In this thought-provoking episode, host Jeff Edwards is joined by Gordon Malin, co-founder and CEO of Alpha Secure, to unpack the critical role of cyber insurance in today’s digital-first world. As cyber threats continue to rise, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly vulnerable—yet less than 10% have standalone cyber insurance policies. Why is that, and what can be done to close the gap?Gordon shares his journey into the insurance industry, the pivotal moments that shaped his focus on cyber risk, and how events like Hurricane Katrina reshaped the way we think about systemic risks. Together, Jeff and Gordon explore the evolution of cyber insurance from a niche product to a business necessity, the challenges of underwriting cyber risk, and the growing importance of integrating cybersecurity measures into insurance products—a concept known as InsurSec.Key highlights from this episode include:✅ Why cyber insurance is essential for SMBs in an era of escalating cyber threats.✅ The alarming low penetration rates of cyber insurance among small businesses.✅ How cyber hygiene (like multi-factor authentication and regular backups) is becoming a prerequisite for coverage.✅ The looming supply-demand imbalance in the cyber insurance market and its potential impact on premiums and coverage.✅ The role of technology and InsurSec in reducing risks and creating a more sustainable insurance ecosystem.Gordon also sheds light on the misconceptions SMBs have about cyber risk, the difference between attritional and systemic losses, and how innovations in insurtech are helping businesses stay ahead of the curve.Whether you’re a small business owner, IT professional, or simply curious about the future of cyber insurance, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice. Tune in to learn how to protect your business, navigate the complexities of cyber insurance, and understand why InsurSec is the way forward.Subscribe to The Safehouse Initiative for more expert discussions on cybersecurity, insurance, and how SMBs can thrive in an increasingly digital world.Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms!#InsurSec #CyberInsurance #Cybersecurity #SMB #RiskManagement #SmallBusiness #CyberHygiene #AlphaSecure #Podcast

In this episode of the Safe House Initiative Podcast, host Jeff Edwards and Mark Grens, co-founder of Digital Mint, explore the intricate world of ransomware attacks and the critical steps organizations must take after a breach. They discuss the evolution of ransomware payments, from unregulated practices to a more structured, compliance-driven process, including navigating OFAC sanctions and legal risks. Mark emphasizes the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, such as two-factor authentication and employee training, to prevent phishing attacks, which are a leading cause of ransomware incidents. The conversation also highlights the psychological impact of ransomware and why many organizations only prioritize cybersecurity after an attack. Looking ahead, Mark underscores the need for ongoing vigilance as ransomware threats continue to evolve.Don’t miss essential conversation like this! Follow the Safe House Initiative Podcast for more expert insights on cybersecurity, and tune in to stay informed and prepared in the face of ever-growing digital threats.#Ransomware #Cybersecurity #Compliance #OFAC #DigitalMint #CyberHygiene #TwoFactorAuthentication #SafeHouseInitiative------Edited and Produced by Trustbridge Communications.

In this second part of our conversation with Matthew Cullina, head of the Global Cyber Insurance Group at TransUnion, Jeff Edwards dives deeper into the rapidly evolving world of cyber insurance and its critical role in today’s digital landscape.📈 Explore how the $10-12 billion cyber insurance market is growing at 25% annually, yet small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and families remain significantly underinsured.⚠️ Unpack the challenges of systemic risks and how the industry is addressing potential catastrophic cyber events.🔐 Learn why proactive cyber hygiene is essential and how the insurance application process can act as a cybersecurity audit for businesses.Matthew also emphasizes the importance of education in helping SMBs understand their vulnerabilities and the long-term value of cyber insurance in building resilience.🎧 Tune in now to gain actionable insights and discover how businesses of all sizes can navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and beyond.------Edited and Produced by Trustbridge Communications.

In this insightful first episode of a two-part series, Jeff Edwards and Matt Cullina, head of TransUnion’s Global Cyber Insurance Group, explore the evolving world of cyber insurance in the age of AI and digital threats.

Tracing Matt's career from history major to cyber insurance leader, they discuss the historical context of risk management and insurance, revealing how past events like the Great Fire of London shaped modern insurance practices, including the crucial development of cyber insurance.

The conversation delves into the etymology of key terms like "crisis" (a decision point) and "cyber" (from the Greek for steering, highlighting the need for human control), emphasizing how understanding these origins empowers individuals and businesses to navigate today's complex digital landscape. They examine the evolution of identity theft from simple scams to sophisticated cyber threats, the impact of data breach laws, and the dual role of AI in both enhancing security and creating new risks.

Matt underscores the importance of continuous education and adaptation to stay ahead of cyber criminals, highlighting that cyber risks are fundamentally people problems, not just technological ones.

Join Jeff and Matt as they discuss how we can responsibly steer the future of technology and effectively manage emerging threats. ------ Edited and Produced by Trustbridge Communications.

Welcome to this episode of The Safe House, hosted by Jeff Edwards, co-chair of the Safe House Initiative. Join us as we dive into the evolving world of cyber insurance with Mark Greisiger, CEO of NetDiligence. Discover Mark’s journey from the early days of cyber risk to today’s sophisticated landscape, exploring the critical balance between insurance and cybersecurity. Learn about the growing emphasis on resiliency, the impact of ransomware, and the importance of understanding vendor relationships. This episode is packed with insights for business owners, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone interested in navigating the complexities of cyber risk management. Tune in and empower your organization to be safer and more resilient in the face of cyber threats! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance your understanding of how to protect your business in today’s digital age! ------ Edited and Produced by Trustbridge Communications.

In this second part of a two-part series, Mark dives deep into the role of MDR in cybersecurity, and discusses real-world implications of different cyber threats and the need for effective MDR strategies as well as continuous awareness and education. Mark and Jeff also address the need for businesses to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that even organizations with limited budgets can access robust security measures.

Viewers will gain actionable insights, including the importance of conducting executive-level threat assessments and understanding their obligations regarding cybersecurity. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to bolster their cybersecurity posture and foster a culture of security within their organization.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance your understanding of how to protect your business in today’s digital age!

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Edited and Produced by Trustbridge Communications.

In this episode of The Safe House, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Wade Baker, co-founder of the Scientia Institute, to delve into the world of cybersecurity data analysis. Wade shares his journey from aspiring baseball player to leading a groundbreaking data science firm focused on cybersecurity insights. They discuss the evolution of risk management, the importance of empirical data in understanding security incidents, and how organizations can utilize this information to enhance their resilience against threats.

Tune in to discover Wade’s invaluable advice on identifying key questions and measuring effectiveness in cybersecurity practices. Join us as we shine a light on the complexities of data-driven security strategies and empower you to make informed decisions in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your understanding of cybersecurity strategies—tune in now and empower yourself to navigate the digital landscape with confidence!

------Edited and Produced by Trustbridge Communications.

Join us in this enlightening episode hosted by Jeff Edwards, as we navigate the complex world of cybersecurity acronyms and concepts like MDR (Managed Detection and Response). In this informative discussion, we welcome Mark Sangster, Chief of Strategy at Adlumin, who shares his extensive 25+ years of experience in cybersecurity. Together, they demystify the alphabet soup of cybersecurity, including EDR, XDR, and more, providing clarity on how these technologies can protect small to midsize businesses against cyber threats. In this first part of a two-part series, the episode dives deep into the practicalities of MDR services, explaining how they operate in real-time to detect and respond to threats effectively. Mark and Jeff also address the need for businesses to adapt to the evolving cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that even organizations with limited budgets can access robust security measures. Viewers will gain actionable insights, including the importance of conducting executive-level threat assessments and understanding their obligations regarding cybersecurity. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to bolster their cybersecurity posture and foster a culture of security within their organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and enhance your understanding of how to protect your business in today’s digital age! ------ Edited and Produced by Trustbridge Communications.