In today’s digital world, running a small business means more than just delivering great products or services—it also means protecting your business from cyber threats. While big companies make headlines when they get hacked, small businesses are often targeted, too. In fact, nearly half of all cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses!

At Midwest Certified Insurance Agency, we know how hard you’ve worked to build your business. As a family run business ourselves, we know that what you’ve built took sweat and grit. Let’s walk through what cyber liability insurance is, why it matters, and how it can protect your small business from the unexpected.

What is Cyber Liability Insurance? 

Simply put, cyber liability insurance helps protect your business from the financial fallout of a cyberattack or data breach. It can cover a wide range of expenses, including:

  • Data Breach Costs: If your customers’ personal information is compromised, you’ll likely need to notify them, provide credit monitoring, and manage any legal claims that arise.
  • Legal Fees: Cyber liability insurance helps cover the cost of defending your business if you’re sued due to a cyber incident.
  • Business Interruption: A cyberattack can force your business to shut down temporarily. Cyber insurance can help you recover lost income during this downtime.
  • Cyber Extortion: If your business falls victim to ransomware, cyber liability insurance can help cover the costs of responding to the threat.
  • Reputation Management: Cyberattacks can damage your brand’s reputation. Insurance can cover the cost of public relations and marketing efforts to rebuild trust with your customers.

Why Should Small Businesses Consider Cyber Liability Insurance?

You might be thinking, “I’m just a small business. Who would target me?” But that’s exactly why cybercriminals are interested. Many small businesses lack the cybersecurity resources that large companies have, making them easier targets for hackers. Here are a few reasons why cyber liability insurance is so important:

  1. Customer Data is a Prime Target
    Even if you don’t have a huge operation, chances are you store sensitive customer data—whether it’s names, addresses, credit card numbers, or login credentials. If that information gets into the wrong hands, it can lead to lawsuits, fines, and lost trust. Cyber insurance can help you navigate these costly and stressful situations.
  2. Cyberattacks are Expensive
    The costs of dealing with a cyberattack can be staggering. According to recent studies, the average data breach can cost a small business over $200,000. For many, that kind of financial hit could be devastating. Cyber liability insurance steps in to help cover these costs, so you don’t have to.
  3. You Might Already Be Required to Have It
    If you’re working with larger companies, you might be required to have cyber liability insurance as part of your contracts. Many industries are also adopting strict regulations about how customer data should be handled. If your business is affected, cyber liability insurance can help you meet those requirements and avoid penalties.
  4. It Protects Your Reputation
    In today’s digital age, trust is everything. If your customers’ information is compromised, it can hurt your reputation. Cyber liability insurance can help cover the cost of public relations efforts to rebuild your business’s image, as well as provide identity protection services for your affected customers.

What Does Cyber Liability Insurance Cover?

Cyber liability insurance offers two main types of coverage:

  • First-Party Coverage: This helps cover direct losses your business experiences due to a cyberattack. This includes costs like data recovery, business interruption, and notifying customers.
  • Third-Party Coverage: This kicks in if your business is sued by customers, vendors, or other third parties affected by the breach. It covers legal fees, settlements, and other costs associated with lawsuits.

How Can You Reduce Cyber Risks?

While cyber liability insurance is a crucial safety net, it’s also important to take steps to reduce the likelihood of a cyberattack. Here are a few tips:

  • Educate Your Team: Train your employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails and using strong passwords.
  • Update Software Regularly: Keep your business software up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Use Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of identification to access sensitive systems.
  • Backup Data: Regularly backup important data to minimize the impact of a potential attack.

We’ve Got Your Back

Navigating the world of cyber threats can feel overwhelming- that’s why we’re here to help you find the right cyber liability insurance tailored to your small business’s needs. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re protected from the unexpected and can keep focusing on what you do best—running your business.