just be bought; they need to be correctly implemented and utilized. User error accounts for a considerable number of incidents, underlining the need for security awareness training.

The Multifaceted Role of Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance goes beyond just covering the costs of recovery after a breach. Cyber insurance policies often encompass various components mandated by state regulations at different levels. Therefore, they not only provide financial relief but also cover the expenses of necessary services.

Decoding Cyber Insurance Policies

With the ever-shifting cyber landscape, insurance policies must be comprehensive and current to protect businesses from emerging dangers. However, remember that not all cyber insurance policies are created equal. Businesses must carefully evaluate their cyber insurance policy to ensure it provides sufficient coverage for necessary services in the event of a breach.

"Carriers will not pay out if you're misrepresenting on the form."

Importance of Tech E&O and Cyber Insurance for MSPs

Managed service providers have a crucial role in safeguarding businesses from cyber threats. However, they also need protection. MSPs should have both Tech E&O and cyber insurance policies. This dual coverage ensures that MSPs can defend themselves and their clients.

Importance of Legal Counsel

When navigating insurance claims, legal counsel is indispensable. Lawyers help establish truth, gather facts and maintain attorney-client privilege, significantly aiding in cases where exposure of personally identifiable information (PII) is suspected.

Cyber Insurance: An Essential Tool for MSPs

MSPs face client pressure to handle incidents like ransomware attacks or network downtime. They need to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity, which includes integrating cyber insurance into their security services. By doing so, they can offer comprehensive protection that aligns with the rapidly changing cyber insurance industry.

MSPs must also proactively seek knowledge about insurance policies, rather than scrambling for assistance when faced with immediate client needs. Undergoing training to become authorities on insurance policies will enable MSPs to serve their clients better and offer valuable guidance.

By possessing in-depth knowledge about insurance policies and being proactive, MSPs can position themselves as experts in the field, fostering trust and confidence among their clients.

Increased Security Requirements for Cyber Insurance

Eligibility for a cyber insurance policy requires businesses to have appropriate security measures in place. MSPs can assist their clients in meeting these requirements by incorporating cyber insurance into their services, ensuring they stay ahead of the game in the fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Organizing Client Policies

To enhance the management of client policies, MSPs should avoid leaving client policies in the email inbox and seek better methods for organization. This means easy access to policies during meetings or at renewal time, storing, and referencing policy information in a seamless and efficient manner.

The Future of Cyber Insurance

The world of cyber threats continues to evolve, bringing with it an increasing need for a well-rounded, knowledgeable approach to cyber insurance. Insurance carriers are constantly adapting to new threats and refining their policies. As we step into the future, businesses must ensure they are adequately armored in the face of ever-changing cyber threats. 

For MSPs, taking a proactive stance towards understanding and implementing insurance policies can help offer comprehensive protection, keeping pace with the swift advancements in the cyber insurance industry.

So, join us in this journey of embracing the future and fortifying our businesses in this rapidly evolving cyber landscape. Don’t forget to watch our full cyber insurance masterclass webinar series, and stay tuned for more illuminating content as we continue to explore the realm of cyber insurance.