Anna is a certified cyber policy broker operating out of the Financial Lines department at Howden Greece.

Q: What was the reason that led you to join the Certified Cyber Insurance Specialist (CCIS) course?

A: Cybersecurity is an area that is rapidly permeating every business whose operations rely on digital technology. As R. Mueller stated: “There are only two types of companies – those that have been hacked and those that will be,” meaning that Cyber Insurance has recently been in the spotlight and this trend will continue to grow due to broad digitalization. However, being involved in this industry requires a strong technical background not only to understand the needs of the potential client but to also speak the same language with them. Despite my academic background in engineering and my experience in the insurance industry, there has been a gap due to specific terminology used in the cyber world. Realizing that the Certified Cyber Insurance Specialist (CCIS) course could be a vital tool in bridging this gap, I had no second thoughts about registering and attending it.

Q: What sets this cyber insurance course apart from other cyber insurance programs?

A: The key factor that distinguishes the Certified Cyber Insurance Specialist (CCIS) from other similar programs is its innovative platform including illustrative presentations, spot-on examples, interesting videos, and well-structured chapters, which are suitable for both those who are experienced and those just getting into the industry. In addition, the support of the experts was phenomenal, always being there to give us motivation and address our concerns or questions.

Q: What doors have been opened for you as a result of the course and becoming a certified cyber broker?

A: I am proud to say that I am a certified cyber broker. After graduating from the course and with the knowledge and tools I have acquired, I can undoubtedly participate and lead cyber conversations without any hesitation. This has inspired me, fueled me with confidence, and made me set foot in an alleged complex cyber world. Thanks to this course, I also had the chance of getting to know various inspiring people of different backgrounds, who helped me broaden my horizon extensively.

Q: Can you state one or two unique tools/inputs you received from this cyber insurance training?

A: The most invaluable tool I have, now, is the confidence to discuss in face-to-face meetings with CISOs/DPOs/CIOs, by speaking the same language and fully understanding the whole concept of cyber security and any potential risks that might arise. Consequently, I do believe that I can now excel as a Cyber Insurance Broker and contribute to the proper assessment of the risk.

Q: Where do you see the Cyber Insurance Market in your territory in the next 3 years?

A: Cyber Insurance is an emerging industry in Greece. Companies that purchase cyber insurance today, are early adopters. Especially now that essential changes have driven the focus away from privacy-related incidents to topics such as business interruption and cyber-crime. 2020 was unlike any other year, with the Covid-19 outbreak and the recent shift to remote working. What should also be noted is that ransomware attacks are becoming more targeted and complex. The aforementioned facts have raised awareness of the cyber insurance product. Soon, an increasing number of companies will be attracted to the Cyber Insurance Market. This is because cyber threats keep evolving and affect most of the businesses that rely on digital technology and are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Q: Would you recommend the CCIS course to your colleagues?

A: It is, without doubt, the most well-rounded cyber insurance course. I would highly encourage my colleagues to undertake it, and recommend it to everyone that is involved with the cyber insurance industry or any other cyber activities.

Want to find out how the Cyber Insurance Academy can help progress your career? Read about our courses here.