Cyber Extortion Under Cyber Insurance

What is Cyber Extortion?

Cyber extortion takes place when hackers are able to access your confidential data including information on your customers, business secrets etc. Hackers know that this data is highly valuable and hence hold the data as ‘hostage’ and ask for a sum of money in return. They also threaten to expose the stolen information to the public if you do not fulfill their demands. 

Another type of cyber extortion involves the use of malicious software or malware sent via innocent email attachments to infect your laptop or mobile device. This malware is capable of completely locking you out. To regain control or remove the malware, you are forced to pay the hackers a ransom as per their demand. 

How to reduce the risks of Cyber Extortion? 

Selective Access Control- As a business, your ability to survive may depend on the market data you collect. Confidential information such as product research data, sales revenues or even customer details should be accessible to your employees on a need to know basis.

Create back-ups of important data and encrypt it- It is important to have back-ups of your data. If in case a data breach occurs, you can still recover all your important data without paying the hackers. Moreover, you should also encrypt your backup files. 

Update your software regularly- You should always update your electronic devices. Every month there is a security patch update which adds a layer of security to your devices. 

Regular cyber audits: To keep up with potential data loss, IT audits by professional cyber security specialists should be a part of your annual business reviews.

Moreover, to be safe from all types of internet risks such as identity theft, cyber extortion etc, it is highly recommended that you buy a cyber insurance policy. 

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