5 Tips for Applying for Cyber Insurance in Ontario

For Ontario cyber insurance coverage to be effective, it requires a high level of due diligence on the part of business owners and managers.

What is cyber insurance?

Cyber insurance in Ontario is a line of insurance for businesses to help protect them from internet attacks and from risks associated with technology and privacy. Some types of cyber attacks that are typically protected with cyber insurance are extortion, theft, hacking and DDoS attacks.

To get the most out of your policy, you'll want to consider the following best practices when applying for cyber insurance

• Gather accurate data
• Be honest
• Don't wait
• Involve the right people
• Work with experienced brokers

5 Types of Cyber Attacks That Threaten Small Businesses

‍Gather accurate data

Before the cyber insurance application process, it’s critical to speak with your information technology (IT) management team and any vendors you utilize in order to collect accurate data. It’s important to quantify the data on your network.

Above all, get a solid estimate on how much personally identifiable information you have, including employee data.

Be honest

To complete the application process properly and get the best possible policy, honesty is important. When working with your Scrivens cyber insurance broker, be clear about your organizational setup, security protocols and breach history.

Not only will this help in securing adequate coverage, but it will also reduce the risk of your policy being voided if carriers find out you were dishonest during the underwriting process.

Don’t wait

Even if your organization hasn’t taken the appropriate steps to reduce its cyber risk, going through the cyber insurance application process can help identify exposures.

Your Scrivens cyber insurance broker can work with you to get the best coverage possible today, leaving room to negotiate down the line when your data security methods are stronger.

Involve the right people

The application process for cyber insurance can be complicated, and it’s important to have key personnel help you.

In order to complete a cyber insurance application in Ontario, your organization may need to work with risk managers, IT professionals, HR department, financial officers, the board of directors, executives, privacy officers, marketing team, and legal professionals.

Work with experienced cyber insurance brokers

To get the most out of your policy, work with a carrier who can accurately assess your exposures and offer your organization the best protection. Because cyber insurance is relatively new, some insurance brokers are more experienced in the underwriting process than others.

At Scrivens, we have dedicated cyber insurance professionals who have immersed themselves in the topic. Our brokers can even provide details on how similar companies in your industry handle cyber security.

Taking all the above into account will not only prepare you for the cyber insurance underwriting process, but it can also improve data security up front.

Why is Cyber Security Important for Businesses of All Sizes

Be Prepared With Ontario Cyber Insurance

The application process for cyber insurance is both detailed and exhaustive. However, taking the proper steps before the application process should reduce your data breach risk, making your organization more attractive to insurers and reducing your overall insurance costs.

When applying for cyber insurance, be sure to scrutinize policy terms, premiums and underwriting programs. Doing so can put you in a better position to secure the right coverage.

For assistance applying for Ontario cyber insurance, contact your Scrivens insurance broker today.