In a world where cyber attacks are no longer just the concern of IT departments, businesses of all sizes are rethinking how they protect themselves. From ransomware and phishing attacks to data breaches and insider threats, the digital risks we face today are growing in both frequency and complexity. One area that’s quietly become a key part of resilience planning is cyber insurance — but like everything in the cybersecurity space, it’s evolving rapidly.
As we move through 2025, understanding how cyber insurance works, what it covers, and how it fits into your broader risk management strategy is more important than ever.
What is Cyber Insurance?
At its core, cyber insurance is a policy designed to protect organisations from the financial fallout of a cyber incident. This could include the cost of data recovery, legal fees, compensation for affected customers, regulatory fines, reputational damage, and more.
However, cyber insurance isn’t a silver bullet. It won’t prevent an incident — but it can provide a financial cushion that helps your organisation recover faster when things go wrong.
Why Cyber Insurance is Changing in 2025
A few years ago, cyber insurance was relatively straightforward: answer a few basic questions about your systems and get a policy. That’s no longer the case.
In 2025, insurers are becoming far more selective. Due to a surge in claims and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, providers are tightening their underwriting standards. This means:
- Premiums are rising – especially for organisations without strong cybersecurity controls.
- Policy exclusions are becoming stricter – for example, some insurers may not cover ransomware payments if you haven’t taken reasonable preventative steps.
- More emphasis is being placed on proof of cyber resilience – such as using multi-factor authentication, endpoint detection tools, or regular vulnerability testing.
Check out this graphic from Shephard Compello to understand the mechanisms driving change:
Cyber Insurance and Organisational Resilience
Cyber insurance is no longer just about having a policy “in case something happens.” It’s now tightly linked to your operational resilience strategy.
Insurers want to know:
- Do you have a clear plan in place for responding to a cyber incident?
- Can you communicate with staff and stakeholders securely if your primary systems go down?
- Are you regularly training staff to recognise phishing and other threats?
- Do you back up critical data and test your ability to restore it?
If your answer to these questions is “yes,” not only are you better protected — you’re also more likely to secure comprehensive insurance coverage at a competitive price.
What Organisations Should Be Doing Now
Whether you’re a small business or a major enterprise, now is the time to review your approach to cyber insurance. Here’s a practical starting point:
- Audit Your Cybersecurity Posture
Understand where your vulnerabilities lie and how well you’re protected. Use frameworks such as the NCSC’s Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 to guide you. - Work With Your Insurer
Engage in a dialogue. Ask what requirements they have for coverage and what support they offer to help you meet them. The relationship should be collaborative, not transactional. - Integrate Cyber Insurance with Your Crisis Planning
Ensure cyber insurance is part of your incident response and business continuity planning. Know what’s covered, how to activate your policy during a crisis, and what evidence you'll need to provide. - Use Technology That Supports Resilience
Platforms like Sentinel can help you maintain secure, out-of-band communications and access to vital information even during a cyberattack — capabilities that insurers increasingly expect to see in place.
A Final Word
In 2025, cyber insurance is no longer an optional add-on. It’s a strategic asset — but only if it’s backed by real, demonstrable resilience. Organisations that view insurance as part of a wider effort to prepare, respond, and recover from cyber threats will not only stand out to insurers, but also to customers, regulators, and stakeholders.
Being cyber resilient is no longer just a matter of IT hygiene — it’s a business imperative.
