Cyber Insurance 101: Why Every Business Needs It in 2025

Cyberattacks cost Indian businesses ₹17,000 crores in 2023. Cyber insurance is no longer optional — it's a business necessity. Here's what you need to know.

General Insurance
Anand Basker · CTO, VIRAM Brokers6 min read · 22 July 2024

India ranked among the top 5 most-cyberattacked countries globally in 2023. Ransomware, data breaches and social engineering attacks are now targeting businesses of every size.

What Does Cyber Insurance Cover?

Data Breach Response

Covers forensic investigation costs, legal expenses, breach notification to affected customers and credit monitoring services.

Business Interruption

Compensates for lost revenue and additional expenses during the period your business is disrupted due to a cyber event.

Ransomware and Extortion

Covers ransom payments and the costs to restore systems after a ransomware attack. Also includes negotiator fees.

Third-Party Liability

If your data breach harms customers or partners, cyber liability covers legal defense costs and damages awarded.

Social Engineering / Fraud

Coverage for financial losses due to phishing attacks, business email compromise (BEC) and social engineering fraud.

Who Needs Cyber Insurance?

Every business that:

  • Stores customer data (PII, payment information)
  • Relies on digital systems for operations
  • Conducts online transactions
  • Has employees using email and the internet

This includes SMEs, not just large enterprises. 60% of cyberattacks target small and medium businesses.

How to Calculate Your Coverage Needs

Consider:

  • Revenue dependent on digital systems
  • Cost of data breach response (typically ₹500–2000 per affected record)
  • Potential regulatory fines under DPDP Act 2023
  • Business interruption losses per day of downtime

What is NOT Covered

  • Prior acts (incidents before the policy start date)
  • Intentional acts by employees
  • Physical damage to hardware
  • Losses due to poor security hygiene (check exclusions carefully)

VIRAM offers tailored cyber insurance policies for startups, SMEs and large enterprises. Get in touch for a cyber risk assessment.

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