Practical Guide · 8 min read
Cyber Insurance Underwriting Checklist for Tech Firms
Cyber underwriting in 2026 looks more like a security audit than an insurance application. This checklist walks through the controls underwriters expect to see and the documentation that proves they exist.
About the author
Written by Reza.
Identity & Access
MFA on email, VPN, admin consoles. Privileged Access Management for production credentials. Quarterly access reviews; 24-hour offboarding.
Endpoint & Network
EDR on every endpoint (not antivirus). Email filtering with sandboxing + impersonation controls. Network segmentation for sensitive systems.
Backups & Data
Encrypted, immutable, tested backups. Data classification + encryption at rest for sensitive data.
Incident Response
Documented IR plan reviewed in the last 12 months. Tabletop exercise completed in the last 12 months. Pre-arranged forensics + legal counsel on retainer.
What if I don't have all of these controls in place?
You can still get cyber coverage — but expect lower limits, higher retentions, and a higher premium. Closing the highest-impact gaps before applying typically pays for itself in the first renewal.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't have all of these controls in place?
You can still get cyber coverage — but expect lower limits, higher retentions, and a higher premium. Closing the highest-impact gaps before applying typically pays for itself in the first renewal.
This material is general educational information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Coverage availability, policy terms, and regulatory requirements vary by state, carrier, and applicant.