NEW YORK—It’s so important to get the wording just right in cyber – every phrase artfully crafted, every meaning clear.
I’m talking, of course, not of policy construction but of the entertainment portion of the annual Advisen Cyber Risk Awards.
Whether it’s rapping about how you’ve got 99 problems, but a breach ain’t one, or hearing the latest cyber-related laments from Graeme Newman’s adorable children, it’s hard to properly describe the evening to those that aren’t there.
In five years, the Cyber Risk Awards have built quite the body of case law in the court of public opinion – cyber industry folks really, really like those little glass laptops.
The camaraderie and competition clearly drive speakers to reach for the top of the tower, which on this occasion at least isn’t the safest spot to be. Amid the air of giddy anticipation, the fast and funny burns, there’s room for everyone, even if you don’t happen to be among the privileged members of the cyber industry’s Slack (or WhatsApp, or text chain, or whatever. Change those passwords frequently, folks, because I want in and I’ve picked up loads of tips from ethical hackers!)
The gala event brings together the top players in cyber insurance for a bit of celebration of another year in the trenches in one of the fastest-growing, most challenging segments of the insurance industry. The evening gives attendees the chance to focus more on the humorously risqué than the risk for a change, and the industry clearly loves this opportunity to loosen up. Historical data shows that anyone and any company are fair game for the *generally* good-hearted ribbing of the evening.
It’s that rare opportunity when jokingly setting fire to one’s career just enhances the warm glow for everyone. Don’t miss out next year—both for the fun and the fact that, honestly, everyone’s just going to talk behind your back if you don’t come.
Erin “Cybeyonce” Ayers can be reached at [email protected]
Complete list of finalists and winners from the June 6 Cyber Risk Awards:
Advisen’s Cyber Risk Champion of the Year
Cyber Risk Industry Person of the Year- USA
Winner: Christiaan Durdaller, INSUREtrust
Cyber Risk Industry Person of the Year- London
Winner: Dan Trueman, AXIS
Cyber Risk Industry Person of the Year- International
Winner: Tracie Grella, AIG
Cyber Risk Event Response Team of the Year
Winner: Beazley Breach Services
Cyber Risk Pre-Breach Team of the Year
Winner: NetDiligence
Cyber Service Vendor of the Year
Winner: CyberScout
Cyber Risk Innovation of the Year
Winner: AIG Cyber Matics – Underwriting app
Cyber Newcomer of the Year
Winner: Emergin Risk
Cyber Reinsurer of the Year
Winner: Munich Re
Cyber Law Firm of the Year
Winner: Mullen Coughlin
Cyber Risk Broking Team of the Year
Winner: Willis Towers Watson
Cyber Risk Insurer of the Year
Winner: Beazley