Cybersecurity insurance used to feel optional.
Today, for many businesses in Columbus and Central Ohio, it’s becoming a basic requirement—right alongside general liability and workers’ comp.
If you’ve asked:
You’re asking the right questions.
Let’s break down what cybersecurity insurance is, who needs it, and how to know if your business is ready.
Cybersecurity insurance (also called cyber liability insurance) helps cover financial losses related to cyber incidents, including:
Depending on the policy, it may cover:
It’s designed to reduce financial damage after an attack.
Ohio does not legally require most businesses to carry cyber insurance.
However, many companies are now required to have it because of:
In practice, cyber insurance is becoming “required” through business relationships.
Cyber insurance is especially important if your business:
In other words—most modern businesses.
Small and mid-sized organizations are now primary targets because attackers know they often have fewer defenses.
This is critical to understand:
Cyber insurance does not prevent attacks.
It does not fix weak security.
It does not replace good IT practices.
Think of it like car insurance:
It helps after a crash—but it doesn’t stop accidents.
Without proper security, insurers may deny claims.
In recent years, insurance companies have paid out billions in cyber claims.
As a result, they now require proof of security controls before issuing or renewing policies.
Many Ohio businesses are surprised when they’re asked for:
If you can’t demonstrate these, premiums rise—or coverage is denied.
While policies vary, most insurers now expect:
Required for email, VPN, and admin access.
Advanced malware and threat detection on all devices.
Offline or immutable backups that can’t be encrypted by ransomware.
Anti-phishing and impersonation protection.
Systems must be regularly updated.
Limited admin privileges and strong password policies.
A documented process for handling breaches.
If you’re unsure where to start, download our incident response plan template to start yours.
Pricing varies widely, based on:
For many small businesses, policies range from:
$1,000 to $5,000+ per year
Strong security controls often lower premiums significantly.
Poor controls raise costs—or block coverage entirely.
For most businesses, yes—when paired with strong IT management.
Cyber insurance is worth it when:
It’s not worth it if you’re using it as a substitute for security.
Insurance works best as part of a layered strategy.
A qualified Managed Service Provider (MSP) helps you:
This dramatically improves approval rates and claim success.
Learn more:
➡️ /managed-it-business-ohio
At Cloud Cover, we help Central Ohio businesses:
✔ Configure MFA and access policies
✔ Deploy advanced endpoint protection
✔ Secure Microsoft 365 environments
✔ Implement reliable backup systems
✔ Document security controls
✔ Prepare for insurance audits
Our goal: help you qualify—and stay qualified.
Yes. Small businesses are frequent targets and often face higher relative losses from attacks.
Sometimes, but only if policy terms and security requirements are met. Many claims are denied when controls are missing.
It may, depending on the policy. However, repeated negligence can void coverage.
At least annually, especially after major IT changes.
Ask yourself:
If you’re unsure, you’re not alone.
An IT assessment shows whether your environment meets modern insurance standards—and what needs improvement.
➡️ See what’s included: /it-assessment-what-to-expect
➡️ Request one: /free-it-assessment
Cybersecurity insurance is no longer just “nice to have.”
For many Ohio businesses, it’s becoming a cost of doing business.
But insurance only works when your security foundation is strong.
If you’re relying on a policy without proper controls, you’re taking a bigger risk than you realize.
Get clarity.
Get prepared.
Then get insured.