Helping companies fight the growing threat of cyber risk

Today’s high-tech criminals are stepping up attacks on businesses, institutions and municipalities, crippling organizations with ransomware, “cryptojacking” of digital assets and new forms of malware launched almost on a daily basis. The digital environment in which U.S. and global companies operate is becoming a cyber minefield, with millions of dollars in potential business interruptions and related losses hanging in the balance. However, companies are not without allies. The global insurance industry is developing products and tools aimed at helping companies better understand, assess and mitigate cyber risk. From coverage features specifically created to address cyber exposures to new risk engineering and threat assessment tools and approaches, insurers are responding to the needs of customers of all sizes. In this LEADERS Magazine article, three of Zurich’s top cyber risk executives offer perspectives about the growing threat and how cyber insurance solutions can help customers build resilience against them. Zurich’s Global Head of Cyber Risk Lori Bailey discusses the dangers posed by ransomware, as well as the significance now assigned to cyber risk by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report. Zurich North America Head of Cyber and Professional Liability Michelle Chia focuses on the expanding availability of cyber insurance solutions in the global insurance market. And Zurich North America Technical Director, Cyber and Professional Lines, Yosha DeLong explains some of the considerations and challenges of underwriting cyber risks.