Cyber attacks on the rise - insurers respond with stricter requirements
Ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, CEO fraud and data leaks - cyber criminals continue to rely on successful attack strategies. Small and medium-sized companies in particular are increasingly being targeted. According to industry analyses, most cyber incidents are caused by human error - such as careless clicks, insecure passwords or the unconscious disclosure of sensitive information.
As a result of this development, cyber insurers are imposing stricter requirements on (potential) policyholders. Many insurers now require binding proof of organisational and technical security measures. In addition to requirements such as multi-factor authentication or emergency concepts, the focus is on one thing in particular: regular, documented awareness training for employees. Insurers know that even the most modern technical security measures are ineffective if employees do not recognise attacks.
Why cyber insurance makes awareness training mandatory
Security awareness training is - alongside technical precautions - the most important component in protecting your company from cyber threats. Insurers therefore usually require training for employees, for example to sensitise them to social engineering and teach them basic security standards.
Insurers also demand that this training is reliably documented. This is because insurance cover only applies without restriction in the event of a claim if companies can prove that employees have received appropriate training. Companies must therefore keep records of attendance, results and certificates of completion and store them in an audit-proof manner.
What training content insurers expect
The minimum requirements vary depending on the insurer, but the content expectations are clear: the training courses must cover the real challenges of everyday working life. These include, for example, dealing with phishing and social engineering, the secure use of emails, the importance of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) or the secure use of mobile devices.
Insurance companies are also increasingly demanding that companies explain the risks posed by modern technologies such as AI tools, which can lead to data leakage if used improperly. The central aim of cyber security training is also to convey the role that the human factor plays in information security. Employees should learn how to minimise cyber security risks and what to do if they suspect a security incident.
Proof and documentation - crucial for your insurance cover
Insurers often check very carefully in the event of a claim,
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whether training courses were held regularly,
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what content was taught
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whether all relevant employees took part
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whether the evidence is complete and audit-proof.
If this evidence is missing, there is a risk of reductions or even complete rejection of benefits. A structured training system with centralised reporting and legally compliant documentation is therefore a critical component of your corporate security.
E-learning on cyber security - the simplest solution for insurance certificates
E-learning is the most efficient way to implement awareness training in companies today. Digital training enables flexible implementation in everyday working life, automatically documents all participation, can be regularly updated and easily scaled for teams of any size. Certificates of completion, e.g. for insurance checks, are saved automatically.
This turns an annoying obligation into real added value: companies strengthen their security culture and show insurance companies that they actively manage cyber security.
Conclusion - No insurance cover without training
Cyber insurance requirements are increasing - and the focus is clearly on the human factor. Companies not only need technical and organisational security measures, but above all well-trained, sensitised employees.
Those who consistently implement and document cyber security training courses increase their real cyber security and ensure that insurance benefits are not jeopardised in the event of an emergency. An e-learning system is the most efficient solution for this.