What Security Do I Need for Cyber Insurance in 2026?

Quick answer: Cyber insurers have tightened requirements dramatically. Expect mandatory MFA, EDR, immutable backups, patch management, email security, and security awareness training. Missing any of these? You'll struggle to get coverage—or face claim denial when you need it.

How Cyber Insurance Has Changed

2020: Answer a questionnaire, get coverage.

2023: More questions, higher premiums, some exclusions.

2026: Prescriptive security requirements. No compliance, no coverage. And insurers verify.

Why the shift:

• Ransomware claims exploded
• Insurers lost money
• They learned what actually prevents claims
• Now they mandate what works

Current Baseline Requirements

Most cyber insurers now require:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Everywhere:

• All remote access (VPN, RDP)
• All cloud services (Microsoft 365, etc.)
• All privileged accounts
• All email access

No exceptions. "We're rolling it out" isn't acceptable. Insurers specifically ask about MFA coverage.

2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Traditional antivirus isn't enough. Insurers want:

• EDR on all endpoints
• Managed/monitored (not just installed)
• 24/7 response capability preferred

Why: EDR stops ransomware that antivirus misses.

3. Immutable or Air-Gapped Backups

Backups that ransomware can't encrypt:

• Offline or immutable storage
• Regular testing
• Defined recovery procedures

Why: This determines whether you pay ransom or recover.

4. Patch Management

• Critical patches within 14-30 days
• Process for emergency patching
• Documented and measurable

Why: Unpatched vulnerabilities are how attackers get in.

5. Email Security

• Advanced threat protection
• Phishing filtering
• Impersonation protection
• DMARC enforcement (increasingly)

Why: Most attacks start with email.

6. Security Awareness Training

• Regular training for all staff
• Phishing simulations
• Documented completion

Why: Human error enables most breaches.

Emerging Requirements

Now appearing in 2026 applications:

• Privileged Access Management (PAM): Controls on admin accounts
• Network segmentation: Limiting lateral movement
• Incident response plan: Documented, tested procedures
• Third-party risk management: Vendor security processes
• AI security controls: Policies for AI tool use (new in 2026)

The Verification Problem

Insurers now check:

• Some require third-party attestation
• Some run external vulnerability scans
• Some request evidence (not just questionnaire answers)
• Some do spot checks during claims

Misrepresentation consequences:

• Claim denial
• Policy voiding
• No payout when you need it most

Don't lie on applications. Fix the gaps instead.

What Happens If You Don't Comply

Before a claim:

• Higher premiums
• Coverage exclusions
• Difficulty finding coverage
• Lower limits

During a claim:

• Investigation of your security posture
• Comparison to application answers
• Potential denial for misrepresentation
• Sub-limits for non-compliance

Getting and Keeping Coverage

Before applying

• Assess your current state honestly
• Fix gaps before application
• Document your controls
• Be prepared to provide evidence

During application

• Answer accurately
• Highlight strengths (certifications, managed security)
• Be specific about controls

Maintaining coverage

• Keep controls in place
• Document ongoing compliance
• Report material changes
• Prepare for renewal questions

How We Help

Our managed services include the controls insurers require:

• MFA enforced everywhere
• MDR (managed EDR)
• Immutable backup
• Email security
• Patch management
• Security awareness training

Our clients find cyber insurance easier to obtain and more affordable. We can provide documentation for insurance applications and renewals.

---

about meeting insurer requirements.

---