Cyber Liability Insurance: A Must-Have for SMEs in the Digital Age.

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The advent of AI-generated content is making it even more difficult to detect and prevent cyber threats, as cybercriminals use more sophisticated methods to create malware code, bypassing ethical guidelines. The Actuaries Institute estimates that only one in five SMEs is covered for cyber liability insurance, even though they face the same threats as large businesses.

Although large companies can afford to employ entire IT support teams and hire crisis communication and legal teams to deal with the fallout of a cyber attack, SMEs often lack the means to implement comprehensive protection. Without insurance coverage, SMEs risk losing money, data, and reputation, which can be emotionally isolating for business owners. As cyber risks become omnipresent and dynamically unpredictable, it is crucial for small businesses to consider implementing best practice cybersecurity and response plans.

Mason explains that 95% of cyber incidents happen due to human error, such as losing a laptop, leaving it unlocked, or conducting work from public Wi-Fi. She recommends SMEs to follow best practices in cybersecurity, such as updating software and patches, using data encryption, upgrading devices if the manufacturer has discontinued support for the software, enforcing strong user credentials and multi-factor authentication, and educating employees on security practices to avoid data breaches.

Cyber liability insurance can assist in the recovery process through incident response, defence costs, reimbursement for business interruption, cyber extortion damages and expenses, and data and system recovery costs. Choosing cyber liability cover can also force a business to reassess its foundational risk management processes and adopt best practice cybersecurity practices.

Published:Thursday, 16th Mar 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

NSW Introduces Strata Law Reforms to Strengthen Community Governance

19 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

On 27 October 2025, the New South Wales (NSW) Government implemented significant reforms to strata laws, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial management within strata schemes. These changes are designed to better meet the evolving needs of strata communities across the state. - read more

Strata Insurance Affordability Holds Steady Despite Rising House Insurance Costs

19 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In its 2025 State of the Strata Market report, CHU has revealed that strata insurance premiums have experienced a modest increase of 2.8%, rising to an average of $981 per lot in the year leading up to June 2025. This increment is notably lower than the 14% surge observed in house insurance premiums during the same period. - read more

Consumer Advocates Push for Ban on Strata Insurance Commissions in NSW

19 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Consumer advocacy groups, including the Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby (ACIL) and the Owners Corporation Network (OCN), are urging the New South Wales (NSW) Government to implement a ban on commissions related to strata insurance. They argue that such commissions create conflicts of interest and compromise transparency within the strata management sector. - read more

AFCA Criticises TAL for Unfair Termination of Income Protection Benefits

16 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled against TAL, a prominent life insurer, for terminating a policyholder's income protection benefits without prior notice. This decision underscores the critical importance of procedural fairness in the management of insurance claims. - read more

Actuaries Institute Highlights Financial Strain of Mental Illness on Insurance Systems

16 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Actuaries Institute has issued a call for immediate action to address the escalating financial strain that mental illness is placing on Australia's insurance and compensation systems. This appeal underscores the pressing need to ensure the sustainability of the nation's financial safety net in the face of increasing mental health-related claims. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Compare Public Liability Insurance Quotes

If you are renewing your public liability insurance in the near future,, it might be well worth your while to shop around. Or, better still, let us do it for you. Much has changed in the public liability insurance market following recent events and there are many new policies and special deals on the market that were not available even one year ago. A single 3-minute online enquiry will give you access to multiple quotes from multiple insurers via our national broker panel, guaranteed to save you time and money!!. So, why not give us a go … free service, no obligation!

... get a quote ...