Contour names KYND as cyber risk analytics provider

Contour Underwriting has chosen KYND as the cyber risk analytics provider for its global cyber insurance proposition following a competitive selection process.

Under the arrangement, KYND's risk intelligence will be integrated into Contour's underwriting workflow from the start of each submission. Contour's cyber team will use the system to assess an organisation's exposure when considering cover and to monitor changes in risk after a policy is issued.

The move comes as insurers face growing pressure to assess cyber risk more precisely as attacks increase in scale and complexity. Cyber insurance providers are seeking more continuous, data-led approaches to underwriting as businesses of different sizes present varying levels of digital exposure.

Contour will also use the analytics in its work with brokers and their clients, including assessing individual businesses through KYND's live risk intelligence as part of underwriting and broader risk discussions.

The partnership forms part of Contour's expansion in cyber insurance across international markets. The London-based managing general agent operates in 22 countries and writes specialty lines including marine cargo, worldwide property, financial institutions and cyber.

London-based KYND focuses on cyber risk analytics for insurers, brokers and reinsurers. It analyses organisations with an online presence and provides ongoing monitoring designed to help underwriters and portfolio managers track how cyber exposure changes over time.

Contour's appointment of KYND highlights the growing role of specialist data providers in cyber underwriting. Unlike more established commercial insurance classes, cyber cover often requires insurers to assess external digital signals and shifting threat patterns alongside conventional proposal information.

One area of focus is the small and medium-sized business market, where insurers have long viewed demand for cyber cover as underdeveloped relative to the level of risk. Assessing smaller firms has also been a challenge because information can be fragmented and security standards vary widely between businesses and sectors.

Matt Waller, underwriting director for cyber at Contour, said: "We have ambitious plans for our global cyber proposition and technology is a key component of our strategy. We are pleased to partner with KYND as our cyber risk analytics provider."

Melanie Hayes, co-founder of KYND, said the small business segment remained a key issue for the market.

"SMEs present a significant opportunity for the cyber insurance market, but have traditionally been difficult to assess. To serve this market effectively, the industry must make cyber risk clearer and easier to address.

What makes this partnership particularly exciting is the opportunity to work with Contour's team from day one. We're delighted they have chosen KYND and look forward to supporting the team as they build their cyber business in the UK and internationally," Hayes said.