The recent AWS outage didn’t just affect tech companies — it took thousands of businesses offline across every industry.
Here’s what it revealed:
✅ Cyber exposure extends beyond your client’s own network.
✅ Third-party vendors like AWS, Crowdstrike, Microsoft, or payment processors can create major downtime.
✅ Dependent System Failure Coverage can cover those business interruptions.
Georgetown Financial Services provides cyber protection to clients in the Washington DC metro area and beyond
When unexpected events like the recent AWS outage happen, it serves as a reminder that technology plays a bigger role in our businesses than we may realize. It’s not just tech companies who feel the impact—a single disruption can ripple across restaurants, manufacturers, retailers, medical offices, and more. If your business relies on outside vendors or digital services like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, or even payment processors, there’s a chance your operations could be affected if they go down—sometimes with little warning.
Why Cyber Exposure is Everywhere
Many businesses focus their cybersecurity planning on their own networks or data. But as the AWS outage showed, even with solid in-house security, events out of your control can cause interruptions. For example:
- A family-owned retailer finds its website suddenly unavailable during peak shopping hours due to a supplier’s server outage.
- A local medical practice can’t access health records when its cloud provider experiences downtime.
- Payment systems at a busy restaurant fail during lunch rush because the payment processor’s network goes offline.
These issues rarely make the headlines, but they impact real businesses every day.
The Value of Dependent System Failure Coverage
This is where an independent insurance agency like ours can help. We work with multiple insurance companies to locate coverage that fits your specific risks—not just generic policies. One coverage option worth considering is Dependent System Failure Coverage. Here’s how it can help:
- Covers interruptions caused by vendor outages: If you rely on a service like AWS or a payment processor and they go offline, this coverage may help with lost income or extra expenses you incur as a result.
- Applies to a range of third-party providers: It’s not just big tech companies—even your payroll company or software vendors could be included.
- Offers flexibility: Each business uses technology differently, and as independent agents, we look at your particular situation to recommend coverage that makes sense for you.
Partnering with an Independent Agency
When you work with us, you’re not limited to a single insurance company’s offerings. Instead, we provide:
- Guidance on coverage that matches your business’s real-world risks
- Clear explanations of complex terms and conditions
- Ongoing support when the unexpected arises—from claims advocacy to policy reviews
If recent events have you rethinking your insurance needs or wondering if you’re truly protected against business interruptions, let’s talk. We want to help you prepare for what’s next, so you can focus on running your business with greater confidence.
