Munich Re Syndicate launches new cyber insurance cover for oil and gas sector

Munich Re Syndicate at Lloyd’s said on Aug. 21 that it has introduced an insurance solution to cover cyber exposure for the independent oil and gas sector.

This cover will encompass both traditional data breaches and any physical loss or expense associated with a potential cyber-attack.

The operational and financial complexity of this particular sector presents growing threats to cyber risk, due to increased connectivity, sensitivity of data, unmanned operations and complex royalty payment structures for onshore operators, according to the statement. The likely recurrence of cyber-attacks is expected to intensify as the link between technology and business continues to evolve.

“There is a heightened level of awareness around the risk of a cyber-attack on the oil and gas sector, particularly in the wake of recent events which have caused significant economic disruption,” said Dominick Hoare, chief underwriting officer of Munich Re Syndicate in London.

“As automation and integration expose the oil and gas industry to new vulnerabilities, Munich Re is working to deliver a product that will compliment companies’ contingency measures to ensure that they are well prepared should a cyber incident occur.”

Munich Re Syndicate’s offering will bring together a combination of cyber and energy underwriting skills and will deliver a product that meets the growing demand within the industry. There is an unmet need from a capacity standpoint for coverage across the oil and gas sector, as more companies are increasingly exposed to cyber risk, the company said.

The foundation cover is built upon expert risk assessment and competitive pricing with the provision of a full cyberattack buyback and a data breach cover. The product will be predominantly focused on the upstream sector, covering the automated aspect of a company’s operations.

This product will complement the existing Munich Re Cyber Solution “Vector” partnership with Beazley, which focuses on very large corporate clients.

Munich Re Syndicate is owned by the Munich Re Group and is comprised of underwriting teams in the areas of cargo, liability, energy, space, specie, transport & logistics, yacht & marine trade, war, terrorism, contingency and personal accident.

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