Guests:

Marcin Gajkowski, Head of Liability Underwriting Team, Generali Poland

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcin-gajkowski-4a6685134/

Michal Balwinski, Senior Underwriter and Cyber Practice Leader, Generali Poland

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/micha%C5%82-balwi%C5%84ski-136105197/

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Hosts:

Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast [@RedefiningCyber]

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/sean-martin

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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Episode Notes

Exploring Cyber Insurance Nuances Across Europe with Generali Poland at InfoSecurity Europe 2024

Picture this: bustling conversations, gleaming booths, and thought-provoking sessions at InfoSecurity Europe 2024, held in the vibrant city of London. Amidst this atmosphere, Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli of "On Location With Marco and Sean" invite listeners into a fascinating discussion focusing on the intricacies of cyber insurance within Europe. Joined by two brilliant minds from Generali Poland, Marcin Gajkowsky and Michal Balwinski, this episode immerses us into understanding cyber insurance and its varied landscape across the continent.

Setting the Scene: InfoSecurity Europe 2024

The episode kicks off with Marco and Sean's characteristically witty banter. They joked about their numerous travels and questioned their whereabouts, reflecting the lively and spontaneous spirit of live recording. They also introduce their esteemed guests, Marcin Gajkowsky and Michal Balwinski, from Generali Poland. The discussion's setting is none other than the renowned InfoSecurity Europe event, where cybersecurity professionals gather to forge connections and share innovative security solutions.

Understanding Cyber Insurance: Perspectives from Generali Poland

Marcin Gajkowsky, leading Generali Poland's Liability Team, opens up about his journey into cyber insurance. Despite his initial background in casualty and professional indemnity underwriting, Gajkowsky has grown passionate about the potential and challenges of cyber insurance, especially within Poland. With the deployment of their local cyber insurance policy in 2021, Generali Poland has committed to navigating and shaping this emerging market.

Michal Balwinski, a senior underwriter and cyber insurance practice leader at Generali Poland, delves further into the policies and market dynamics. He highlights the significant knowledge gap in Central and Eastern Europe, a relic of historical and geopolitical contexts. This awareness gap necessitates steps for thorough market education and awareness building, ensuring businesses understand and value the importance of cyber insurance.

Market Dynamics: Diversity Across Europe

Balwinski emphasizes the differing levels of cyber risk awareness across Europe. The UK, Western Europe, and the Mediterranean regions each present unique insurance needs and challenges based on their levels of digital sophistication and historical development. Poland's market reveals a stark contrast with larger enterprises adopting sophisticated vendor technologies akin to global banks, while smaller and mid-sized companies lag behind, often unaware of the essential benefits and protections cyber insurance provides.

Adapting to the Market: Educational and Technological Partnerships

Reflecting on the unique role of cyber insurance, the Generali Poland team outlines their approach to nurturing client relationships. They provide comprehensive risk assessments, engaging conversations, and tailored recommendations. True to their philosophy, Generali Poland extends beyond the role of mere policy provider, establishing themselves as committed partners in their clients' cybersecurity journeys.

One pivotal shift in insurance strategy involved offering additional prevention tools alongside policies, such as an anti-phishing package equipped with cutting-edge security kits. The goal is to bridge the evident gap in cyber preparedness among smaller enterprises, ensuring they have robust mitigation measures in place before a policy comes into effect.

Resilience and Ransomware: To Pay or Not to Pay?

A highlight of the discussion revolves around ransomware and the ethical and practical dilemmas associated with ransom payments. Marcin and Michal elucidate Generali Poland's firm stance against paying ransoms, except in extraordinary circumstances where lives are at stake. They stress that paying ransoms perpetuates the cycle of cybercrime funding and escalation. Instead, their approach focuses on bolstering clients' overall cyber resilience through comprehensive support, including 24/7 incident response services, business interruption coverage, and holistic risk management.

Conclusion: Building a Borderless Cyber-Aware Future

As the insightful conversation wraps up, Marco and Sean underscore the importance of cross-cultural exchange and the collective effort required to bolster cybersecurity awareness. They highlight the universal nature of cyber threats, transcending borders and demanding collaborative action.

This captivating episode serves as a testament to the power of open dialogue and education in fostering a more secure digital landscape. As we move forward, the lessons from Generali Poland's proactive approach to cyber insurance will undoubtedly resonate across the industry, setting a precedent for future advancements in the field.

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Resources

Reducing Risk and Costs in a Rapidly Changing Cyber Insurance Landscape with Phishing-Resistant MFA: https://www.infosecurityeurope.com/en-gb/conference-programme/session-details.3783.218914.reducing-risk-and-costs-in-a-rapidly-changing-cyber-insurance-landscape-with-phishing_resistant-mfa.html

Learn more about InfoSecurity Europe 2024: https://itspm.ag/iseu24reg

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