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The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) members today issued a joint statement to describe matters that financial institutions should consider if they are determining whether to use cyber insurance as a component of their risk management programs.

The FFIEC members do not require financial institutions to maintain cyber insurance. The evolving cyber insurance market and the shifting cyber threat landscape may, however, prompt financial institutions to consider whether cyber insurance would be an effective part of their overall risk management programs. 

The joint statement notes that cyber attacks are increasing in volume and sophistication and that traditional general liability insurance policies may not provide effective coverage for all potential exposures caused by cyber events. Cyber insurance could offset financial losses from a variety of exposures—including data breaches resulting in the loss of confidential information—that may not be covered by more traditional insurance policies. Financial institution management should assess the scope of coverage of current insurance and consider how cyber insurance may fit into the institution’s overall risk management framework.

As with any insurance coverage, cyber insurance does not diminish the importance of a sound control environment. Rather, cyber insurance may be a component of a broader risk management strategy that includes identifying, measuring, mitigating, and monitoring cyber risk exposure.

Financial institutions may find additional information on risk management and cybersecurity risk management on the FFIEC’s website at http://www.ffiec.gov (opens new window).

Statement: Joint Statement on Cyber Insurance and Its Potential Role in Risk Management Programs