Even major institutions aren’t safe anymore.
Penn State recently confirmed a data breach following a cyberattack that forced the university to take systems offline and investigate the exposure of sensitive information.
It’s one more reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue – it’s a business liability issue.
And if a breach like this can happen to a massive organization with dedicated IT staff, what does that mean for the average business?
The Lesson: No One Is Too Big (or Too Small) to Be Targeted
Penn State joins a growing list of organizations hit by cyberattacks this year , from hospitals to law firms to local governments. Attackers don’t discriminate. They go after whoever’s easiest to breach.
In most cases, it’s not a lack of expensive technology that opens the door. It’s simple things like:
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Unpatched software
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Weak or reused passwords
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Employees falling for phishing emails
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Missing documentation on security practices
Those small gaps can lead to massive fallout.
The Hidden Cost: When Insurance Won’t Pay
Here’s the part most businesses don’t realize:
Even if you have cyber liability insurance, your claim can still be denied after an attack.
Why? Because nearly every policy includes a clause requiring you to prove that you took reasonable precautions to prevent a breach.
That means you’ll need documentation – not just good intentions – showing that:
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Security measures were in place
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Employees were trained
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Systems were patched
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Access was controlled
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Backups were tested
Without that paper trail, the costs (legal, financial, and reputational) fall squarely on your shoulders.
Cyber Liability Essentials: The Foundation Every Business Needs
If a breach happens (and odds say it will), you’ll need to prove your organization took reasonable precautions.
That’s exactly what Cyber Liability Essentials helps you do.
It’s the framework that strengthens your insurance position, reduces legal exposure, and helps you sleep at night knowing your business is protected – and documented.
- Key components include:
- Security policy documentation
- Incident response planning
- Employee cybersecurity training
- Proof of patching and monitoring
- MFA and access control
These aren’t “nice to haves.” They’re what insurers and attorneys look for after an incident.
The Bottom Line
Penn State’s breach is a wake-up call.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about keeping hackers out – it’s about proving you did everything possible to protect your organization.
Because in today’s world, prevention alone isn’t enough.
Proof is protection.
Ready to Build Your Cyber Liability Essentials Foundation?
We help organizations close the gaps that lead to denied claims and business downtime.
Let’s make sure you’re covered before something happens.
Contact us here.