CYBER BYTES

4.2.25 - Operational downtime is often the costliest consequence of a data breach. But a well-prepared and efficient response can significantly reduce the downtime during a devastating cyberattack like ransomware.

Here are three key measures that will get you operational faster.

1. Early Detection and Rapid Insurance Carrier Reporting

Timely detection will minimize downtime. Use advanced monitoring tools to identify unusual activity, and train employees to recognize and report potential breaches. Early alerts allow for faster containment, reducing the spread and severity of the attack. The sooner you report your claim to your insurance carrier, the more downtime and money you save. That's been proven. Your carrier also has important resources like digital forensics and privacy counsel to get you operational.

2. Streamlined Incident Response Plan

An up-to-date and tested Incident Response Plan (IRP) makes for a coordinated and swift response. Assign clear roles and responsibilities to team members and conduct regular drills to keep everyone prepared. A practiced team responds faster, reducing downtime.

3. Backup and Recovery Readiness

Regularly update and test data backups to ensure they are clean and accessible. During an incident, reliable backups allow you to restore systems and data quickly without prolonging disruption. Combine with a tested disaster recovery plan for an efficient restoration.

1.29.25 - For years, we’ve been reporting “cyber crime is the world’s fasted growing crime” and public entities are a specific target. The 2023 FBI Internet Crime Report states government entities were the third most-targeted sector by ransomware in 2023. State and local governments have become increasingly the target of ransomware attacks due to a failure to invest in critical infrastructure that might help protect their entity against related risks.

1.2.2025 - Did you know ICAP members have access to monthly, non-invasive URL scans that help identify open ports and other cyber exposures for a given entity? The scans are offered complimentary to all members who purchase cyber liability coverage through the Pool.

Previously offered at a limit of $250,000, ICAP can now provide all members a limit option up to $1 million for cyber liability coverage. The Pool can also quote $2M and $3M limit options by request.