Cyber insurance: Protection or false sense of security?

Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly professional and targeted – that's why many companies are turning to cyber insurance for additional protection. At first glance, this seems like a sensible addition to their security strategy – but caution: cyber insurance is no substitute for real IT security. Relying solely on a policy risks unpleasant surprises in the event of an incident.

Why cyber insurance is gaining popularity

The number of successful cyberattacks is steadily increasing – whether through ransomware, phishing campaigns, or zero-day exploits. The consequences for companies range from financial losses to reputational damage and production downtimes. It's no wonder that many firms are considering cyber insurance to safeguard themselves in case of damage.

However: Insurance does not provide active protection; it only comes into play in an emergency – and even then, only if certain conditions are met.

No security measures – no payout

Many insurers set clear requirements for their clients. Those who do not meet them receive no or only limited benefits in the event of a claim. Typical requirements include:

• EDR/MDR solutions such as Sophos MDR or SentinelOne
• Regular vulnerability analyses and patch management
• Network segmentation and zero trust concepts
• Awareness training for employees
• Complete and tested backups
• 24/7 monitoring and incident response plans

Those who are not well-prepared risk bearing the costs themselves in the event of damage – despite having insurance.

IT security remains a top priority

Cyber insurance should therefore always be understood as a supplementary element to one's own security strategy – not as an excuse to invest less. Modern security concepts are modular and can be tailored to your company individually.

Conclusion: Insurance doesn't prevent attacks – IT security does

Cyber insurance can cushion financial risks but does not replace active prevention. Those who truly want to be on the safe side need a strong IT security foundation – preferably with professional support. Because: Being insured is good – being secured is better.