Cyber Liability & Insurance Coverage in 2026: What Lawyers Must Know Now

The CBA is a professional organization that provides educational and networking opportunities for lawyers. Representing more than 36,000 lawyers, judges, notaries, law teachers, and law students from across Canada, the CBA is committed to enhancing the professional and commercial interests of a diverse membership and to protecting the independence of the judiciary and the Bar.

Imran Ahmad is a senior partner, the Canadian head of Technology, and co-head of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. He is based in our Toronto and Montréal offices and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity and privacy lawyer by several legal directories. Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open-source software, and electronic commerce. As part of his cybersecurity practice, Imran works with clients to develop and implement strategies related to cyber threats. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence, cybersecurity, and data breach preparedness and response. Imran often acts as "breach counsel" in the event of a cybersecurity incident and has extensive experience managing complex cross-border cybersecurity incidents. He also provides representation in the event of an investigation, enforcement action, or litigation.

Patrick is the Cyber & Professional Lines Practice Leader for Navacord, Canada’s fastest growing insurance brokerage. As a specialty insurance expert, he collaborates with Navacord’s 50+ National Broker Partners to build and support the strategic direction of specialty insurance product lines including professional liability and directors’ & officers’ liability insurance but with an emphasis on cyber liability insurance. Patrick helps shape business development and client experience while providing technical expertise in the analysis, negotiation, and placement of these coverages. Patrick’s cyber liability insurance practice includes advising clients on how best to align breach response planning with insurance and risk mitigation solutions. He also provides claims expertise and assists clients by managing and advocating on their behalf. A graduate of Windsor Law School in 1997, Patrick began his career as an associate lawyer with a commercial litigation focus. After moving to Toronto to work for a national law firm, he joined the Legal and Claims Department of London Guarantee Insurance Company, specializing in all forms of management risk insurance coverage. Prior to joining Navacord, Patrick led the Global Breach Services Practice at Equifax after which he established an insurance consulting practice providing advisory services to several insurtech start-ups. He is a licensed lawyer and Member of the Law Society of Ontario, a licensed insurance broker, and has been a part-time instructor at both Sheridan College and Humber College, where he has taught courses on law for business managers. Patrick is a Strategic Advisor to NetDiligence as well as a member of the NetDiligence Summit Advisory Council. He has authored several publications in the areas of commercial insurance coverage and is a frequent speaker at conferences and symposiums focusing on cyber liability insurance both in Canada and the U.S. Patrick also holds a Cyber COPE Insurance Certificate designation after completing an executive certification in Cybersecurity through Heinz College of Carnegie Mellon University. He is currently a Faculty Advisor to the Program.

As an experienced litigator and leader in emerging technology law, Erika develops tailored legal strategies that support her clients’ business objectives in fast-changing industries. With a deep understanding of how litigation risk can impact a business, she provides proactive advice to avoid exposure and future disputes while also delivering strong results for her clients in the courtroom. Erika’s experience spans a variety of sectors including construction, energy, technology and insurance. She has achieved success at all court levels in Alberta. Clients value her creativity, her willingness to fully understand their operations and her commitment to finding effective and practical solutions. Sought after by media and industry groups, Erika regularly shares her insight on legal developments involving emerging technologies in North America and across the globe. She is also an active community member and long-time volunteer with organizations such as the Canadian Bar Association, University of Calgary Student Legal Assistance, the University of Calgary Law School Moot Programs, Pro Bono Law Alberta and Calgary Legal Guidance.

Grant Ferguson is an experienced hearing and appellate lawyer specializing in Administrative Law, tribunal litigation, and professional regulatory matters. With a background in the medical sciences and nursing, he brings a unique ability to communicate complex issues to and on behalf of healthcare professionals. Grant represents major corporate clients and employers across Canada in employment, privacy, property and casualty, and cyber liability matters. He has appeared before Ontario's Regulated Health Professional Colleges, the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Grant has built a strong reputation in mediation, arbitration, and complex litigation. He is a frequent speaker and longtime mentor in the University of Toronto mooting program, and has been recognized by 'Best Lawyers in Canada' for Personal Injury Litigation. Grant is a member of the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations, the Toronto Lawyers Association, and MENSA.