AI Cyberattacks Are Rising: Is Your New Jersey Business Protected?
Artificial intelligence is helping businesses work faster—but cybercriminals are using the same technology to create more convincing phishing emails, impersonate executives, identify software vulnerabilities and automate attacks.
For companies in Morris County, Succasunna, Morristown, Roxbury, Parsippany, Wayne and Jersey City, NJ, cybersecurity and cyber insurance protection are now essential parts of commercial risk management.
How AI Is Changing Cybercrime
AI can help criminals create realistic emails, invoices, voice recordings and messages that appear to come from a business owner, employee, vendor or client.
Common AI-enabled cyber threats include:
Highly personalized phishing emails
Fake executive or vendor payment requests
Deepfake voice and video impersonation
Stolen employee login credentials
Ransomware and data-extortion attacks
Automated searches for unpatched software
Accidental data exposure through unauthorized AI tools
The FBI reported that cyber-enabled crimes caused nearly $21 billion in reported losses during 2025, with AI-related fraud among the growing threats. Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report also found that ransomware was involved in nearly half of analyzed breaches.
How Companies Can Reduce Their Risk
No security system can eliminate every cyber threat, but several controls can substantially improve your company’s protection.
Require Multi-Factor Authentication
Use multi-factor authentication for email, remote access, accounting platforms, cloud storage and administrative accounts. A password alone is no longer adequate protection.
Train Employees to Verify Requests
Employees should independently confirm requests involving:
Wire transfers
Banking changes
Payroll information
Password resets
Sensitive customer information
Unexpected attachments or links
Verification should occur through a known phone number or a separate communication method—not by replying directly to the suspicious message.
Update and Patch Systems Promptly
Keep computers, servers, websites, firewalls and applications updated. AI can help attackers locate and exploit known vulnerabilities faster, reducing the amount of time businesses have to address security gaps.
Maintain Secure Backups
Use encrypted backups that are separated from your primary network. Regularly test whether your company can restore its data and continue operating after an attack.
Control the Use of AI Tools
Create a written policy explaining which AI platforms employees may use and what information cannot be entered into them. Customer records, financial information, employee data, passwords and confidential business documents should not be placed into unapproved AI systems.
Create an Incident-Response Plan
Know who to contact if an employee clicks a malicious link, an account is compromised or company data is stolen. Your plan should include your IT provider, insurance agent, legal counsel, financial institution and cyber-insurance claims contact.
Does Commercial Insurance Automatically Cover Cyberattacks?
Usually, a standard general liability or commercial property policy does not provide complete protection for cyber incidents.
A dedicated cyber liability insurance policy may help cover expenses such as:
Data restoration and system recovery
Cybersecurity and forensic investigations
Customer and regulatory notifications
Credit-monitoring services
Business interruption and lost income
Ransomware response and negotiation
Legal defense and regulatory expenses
Fraudulent funds-transfer losses
Claims involving compromised customer information
Public-relations and reputation-management services
Coverage varies significantly by carrier and policy. Important protections—including social engineering, funds-transfer fraud, ransomware and dependent business interruption—may have separate limits, exclusions or security requirements.
Cyber Insurance Is Only Part of the Solution
Cyber insurance cannot replace strong security procedures. Many insurance companies now ask detailed questions about multi-factor authentication, employee training, backups, endpoint protection and incident-response planning before offering coverage.
New Jersey’s Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell recommends that businesses evaluate available cyber coverage, understand policy exclusions and coordinate insurance decisions with their overall cybersecurity strategy.
Review Your Company’s Cyber Protection
Businesses of every size can be targeted. Contractors, professional offices, retailers, medical businesses, property owners and service companies may all store information or use payment systems that criminals can exploit.
BIS Improved Insurance Agency helps New Jersey companies review their commercial insurance and evaluate cyber liability coverage based on their operations, systems and potential exposures.
We serve businesses throughout Morris County, Succasunna, Morristown, Roxbury, Parsippany, Wayne, Jersey City and surrounding New Jersey communities.
Talk With a Local Commercial Insurance Agent
Contact BIS Improved Insurance Agency to review your current commercial insurance policy and determine whether your business has appropriate cyber liability protection.
Coverage is subject to policy terms, limits, conditions and exclusions. This information is intended for general educational purposes and is not a guarantee of coverage.
(201)-953-6306
