ARPC announces research study on cyber terrorism in Australia

31 Oct 2018

Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation has commenced a research study on the threat of cyber terrorism in Australia, including the nature and cost of physical damage to commercial property (including business interruption), which may be caused by acts of cyber terrorism.

The 12-month research study, titled ‘Insurance risk assessment of cyber terrorism in Australia’ will identify and explore current and prospective threats, plausible scenarios as well as the practicalities of extending insurance coverage to include cyber terrorism in Australia.

“Business insurance policies and the ARPC scheme currently exclude coverage for acts of cyber terrorism which affect commercial and high value residential property in Australia,” said Dr Christopher Wallace, ARPC Chief Executive.

“ARPC expects the cyber research study findings to inform development of government policy in this important area, including the three-year review of the terrorism insurance scheme by the Treasury,” Dr Wallace said.  He said the research study will also make a significant contribution to the data set and knowledge of cyber terrorism risk in Australia, a risk which is currently under-researched.

ARPC has commissioned Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies, based at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, based in France, to undertake the research with ARPC.

Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies has a solid reputation and deep experience in cyber terrorism research and recently completed an assessment of the current state and future shape of the cyber terrorist threat to the UK mainland and economy titled ‘Cyber Terrorism: Assessment of the Threat to the Insurance Industry’.

The OECD has extensive knowledge of terrorism pools, like ARPC and its global peers, including their insurance coverage of current and emerging terrorism issues.

“Cambridge Centre for Risk Studies and the OECD are well qualified to undertake this vital research and we look forward to working with them,” Dr Wallace said.

Media enquiries: Dr Christopher Wallace, ARPC Chief Executive, P: + 61 2 8223 6777 or [email protected]