Cyber risks are affecting more and more people in their everyday lives, often without them realising how exposed they are, says global reinsurer Munich Re.
In its “Global Cyber Risk and Insurance Survey 2026” (Personal Lines) report, Munich Re finds that the proportion of people who are concerned or extremely concerned about cyber attacks in private life averages 51% globally.
Among the countries surveyed, this proportion is highest in India at 78% and lowest in Germany at 40%. (See Chart 1).
The survey was conducted on behalf of Munich Re by the global market research company Statista in December 2025 and analysed with Munich Re’s internal experts in January and February 2026. The sample size was 7,500 from 20 countries.
More than half (58%) of respondents say that they have already been victims of a cyber attack in their private lives. Online fraud, malware, often distributed via phishing and fraudulent bank transfers are among the most common attack types (See Table 1). Almost all categories have seen an increase compared to 2021.
Personal insurance status
Munich Re says that while steps to reduce cyber risks and respond to incidents are essential, they cannot eradicate the risk. This is where cyber insurance adds a layer of protection. Policies covering cyber incidents against individuals go beyond financial compensation. They combine risk transfer with support services designed to strengthen digital resilience, protect personal assets and recover after a potential cyber attack.
Nevertheless, 41% of respondents say that they have no cyber insurance coverage and do not plan to buy such a policy (See Table 2). Still, Munich Re notes that it is encouraging that the proportion of people considering taking out a policy has jumped to 37% in 2026 from 28% in 2021.
Reasons for not having personal cyber insurance
Many people are still unsure about what cyber insurance offers and how it can help protect them in everyday digital life (See Table 3). This emphasises the need to communicate its benefits more clearly and in a way that resonates with real-life experiences, says Munich Re.
Reasons to have cyber insurance in private life
On a positive note, many interviewees recognise the value of enjoying a digital life with peace of mind, says Munich Re. Specifically, this means receiving reimbursement for financial losses following a cyber attack or fraud, as well as having access to expert support and services. The stated motives for purchasing cyber insurance (See Table 4) highlight its growing relevance in the private context. M