As part of Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month — an international event aimed at educating people about cyber threats and promoting good digital practices — Eagle Insurance hosted a special conference on Thursday, October 9, under the theme: “From Exposure to Preparedness: Evolving Cyber Liability in a Connected World.”
The event, held at Royal Green, brought together international experts, strategic partners, and business professionals to discuss cybersecurity risks and the importance of anticipating such threats.
A Global Vision Adapted to Mauritius
“The digital era has turned our planet into a hyperconnected village. In Mauritius, we benefit from this openness, but we must also face its risks. At Eagle Insurance, we fully understand this economic reality and have developed tailored cyber insurance solutions to meet the specific needs of Mauritian businesses. The international specialists present at this symposium are already working closely with our teams to ensure that our clients receive world-class expertise and protection against today’s threats,” said Sattar Jackaria, CEO of Eagle Insurance.
Speakers included:
• Richard Ford, Chief Technology Officer, Integrity360 (UK)
• Sarah Hamlat, Senior Cyber Underwriter, QBE Insurance Middle East
• Neil Hare-Brown, CEO, Storm Guidance (UK)
• Martin Potgieter, Regional CTO, Integrity360
• Sattar Jackaria, CEO, Eagle Insurance (Mauritius)
According to Dharvish Ghumondee, Head of Analytics, Treaty & Specialty at Eagle Insurance and moderator of the panel, the timing was ideal to address this increasingly relevant issue.
“We wanted to organise this symposium to raise awareness about the growing scale of cyber threats. Recent events show that no business, regardless of its industry, is safe from such crises. According to the Global Cyber Attack Report, the average number of attacks per organisation worldwide increased by about 47% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.”
“In 2025 alone, several major cyberattacks have demonstrated the growing vulnerability of large organisations. In the UK, the Co-op Group reported losses estimated at nearly £80 million after a breach compromised its logistics and payment systems.”
“In the aviation sector, an attack on Collins Aerospace’s MUSE system paralysed several European airports, including Heathrow and Berlin, disrupting operations for days. More recently, UK Land Rover fell victim to a large-scale cyberattack that halted vehicle production and distribution for several days.”
A Critical Issue for Mauritius
As Mauritius accelerates its digital transformation and positions itself as a regional financial and technology hub, cybersecurity has become a major concern. Cyberattacks targeting companies and institutions are increasing, with severe consequences — business interruptions, revenue loss, reputational damage, and regulatory sanctions.
“We foresee a significant rise in ransomware attacks, expected to affect 40% more victims globally next year,” said Sarah Hamlat, Senior Cyber Underwriter at QBE Middle East, who collaborates with Eagle Insurance. “Our latest report shows how hackers exploit vulnerabilities linked to cloud platforms and artificial intelligence — tools increasingly adopted by businesses. Cyberattacks affect all sectors. To protect themselves, companies must assess not only their own risks but also those of their suppliers. Supply chains are so intertwined that a holistic view is essential.”
Real Impacts on Businesses
Experts outlined the main risks associated with cyberattacks:
• System paralysis following ransomware attacks, halting all operations
• Loss of strategic data, leading to direct commercial consequences
• Long-term reputational damage and erosion of customer trust
• Fines and regulatory sanctions for non-compliance
Cyberattacks typically occur either through malicious intent or internal system flaws. Hackers can alter data or demand what professionals refer to as “cyber ransoms.” While the threat is constant, attackers often strike at strategic times — during holidays or outside office hours.
Cybersecurity is no longer a science-fiction scenario; it is a daily reality. One key question remains: who should companies turn to in the event of an attack? Experts agree that the first 72 hours are critical.
A Shield of Solutions
In the face of these threats, cyber insurance is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Businesses must be prepared for crises, and solutions now exist to help them navigate these challenges with confidence. Key recommendations include:
• Implementing technical controls (firewalls, antivirus software, recovery plans)
• Raising employee awareness and providing regular training
• Developing an incident response strategy
• Securing appropriate cyber insurance coverage
By subscribing to insurance that includes the intervention of cybersecurity experts, companies can mitigate potential losses and benefit from strategic support at both operational and management levels. Training employees remains essential to strengthen digital resilience, helping teams understand existing procedures, recognise hacker tactics, and respond swiftly to anomalies.
A Call to Action for Mauritian Businesses
“Cyber risk no longer concerns only large multinationals; it now affects all companies, regardless of their size or sector. Taking out cyber insurance is not an extra expense, but an investment in business continuity and operational resilience,” concluded Dharvish Ghumondee.
This event marks an important milestone in raising awareness and supporting Mauritian businesses as they face an increasingly complex digital environment. By offering a platform for knowledge sharing and dialogue, Eagle Insurance reinforces its position as a leading insurer in Mauritius and its commitment to safeguarding the digital future of local enterprises.
About Eagle Insurance’s Cyber Liability Coverage
Eagle Insurance’s approach is based on a deep understanding of digital risks and collaboration with leading international reinsurers. This coverage includes:
Direct Losses (First Party Loss):
• Business interruption
• Destruction of digital assets
• Cyber extortion
• Incident response costs
Third-Party Losses:
• Liability related to network security and data protection
• Regulatory defence and potential fines
• Liability linked to digital content
This insurance also provides access to a 24/7 emergency hotline, offering immediate connection to cybersecurity response experts and specialised lawyers worldwide, subject to general terms and conditions.
