Tech & Sourcing @ Morgan Lewis

The US Treasury Department has issued a request for public comment on a federal cyberinsurance program that would aim to cover the costs associated with severe cyberattacks. The Federal Insurance Office (FIO) and the US Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are currently conducting a joint assessment for Congress. Because cyberattacks are occurring at such frequent rates, rates for cyberinsurance coverage have soared, making it difficult for businesses to afford coverage if it is even available. The proposed federal program would focus on critical infrastructure and be used as a backstop.

Cybersecurity continues to be an issue at the forefront of many of our contract negotiations. Though not typically included in the “data security” section of an agreement, the level and scope of cyberinsurance coverage often plays an important factor in the discussions between customer and vendor.