Cybersecurity incidents to become uninsured. Here is why.
As the number of cybersecurity incidents continues to rise, insurance companies are increasingly hesitant to offer coverage against these types of risks. In fact, many insurance companies would rather avoid taking on the risk of insuring against cybersecurity incidents at all due to the potential for large payouts and the difficulty of accurately assessing the likelihood and impact of an attack.
One of the main reasons insurance companies are reluctant to insure against cybersecurity incidents is the increasing frequency and severity of these attacks. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global annual cost of cybercrime is expected to exceed $10.5 trillion by 2025. This trend is likely to continue as more and more devices become connected to the internet and the sophistication of cyber-attacks increases. This means that insurance companies may be at risk of paying out large claims if they insure against cybersecurity incidents.
In addition to the increasing frequency and severity of attacks, it can be difficult for insurance companies to assess the risk of a cybersecurity incident accurately. Many organizations need robust cybersecurity practices, making it difficult for insurance companies to assess the risk of an incident occurring accurately. The nature of cyber attacks is also constantly evolving, making it difficult for insurance companies to predict the likelihood and impact of an attack accurately.
Another factor contributing to insurance companies' reluctance to insure against cybersecurity incidents is the cost of coverage. Insurance premiums for cybersecurity coverage can be expensive, especially for smaller businesses that may not have the resources to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. This can make it difficult for insurance companies to sell cybersecurity coverage to potential clients, as the cost may be prohibitively high for many organizations.
Overall, the combination of the increasing frequency and severity of cybersecurity incidents, the difficulty of accurately assessing risk, and the high cost of coverage make it challenging for insurance companies to insure against these types of risks. As a result, many insurance companies are unwilling to take on the risk of insuring against cybersecurity incidents, which could leave organizations vulnerable to the financial impacts of a cyber attack. It is important for businesses to be proactive in implementing strong cybersecurity practices and investing in the necessary safeguards to protect against these types of attacks.
Technology | Policy | Cyber Security | Ex - CySecK, ReBIT, Infosys
1yThis just emphasises the importance of making cybersecurity a public good, like in physical security.
so, is it an opportunity, but unviable, for insurance companies? or savings for online businesses? do insurance companies provide cover intangible assets? will a cloud business be able to charge a premium for platforms and services? many questions up for discussion
Co-Founder at Safe Security | Global Leaders in Cyber Risk Quantification | Fortune 40 Under 40 India | Keynote Speaker
1yWe will solve this industry problem soon