5 Practical Cyber Security Measures That Can Help Reduce Your Cyber Insurance Premium
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.
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing phishing awareness training significantly reduces the risk of human error
- Secure, automated backups protect your business from downtime and data loss
- Layered security controls demonstrate proactive risk management
Why Cyber Insurance Now Plays a Critical Role
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.
1. Reduce Phishing Risk Through Training and Testing
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:
- Mandatory cyber awareness training at least quarterly
- Simulated phishing campaigns to test staff behaviour
- Follow-up education where users fail simulated tests
- Clear reporting procedures for suspicious emails
- Email filtering and quarantine systems to block threats before delivery
From an insurer’s perspective, this demonstrates that risk is actively managed rather than assumed away.
2. Maintain Secure, Automated Backups
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:
- Regular scheduled backups
- Off-site or segregated storage
- Routine restore testing
The ability to recover quickly after an incident significantly reduces operational and financial impact.
3. Deploy and Maintain Anti-Malware Protection
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:
- Detecting and blocking malicious files
- Preventing ransomware execution
- Identifying suspicious behaviour early
Managed endpoint protection is considered a baseline requirement by most insurers.
4. Enforce Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Weak credentials remain a leading cause of breaches. Password reuse across personal and business accounts increases this risk further.
Best practice includes:
- Enforced password complexity policies
- Unique credentials for business systems
- Mandatory two-factor authentication on critical services
Authenticator apps are preferred over SMS verification due to the risk of SIM swap attacks.
5. Secure Remote Access with a VPN
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:
- Public Wi-Fi interception
- Network-based attacks
- Location-based targeting
Providing secure remote access shows insurers that off-site working is properly controlled.
How Knowall IT Can Help
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
