Archive · 18 Dec 2025
SMEs Must Prioritize Cyber Insurance Amid Rising Risks
Small businesses and self-employed people are using computers and the internet more for their work.
This makes them more likely to be attacked by hackers.
These attacks can cause problems like losing money or important information.
There are laws that can fine businesses a lot of money if they don't protect data well.
Buying cyber insurance can help pay for these problems.
It's like a safety net.
The insurance can cover things like fixing computers, paying for time when the business can't work, and even ransom money if hackers steal data.
It's important to have this insurance because attacks are happening more often, and it can cost a lot of money to fix the problems.
The insurance doesn't prevent attacks, but it helps businesses recover if something bad happens.
SMEs and self-employed professionals are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to digital operations.
Cyber insurance is becoming essential for financial planning to cover losses from incidents like ransomware and phishing.
Common risks include ransomware, social engineering fraud, phishing, and operational downtime.
Cyber insurance policies for SMEs typically cover first-party and third-party losses, with premiums starting around ₹25,000-45,000.
The frequency of cyberattacks on SMEs has led to higher insurance premiums and stricter underwriting standards.
- Who
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed professionals
- What
- The rising need for cyber insurance due to increased cyber risks
- When
- Currently, as digital operations expand
- Where
- India, particularly for SMEs and independent professionals
- Why
- To protect against financial losses from cyber incidents and comply with regulatory frameworks
- Targeted SMEs
- 43%
- Median ransom payment in India
- $482,000 (₹4 crore)
- Cyber insurance premiums for SMEs
- ₹25,000-45,000
- Coverage levels
- ₹10-20 lakh
- Maximum penalty under Data Protection and Privacy Act
- ₹250 crore