2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Jan 24, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The updated version of S. 245 reflects its status as reported by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation without amendment, including the addition of a calendar and report number. There are no substantive policy changes to the bill's text.

S. 245119th CongressIntroduced Jan 24, 2025

Insure Cybersecurity Act of 2025

Reported To SenateScience, Technology, CommunicationsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 9, 2025

This analysis was written for v1 (INTRODUCED IN SENATE, Jan 24, 2025). REPORTED TO SENATE changed too little to need its own, so it reuses that one rather than a rewrite. The differences between the two are summarized above. View v1

Bottom line

The Insure Cybersecurity Act of 2025 aims to enhance transparency and understanding in the cyber insurance market by creating a federal working group to develop and disseminate educational resources for both policy issuers and customers.

What it actually does

This bill mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish a working group on cyber insurance. The working group will analyze common policy terminology, coverage for cyber incidents like ransomware, and issuer constraints, then develop resources for customers and issuers. Following the working group's report, the Assistant Secretary must disseminate these informative resources publicly to help stakeholders better understand and utilize cyber insurance.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that the cyber insurance market is complex and often opaque, making it difficult for businesses, especially small businesses and critical infrastructure operators, to understand what they are purchasing and what risks are truly covered. They contend that this bill will demystify cyber insurance, empower customers to make informed decisions, and potentially lead to more effective risk management and a more robust cyber insurance market by improving data and communication for issuers.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that the bill creates an unnecessary federal bureaucracy (a working group) to address an issue that the private insurance market is already adapting to. They could contend that the definitions and resources developed might not keep pace with the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, or that federal involvement could inadvertently lead to future regulatory creep in an area traditionally overseen by states. Some might also suggest that the market is best left to self-regulate and innovate without government intervention.

The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions within the typical time allotted for legislative review.

Section 3(a), (b), (c)

Establishment and Activities of the Cyber Insurance Working Group

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to create a working group within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This group, comprising representatives from various federal agencies and state insurance regulators, will analyze cyber insurance policies, terminology, coverage specifics (including for ransomware), and challenges faced by issuers. It will also develop information for customers on evaluating policies and for issuers on clear communication.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupFederal agencies (CISA, NIST, Treasury, DOJ, FTC)ImpactRequired participation in a working group, contributing expertise.MechanismDirect mandate for membership.ScaleModerate, involves staff time and resources.

GroupState insurance regulatorsImpactOpportunity to contribute state-level expertise and perspectives to a federal initiative.MechanismMandated inclusion in the working group.ScaleModerate, involves staff time and resource contribution.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that a dedicated working group with diverse expertise is essential to thoroughly analyze the complex and evolving cyber insurance market. They believe this collaborative approach will yield comprehensive insights and practical recommendations that a single agency or private entity could not achieve alone.

Critics contend

Critics might argue that forming a new working group adds another layer of bureaucracy and could be slow to produce actionable results in a fast-moving field like cybersecurity. They might suggest that existing agencies or private sector initiatives are better equipped to address these issues more nimbly.

Tradeoffs

The tension lies between the desire for comprehensive, multi-stakeholder analysis and the potential for bureaucratic delays or redundancy.

Section 3(c), Section 4

Creation and Public Dissemination of Cyber Insurance Resources

prominently featuredstraightforward

The working group is tasked with developing information and recommendations for both cyber insurance customers (on evaluating coverage and understanding terminology) and issuers (on clear communication and improving coverage options). Following the submission of the working group's report, the Assistant Secretary must publicly disseminate these resources on the NTIA website, ensuring they are applicable to a wide range of stakeholders and include case studies.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Jan 24, 2025)

S. 245119th CongressIntroduced Jan 24, 2025

Insure Cybersecurity Act of 2025

Reported To SenateScience, Technology, CommunicationsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 9, 2025

Bottom line

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions within the typical time allotted for legislative review.

Section 3(a), (b), (c)

Establishment and Activities of the Cyber Insurance Working Group

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

The tension lies between the desire for comprehensive, multi-stakeholder analysis and the potential for bureaucratic delays or redundancy.

Section 3(c), Section 4

Creation and Public Dissemination of Cyber Insurance Resources

prominently featuredstraightforward