Cybersecurity revenues in the insurance sector will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% between 2020 and 2025, according to GlobalData forecasts. The sector’s rapid digital transformation will drive this growth. The rise in complex ransomware attacks, the persistence of hybrid working models, ongoing supply chain threats, and the Russia-Ukraine war have all accelerated the need for robust cybersecurity defences across sectors, including insurance. 

Covid-19 led to more customers accessing their accounts digitally and insurers selling through digital channels, increasing the sector’s cyber risk. In 2021, leading financial institutions AXA, Tokio Marine, CNA Financial, and Banco Pichincha were hit by cyberattacks. There are also fears that the Russia-Ukraine war may give rise to state-sponsored attacks that target critical infrastructure, military operations, and businesses. Such attacks could not only target insurers but could lead to expensive payouts and damage the reputations of those reluctant to pay.  

The pandemic accelerated the need for cyber insurance, but insurers are yet to translate this into improved penetration rates. With the cost of cyber insurance rising to reflect increased cyber risk, policy uptake fell between 2019 and 2021 as many SMEs sought to cut costs. AXA’s decision to stop writing cyber policies that reimbursed ransom attacks may encourage other insurers to follow suit and rethink their risk exposure, forcing businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks in case of a ransom attack. Some insurers, such as Hiscox, are educating their clients on identifying and mitigating cyber risks to reduce the chance of a human error-induced breach. 

However, not all companies are equal when it comes to their capabilities and investments in the key themes that matter most to their industry. Understanding how companies are positioned and ranked in the most important themes can be a key leading indicator of their future earnings potential and relative competitive position. 

According to GlobalData’s thematic research report, Cybersecurity in Insurance, leading adopters of cybersecurity in the non-life insurance sector include: AIG, Allianz, Aon, Aviva, Chubb, Hiscox, Marsh, Munich Re, Ping An, Swiss Re, Travelers and Zurich Insurance. 

Insights from top ranked companies  

Aon 

Aon offers a suite of cybersecurity and cyber insurance products for clients, so it has invested heavily in its cybersecurity strategy to protect its customers’ data. As well as a cybersecurity managing director, it has a cybersecurity testing team.  

In June 2020, Aon expanded the scope of its cyber risk assessment methodology, CyQu, to better understand the cybersecurity impacts created by increased remote working due to Covid-19. It also rolled out a digital insurance solution for small and mid-market businesses through CoverWallet, a digital insurance platform for SMEs that Aon acquired at the beginning of 2020. The broker also rolled out a new product to protect re/insurers against systemic and catastrophic cyber events. 

Munich Re 

Munich Re has invested heavily in its own internal cyber risk expertise and is also one of the leading providers of cyber risk solutions globally. In 2019, it partnered with CyberCube to use its cyber insurance analytics platform to support underwriting and risk modelling teams in quantifying cyber risk. CyberCube has also helped Munich Re understand the potential implications of cyber accumulation situations – where a single event generates a widespread impact on thousands of businesses at once – for its portfolio of policies, which has been key to its understanding of cybersecurity risk exposure. 

Zurich  

Zurich continuously reviews its cybersecurity strategy to comply with regulatory requirements and the changing cyber threat landscape. It implements cyber awareness and education programmes among customers, employees, and business partners to mitigate the human element of information security risks. In 2018, Zurich sealed a partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) that aims to build the first global platform for governments, businesses, experts, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on cybersecurity challenges. The WEF’s Global Risks Report was created in partnership with Zurich. In February 2020, Zurich partnered with CYE, a cybersecurity specialist that uses AI technology, to create a new offering, Zurich Cyber Security Services. This provides cyber risk management programmes for businesses. In September 2021, Zurich collaborated with BOXX Insurance, an insurtech that provides cybersecurity and insurance solutions for SMEs and individuals. 

To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the insurance industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Cybersecurity in Insurance.   

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