Private cyber insurance: comprehensive protection against digital threats for you and your family
17.04.25
11
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Cyber attacks are increasing every day and often catch private individuals unprepared. Personal cyber insurance offers important protection against financial losses and stress. Find out how to secure your digital world.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A private cyber insurance policy protects against financial losses caused by online fraud, identity theft and data loss, the frequency of which is steadily increasing.
Preventive measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication and regular software updates are crucial to minimise the risk of cyberattacks.
In the event of a claim, quick action is important: secure evidence, change passwords, inform your bank and the police, and use the cover provided by Cyber Insurance Private.
Digital threats to individuals: understanding the scale
Cybercrime is a real threat to private individuals. In 2023, 67 per cent of internet users in Germany were affected. Phishing attacks rose worldwide by almost 60 per cent in 2023. The average damage per incident can quickly amount to several hundred euros. These figures illustrate the need for good protection.
Many people significantly underestimate the emotional strain after a cyberattack. In addition to financial losses, the loss of trust often weighs heavily. A cyber legal protection insurance can provide initial assistance here. The threats are diverse and constantly evolving.
Identity theft: When strangers take over your life
Around one in ten adults in Germany has already fallen victim to identity theft. Criminals use stolen data to place online orders or open accounts. Look out for unusual account activity or invoices for unknown orders. These are early warning signs of possible misuse of your data.
If you suspect anything, act immediately. Save evidence with screenshots and change all relevant passwords. Inform your bank and file a police report. A swift response to identity theft minimises the damage. Prevention begins with strong, unique passwords for every service.
The following measures can help prevent this:
Use complex passwords and change them regularly, at least every three months.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible; this increases security many times over.
Be sparing when sharing personal data, especially on social networks.
Check your bank statements and credit card statements regularly for unfamiliar transactions.
These steps help significantly reduce the risk of identity theft.
Online shopping and banking: cleverly avoiding risks
Fraud in online shopping causes significant losses every year. Fake shops and phishing emails target your payment data. Be sceptical of extremely cheap offers or when advance payment is the only option.
An online buyer protection insurance offers additional security. Look for secure connections (HTTPS) and recognised seals of approval. Over 90 per cent of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. Therefore, be particularly vigilant with emails that ask you to enter bank details.
Our expert tip: Use separate accounts or credit cards with a low limit for online payments. This significantly limits the potential damage in the event of fraud. Also check email sender addresses carefully before clicking links or opening attachments.
Cyberbullying: The invisible weapon online
Cyberbullying affects almost two million pupils in Germany. 61 per cent of 14- to 17-year-olds experienced it in 2023. The attacks range from insults to the distribution of private images. The psychological consequences for victims are often severe and long-lasting.
Document incidents of bullying with screenshots. Inform platform operators and report it to the police. Cyber insurance for private individuals can include initial psychological counselling and legal protection. The Copyright in Art Act (§ 22 KunstUrhG) and provisions such as § 185 StGB (insult) provide legal recourse. Speak openly about the issue to strengthen prevention.
Important steps in the event of cyberbullying are:
Preserve evidence (screenshots, chat histories).
Block the perpetrator and report them to the platform.
Inform trusted people (parents, teachers, friends).
If the bullying persists, report it to the police.
Seek professional help, for example from advice centres.
These measures help victims actively defend themselves.
Data loss from ransomware: How to protect yourself and respond properly
Ransomware encrypts your data and demands a ransom. The costs for professional data recovery after ransomware can range from four to five figures in euros. Do not pay a ransom; there is no guarantee of recovery. If infected, disconnect the affected device from the internet immediately.
Regular backups on external, separate media are the best protection. Always keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date. The first ransomware appeared as early as the late 1980s. Be vigilant with email attachments and links from unknown senders. Good personal cyber insurance can cover the costs of data recovery.
Scope of cover of a private cyber insurance policy: What is covered?
A private cyber insurance policy typically covers financial losses caused by identity theft. Losses from fraud in online shopping are also often included. Cover for data recovery after hacker attacks is another important component. Many plans also offer initial psychological counselling for cyberbullying.
Pay attention to the maximum compensation amount per insured event. Check whether an excess has been agreed and how high it is. The scope of cover can vary considerably depending on the provider and plan. Compare offers carefully to find the right cover for your needs. Sometimes special risks, such as those covered by a crypto wallet insurance policy, are also included.
Our expert tip: Check which cyber risks are already covered by existing insurance policies (e.g. contents insurance, liability insurance). This helps you avoid double insurance and optimise your costs. Advice from experts such as nextsure can bring clarity here.
The cost of a private cyber insurance policy often starts at just a few euros per month. It depends on factors such as the sum insured and the excess. Comprehensive protection for the whole family can be available from around ten euros per month. Compare the benefits carefully, not just the price.
Important selection criteria are:
Amount of cover for different types of loss (e.g. EUR 15,000 for online banking fraud).
Scope of assistance services (e.g. 24/7 helpline, IT forensic experts).
Coverage of costs for data recovery and restoration (e.g. up to EUR 5,000).
Inclusion of legal protection in the event of copyright infringement or cyberbullying.
Protection for all persons living in the household and their devices, including mobile devices.
A low deductible, for example EUR 100, is often advantageous. Make sure the contract terms are clear and easy to understand. A gaming hardware insurance policy can be useful for specific needs. This gives you optimum protection.
Prevention and recommendations: Staying safe in everyday digital life
Active prevention significantly reduces your risk of cyberattacks. Use a unique, strong password of at least twelve characters for every online service. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional security. Be sparing with sharing personal data online.
Install up-to-date security software on all devices. Carry out regular updates for operating systems and applications. 85 per cent of all data breaches are caused by human error or social engineering. Train your own behaviour and that of your family in dealing with digital media. nextsure is happy to offer you individual advice on this.
Our expert tip: Create an emergency plan in the event of a cyberattack. This should include important telephone numbers (bank, insurance, police) and initial steps. Discuss this plan with all family members so that in an emergency everyone knows what to do. This can shorten the response time by up to 30 per cent.
More useful links
Police Advice offers comprehensive information on media literacy and online safety.
The Consumer Advice Centre provides a emergency checklist for dealing with cybercrime.
The Consumer Advice Centre explains how you can try to recover your money after internet fraud.
Bitkom publishes a press release with current statistics on cybercrime in Germany.
FAQ
What exactly does nextsure’s private cyber insurance cover?
Our private cyber insurance offers comprehensive cover that can be tailored individually to your needs. It typically includes protection against financial losses resulting from online fraud, identity theft, data loss caused by hacker attacks, as well as support in the event of cyberbullying. Contact us for detailed advice.
Are my family members also covered under Cyber Insurance Private?
Yes, in many plans of the private cyber insurance, partners and children living in the same household are also covered. The exact conditions may vary depending on the selected plan. We would be happy to advise you on the most suitable options for your family.
Does the insurance cover the costs of professional data recovery?
Yes, the covering of the costs for professional data recovery, for example after a ransomware attack, is often part of private cyber insurance. The amount of cost coverage is set out in the policy terms and can amount to several thousand euros.
What do I need to do in the event of a claim to receive benefits under my private cyber insurance?
Report the damage to your insurer immediately. Document the incident in as much detail as possible (e.g. screenshots, police report). Our experts will then support you with the next steps and the claims settlement.
What preventive measures does nextsure recommend?
We strongly recommend using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated regularly, being cautious with emails and downloads, and maintaining a healthy scepticism online. Private cyber insurance complements these measures perfectly.
Is there a minimum contract term for private cyber insurance?
The minimum contract term is generally one year. Details of notice periods and contract renewals can be found in your individual contract documents. We focus on transparent and fair terms.
