Serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001.
The Short Answer: Cyber insurance has become much more than an annual renewal—it's a cybersecurity assessment of your business.
Cyber insurance providers have significantly increased their underwriting requirements over the past several years. Most insurers now require manufacturers to demonstrate that they have implemented fundamental cybersecurity controls before issuing or renewing a policy.
While every insurance carrier has its own requirements, manufacturers are commonly expected to have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR), secure backups, vulnerability management, employee cybersecurity training, and documented incident response procedures.
For manufacturers with 25–50 computer users, meeting these requirements isn't just about qualifying for insurance—it also helps reduce the risk of ransomware, production downtime, data loss, and business interruption.
At TR Technologies, we've been serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001, helping manufacturers improve their cybersecurity posture and prepare for successful cyber insurance renewals.
Why Cyber Insurance Requirements Have Changed
Five years ago, many companies could purchase cyber insurance by answering a few basic questions.
Today, that's no longer the case.
Cybercrime has become more sophisticated, ransomware attacks have become more frequent, and manufacturers have become attractive targets because production interruptions can be extremely costly.
Insurance companies have responded by requiring businesses to demonstrate that they have implemented reasonable cybersecurity controls before providing coverage.
Their goal is simple:
Reduce claims by encouraging stronger cybersecurity.
For manufacturers, this creates an opportunity. Companies that invest in cybersecurity often experience:
- Lower cyber risk
- Better business continuity
- Faster recovery from incidents
- Improved operational resilience
- Greater confidence from customers and partners
The SECURE Framework for Cyber Insurance Readiness
Preparing for cyber insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming.
We recommend manufacturers focus on the SECURE Framework.
S — Strengthen Identity Security
User identities are one of the most common attack vectors.
Protecting accounts should begin with:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Strong password policies
- Password managers
- Privileged account management
- Conditional access policies
- Eliminating shared administrator accounts
Today, many cyber insurance carriers expect MFA to be enabled for:
- Microsoft 365
- VPN access
- Remote desktop access
- Administrative accounts
- Cloud applications
Without MFA, obtaining affordable cyber insurance can become significantly more difficult.
E — Enhance Endpoint Protection
Traditional antivirus software is no longer enough.
Modern cybersecurity relies on Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) solutions that continuously monitor devices for suspicious activity.
Effective endpoint protection includes:
- Continuous threat monitoring
- Behavioral analysis
- Automated threat containment
- Malware detection
- Incident investigation
- Device isolation when necessary
EDR provides significantly greater visibility than legacy antivirus products.
C — Create Reliable Backups
Backups remain one of the most important cybersecurity investments.
However, simply having backups isn't enough.
Manufacturers should implement the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy:
- Three copies of your data
- Stored on two different media types
- One copy stored off-site or in the cloud
Additional best practices include:
- Immutable backups
- Backup encryption
- Regular recovery testing
- Backup monitoring
- Disaster recovery documentation
Reliable backups help businesses recover more quickly following ransomware attacks or hardware failures.
U — Update Systems Regularly
Unpatched software remains one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access.
Manufacturers should establish a formal patch management process covering:
- Windows updates
- Microsoft 365
- Servers
- Firewalls
- Network equipment
- Third-party software
- Firmware updates
Production systems may require additional coordination with machine vendors before updates are installed.
R — Reduce Human Risk
Technology alone cannot stop cyberattacks.
Employees remain one of the most common targets.
Security awareness programs should include:
- Phishing awareness
- Email security
- Password best practices
- Safe Internet browsing
- Social engineering awareness
- Incident reporting procedures
Regular employee training helps reduce the likelihood of successful phishing attacks.
E — Evaluate and Improve Continuously
Cybersecurity isn't a one-time project.
Insurance carriers increasingly expect organizations to review and improve their cybersecurity posture on an ongoing basis.
Regular activities should include:
- Vulnerability scanning
- Risk assessments
- Security policy reviews
- Cyber insurance questionnaire reviews
- Technology planning
- Executive reporting
Strategic cybersecurity planning should be incorporated into regular business planning.
What Manufacturers Should Expect During an Insurance Renewal
Many manufacturers are surprised by the number of questions insurers now ask.
Common topics include:
- Is MFA enabled for all users?
- Do you use Endpoint Detection & Response?
- Are backups encrypted?
- How often are backups tested?
- Do you use network segmentation?
- Are administrative accounts protected?
- Is remote access secured?
- Do employees receive cybersecurity training?
- Is there a documented incident response plan?
- Do you conduct vulnerability scans?
Every insurance company has different underwriting requirements, but these questions have become increasingly common.
Common Mistakes That Delay Coverage
Many organizations struggle with cyber insurance because of avoidable issues.
Examples include:
- Not enabling MFA for all users
- Running unsupported operating systems
- Shared administrator accounts
- Poor password practices
- Infrequent backup testing
- Missing documentation
- Delayed security updates
- Insecure remote access
- Assuming antivirus alone is sufficient
Addressing these issues before your renewal can help simplify the underwriting process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cyber insurance require Multi-Factor Authentication?
Many insurance carriers now consider MFA a foundational cybersecurity control and may require it for administrative accounts, remote access, Microsoft 365, and other critical systems.
What is Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)?
EDR is an advanced cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors computers and servers for suspicious behavior and helps identify, contain, and respond to cyber threats.
How often should backups be tested?
Manufacturers should regularly test backups to verify they can successfully restore critical business systems. The appropriate testing schedule depends on business requirements and risk tolerance.
Does cyber insurance cover ransomware?
Coverage varies by policy and insurer. Manufacturers should review their policy carefully and discuss specific coverage details with their insurance broker.
Can an MSP help complete cyber insurance questionnaires?
Yes. An experienced managed IT provider can often assist in documenting existing security controls, identifying gaps, and providing technical information requested during the underwriting process.
Why Manufacturers Choose TR Technologies
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—and manufacturers need an IT partner who understands both technology and production.
Manufacturers choose TR Technologies because we provide:
- Serving Chicagoland manufacturers since 2001
- 25 years of manufacturing IT experience
- Guaranteed response times
- Average response time under 15 minutes
- 99% uptime for managed systems
- Manufacturing cybersecurity expertise
- Strategic vCIO planning
- Network segmentation expertise
- Coordination with machine vendors
- A single point of accountability for your technology environment
Our goal isn't just to help manufacturers qualify for cyber insurance—it's to help build a stronger, more resilient business.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber insurance providers now expect manufacturers to implement foundational cybersecurity controls.
- Multi-Factor Authentication, Endpoint Detection & Response, secure backups, patch management, and employee training are commonly evaluated.
- Preparing before your renewal date reduces stress and improves cybersecurity.
- Cyber insurance should complement—not replace—a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
- Working with an experienced manufacturing IT partner can simplify both cybersecurity planning and insurance renewals.
Is Your Manufacturing Business Ready for Its Next Cyber Insurance Renewal?
Cyber insurance requirements will continue to evolve, but a strong cybersecurity foundation will always be your best defense.
TR Technologies helps Chicagoland manufacturers evaluate their cybersecurity posture, address common insurance requirements, and build practical security strategies that protect both business systems and production operations.
Contact TR Technologies today with a discovery call to schedule a Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment and prepare confidently for your next cyber insurance renewal.
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