Cyber Security Insurance (CSI)

Cyber security insurance is the new age policy which tries to safeguard online users from online criminal acts. Net banking, social networking and online shopping are some of the daily activities performed by Indian users over the internet.

The increasing use of the internet is also increasing the users’ risk to become a victim of thefts, hacking, cyber stalking and digital fraud. Keeping all this scenario in mind, today the demand for cyber security insurance is going up.

Types of Cyber Security Insurance

This insurance can be classified under two headings:

Individual Cyber Security Insurance: It is meant for the daily online users. The policy covers risks associated with fraudulent activities like identity theft, malware attacks, cyber stalking, IT theft loss and social media liabilities.

Cyber Liability Insurance: It covers cyber risks associated with IT firms. It is an IT firm’s liability when it stores customers’ personal and financial data on the servers.

What all Cyber Security Insurance Covers?

Cyber security insurance coverage can be classified under the following heads:

Identity Theft: Use, deletion or alteration of personal data stored on the computer:

It covers prosecution costs which arise when a case is filed against a third party.
Cost of transportation to the court and photocopying of documents.

Social Media Liability: Identify theft occurring on social media account.

It covers prosecution costs which arise while filing a legal case against a third party.
Costs of transportation to the court and photocopying of documents.

Cyber Stalking: Using digital media to harass or frighten an online user.

Costs which arise when a legal case is raised against a third party.

Malware Attacks: This is a computer program which is received through texts, file transfer, downloaded programs or malicious activities on digital devices.

It covers restoration cost of damage to the digital device caused by malware.
Costs of transportation to the court and photocopying of documents.

IT Theft Loss: Cyber intrusion in the computer which led to unauthorised payment to third parties.

Financial loss due to IT theft.
Legal expenses which arise from a claim lodged by a third party.
Prosecution cost against a third party for causing IT theft.

Phishing: Unauthorised access to usernames, passwords and credit card details.

Financial loss due to loss of sensitive information.
Prosecution costs which arise against a third party for phishing attack.

Email Spoofing: Forgery or manipulation of email headers so that the recipients understand that the email is from the actual source.

Financial expenses arising out of email spoofing.
Prosecution costs which are against a third party.

Media Liability Claims: Unintended publication or broadcast of any digital content as a result of cyber-attack.

Prosecution costs to claim compensation from a third party.
Costs of transportation to court and photocopying of documents.

Cyber Extortion: Threat to cause privacy breach, cyber attack or data breach.

Loss caused by such threats.
Prosecution costs which arise when claiming compensation costs from a third party.

Privacy & Data Breach by third party: Unauthorised disclosure of personal data.

Legal expenses insured to claim compensation from a third party when any of the above mentioned breaches arises.

How does Cyber Security Insurance Functions?

Applying for cyber security and getting the coverage is an easy process. Let us understand how it works:

Submit an application for the insurance
Inform the nature of risk to be covered
After analysing the risks, the insurance company discusses the coverage, terms and conditions with the insurers
After these are settled, the insurer asks for a proposal from the policy seeker
The proposal along with the required documents are submitted to the insurance company
The policy is structured and handed over to the policy holder
In case of any eventuality, the insured informs the insurance company about the same
Documents and evidence are submitted to the insurer
An investigator validates the claim and sends the report to the insurer
If the claim is as per the policy, the compensation is provided to the claimant
Else, the claim is rejected and the same is informed to the claimant
If the claimant is not satisfied with the resolution, arbitration can be arranged

Eligibility Criteria

Anyone above the age of 18 years can buy the cyber security insurance policy.

Cyber Security Insurance Claim Process

Cyber security insurance has a quick and easy claim settlement process. Let us look at the steps to make claims:

Claim needs to be submitted within 90 days
Claim must be submitted in written format
Required evidence of loss must be submitted to the company
An investigator from the insurance company verifies the claim
If the claim is according to the policy, the compensation is paid to the beneficiary account
If the claim is rejected, the same is informed to the claimant
The claimant may ask for arbitration, if the resolution is not satisfactory

Documents Required for Claim Process

Forensic reports
Duly filled in claim form
Screenshots of findings
Details and evidence of loss like dates, acts or circumstances, people involved and mitigating practices

How Long Does it Take to Pay Out a Claim?

After filing the claim for cyber security insurance, the insurance company usually takes approximately 30 days to make the payment under the claim.

Cases Where You Can’t Claim Cyber Security Insurance (Exclusions)

Cyber security insurance safeguards online users from risks arising out of multiple unpleasant circumstances. However, in certain cases, you cannot claim the insurance. Some of the exclusions under the policy are:

Dishonest or improper conduct of the insured which led to the claim
Physical injury caused due to cyber attack
Property damage caused by cyber attack
Unsolicited communications by the policy holder
Mechanical failure, standard depreciation, electrical disturbance and media failure or malfunction

Companies offering Cyber Security Insurance in India

Many insurance companies in India offer cyber security insurance at a reasonable premium. The sum insured can range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Some of the companies in India offering this insurance are:

HDFC Ergo
Bajaj Allianz
SBI General

Important Aspects

Before purchasing a cyber security insurance, it makes sense to understand certain points that will help in gaining the maximum out of the insurance.

If a claim falls under multiple insurance clauses, compensation can be claimed only for one
Cyber security insurance can be extended to cover risks occurring at any location across the world
If the company does not delete the access to sensitive data for employees no longer a part of the organisation, the insurance company might not approve the claim in case of cyber crime
To get a cyber security insurance, the company must have a written data protection/information security policy
The antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-malware software should be updated regularly

Advantages of Buying Cyber Security Insurance

Increasing cases of cyber threat is now forcing organisations to take steps to protect themselves. One such step is to purchase a cyber security insurance. Looking at the benefits, many Indian firms are now opting for cyber security insurance. Some of the advantages of purchasing cyber security insurance are:

First party and third party liability coverage
Covers Cyber hacking and cyber attack incidents
Helps firms cover cost of legal proceedings

Get financial advice because,

EXPERTS KNOW BETTER

Corporate office :

3rd Floor, Landmark Building,

Sampath Vinayaka Temple Road,

Visakhapatnam – 530 003