Five Pitfalls Of Cybersecurity Insurance: Lessons From The United States

Given the increasing threat of cyberattacks and the corresponding costs, businesses are increasingly considering cybersecurity insurance. But insurance is only as effective as the scope of the coverage. Though Canadian courts have not yet interpreted insurance policies in the cybersecurity context, American cases highlight five noteworthy pitfalls.

1. Coverage Denied Because the Insured Did Not Comply with Underlying Obligations

Just as health coverage may be contingent upon the insured maintaining a healthy lifestyle, cybersecurity insurance may be contingent upon the insured meeting certain technical standards. In Columbia Casualty Co v Cottage Health System, the insurer denied coverage and alleged that the insured failed to comply with required "procedures and risk controls", which imposed an obligation to "follow minimum required practices".