THIS ARTICLE is based on our 2006 review and evaluation of insurance products designed to cover the unique risks of e-commerce. Our focus is on coverage for organizations that offer products and services via the Internet, such as online retailers and Web-site content providers, rather than on those who create the infrastructure for such commerce–e.g., Internet service providers, technology consultants and software developers.

This report contains information provided by 11 markets. They include seven carriers, some with multiple products: ACE, AIG, Chubb, CNA, Evanston Insurance Co., St. Paul Travelers and Zurich. We also heard from four wholesalers and managing general underwriters: Digital Risk Managers (representing Arch Specialty Insurance), Euclid Managers (representing Hudson Insurance Co.), Media/Professional (representing Axis and certain underwriters at Lloyd's) and Safeonline (representing ACE's Lloyd's operation). Collectively, we believe these insurers and intermediaries represent the core of the "cyber risk" insurance market.

We have compared the information provided by these markets against our own experience and knowledge. Where they conflict, we have reviewed the inconsistencies with them. However, the evaluation and conclusions are our own. Of course, the insurance policies govern the coverage provided, and the carriers are not responsible for our interpretation of their policies or survey responses.