As technology advances, so do cyber risks. This is shown by the new Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, which compiles data from 3,778 companies and organizations from 106 countries.
Today, 38% of the companies surveyed worldwide cite cyber incidents as the biggest threat. This figure has risen again compared to the previous year. Ransomware attacks, data breaches and IT failures are therefore the clear number one business risks – ahead of business interruptions, natural disasters, changes in legislation and climate change. As cyberattacks affect both small and large companies, this source of risk is the top priority for all company sizes. However, at 43%, the threat assessment for corporations with an annual turnover of USD 500 million is significantly higher than that of smaller companies (35%). In Germany, the threat assessment is even higher than the global average: at 47%, threats from cyber incidents are even higher than all other business risks. Of these incidents, attacks on critical infrastructure and material assets are feared the most (62%). This is followed by damage caused by malware and ransomware. According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, the fear of business interruptions is in second place worldwide (31%) and in Germany (40%). These interruptions can also be the result of cyberattacks. However, other causes such as natural disasters or supply chain disruptions are also possible.
Rishi Baviskar, Global Head of Cyber Risk Consulting at Allianz Commercial, believes that cyber risks will be exacerbated by the rapid development of artificial intelligence. “Given the increasing dependence on technology, it is likely to remain a major risk for companies in the future,” says Baviskar. “The CrowdStrike incident in the summer of 2024 showed us how dependent we all are on secure IT systems.” The security experts at SECUINFRA also see an increasing threat situation and report on new dynamic phishing methods and current developments in social engineering, for example. In view of the growing threat, they also recommend preparing both procedurally and technically for a cyber incident.
The complete “Allianz Risk Barometer 2025” report and the appendix with detailed country results can be downloaded free of charge from Allianz Commercial.
