Cyber Liability…A Growing Concern for Businesses

May 10, 2010||inBusiness Insurance|business insurance, cyber liability, cyber liability insurance

The Internet has changed the way most of us do business and has increased liability exposures. If any of the items listed below apply to your business, you most likely have Cyber Liability exposures.

  • you communicate by email
  • you have a website
  • you conduct e-commerce
  • you store information electronically
Typing on computer
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

why be concerned?

You may not realize that companies sharing information via websites face the same legal liabilities of a publisher…exposures, which are complex and evolving. Privacy and data security risks are constantly changing and increasingly regulated by laws such as the new Massachusetts Personal Information Privacy law, MA 201 CMR 17. In addition, given the number of people and businesses browsing the Internet, the possible pool of plaintiffs is immense. A single legal action could inflict significant financial damage, and traditional liability products do not address Internet exposures and the risks involved in Internet business activities.

what is Cyber Liability insurance?

Cyber Liability protection addresses the first- and third-party risks associated with e-business, the Internet, networks and informational assets. The category of Cyber Liability includes security breaches; data theft; virus transmission; privacy issues; copyright, trademark and intellectual property infringement; libel or any other issues that first parties can pass to third parties via the Internet. Some of the types of claims that may occur include:

  • Accidental release of confidential customer information
  • Spreading a virus into a customer’s computer system
  • Theft of customer’s credit card or banking account numbers
  • Derogatory comments made online about a competitor by an employee
  • Denial of service attack hacking
  • Electronic data extortion or destruction
  • Unapproved use of another site’s content in web development by a Webmaster

While the exposures outlined above are not all inclusive, and no policy covers every risk, Cyber Liability insurance is of growing importance if any of the above situations applies to your business. Contact us for more information.

Read Other Blog Posts

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work?

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to stay vigilant about your digital safety. From phishing scams to hacked home devices, cyber threats can affect anyone. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and work, and see how personal cyber insurance can help safeguard your finances and identity.
Read more
Cybersecurity Awareness Month How Businesses Can Stay Protected in a Digital World

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: How Businesses Can Stay Protected in a Digital World

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a reminder that cybersecurity is more than an IT issue; it’s essential to business survival. From phishing scams to ransomware, digital threats can disrupt operations and erode customer trust. Murphy Insurance helps businesses strengthen defenses and recover quickly with customized cyber liability insurance coverage.
Read more
Pollution Liability

Pollution Liability: The Most Overlooked Coverage Your Business Might Need

Many business owners assume their general liability or property insurance covers everything, but pollution-related risks are often excluded. Pollution liability insurance helps fill that gap, covering cleanup costs, lawsuits, and damages from environmental incidents. From contractors and manufacturers to auto shops, property owners, and agricultural businesses, many industries face hidden pollution exposures. Without this protection, a single spill, leak, or contamination event could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Read more
Insurance Audits

How to Make Workers’ Comp Audits Less Stressful: Tips from Our Business Account Managers

Workers’ Compensation audits don’t have to be overwhelming. With some simple year-round preparation, you can avoid unexpected costs and reduce stress. Our Business Account Managers share practical tips to help you stay organized, document subcontractor details properly, and keep your policy up to date—so audit time goes smoothly.
Read more
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Read more
What Is Professional Liability Insurance and Does Your Business Need It

What Is Professional Liability Insurance—and Does Your Business Need It?

General liability insurance won’t protect your business from claims tied to mistakes, missed deadlines, or professional advice gone wrong. That’s where professional liability insurance—also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O) coverage—steps in. It covers negligence, inaccurate advice, project delays, and the legal costs that come with client disputes. From consultants and IT professionals to architects, real estate agents, and accountants, this coverage is essential for anyone providing specialized services.
Read more
Construction worker 1200

5 Workplace Safety Trends to Watch in 2025

While certain elements of occupational safety remain constant, others may change and evolve over time. As such, it’s essential for employers to stay on top of the latest workplace safety trends and adjust their risk management strategies accordingly. Several factors have been influencing the occupational safety landscape this year, including advances in technology, rising mental health concerns, ongoing remote work challenges, a growing connection between sustainability and safety, and shifting corporate culture expectations. This article provides more information on these trends and offers guidance to help employers properly navigate such developments.
Read more
Floorplan 1200

5 Risks of Hiring an Uninsured Contractor

Project owners and general contractors must thoroughly vet all contractors to ensure jobsite safety and protect against financial losses. A key part of this vetting process is confirming that contractors carry the appropriate insurance coverage. Hiring uninsured contractors can lead to serious consequences, including safety risks, legal liabilities and unexpected costs. Here are five major risks of hiring uninsured contractors that highlight why adequate insurance is essential.
Read more
Paperwork 1200

Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2025

Plan sponsors must provide the annual disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible individuals before Oct. 15, 2025—the start date of the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D. This notice is important because Medicare beneficiaries who are not covered by creditable prescription drug coverage and do not enroll in Medicare Part D when first eligible will likely pay higher premiums if they enroll at a later date.
Read more

Visit Our Business Insurance Page

Business Insurance

Murphy Insurance stands as your steadfast partner in safeguarding your business from unforeseen challenges in today’s dynamic business landscape. In an era where comprehensive business insurance is not just a prudent choice but a vital one for ensuring the long-term stability and security of your enterprise, we are here to offer our expertise. Running a business inherently entails various risks that can potentially impact your financial stability and reputation. Learn more about our comprehensive business insurance solutions, which are meticulously designed to protect you from these potential threats, granting you peace of mind necessary to focus on the growth and prosperity of your business.