BlackBerry expanding channels of distribution via cyber security initiative with Allied World

Ontario-based BlackBerry Limited is growing its footprint in the insurance industry through a new initiative with Allied World Assurance Company Holdings in which the latter’s U.S. cyber policyholders will gain direct access to the former’s cyber security expertise through an online self-assessment tool.

The tool will help with identifying areas of weakness, notes a statement this week from BlackBerry. “BlackBerry will then work to improve the policyholder’s security posture by providing its cyber security products and services, ultimately helping Allied World and its clients reduce risk,” the company reports.

Related: BlackBerry creates autonomous vehicle innovation centre in Ottawa

The range of BlackBerry services include such things as the following:

• simulating a real-world attack by connecting devices to BlackBerry’s test wireless network;
• carrying out unauthenticated attacks against the device to simulate a device being stolen;
• examining the mobile device from an authenticated perspective to determine if access to sensitive data is possible; or
• attempting to subvert operating system controls, access data stored on the devices and compromise the client network.

“We look forward to providing their clients with our mobile-native approach to security that addresses the entire enterprise from end-point to end-point, while at the same time growing our footprint in the insurance industry,” Marty Beard, chief operating officer of BlackBerry, says in the statement.

Allied World, a global provider of innovative property, casualty and specialty insurance and reinsurance solutions, “continually works to guide the evolution of cyber risk management and insurance,” says Lou Iglesias, president of Allied World North America. “BlackBerry’s mobile cyber security review will provide an important service to our clients,” Iglesias continues.

The new BlackBerry SHIELD self-assessment tool will be available mid-May to cyber policyholders via the Allied World//FrameWRX(SM), a cyber risk management solution for the company’s U.S. clients.

Related: Companies can come to grips with cyber risk, government back-stop may be needed for certain risks: Swiss Re