Markel Partners with Upfort to Enhance Cybersecurity for U.S. Policyholders

Markel's New Cybersecurity Initiative with Upfort

RICHMOND, Va., February 19, 2026 – In a significant move aimed at bolstering cybersecurity for U.S. businesses, Markel, the insurance operations of Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), has announced its collaboration with Upfort. This partnership seeks to provide eligible policyholders with a suite of advanced tools to enhance their protection against growing cyber threats.

Markel's collaboration with Upfort introduces the Upfort Shield platform, which serves as a multi-layered cyber defense system designed specifically for Markel's policyholders. The platform employs cutting-edge, AI-powered automation to protect businesses against common cyber threats that have become increasingly sophisticated in today’s digital landscape.

Among the essential features offered, the service includes an easy-to-deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution. This solution leverages behavioral analytics to significantly mitigate the chances of security breaches, offering an essential line of defense for organizations. While pricing and availability may differ, the focus remains on delivering robust cybersecurity measures tailored for mid-market businesses.

Paul Melone, Executive Underwriting Officer for Professional Liability at Markel, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "Markel's relationship with Upfort helps strengthen our 360-degree approach to cyber insurance protection. Our aim is to be there for our clients every step of the way during a cyber incident, before, during, and after it occurs." The integration of predictive and preventative tools is designed to empower businesses to remain resilient and maintain confidence amid the complexities that accompany the digital transformation.

Raphael Da Costa, Senior Director for U.S. Cyber and Tech at Markel, further elaborated on the collaboration, noting that it reflects the company’s long-term strategy in cybersecurity. “This aligns with our goal to provide innovative insurance solutions tailored for middle-market businesses,” Da Costa stated. He added that the strategic partnership helps broaden their risk appetite and supports policyholders in strengthening their preventive measures while securing a future of customized cyber coverage.

The Upfort Shield platform offers diverse capabilities, including advanced email protection, continuous monitoring, and comprehensive employee training programs. These tools equip organizations with the necessary resources to fortify their defenses while allowing them to focus on their core business operations and growth strategies.

Josh Riley, Upfort’s Co-Founder, highlighted the value of this partnership by indicating that Markel is adopting a proven cybersecurity solution known for its substantial success in reducing claim frequency. “Deploying the full Upfort Shield platform delivers substantial value to policyholders by enhancing their ability to prevent cyberattacks, while providing Markel with actionable intelligence crucial for the future of data-driven underwriting,” Riley remarked.

Overall, this collaboration represents a significant leap in enhancing cybersecurity resilience for Markel's U.S. policyholders, offering them a unique advantage in navigating today’s challenging cybersecurity landscape. By integrating Upfort's cutting-edge technology, Markel is better positioned to respond to evolving threats while ensuring the safety and security of its clients.

For more information on Upfort’s capabilities, visit their website and discover how they are transforming the landscape of cybersecurity.

About Markel Insurance

Markel Insurance is a prominent global insurer specializing in providing solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced within the specialty insurance market. Markel’s commitment to a people-first approach allows them to foster deep relationships with clients, brokers, and partners, ensuring effective service and innovative solutions.

About Upfort

Upfort is a leading platform in the cybersecurity domain, dedicated to bridging the protection gap via AI-driven defenses and intelligent automated solutions. By harnessing advanced behavioral models and proprietary intelligence, Upfort is uniquely positioned to thwart high-impact cyber threats that often breach traditional security measures, empowering organizations of varied sizes with essential layers of defense.