How Cyber Insurance Requirements Shape SMB Security
Summary
The article explains how cyber insurers use security attestations to assess SMBs, why requirements such as EDR and RMM use can be unclear, and how CIS Controls and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework can guide security improvements.
Key points
- Insurers may require SMBs to adopt security controls to qualify for coverage or reduce policy costs.
- Attestation forms commonly ask about MFA, endpoint protection, updates, RMM use and EDR, but requirements may be vague or inconsistently defined.
- If post-incident review finds an attestation inaccurate or controls out of compliance, reimbursement may be reduced or denied.
- The author recommends using CIS Controls and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to identify security gaps rather than checking boxes without understanding their purpose.
- The article emphasizes detection and response capabilities as areas SMBs may be missing, alongside preventive technology.
Article Details
- Topic
- How cyber insurance requirements influence small and medium businesses' cybersecurity controls, including the use of security attestations and frameworks.
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CIS ControlsA great place to start is by reviewing CIS controls and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework—both of which were the basis for the CMMC recommendations.Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)there will be. The US government has even released its recommendations with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) levels on what vendors working with the government should be adhering to with theirNIST Cybersecurity FrameworkA great place to start is by reviewing CIS controls and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework—both of which were the basis for the CMMC recommendations.