In today’s increasingly digital business landscape, companies in niche industries—like pest control, fumigation, and private security—are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. While large enterprises tend to dominate the headlines, small to midsize businesses (SMBs) are facing a sharp uptick in cyber incidents. The assumption that “it won’t happen to us” is proving dangerously outdated. 
Why Your Industry Is at Risk
Companies in the pest control and security sectors collect a surprisingly significant amount of sensitive data such as customer information, scheduling details, payment records, and even building access codes. Cyber attackers know these businesses may lack the robust cybersecurity infrastructure of larger firms, making them easy targets for data breaches, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) schemes.
The Cost of a Breach: More Than Just Ransom
Ransomware is on the rise, with attackers not only encrypting data but threatening to leak sensitive information unless a ransom is paid. Even for those who pay, the damage can linger. Downtime, lost revenue, reputational harm, and regulatory fines can cripple a business. A single breach can cost tens of thousands of dollars—or more—especially in states with strict data privacy laws like California.
Real-World Disruptions
Across the country, pest control and security companies have reported instances where systems were locked for days, service schedules were lost, and field teams couldn’t access their routes or client notes. In many instances, attackers used phishing emails or compromised vendor portals to gain access. When your business relies on digital tools for operations and dispatch, these interruptions are more than just inconvenient, they’re catastrophic.
The Role of Cyber Liability Insurance
Cyber liability insurance can serve as a critical safety net, covering losses related to data breaches, ransomware attacks, legal costs, customer notification, and even PR services to manage reputational fallout. Policies are now tailored for specific industries, recognizing that a fumigation company’s risks differ from a private patrol agency’s vulnerabilities.
Best Practices to Reduce Exposure
To bolster your defenses, start with “in house” precautions. Train employees on how to recognize phishing attempts, require multi-factor authentication, and ensure regular data backups. Work with IT partners to assess vulnerabilities and patch outdated software. But even with solid prevention strategies, insurance remains essential for when—not if—an incident occurs.
Why Now?
Cybercrime isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. The FBI and industry studies confirm a surge in targeted attacks on SMBs, particularly those with minimal IT resources. As regulatory scrutiny increases and clients become more data-aware, demonstrating that you have cyber protection in place is quickly becoming a business necessity.
Partnering to Protect Your Business
At Bone Robertson & McBride Inc., we specialize in serving the insurance needs of pest control, fumigation, and security companies. We understand your unique risks and are here to help you navigate cyber liability with confidence. Let’s talk about safeguarding your operations, data, and reputation—before the next breach hits close to home.
Contact Aimee Padden at (925) 674-1000 ext. 107 or email info@brmins.com to schedule a consultation.
This blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.