In movies, cybercrime scenes usually take place in a dark room, as the hacker diabolically taps into the system of a large corporation, hospital, bank, or government entity. In real life, however, cybercrimes happen in broad daylight, and the victims aren’t limited to big corporate entities. Those days are over.
Today, industries once considered lower risk for cyberattacks, including construction, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution, are becoming frequent targets.
According to a Team8 survey cited by Investopedia, phishing emails surged by 1,265% and credential phishing grew by 967% in the months following the launch of ChatGPT, with hackers increasingly directing attacks at more traditional, “hands-on” or “blue collar” industries.
They know these businesses often have fewer defenses in place than sectors like banking or healthcare.
How Cyber Vulnerabilities Show Up
In industries like construction, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution, vulnerabilities are typically tied to day-to-day operations. For example, a construction company may fall victim to an impersonation scam in the form of an email aimed at clients, asking them for their credit card information.
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A ransomware attack could halt production lines and delay shipments at a manufacturing facility that connects machinery to digital ordering systems. And for wholesalers and distributors that handle large inventories and regular wire transfers, one fraudulent invoice can have a major impact on cash flow.
Why Blue-Collar Businesses Need Cyber Liability Insurance
Cyber liability insurance is designed to absorb the financial impact of incidents like the ones mentioned above and is essential for blue-collar or more hands-on industries. Coverage can include reimbursement for stolen funds, lost income when systems are shut down, and legal or regulatory expenses tied to compliance requirements.
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Some cyber liability policies can even extend beyond financial recovery. Crisis management support can include customer notifications, credit monitoring, and crisis communication help to restore trust after an incident. While insurance cannot prevent cybercrime, it certainly provides a critical layer of protection when prevention measures are breached.
Protecting Your Business from Cybercrime
Whether your day takes you to a factory floor, a warehouse, or a construction site, if you don’t have cyber liability insurance, you may be leaving it vulnerable to hackers. As risks evolve, cyber insurance should be a part of your risk management plan.
The team at Roehr Insurance can help you find the best cyber liability insurance for your business to protect your finances, operations, and reputation against the growing threat of cybercrime.
