In today’s hyper-connected world, cyber attacks are no longer isolated events, they’re a constant, evolving threat. As technology advances, so do the tools and tactics used by cybercriminals. Understanding why these attacks are increasing is the first step toward building stronger defenses for the future.

The Expansion of the Digital Ecosystem
The rapid growth of cloud computing, remote work, and connected devices has dramatically expanded the attack surface. Every new app, API, and IoT device represents another potential entry point for hackers. Businesses that once operated behind secure office networks now rely on distributed systems and personal devices, all of which are harder to secure consistently.

AI Is Fueling Both Defense and Offense
Artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity, but it’s also arming attackers. Cybercriminals are using AI to automate phishing, identify system vulnerabilities, and even create deepfake-based scams. These AI-driven attacks are faster, more convincing, and harder to detect, forcing organizations to upgrade their defense tools just to keep up.

Data Has Become the World’s Most Valuable Commodity
The explosion of personal and business data online has made cybercrime incredibly profitable. Hackers don’t just steal information anymore, they sell it, ransom it, or use it to manipulate markets. As data privacy laws tighten, the value of stolen data rises, incentivizing even more sophisticated breaches.

Global Instability Is Increasing Cyber Warfare
Nation-state cyber activity is on the rise, with geopolitical tensions spilling into the digital realm. Governments and hacktivist groups are targeting infrastructure, financial systems, and private enterprises to disrupt economies or gain intelligence. These large-scale attacks often ripple down, impacting businesses of all sizes.

Cybercrime Has Become a Business Model
The “Cybercrime-as-a-Service” economy has exploded. On the dark web, ransomware kits, phishing tools, and stolen credentials are for sale to anyone with cryptocurrency. This has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals, even those with minimal technical expertise can launch damaging attacks.

Security Awareness Hasn’t Kept Up
Despite increased awareness, human error remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities. Phishing emails, weak passwords, and poor patch management continue to open the door for attackers. The gap between technology adoption and cybersecurity education remains wide — and hackers exploit it relentlessly.

Looking Ahead: Resilience Is the New Security
As we move deeper into 2025, the question isn’t if you’ll face a cyber threat, it’s when. Forward-thinking businesses are shifting their mindset from pure prevention to resilience: investing in incident response plans, employee training, and Cyber Insurance to recover faster when breaches occur.

Cyber attacks may be on the rise, but so are the tools and strategies to fight them. The organizations that prioritize security today will be the ones best positioned to thrive in tomorrow’s digital landscape. If you would like a Cyber Insurance quote, please feel free to contact me.

Jason Matison
Commercial Insurance Agent
Austin, Texas

​Securing Building Insurance has become significantly more complex in recent years. Whether you’re a property owner, landlord, or business with physical premises, you’ve likely noticed that premiums are climbing, underwriting requirements are tightening, and insurers are asking more questions than ever before. Below are key challenges shaping today’s Building Insurance landscape and what you can do to stay ahead. 

Rising Construction and Repair Costs Material
Prices and labor costs have surged due to global supply chain disruptions and inflation. This directly impacts replacement cost values (the amount it would take to rebuild your property after a loss). If your policy limits are based on outdated valuations, you may find yourself underinsured. Insurers are now insisting on updated appraisals and higher replacement cost estimates, which drive up premiums.

​Increased Catastrophic Weather Events
Extreme weather is no longer the exception, it’s the expectation. From hurricanes and wildfires to hailstorms and floods, the frequency and severity of natural disasters have led insurers to reduce capacity or pull out of high-risk regions altogether. Property owners in these areas face fewer carrier options, higher deductibles, stricter underwriting, and, in some cases, difficulty finding coverage at all.

Aging Infrastructure and Deferred Maintenance
Older buildings bring their own set of challenges. Aging electrical systems, outdated plumbing, and roofing beyond its life expectancy increase the risk of claims. Insurers are scrutinizing maintenance records and requiring property owners to make updates before offering terms or renewing policies. If updates haven't been made recently, carriers might limit coverage and only offer actual cash value instead of replacement cost. 

Stricter Underwriting and Data Demands
Insurers now rely heavily on detailed property data. This can include, construction type, roof age, sprinkler systems, plumbing updates, HVAC updates, even local fire department response times (protection class). Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay quotes or result in denied coverage. The industry’s shift toward data-driven underwriting means property owners must be proactive about maintaining accurate records and reports.

The key for Property Owners is to Stay Proactive:

• Update building valuations regularly
• Maintain property condition reports
• Invest in risk mitigation (like roof reinforcements or upgraded systems)
• Partner with an experienced insurance broker who understands emerging trends

In an era where risk is constantly evolving, those who adapt early will be best positioned to secure reliable coverage at competitive rates. If you have questions about Building Insurance or any other type of Business Insurance, please feel free to contact me. 

Jason Matison
Commercial Insurance Agent
​Austin, Texas

When it comes to protecting your business, Business Insurance is only part of the equation. The fine print of your policies can play just as important a role as the coverage itself. One endorsement that often comes up in contracts and certificate of insurance requests is the Waiver of Subrogation. While it may sound like legal jargon, understanding this provision can help businesses avoid disputes. 

In simple terms, subrogation is your insurance company’s right to seek reimbursement from a third party who caused a loss. For example, if your property is damaged because of a contractor’s negligence, your insurer might pay your claim and then pursue that contractor (or their insurer) to recover the cost.

A Waiver of Subrogation prevents this from happening. By agreeing to the waiver, you’re telling your insurer: “If we pay a claim, we won’t go after the other party, even if they were responsible.”

Why Businesses Use It

• Smooth Business Relationships: In industries like construction, real estate, and professional services, contracts often require a Waiver of Subrogation to reduce finger-pointing and lawsuits between partners.
• Faster Project Flow: With fewer legal disputes, projects can move forward without delays caused by insurance recovery battles.
• Contract Compliance: Many clients or landlords won’t sign agreements unless this endorsement is in place and certificate is provided reflecting it. 

Things to Consider
While Waivers of Subrogation can protect relationships, they also shift some risk back onto your insurance company—and sometimes, onto you. This can:

• Limit your insurer’s ability to recover losses.
• Potentially affect premiums if claims can’t be recovered.
• Require special endorsements on your policy (and sometimes additional costs).

Waivers of Subrogation (WOS) are becoming more common in the business world, and often expected in contracts. Before signing off on a waiver, review it with your insurance agent. If you have questions about this endorsement or any other questions related to Business Insurance, please feel free to contact me. 

Jason Matison
Commercial Insurance Agent
Austin, Texas