Partner blog by Global Marine Insurance, an MRAA Education Champion

Every business is affected by cybersecurity is some way shape or form. For marine dealerships, which come in varying sizes, complexities, private and public ownership and can offer vastly different products and services, cybersecurity efforts and the protection of their client data and internal systems is an essential part of doing business.

For smaller marine dealers with less than 5,000 client accounts, basic cybersecurity efforts should include:

• Regularly updating software and patches
• Enforcing strong passwords with multi-factor authentication
• Employee cybersecurity training
• Using a firewall
• Deploying antivirus software
• Securing Wi-Fi networks
• Backing up data regularly
• Vigilant and meticulous training to evaluate emails and links to avoid phishing scams.

In addition, for those marine dealers who have personally identifiable information of more than 5,000 individuals, they are often subject to the cybersecurity regulations that apply to “non-bank financial institutions,” since they often offer financing/lending services to their clients. Even when a marine dealer is indirectly assisting their clients with third-party financing, it can subject the dealer to the Federal Trade Commissions (FTC) Safeguard Rule for financial institutions (16 CFR Part 314), which became effective on Dec. 9, 2022.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that marine dealers are not only responsible for ensuring that they take cybersecurity measures to protect private information, but also they’re responsible for the security measures (or lack thereof) of affiliates and service providers with whom they share information.

There are resources that can assist all marine dealerships with their cybersecurity efforts, including the MRAA, state-specific dealer associations and trusted advisors such as your insurance agent, accounting professional or business attorney.

About Global Marine Insurance
Global Marine Insurance has been providing yacht insurance, boat insurance, and marine business insurance solutions since 1989. Your customers will benefit from MRAA Preferred Repair Deductible (50% off), Agreed Value, Extended Parts Replacement, Repair Guarantee, Hurricane Haul Out, Rental Reimbursement, Increased Limits for Medical Payments, Personal Effects & Towing available, and Wreck Removal and more.