The
Insurability
Cheat‑Code.
A practical map for cyber-insurance readiness and a credible IR program.
Many cyber-insurance applications now probe controls directly. Their questions can serve as a practical gap-assessment input for incident-response readiness. Based on cyber-insurance applications we have reviewed, this document distills what we call the Big 7 baseline controls, the enhanced controls underwriters commonly ask about, and a five-minute self-assessment that helps you see where you stand on those controls.
This framework supports resilience, evidence, and readiness. It does not certify compliance, guarantee security, or guarantee cyber-insurance eligibility. It is not a substitute for professional legal, regulatory, or insurance advice.
The application is the audit. Treat every "No" answer as a project.
Based on cyber-insurance applications we have reviewed, the questions below represent the baseline controls most underwriters ask about before quoting. In our experience, missing one of what we call the Big 7 often leads to denial or a less favorable quote — outcomes vary by carrier, industry, and broker. Stacking the enhanced controls strengthens the application conversation.
Written Information Security Program
Documented policies covering data classification, access control, incident response, and acceptable use. Reviewed annually.
Tested Incident Response Plan
Written IR plan with defined roles, escalation paths, and communication templates. Tabletop-tested within the last 12 months.
Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA enabled on all remote access, email, privileged accounts, cloud admin consoles, and VPN. Aim for 100% coverage.
Endpoint Detection & Response
EDR deployed on every workstation and server. Actively monitored. Alerts reviewed within 24 hours.
Offline, Immutable Backups
Backups stored offline or air-gapped. Immutable — cannot be modified or deleted. Tested restoration within last 90 days.
Documented Patch Management
Critical patches applied within 30 days. Compliance tracking evidenced. Vulnerability scanning performed regularly.
Formal Employee Training
Security-awareness training for all employees. Phishing simulations conducted on a defined cadence. Training records maintained for the audit trail.
Controls underwriters commonly ask about beyond the baseline.
These are not part of the baseline Big 7. Based on cyber-insurance applications we have reviewed, they are controls underwriters commonly ask about as evidence of mature architecture and program discipline. Stack them deliberately; document them aggressively. Specific underwriter responses vary by carrier, industry, and broker.
| Control | Underwriter impact |
|---|---|
| Network segmentation | Limits blast radius. Critical systems isolated. Demonstrates mature architecture. |
| Privileged access management | Vaulted credentials, just-in-time access, session recording. Major differentiator. |
| 24/7 security monitoring | In-house SOC or MDR service. Shows proactive detection capability. |
| Email security gateway | Advanced threat protection, sandboxing, URL rewriting. Addresses the #1 attack vector. |
| Vendor risk management | Third-party assessments, contract requirements, ongoing monitoring. |
| Data loss prevention | Prevents sensitive data exfiltration. Important for regulated industries. |
Count your "Yes" answers from the Big 7.
In our experience, application conversations at this level are difficult — outcomes range from declined to onerous quote terms. Treat the missing controls as a 90-day plan.
Application conversations possible, often with exclusions in our experience. Close the gaps before renewal.
Strong position for application conversations. Stack the enhanced controls to strengthen the picture.
Treat cyber-insurance applications as a practical gap-assessment input. Use them.