Cyber threats are no longer a distant risk - they are happening right now, affecting businesses of all sizes. Whether you run a small business, a professional services firm, or a large enterprise, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and the financial impact of an attack is growing.
In New Zealand, law firms and other professional organisations who hold client data are experiencing cyber threats every other day, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to strengthen their digital defenses. Without proper protection, a single cyber incident could lead to crippling financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal action.
The cyber threat landscape: what’s changing?
Recent data from the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report paints a stark picture:
- 68% of all breaches involve human error such as clicking on a link which contains a cyber threat, stolen credentials, or social engineering. Hackers manipulate employees through phishing emails and fake communications to gain access to systems.
- Ransomware and extortion attacks account for 32% of breaches. Attackers encrypt business data and demand payment to unlock it.
- The financial impact of a cyber breach is at an all-time high. The average global cost of a data breach is now $4.45 million - a 15% increase over the past three years. In NZ, the average cyber claim cost is now well over $100,000.
- Hackers are moving faster than ever. Once inside a system, they can compromise an entire network in as little as 48 minutes - or even just 51 seconds in the fastest recorded case.
- Many cyber-criminal organisations have moved to different countries where ransom payments are not prohibited due to sanctions - since Covid, this has surpassed drugs as their main money earner.
No business is immune, and cybercriminals are constantly refining their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities. Sole traders and SMEs are commonly victimised because the necessary protection is often not in place.
What is Cyber Liability Insurance, and why do you need it?
Cyber Liability Insurance protects businesses against financial and operational losses caused by cyberattacks. It covers:
- Data breach response – forensic investigations, customer notifications, and credit monitoring.
- Legal expenses – regulatory fines, lawsuits, and compliance costs.
- Business interruption – lost income due to cyber incidents disrupting operations.
- Cyber extortion (ransomware protection) – costs of responding to ransom demands and working with cybersecurity specialists.
- Ongoing monitoring after a cyber event to ensure none of the stolen customer data ends up on the dark web.
Who needs Cyber Insurance?
If your business uses digital systems or stores customer data, cyber insurance is essential. This includes:
- Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) who are often targeted due to weaker security.
- Professional service firms (lawyers, accountants, medical practices, consultants) managing confidential client data.
- E-commerce businesses handling online payments.
- Healthcare providers storing sensitive patient records.
- Any business that relies on digital infrastructure such as cloud storage or online software programmes for daily operations.
Why Cyber Insurance is more important than ever
- AI-driven cyberattacks are increasing. Hackers are using AI-generated deepfakes, AI phishing, and AI vishing (voice phishing) to manipulate employees.
- Ransomware is evolving. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new, more aggressive attack methods.
- Supply chain vulnerabilities are a growing concern. Many businesses are compromised through weaknesses in third-party suppliers or software.
- Cybersecurity requirements are becoming stricter. Insurers and regulators expect businesses to have strong cybersecurity measures in place before offering coverage.
The cost of not taking action
Many businesses assume that cyber risks are covered under standard insurance policies, but this is often not the case. Without cyber insurance, a single attack could leave a company facing:
- Massive financial losses – legal fees, forensic investigations, and operational downtime can quickly add up.
- Reputational damage – a data breach can erode customer trust overnight.
- Legal and regulatory consequences – non-compliance with data protection laws can lead to severe penalties. We are starting to see Director & Officer claims for businesses who have not implemented adequate IT services and protection
Protect your business today
Cyber threats are no longer a question of “if” but “when.” Businesses of all sizes need to take proactive steps to protect their data, customers, and bottom line.
At The HTL Group, we specialise in helping businesses secure the right Cyber Liability Insurance to safeguard their operations, reputation, and financial health.
Get in touch with HTL Group today to find out how we can help protect your business from cyber threats before it’s too late.
