Cyber liability insurance now sits at the heart of SME risk management. In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast, executive editor Martin Hinton talks with Cowbell co-founder and COO Trent Cooksley about how small and mid-sized businesses can prepare for today’s cyber threats.
They dig into business email compromise, ransomware, incident response, and the true cost of a serious cyber incident. Cooksley explains why many SMEs still underestimate their exposure and how cyber liability insurance supports faster recovery, expert incident handling, and stronger security controls.
You’ll hear real-world insights on:
Why business email compromise remains a leading cyber threat for SMEs
How ransomware incidents can shut down operations and damage cash flow
The role of cyber liability insurance in funding response, forensics, and restoration
How AI is changing both cyber attacks and cyber defense
What brokers and business owners should know before placing SME cyber coverage
🎙 Guest: Trent Cooksley, COO and Co-Founder, Cowbell
🎙 Host: Martin Hinton, Executive Editor, Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast
If you work with SMEs as a broker, underwriter, or business owner, this episode will help you rethink cyber risk and cyber liability insurance as a core business protection, not just an add-on.
AI in cybersecurity gets hyped every day, but not all “AI” is built for threat detection. In this Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast clip, Graylog CMO Kimber Spradlin joins host Martin Hinton to break down the real difference between LLMs and classic machine learning in security operations.
Spradlin explains why LLMs make great user interfaces, but security teams still need mathematical, testable models to spot risky behavior at scale. She uses a simple example: repeated password failures from one user can either be sleepy typing… or the first signal of an attack. How you treat that signal depends on the math behind your detection.
If you care about AI in cybersecurity, alert fatigue, and how security analysts really work with data, this conversation gives you a clear, non-hyped view from the front lines.
Get the whole episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OFmNWbYovHexPT5ynBjPO?si=629DjdtoTzWTs_TM5M4vFw
Cybersecurity communication works best when real people understand the message.
In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast, host Martin Hinton talks with Kimber Spradlin, Chief Marketing Officer at Graylog, about how clear language and better logging cut cyber risk.
Spradlin explains how Graylog normalizes log data, so teams reduce alert noise and see real incidents. She links this work to compliance, investigations and the growing demands of cyber insurance underwriters.
The conversation covers:
Why cybersecurity communication must reach every employee, not only the SOC
How log management supports audits, retention rules, and insurer expectations
The fundamental role of AI in detection versus marketing hype
MFA, identity, patching, and everyday cyber hygiene
Digital literacy, deepfakes, and teaching people to spot scams
How to frame cyber risk in business terms that boards understand
If you work in cybersecurity, cyber insurance, IT leadership, or communications, this episode gives practical ideas to sharpen your cybersecurity communication and build a stronger security culture.
Follow the show for more conversations on cyber insurance, cybersecurity, resilience, and real-world incidents.
Find Kimber Spradlin here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberspradlin/
The cyber insurance market looks competitive and even soft, but that picture may not last.
In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News & Information podcast, Executive Editor and host Martin Hinton talks with Peter Foster, Chairman of Willis’ Global FINEX Cyber Solutions. They examine how vendor concentration, ransomware, AI and data privacy are reshaping the cyber insurance market for boards, CISOs and business owners.
In this conversation, Peter Foster explains:
– Why systemic third-party and vendor failures remain the nightmare scenario for the cyber insurance market
– How ransomware, privacy claims and tracking pixels are driving cyber liability insurance losses
– Why many boards feel confident, but claims data shows big gaps in readiness
– How AI introduces new exposure across cyber, tech E&O and professional liability
– What small and mid-sized firms really face when they get hit and lack deep resources
– What underwriters now expect to see at renewal: drills, staffing, controls and clear governance
If you work in risk, security, broking or on a board, this episode offers a direct view into how the cyber insurance market is evolving and what questions you should ask before your next renewal.
Find Peter here
Find Willis here
Read our article featuring Peter here
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cyber Insurance and Systemic Risks
02:39 The Disconnect Between Perceived and Actual Readiness
05:22 Impact of Systemic Events on Cyber Insurance Pricing
07:56 Understanding Third-Party Risks and Single Points ofFailure
10:54 The Confidence Gap in Cyber Insurance
13:29 The Role of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in CyberInsurance
16:18 CISO Burnout and Governance Changes
19:17 Investment in Cybersecurity and Board Involvement
22:00 Renewal Questions and Changes in Cyber Insurance
26:06 The Importance of Data Collection and Privacy
31:15 Navigating AI Risks in Insurance
38:29 Ransomware Payments: Ethical Dilemmas and LegalImplications
43:09 The Future of the Cyber Insurance Market
AI Risk is accelerating — and the insurance industry is at risk of repeating its biggest mistake.
In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast, Executive Editor and Host Martin Hinton sits down with Erin Kenneally, founder of Elchemy and a leading expert on AI governance, cybersecurity risk modeling, and technology policy.
They explore the emerging fault lines in AI Risk; from silent exposures and coverage ambiguity to unpriced liabilities and third-party dependencies. Kenneally draws a direct parallel between today’s AI-driven risks and the ransomware crises that once upended the cyber insurance market.
Martin Hinton is Executive Editor of Cyber Insurance News & Information, covering the intersection of digital risk, underwriting innovation, and emerging technology.
Follow the show for expert interviews, actionable takeaways, and the latest thinking in AI Risk, cyber insurance, and regulatory evolution.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
There;s lots in there - AI Risk, AI insurance, cyber insurance, AI liability, Tech E&O, AI governance, model drift, prompt injection, training data poisoning, ransomware lessons, scenario-based coverage, underwriting innovation, EU AI Act, AI regulation, cyber risk management, privacy, ethics in AI
Ransomware attacks keep rising. Executive Editor and Host Martin Hinton interviews Kurtis Minder—veteran negotiator, author of Cyber Recon, and founder of GroupSense—about how negotiations actually work, what cyber insurance changes, and the prep that protects leverage and cuts downtime.
www.kurtisminder.com
Buy his book - Cyber Recon: My Life in Cyber Espionage and Ransomware Negotiation.
https://a.co/d/eosApRT
What you’ll learn
How negotiation chats with threat actors unfold
Pricing anchors, proofs, and why cadence matters
Cyber insurance requirements and panel workflows
Practical prevention: MFA, EDR, segmentation, tested backups
Incident response runbooks and executive tabletop drills
Policy debate on ransom bans and realistic alternatives
Chapters
00:00 Intro to cybersecurity and ransomware negotiation
02:53 The human element in security
05:52 Communicating with threat actors
08:39 Understanding ransomware dynamics
11:32 Negotiation strategies
14:22 The role of cyber insurance
17:26 Preventative measures and cyber hygiene
20:10 Incident response planning
23:11 The future of cybersecurity and ransomware
35:45 Ransomware response protocols
38:20 Executive-level tabletop exercises
39:13 Communication mistakes during incidents
42:41 Negotiating with ransomware attackers
45:57 The scale of ransom payments
47:49 Debating a ban on payments
50:38 Societal responsibility in cybersecurity
57:00 The ongoing cyber warfare landscape
Your child’s identity could already be stolen — and you wouldn’t know until they turn 18.
In this powerful episode of the Cyber Insurance News and Information Podcast, host Martin Hinton talks with Michael Scheumack, Chief Innovation Officer at IdentityIQ, about the growing identity theft crisis and a shocking new scam — ghost students.
Ghost student fraud costs the U.S. government $1 billion a year, with some community colleges estimating one in four applications are fake. Scheumack explains how criminals steal children’s Social Security numbers to create synthetic identities, apply for federal student loans, and leave victims in debt before they reach adulthood.
You’ll also learn:
🎙️ Guest: Michael Scheumack, Chief Innovation Officer, IdentityIQ, need help? Go here.
🎧 Host: Martin Hinton, Executive Editor, Cyber Insurance News
📍 Listen now and learn how to fight back against identity theft.
#IdentityTheft #GhostStudents #CyberInsuranceNews #CyberSecurityPodcast #CyberCrime #IdentityIQ #MartinHinton #MichaelScheumack #StudentLoanFraud #SyntheticIdentity #ChildIdentityTheft #OnlineSafety #DataBreach #CyberInsurance #Podcast
Criminals go where the valuables are. In today’s digital workplace, that location is the browser. Employees spend 90% of their workday inside browsers, using SaaS platforms, AI tools, and cloud storage. This shift makes browser security the frontline of modern cyber defense.
In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast, host Martin Hinton talks with Vivek Ramachandran, founder of SquareX and veteran cybersecurity researcher. Together, they explore how browser detection and response (BDR) protects against attacks that traditional endpoint solutions miss.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why do criminals now target browsers instead of desktops?
How malicious extensions and identity attacks steal passwords and cloud data.
Why Managing Browser Updates and Extensions Is Critical.
How AI-driven apps expand the attack surface.
The future of browser security and why BDR matters for every organization.
Vivek shares insights from 25+ years in cybersecurity, with experience speaking at DEFCON, Black Hat, and RSA. He explains why enterprises and individuals must rethink protection strategies to defend the browser—the new digital vault.
Episode Glossary for the Acronym Challenged
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Square X
01:19 The Evolution of Browser Usage in Cybersecurity
04:55 The Shift in Security Focus to Browsers
08:44 Human Behavior and Browser Security
12:23 The Importance of Digital Privacy
16:05 Understanding Browser Detection Response (BDR)
17:28 Square X: Protecting the Browser Environment
21:42 Year of Browser Bugs and Architectural Vulnerabilities
23:23 Real-World Implications of Browser Vulnerabilities
25:38 The Evolving Landscape of Cybersecurity Threats
29:40 Adapting to Cyber Threats: The Bend-Don't-Break Mindset
31:21 The Role of Cyber Insurance in Risk Management
35:25 Essential Browser Security Measures
39:25 The Future of Browsers and AI in Cybersecurity
50:39 Navigating the AI Landscape in Cybersecurity
In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast, host Martin Hinton talks with Joseph Wright, Vice President of Services at Blue Team Alpha, about the crucial role of incident response in today’s digital landscape.
After two decades rescuing lives in the U.S. Coast Guard, Joseph now applies his skills to helping organizations survive and recover from cyberattacks. He explains why incident response planning must be proactive, not reactive, and why waiting until after an attack can cost businesses millions.
🎙️ What you’ll learn in this episode:
What incident response looks like when disaster strikes
Why the cost of recovery can be 10–15x higher than prevention
The hidden financial, legal, and reputational impacts of cyber incidents
How small and medium-sized businesses can prepare for cyber resilience
Why proactive security is always cheaper—and safer—than reactive measures
Whether you’re a business leader, IT manager, or small business owner, this conversation offers practical insights into preparing for the unexpected. Wright’s message is clear: the time to think about incident response is before a cyberattack happens.
www.cyberinsurancenews.org
www.blueteamalpha.com
In This Podcast - Cybersecurity isn't just a boardroom issue—it's personal. In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News Podcast, host Martin Hinton talks with veteran cybersecurity journalist Danny Palmer about the evolution of cybercrime, the rise of ransomware attacks, and the growing threat of AI deepfakes targeting individuals and organizations alike.
From those enjoying retirement to those running the world's most complex companies, no one is immune or safe. From his first ransomware story demanding just $500 to covering high-profile hacks that crippled retailers like Marks and Spencer’s, Palmer shares what he's learned over a decade on the cybersecurity frontlines. The conversation highlights the human element, organizational vulnerabilities, and how sophisticated cybercriminals now operate like corporate enterprises.
🔐 Topics Covered:
Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.
Find Danny Palmer and on LinkedIn
More on Marks & Spencer
Like, subscribe, and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
00:00 - Introduction to Cybersecurity Reporting
01:36 - Danny Palmer's Journey in Cybersecurity Journalism
04:46 - The Evolution of Ransomware
10:35 - Understanding Organized Cybercrime
15:09 - UK's Cybersecurity Reporting Requirements
20:56 - Public Awareness and Cybersecurity Events
27:56 - The Marks and Spencer's Ransomware Attack
34:31 - The New Age of Cybercrime: Youth Involvement
36:17 - Corporate Cybersecurity Challenges and Crisis Communication
41:47 - The Human Cost of Cyber Attacks
44:21 - Understanding the Human Element in Cybersecurity
51:40 - AI's Role in Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Threats
01:01:21 - The Evolving Landscape of Cybercrime
01:05:29 - Practical Cybersecurity Tips for Individuals and Businesses
Welcome to Cyber Insurance News & Information – Your Trusted Source for Everything Cybersecurity and Cyber Insurance!
Stay informed, stay protected.
Our channel is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, expert insights, and essential updates in the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity and cyber insurance.
Whether you're a business owner, IT professional, insurer, or simply interested in digital risk, we break down complex topics into clear, actionable content.
What You'll Find Here: Regular updates on cybersecurity threats and breaches. Deep dives into cyber insurance policies and trends. Tips on risk management and cyber compliance. Interviews with industry experts. Regulatory updates and legal analysis. Real-world case studies and best practices. Subscribe now and join a growing community that’s serious about understanding and managing cyber risks in today’s digital world.
Summary
In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News Podcast, host Martin Hinton speaks with Bojan Simic, CEO of HYPR, about the evolution of cybersecurity, the challenges posed by traditional passwords, and the innovative solutions like passkeys that aim to enhance security. They discuss the implications of phishing-resistant authentication, the rise of deepfakes, and the significant role of human error in cybersecurity incidents. The conversation also explores the future of identity and security in an increasingly digital world, highlighting the need for robust security measures as technology continues to evolve.
Takeaways
Chapters
In this clip from Ep# 7 of the Cyber Insurance News Podcast episode of Cyber Insurance News, host Martin Hinton sits down with Craig Ramsay from Omada to explore how AI is transforming Identity Governance (IGA). From streamlining access reviews to driving smarter decisions in user access management, AI promises efficiency—but not without risk.
Craig discusses:
How AI reduces friction in IGA processes
Why "AI needs AI"—Artificial Intelligence still needs an Accountable Individual
The ethical balance between automation and responsibility
Real-world insights on privacy, compliance, and risk
This is a must-listen for professionals in cyber insurance, IT governance, and enterprise security looking to stay ahead of emerging trends in AI and identity management.
🔗 Links:
Find Craig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigramsay86/
Visit Cyber Insurance News: www.cyberinsurancenews.org
🔊 Follow, rate, and share this episode if you’re navigating the future of Identity Governance.
In this episode of Cyber Insurance News, Martin Hinton dives deep with Craig Ramsay from Omada into the pivotal role of Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) in today’s cybersecurity climate.
🚀 Key Topics:
Why 40% of orgs still haven’t modernized IGA
How AI and automation are revolutionizing access management
Cloud vs. legacy IGA systems
The looming threat of quantum computing
Why identity is the new perimeter
🔒 Discover how IGA acts as both a security enhancer and business enabler in the era of cybercrime and digital transformation.
👉 Subscribe & follow us for weekly updates on the latest in cyber insurance, identity risk, and security innovations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Identity Governance
02:21 Understanding Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)
04:56 The Importance of IGA in Cybersecurity
07:17 Challenges in Identity Management
10:13 The Threat Landscape and Cybercrime
12:38 AI and Automation in Identity Governance
18:14 Cloud-Based IGA vs. Legacy Systems
20:06 Quantum Computing and Future Threats
26:37 Myths About Identity Governance
27:09 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
In this clip from the Cyber Insurance News Podcast Episide #6, host Martin Hinton sits down with Dan Candee, CEO of Cork Protection, to simplify one of the most acronym-heavy areas in tech: MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers).
💡 Dan helps cut through the jargon, explaining how these providers function like outsourced IT departments — essential partners in managing cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and tech support for businesses of all sizes.
🎙️ What you’ll learn:
The difference between MSPs and MSSPs
Why these providers are vital to small and mid-size businesses
How outsourcing cybersecurity is similar to hiring accountants or mechanics
Real-world examples that make complex concepts clear
Whether you're a business owner, tech-curious listener, or exploring the world of cyber insurance, this episode is packed with insights to help you better understand your digital ecosystem.
🔐 Stay secure. Stay informed.
#CyberSecurity #MSP #MSSP #DanCandee #CorkProtection #CyberInsurance #SmallBusiness #CyberRisk #ITServices #ManagedServices
In this clip from our latest podcast episode, Dan Candee, CEO of Cork Protection, dives into a critical topic that hits close to home: Cybersecurity for Main Street businesses.🛡️ With a background in enterprise-level cybersecurity on Wall Street and a personal connection to small business through his family, Dan shares why Cork focuses on protecting small and mid-sized businesses from rising cyber threats.🚨 "The threat actors are getting better, and they're coming after Main Street more and more."👉 Discover why Main Street is being underserved in today's digital threat landscape and how Cork is filling that gap with a unique value proposition.🔗 Learn more about Cork: corkinc.com🎧 Full Podcast Episode: www.youtube.com/@CyberInsuranceNews/podcasts📣 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 notification bell so you never miss a powerful conversation.#Cybersecurity #SmallBusiness #MainStreet #DanCandee #CorkProtection #TechForGood #SMBs #PodcastClip #CyberThreats #BusinessSecurity
In this episode of The Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast, host Martin Hinton speaks with Dan Candee, CEO of Cork Protection, about the critical and evolving cybersecurity threats facing small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Dan shares his unique journey, from house painting to leading a cutting-edge cybersecurity firm, and explains why Main Street has become a prime target for cybercriminals.
Tune in to learn:
• Why SMBs are now in the crosshairs of threat actors
• How managed service providers (MSPs) are essential to business protection
• What “agentic AI” is and how it’s reshaping cyber insurance analysis
• Real-life stories of social engineering and wire transfer fraud
• How Cork Protection bridges the gap between cyber tech and financial response
Whether you're a small business owner or a cybersecurity pro, this episode delivers eye-opening insights and practical strategies to help you protect what matters most.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, and don't forget to follow the show for more expert insights on cybersecurity, insurance, and resilience.
#CyberSecurity #CyberInsurance #SmallBusiness #SMB #DanCandee #CorkProtection #MSP #AIinSecurity #CyberPodcast #BusinessResilience
In this episode of the Cyber Insurance News Podcast, Executive Editor Martin Hinton sits down with William Altman, Head of Cyber Threat Intelligence at CyberCube, to unpack the evolving threat landscape in cybersecurity. Together, they explore how small businesses have become prime targets for cybercriminals, the widening protection gap in cyber insurance, and how AI is changing the game on both sides of the cyber battle.
A major focus of the discussion is the crisis in education sector cybersecurity, including a massive breach that exposed 60 million K-12 student records. These records included sensitive data like mental health histories and medication protocols, information that can’t be changed or reissued. The long-term impact for affected students goes far beyond what credit monitoring can protect, raising serious concerns about privacy, fraud risk, and psychological safety for years to come.
You’ll learn about:
The top cybersecurity threats facing small businesses in 2025
How cyber insurance is failing to cover today’s biggest risks
Why MFA and identity access management are non-negotiable
How AI is being weaponized in phishing and social engineering
The education sector’s alarming vulnerability to cyberattacks
Global trends in financial sector cybersecurity
This conversation delivers actionable insights for small business owners, IT leaders, educators, and anyone concerned with the future of digital risk and cyber resilience.
🎙️ Guest: William Altman, CyberCube
🎧 Host: Martin Hinton, Cyber Insurance News
🔗 For more resources, visit CyberCube
🔗 CIS Critical Security Controls
📬 Questions? Reach out via comments or social media.
#Cybersecurity #CyberInsurance #AIThreats #StudentDataBreach #SmallBusinessRisk #DigitalPrivacy #CyberCube #EducationCybersecurity #ThreatIntelligence
In this episode, Cyber Insurance News Executive Editor Martin Hinton discusses the personal side of cybersecurity with Trinity Davis and Chuck Randolph from 360 Privacy. They explore the threats individuals face in the digital age, the importance of reducing one's digital footprint, and practical advice for enhancing personal cybersecurity. The conversation also explores the role of AI in addressing cyber threats, the value of personal data, and the implications of deepfakes. The episode highlights the importance of cybersecurity, insurance, and general cyber hygiene as a means of resilience against potential data breaches.
During the podcast, Trinity Davis offered some practical tips for hardening your digital security. You can find that here.
Takeaways
Cybersecurity impacts individuals as much as corporations.
Reducing digital presence can prevent harassment and threats.
Understanding the attack cycle is crucial for personal safety.
Convenience often comes at the cost of safety and privacy.
AI enhances the capabilities of cybercriminals.
Personal data is valuable and can be exploited.
Juice jacking is a real threat for travelers.
Deepfakes pose significant risks to personal and corporate reputations.
Compartmentalizing communications can enhance security.
Cyber insurance is essential for resilience against breaches.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Personal Risks
06:33 Understanding the Threat Landscape
13:42 Practical Advice for Personal Cybersecurity
21:23 The Value of Personal Data in Cybercrime
29:51 Protecting Your Identity: Credit Security Measures
31:38 Cybersecurity Breaches: Real-World Examples
36:49 The Threat of Deepfakes: Implications for Security
43:44 Convergence of Cyber and Physical Security
50:08 The Role of Cyber Insurance in Personal Security
54:07 Best Practices for Digital Hygiene
Personal Cyber Insurance is the topic in this clip from the latest Cyber Insurance News Podcast, Ryan Mimmo of Converge Insurance shares his thoughts on the product, risks, and where it might be going.
In this clip from the latest Cyber Insurance News & Information Podcast, Ryan Mimmo of Converge Insurance discusses the trend of education and awareness in cyber insurance and cybersecurity and says that more is needed to reduce threats.