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18 March 2026
At a Glance
Rising claims from cyberattacks are prompting insurers to tighten cyber insurance requirements for UK businesses in 2026. Basic protections are no longer sufficient, organisations must demonstrate stronger security controls and often recognised certifications such as Cyber Essentials. Strengthening cyber resilience is becoming increasingly necessary to secure coverage, maintain valid policies, and reduce insurance risk. Contact Redpalm for insurance-aligned cyber resilience.
Cyber Insurance Policy in 2026
With the surge in cyber security threats, a cyber insurance policy serves as a safety net for UK businesses. But this also means that more affected organisations are applying for claims and more insurers are facing increased payouts. This trend is pushing policy providers to tighten their underwriting requirements and demand stronger security controls.
For many organisations, especially SMEs, the cyber insurance policy purchased years ago may be outdated and no longer provide sufficient and valid coverage. In 2026, insurance validity may require you to supplement your cybersecurity posture to meet insurer expectations.
In this guide, we’ll explain why “basic” security may not be sufficient enough to cover you. We’ll also explore ways to strengthen your policy with Cyber Essentials for insurance.
The Surge in Cyber Claims
With the sudden rise in ransomware, malware, and data breaches over the past few years, the cyber insurance market has seen a whopping increase in claims.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), £197 million was paid out in 2024 alone to help organisations recover from cyber security incidents. This marks a 230% YoY increase over 2023.
The report also stated that over 51% of claims were due to ransomware or malware, reflecting the tightening grip of cyberattacks on organisations.
According to research by Marsh in the UK Cyber Insurance Claims Trends Report 2024, cyber claims in 2024 remained almost one-third higher than in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
These surges have forced insurers to change the way they assess risk. With increasing ransomware demands and large claims, insurers are becoming wary of covering organisations with weak cyber security practices. Insurance providers expect businesses to demonstrate robust business risk management measures before coverage is granted or maintained.
Why “Basic” Security No Longer Covers You
Until recently, businesses following standard measures, such as implementing antivirus software, firewalls, and password policies, were considered sufficient to meet underwriting requirements. But from 2026, this “basic” security approach may no longer be enough.
What’s Changed in 2026
Cybercriminals can easily bypass traditional security measures by launching sophisticated attacks that leverage automation, AI, social engineering, and phishing. This level of sophistication in threats has forced insurers to impose stricter eligibility criteria and conditions for cyber insurance policies.
Cyber insurance policy providers require organisations to have sophisticated security controls, including:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR) monitoring tools
- Regular vulnerability scanning and patch management
- Access controls
- Documented incident response
- Disaster recovery plans
If your business doesn’t have or maintain these controls, your insurance provider may invalidate your cyber insurance policy or reject a claim.
But when it comes to complete protection, having cyber insurance alone is not enough. You also need strong cyber security practices in place, especially when insurance providers are viewing them as a prerequisite for coverage rather than an additional measure.
Linking Certification to Lower Premiums
These evolving trends are driving a growing association between cyber security certifications and insurance eligibility.
In the UK, certifications such as Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ISO/IEC 27001 are clear indicators of a business’ cyber maturity and are more likely to be considered lower risk by insurers. With sufficient support, this can often provide access to lower premiums, broader coverage terms, and faster underwriting approvals.
For insurance providers, certifications provide independent validation that your business adheres to established security standards. For your business, it provides tangible proof that your cyber security and business risk management measures meet expectations.
Cyber essentials for insurance are quickly evolving from a generic compliance requirement to a key exercise in maintaining a valid cyber insurance policy. In 2026, insurers want proof that organisations are actively managing cyber risk rather than merely purchasing coverage.
Redpalm’s Role in Cyber Insurance Readiness in 2026
Cyber insurance requirements are likely to only become more complex in 2026 and beyond. With this in mind, working with a specialised cybersecurity partner to meet insurers’ expectations can make all the difference.
Cyber security experts like Redpalm help businesses meet their technical security requirements and comply with insurance requirements.
When you work with us as your cyber security partner, we’ll offer the following:
- Baseline Cyber Security Review: Analysing cyber security gaps that could invalidate insurance coverage or affect future claims.
- Mapping Policy & Certifications: Redpalm is a certified body for Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance Levels 1 and 2, helping businesses achieve these certifications.
- Strengthening Identity and Access: Continuous monitoring and ensuring security controls are active and effective even after certification or policy approval.
- Backups and Recovery: Keep your data safe and retrieve it quickly. Invest in the right solutions, like managed backups and disaster recovery, well in advance.
- Insurance Readiness: We can support your business’ insurance readiness by organising records and highlighting improvements. Supplement this with clear documentation of your IT audit or health check.
Redpalm’s detailed approach moves your business from a reactive model to one that’s calculated, risk-focused, and aligned with your insurance requirements.
We strongly recommend moving away from outdated cyber security approaches and embracing certifications and practices that help ensure your cyber insurance policy remains valid and effective in 2026 and beyond.
If you’re unsure whether your current setup will stand up to an insurer’s scrutiny, now is the time to check. Call 0333 006 3366 to get in touch with us and schedule an appointment today.
