When it comes to cyber risk, businesses consistently name it as a top concern. Yet adoption of Cyber Liability Insurance in the U.S. remains low, particularly among small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). In a recent conversation with Zane Goldthorp of ProWriters, Michael Brunero, managing director of the U.S. for CFC, shared why this gap exists—and how proactive solutions are reshaping the market.
“The biggest challenge is the disconnect between perception and action,” Brunero said. “Clients consistently rank cyber as a top exposure, yet actual uptake of Cyber Insurance remains low—around 25% in the U.S.—and heavily concentrated among large corporations. That leaves a vast segment of small and mid-sized businesses exposed.”
From Reactive to Proactive Coverage
Cyber policies have traditionally been reactive. A breach occurred, a claim was filed, and insurers reimbursed costs. That’s no longer enough.
“Traditionally, Cyber Insurance was reactive. You’d wait for a breach, then respond,” Brunero explained. “CPR flips that model. We help clients prevent incidents before they happen.”
CFC’s Cyber Proactive Response (CPR) product:
- Offers unlimited reinstatements and a single deductible per policy term
- Provides a $0 deductible option for SMEs
- Deploys scanning and monitoring tools immediately once a policy is bound
- Delivers real-time, actionable alerts through the Response app
This approach reflects broader Cyber Insurance trends: Coverage is moving beyond reimbursement and into active risk management.
Proactive Protection in Action
“At CFC, we’ve built a proactive ecosystem that includes threat intelligence feeds, dark web monitoring, and vulnerability scanning,” Brunero said. “We don’t just wait for incidents—we hunt for them.”
That shift delivers tangible results:
- Blocked ransomware attack: CFC identified vulnerabilities in a client’s remote desktop protocol and closed exposed ports before criminals could exploit them.
- Dark web credential leak: A retail client avoided a breach by resetting compromised passwords and implementing multifactor authentication.
- ERP system alert: Claims data revealed attacks tied to a single software system, prompting CFC to warn other users before losses occurred.
These stories illustrate how Cyber Security Insurance now delivers protection beyond the balance sheet.
The Challenge of Non-Buyers
Even with these advancements, one obstacle looms large: convincing businesses that Cyber coverage is not optional.
“The biggest challenge is still converting the non-buyer,” Brunero emphasized. “We need to help clients understand that Cyber isn’t optional. The risk is real, and the opportunity for the industry at large is massive.”
SMEs are often most at risk because they lack internal security teams. Helping them understand the value of Cyber Liability Insurance opens the door to both protection and growth.
Supporting Brokers With Tools That Work
To help brokers lead these conversations, CFC offers resources that simplify the complex.
The Cyber Masterclass Series
“This is an on-demand video learning series, designed to turn brokers into Cyber specialists,” Brunero said. With more than 20 accredited modules, brokers gain practical skills such as:
- Starting conversations at client meetings
- Handling objections
- Explaining the basics of how Cyber products work
24/7 Incident Response Team
Beyond education, CFC maintains its own in-house incident response team. These experts—specialists in vulnerability assessment, law enforcement, and digital forensics—are on call around the clock to guide clients through crises.
For brokers, these resources strengthen client trust and position them as advisers rather than just policy providers.
Why the Cyber Insurance Market Is at a Turning Point
The Cyber Insurance market is entering a new phase of growth. Munich Re’s Cyber Insurance – Risks and Trends 2025 values it at $15.3 billion in 2024—less than 1% of global property/casualty premiums. That number may seem small, but analysts project premiums to more than double by 2030 as more businesses digitize, move data to the cloud, and rely on remote operations. With exposures multiplying, the need for coverage is only increasing.
For brokers, this shift creates opportunities to:
- Expand revenue streams
- Build stronger client relationships
- Position themselves as leaders in a high-demand coverage area
“By proactively addressing cyber risks and providing tailored solutions, brokers strengthen relationships and build long-term loyalty,” Brunero noted.
Empower Your Clients With Proactive Protection
Growth in the market is only half the story. The real differentiator for brokers is how they guide clients. The old model of Cyber Liability Insurance—wait for the breach, then respond—is no longer enough. Today’s SMEs expect more, and brokers who lead with proactive solutions stand apart. With CFC’s Cyber Proactive Response, continuous monitoring, and the support of ProWriters, you can:
- Prove your value as a trusted adviser
- Win SME clients who are still unprotected
- Strengthen retention with 24/7 protection resources
Don’t wait until your clients face the next breach. Explore ProWriters’ Cyber Insurance solutions or schedule a call with our team to learn how you can grow your portfolio with proactive protection.
