Broker calls for uptake in farmer cyber insurance as hacks surge

Farmers are exposed to cybercrime and many are being left uncovered by traditional policies, warns a broking expert.

Stephen Ward, associate sales director at H&H Insurance Brokers, said farmers were an attractive target as hackers believe SMEs have less cyber protection than larger firms.

Recent attacks on the NHS and other parts of the government showed the risks, but smaller firms such as farmers were arguably at some of the greatest risk. 

Ward says that ’under a standard policy, theft is defined as ‘theft by forcible or physical means’, so does not cover a cyber theft by digital or data means.”

Ward says farmers should ponder whether they need a basic cyber cover policy, typically costing £200-£300, and this type of farmer cyber insurance would cover stolen bank money from online fraud, Farmers Weekly reports.

Other forms of farmer cyber insurance are things like cyber liablity insurance, which covers them if they transmit a damaging virus by accident.

Business interruption for cyber was also an option, as this could cover loss of income in a cyber event.

Ward said farmers would need to show cyber risk management was in place, which could be done by following the government-backed cyber security certification scheme called Cyber Essentials.

Last week, Insurance Times reported that the regulator the PRA has urged insurers to quantify their cyber risks.