Protecting your systems, your people, and your customers
3 minute read
Cyber insurance is no longer optional for UK businesses. Insurers are becoming more selective, and premiums are increasingly influenced by how well your organisation manages cyber risk.
At Knowall IT, we work with UK businesses to strengthen security from the ground up. A strong security posture does not just reduce the likelihood of a breach. It can also directly influence your cyber insurance costs by demonstrating reduced risk and a clean claims history.
Below are five practical cyber security measures insurers actively look for.
Cyber insurance is often viewed as another overhead until an incident occurs. The reality is that most modern cyber incidents are preventable, and insurers now expect businesses to prove they are doing the basics properly.
According to UK Government research, around 80% of cyber breaches involve human error. One mistake can lead to serious financial and reputational damage.
Industry reports show that a single cyber incident can cost a medium to large UK business tens of thousands of pounds, excluding long-term disruption. Insurers assess your controls before issuing cover, which is why strong cyber hygiene matters.
Phishing remains the most common entry point for cyber attacks. While email is still the primary channel, attackers increasingly use SMS, social platforms, and impersonation tactics that appear convincing.
Effective phishing defence should include:
From an insurer’s perspective, this demonstrates that risk is actively managed rather than assumed away.
Reliable backups are essential for limiting the impact of ransomware and data loss incidents.
Modern cloud backup solutions allow automated, encrypted backups with version control and off-site redundancy. This reduces reliance on manual processes that often fail when needed most.
If your business still uses physical or local backups, ensure:
The ability to recover quickly after an incident significantly reduces operational and financial impact.
File sharing, downloads, and web browsing are unavoidable in modern business environments. Even trained staff can be caught out by malicious files or compromised websites.
Enterprise-grade endpoint protection provides an additional layer of defence by:
Managed endpoint protection is considered a baseline requirement by most insurers.
Weak credentials remain a leading cause of breaches. Password reuse across personal and business accounts increases this risk further.
Best practice includes:
Authenticator apps are preferred over SMS verification due to the risk of SIM swap attacks.
Flexible working is now standard, but home and public networks introduce additional risks.
A business-grade VPN encrypts traffic between devices and company systems, reducing exposure to:
Providing secure remote access shows insurers that off-site working is properly controlled.
Every business relies on technology, regardless of industry. That reliance creates exposure, and cyber criminals actively seek weaknesses.
At Knowall IT, we help UK businesses implement practical, insurer-aligned security controls that reduce real-world risk and strengthen insurance applications.
If you would like a review of your current setup before your next renewal, our team is ready to help.
Cyber security is no longer just about prevention. It is about preparedness. book a free call with us
