Cyber Insurance Readiness
Starter Kit$99
Professional$199
Cyber insurance readiness guide
Cyber insurance application questions and MFA requirements checklist
Cyber insurance applications now ask detailed questions about your security. Here is what underwriters usually look for in plain English, and a guide to answering accurately with evidence on file.
- Plain English
- Editable Word & Excel
- Free self-assessment
Updated October 18, 2026 · Get the free self-assessment
The requirement
What cyber insurance applications ask, in plain English
Insurers price and approve cyber coverage based on your application, so the answers matter. Applications for small businesses commonly ask about multi-factor authentication on email, remote access and admin accounts; backups that are separated from your network and tested; endpoint detection and response (EDR); patching; security training; and how you verify payment instructions.
Wording varies by carrier, and so do the minimums. Some require MFA on all remote access before they will quote. Others ask for supplemental questionnaires on ransomware or funds transfer fraud.
Accuracy is the big risk. An application answer that turns out to be wrong can slow or complicate a claim, so answer only what is true today and keep evidence (screenshots, reports, policies) on file to show it.
Readiness also means knowing what to do on the day of an incident. Many policies require prompt notice to the insurer and use of its panel vendors, so your incident plan should say who calls the carrier first.
Requirement by requirement
Where each requirement is covered in the Cyber Insurance Readiness kit
Every document is editable Word or Excel. Items marked Pro are in the Professional Edition only.
| Requirement | What it means for you | Kit documents |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-factor authentication | MFA on email, remote access, admin and backup accounts. |
|
| Backups and recovery | Separated, tested backups you can actually restore. |
|
| EDR and patching | Endpoint protection and timely patches, including end-of-life systems. |
|
| Privileged access | Limit and monitor admin accounts. |
|
| Email security and training | Filtering, phishing simulations and staff training. |
|
| Funds transfer verification | Call-back checks before changing payment instructions. |
|
| Answering the application | Question-by-question guidance and an internal accuracy check. |
|
| Evidence on file | Proof for every answer, organized for the underwriter. |
|
| Incident and claim readiness | Notify the insurer and track claim costs. |
|
See a sample page
What the Cyber Insurance Application Answer Guide looks like
Plain-language templates with bracketed fields for your details, policy IDs that stay the same when you upgrade, and a footer reminding you to customize before use.
- Download right after checkout
- Edit in Microsoft Word, Google Docs or any word processor
- One-time price: Starter $99 · Professional $199
What's inside
Every file in each edition
Policy numbers carry over from the Starter Kit to the Professional Edition, so you can start small and upgrade without renumbering.
Starter Kit
$9913 editable files
Policies 5
- CIR-001Multi-Factor Authentication Access Policy
- CIR-002Backup & Recovery Policy
- CIR-003Endpoint Protection & Patch Management Policy
- CIR-004Funds Transfer & Payment Change Verification Policy
- CIR-005Incident Response & Insurer Notification Policy
Plans, guides & assessments 7
- WordImplementation Guide
- WordCyber Insurance Application Answer Guide
- Word12 Controls Underwriters Look For
- WordEvidence Binder Guide
- WordFunds Transfer Verification Procedure
- WordIncident Response Quick Plan
- WordRenewal Readiness Timeline
Workbook 1
- ExcelCyber Insurance Readiness Workbook
Professional Edition
$19933 editable files
Policies 13
- CIR-001Multi-Factor Authentication Access Policy
- CIR-002Backup & Recovery Policy
- CIR-003Endpoint Protection & Patch Management Policy
- CIR-004Funds Transfer & Payment Change Verification Policy
- CIR-005Incident Response & Insurer Notification Policy
- CIR-006Privileged Access Management Policy
- CIR-007Email Security & Phishing Policy
- CIR-008Security Awareness & Phishing Simulation Policy
- CIR-009Vulnerability & End-of-Life Management Policy
- CIR-010Third-Party Remote Access Policy
- CIR-011Data Inventory, Encryption & Retention Policy
- CIR-012Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Policy
- CIR-013AI Governance Policy
Plans, guides & assessments 11
- WordProfessional Edition Implementation Guide
- WordCyber Insurance Application Answer Guide
- Word12 Controls Underwriters Look For
- WordSupplemental Questionnaire Guide
- WordCoverage Review Guide
- WordEvidence Binder Guide
- WordIncident Response & Claims Playbook
- WordRansomware Claim Tabletop Exercise
- WordRenewal Readiness Timeline
- WordFunds Transfer Verification Procedure
- Word50-Question Cyber Insurance Readiness Self-Assessment
Forms & templates 8
- TEMPLATE-01Security Controls Summary Letter
- TEMPLATE-02Application Accuracy Attestation
- TEMPLATE-03Funds Transfer Verification Form
- TEMPLATE-04MFA Security Exception Form
- TEMPLATE-05Notice of Incident to Insurer
- TEMPLATE-06Claim Cost & Business Interruption Tracker
- TEMPLATE-07Vendor Remote Access Attestation
- TEMPLATE-08Broker Quote Request Checklist
Workbook 1
- ExcelCyber Insurance Readiness Professional Workbook
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What security controls do cyber insurers usually ask about?
Commonly MFA, offline or separated backups, endpoint detection and response, patching, security training, privileged access controls and payment verification. Each carrier's application differs.
What happens if we answer an application question wrong?
An inaccurate answer can complicate coverage or a claim. Answer only what is true today, fix gaps before you sign, and keep evidence on file.
Do we need MFA to get cyber insurance?
Many carriers ask about MFA on email, remote access and admin accounts, and some won't quote without it. Check your carrier's specific application.
Does this kit tell us which policy to buy?
No. It helps you prepare and answer accurately. Coverage decisions belong with a licensed agent or broker.
Is this legal or insurance advice?
No. These are editable templates and education.
Free download
Free Cyber Insurance Readiness cybersecurity self-assessment
Answer 50 yes / no / not sure questions across 10 areas. Score your results and get clear next steps for your industry.
- Small Business, Law Office, Real Estate, Healthcare, Accounting & Tax, Insurance Agency, Financial Advisor, Auto Dealer, Mortgage & Title, and Cyber Insurance Readiness editions
- Starred priority questions and a scoring table
- Printable PDF
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Download the PDFQuestions about your results? Email info@cybriva.ai.
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Get the Cyber Insurance Readiness kit
Start with the Starter Kit or get every policy, form and workbook in the Professional Edition. Policy numbers carry over if you upgrade.
See the full Cyber Insurance Readiness pageSources
- UnderDefense: cyber insurance readiness checklist (Jul. 2026)
- BriteCity: cyber insurance IT requirements 2026
This guide is plain-English education, current as of October 18, 2026. It is not legal advice, an audit or a compliance determination, and Cybriva is not affiliated with any regulator or standards body named here. Rules change and vary by state; confirm how they apply to you with your attorney or compliance advisor.