Hamilton Cyberattack: Insurance Didn’t Help

In February 2024, Hamilton was hit by a devastating cyberattack. Nearly 80% of the city’s digital systems were locked down overnight, and the hackers demanded an $18.5 million ransom. What made headlines? Hamilton Cyberattack: Insurance Didn’t Help. When the city looked to its cyber insurance, they were left on their own to pay the $18.3 million recovery bill because the insurer said Hamilton failed to meet key policy requirements.

How the Breach Happened

Unsecured Server: Hackers accessed the city’s network through an internet-facing server with no extra protection.
Missing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Departments ignored warnings, skipping vital MFA safeguards required by insurance.
Rapid Spread: Once inside, hackers quickly locked down core city services before staff could react.

Why Insurance Refused To Pay

Policy Exclusion: Insurance coverage depended on having MFA in place. Despite warnings in 2022, Hamilton didn’t finish implementing MFA before the attack. Insurance cited this as grounds to deny the claim.
Lack of Security Controls: Experts and city officials agreed: incomplete cyber hygiene, outdated systems, and poor adoption of basic requirements allowed the breach—and invalidated insurance protection.

The result: Hamilton taxpayers are left with the full cost and months of disruption.

Secur-IT Data Solutions: Real Protection

Don’t become the next Hamilton. At Secur-IT Data Solutions, we:

Audit your IT to spot and close security gaps.
Monitor threats 24/7, powered by intelligent AI.
Train your team—including decision makers—on cyber awareness.
Keep meticulous records so your insurance protection is valid.
Ensure compliance with all policy requirements, like MFA.
Provide backup solutions, so your data can’t be held hostage.

Hamilton Cyberattack: Insurance Didn’t Help.

Let us help you stay secure—and covered.