Arena board looks to increasing cyber insurance

Jul. 11--WILKES-BARRE TWP. -- The arena board Wednesday asked its insurance broker to look into increasing coverage to protect its computers against a cyber attack like the one that's disrupted Luzerne County's operations.

The county shut down its computer network at the courthouse on May 28 to prevent a virus from spreading. After restoration efforts all departments and services are operational, except for the database containing property assessments and descriptions.

"I'm concerned about what the county just went through with that cyber attack. Are we covered in a situation like that?" Donna Cupinski, board member, asked Edward Miller of Assured Partners of Plains Township.

"You have some, but not nearly enough," Miller said.

Miller was in the process of presenting the details of a proposal to renew the property and liability coverage for the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority that oversees operations of the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. He said the Plains Township insurance broker sought quotes from 29 companies.

The board, at its public meeting Wednesday, approved the coverage at an annual premium of $146,007, and increase of $9,676 from last year.

Cupinski asked Miller to look into increasing the coverage for cyber insurance.

"We can look at that. There is coverage in the policy for it, but not necessarily what you're going to need," Miller said.

The board also approved the renewal of employment practices liability insurance and directors and officers coverage through the Joyce Insurance Group of Pittston at annual premium of $13,204, a $496 reduction from last year.

"We went to the markets," said Joe Joyce. "We got the best price that we could possibly get you and wanted to make sure the company is A-plus rated and capable of paying claims."

Just six of the 11 board members attended the meeting, enough for a quorum to conduct business. The board also held a nearly hour long, closed-door executive session on a potential litigation question, Cupinski said.

The next public meeting is at noon on Aug. 14 at the arena on Highland Park Boulevard.

Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.

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