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HDI Global SE helps companies to take preventive action and protect themselves against cyber-attacks

  • HDI offers insured companies employee training sessions and technical assistance with the aim of improving data protection
  • Target group: Small and mid-sized companies
  • Cooperation with Berlin insurtech company Perseus Technologies
  • 3-pillar model of HDI for cyber security: Prevention – Critical emergency assistance – Insurance component

Cyber-attacks on companies can be most effectively warded off by taking preventive protection measures and raising employees’ awareness of the dangers. This is why industrial insurer HDI Global SE (HDI) is now offering new and portfolio customers a large toolbox with aids to provide protection against cyber-attacks. With this aim in mind, HDI Global SE has concluded a contract to set up a joint venture with Berlin-based cyber security company Perseus Technologies.

According to an analysis by the German Insurance Association, a large proportion of successful cyber-attacks on small and mid-sized companies is initiated by compromised email attachments. If these are opened by inattentive or untrained employees, this can massively disrupt the IT and business processes of the affected company. Possible consequences include business interruptions, reputational loss and expensive litigation.

“Against this background, we have decided to support our customers in raising the awareness of their employees,” commented Johannes Steffl, Head of Underwriting, Cyber of HDI Global SE. “People are often the weakest link in the IT security chain. Our aim is therefore to help employees to be better at identifying cyber hazards like email trojans and phishing attacks. In cooperation with our new partner Perseus Technologies, we also offer our customers awareness training which places people at the centre of attention.”

Data driving permit

HDI is offering this new service to its customers from the segment of small and mid-sized companies (SMEs). When these customers purchase a Cyber+ Smart policy, they gain full access to the entire cyber prevention package offered by Perseus. This includes web-based video training sessions on the topics of cyber security and data protection in companies. The successful conclusion of the training, which includes a knowledge test, is rewarded with a driving permit for cyber security and data protection. This driving permit serves as a certification verifying the technical and organisational prevention measures prescribed under statutory regulations in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

“Compliance with statutory regulations starts with employees. They need to be developed into a stable and resilient component of IT security,” said Richard Renner, Managing Director of Perseus. With this objective in mind, Perseus complements training measures with technical aids, such as a password generator and an attack alarm for new cyber hazards. Perseus is supporting this approach further by testing customers of HDI who have a relevant policy regularly with simulated fraudulent emails to ascertain their sensitivity to phishing mails. “Our phishing tests are intended to create an in-depth understanding of cyber-risks and promote raised awareness,” commented Richard Renner.

3-pillar model for cyber security

The cooperation with Perseus complements the multi-stage HDI cybersecurity concept which empowers HDI customers to have all-round protection. The preventive services of Perseus are the first pillar. The second pillar in cyber protection at HDI is critical emergency assistance. Already at the stage of a suspected cyber-attack, the policyholder receives professional assistance and advice. An appropriate hotline is available 24/7 for 365 days a year. The experts either log into the IT system of the company or if necessary, they come on site within 24 hours.

The third pillar is the cyber insurance cover provided by the policy Cyber+ Smart from HDI. This insurance component becomes operational once actual loss or damage has been incurred. One team is responsible for the entire crisis management: A claim team appointed by HDI coordinates the individual problem-solving effort tailored to the attack scenario and to the needs of the affected company. Forensic investigation and loss and damage assessment are part of the insurance benefits, alongside data reinstatement, communication with third parties and payment of costs for crisis management and defence in any data protection proceedings.

About HDI Global SE (HDI)

As a Corporate & Specialty lines insurer, HDI Global SE (HDI) meets the needs of SMEs, industrial companies, middle market and corporate customers with insurance solutions that are specifically tailored to their requirements. In addition to HDI's prominent position in the German and broader European market, the company has access to its own worldwide HDI Global Network covering more than 175 countries through its own HDI foreign branch offices, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, and network partners. Acting as the Partner in Transformation, HDI Global SE leads roughly 5,300 International Programmes and offers its multinational customers compliant coverage worldwide.

HDI Global SE is the Corporate & Specialty Division of the Talanx Group and has been a leading insurer for several decades. More than 5,000 employees in this division generated insurance revenue (gross) of approx. EUR 10.0 billion in the year 2024 (according to IFRS 17).

The rating agency Standard & Poor’s has given the Talanx Primary Group a financial strength rating of AA-/stable (very strong) and AM Best has assigned the rating of A+ (superior). Talanx AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.

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