Police fürs Netz: Cyberversicherung: Brauche ich die und wie schützt sie?

Cybercriminals constantly seek prey online, spreading malware, engaging in fraudulent online shopping, or stealing passwords and payment data. According to the Cybersafety Monitor, a representative dark web study by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and the police, nearly a quarter (22 percent) of all Germans were victims of internet crime in 2025.

The consequences of an attack can be severe. Cyber insurance policies offer protection against such incidents, but before purchasing one, it's important to check if existing insurance policies already provide sufficient protection.

For example, a comprehensive private liability insurance policy may cover internet-related damage caused to third parties, such as unintentionally forwarding a virus that results in the recipient's damage. Similarly, a good homeowners insurance policy should cover online fraud-related property damage, including phishing attacks on online banking.

In such cases, the insurance may limit the coverage to a specific percentage or fixed sum. Legal protection insurance may also cover legal disputes arising from internet crime, depending on the contract.

Whether one needs cyber insurance depends on existing coverage from other policies. After evaluating and expanding existing insurance coverage, a specialized private cyber policy may be necessary if there's still a significant gap in protection. Cyber insurance is particularly beneficial for people who manage many assets online or frequently use digital services.

Even those with limited IT knowledge may benefit from cyber insurance, especially if they require quick assistance and professional help during a security incident, as it provides both financial protection and peace of mind in emergency situations.