The recent wave of high-profile cyber incidents, affecting brands such as Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Harrods, has made one thing clear: no organisation is immune. From operational disruption to reputational fallout, these attacks have shown how far-reaching the consequences can be.
While cyber threats are not new, the nature of the risk has evolved significantly. Attacks are now more sophisticated, more targeted and increasingly difficult to prevent. For business leaders, the challenge is no longer just about prevention; it’s about preparation, resilience and having the right insurance response in place.
At Sustain, we work closely with clients across multiple sectors to ensure their insurance arrangements reflect today’s digital risks. As brokers, we go beyond policy placement, helping businesses assess their exposure, meet insurer expectations and build more robust risk management strategies.
Here’s what’s changing in the cyber landscape and why it matters for your insurance programme.
The Role of Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance is no longer simply about reimbursing losses. Leading policies provide access to expert resources the moment an incident occurs. These may include:
- Breach response consultants and forensic IT specialists
- Legal advice for data protection and regulatory requirements
- Public relations support to manage reputational risk
- Business interruption cover for lost revenue or operational downtime
- Ransomware response teams and negotiation services
This level of support can be critical, not only in mitigating immediate damage, but in speeding up recovery and restoring trust.
Insurers Expect More And So Should You
As the threat landscape grows more complex, underwriters are applying greater scrutiny. Businesses looking to secure comprehensive cyber insurance must demonstrate:
- Multi-factor authentication across systems
- Offline, regularly tested backups
- Clear incident response protocols
- Robust third-party risk management
- Senior accountability for cyber resilience
These controls are no longer optional. They are essential to achieving favourable terms and in many cases, to securing cover at all.
Is Your Existing Cover Fit for Purpose?
It’s not uncommon for cyber policies to remain static while the risks around them evolve. Often, they are found to be outdated, with poorly understood exclusions or response costs capped in ways that limit flexibility during a crisis.
A regular review of your cyber insurance, particularly alongside changes to your digital infrastructure, supply chain or operations, is vital.
Supporting Resilience Through Insurance
At Sustain, we act as a strategic partner for our clients, not only helping you understand what’s covered, but also how your policy interacts with your broader business continuity and risk management planning. If your organisation is looking to review its cyber cover, stress-test your existing arrangements or understand insurer expectations ahead of renewal, we’re here to help.
Cyber risk is no longer a niche concern. It’s a board-level issue, a reputational risk and a test of resilience. Let’s make sure your insurance programme is up to the task.
Get in touch with the Sustain Insurance Brokers team today to arrange a confidential policy review or initial conversation.
