Acts of war and cybersecurity - am I still insured?

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, and the threat of cyber attacks is no longer limited to just hacking and data breaches. In recent years, acts of war have also been added to the list of potential cyber threats that businesses need to consider. As a result, many business owners are left wondering if they will still be covered by their insurance policies in the event of a cyber-attack that is considered an act of war.

The short answer is that it depends on the language of the policy and the specific circumstances surrounding the attack. In general, traditional commercial insurance policies do not specifically address acts of war. Therefore, it is important for businesses to review their policies and understand their coverage in the event of a cyber-attack that may be considered an act of war.

It is also important to note that acts of war are not clearly defined in the context of cyber-attacks. The United States government has not officially declared cyber-warfare as an act of war, and there is no international consensus on the matter. However, some experts consider a cyber-attack that causes significant physical damage or loss of life to be an act of war.

One way to potentially mitigate the risk of a cyber-attack being considered an act of war is through the use of cyber insurance. Many cyber insurance policies specifically address acts of war and provide coverage for losses related to such attacks. However, it is important to understand that even with cyber insurance, the coverage for acts of war may be limited.

Another important factor to consider is the potential involvement of government agencies in the event of a cyber-attack that may be considered an act of war. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have both established programs to assist businesses in the event of a cyber-attack. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also works with businesses to provide information and guidance on cybersecurity threats.

Ultimately, it is important for businesses to understand that in the event of a cyber-attack that may be considered an act of war, the response and recovery process will likely be different than for a traditional cyber-attack. Businesses should work with legal counsel and insurance providers to understand their rights and options in the event of such an attack. Additionally, businesses should also have a solid incident response plan in place and regularly review and update it to ensure they are prepared for any potential cyber threat, including those that may be considered acts of war.

In conclusion, it is important for businesses to understand their insurance coverage in the event of a cyber-attack that may be considered an act of war. Businesses should also be aware of the various government agencies that can help in the event of such an attack and have a solid incident response plan in place. With the right preparation and understanding, businesses can better protect themselves from the potential impacts of a cyber-attack, even one considered an act of war.