Sontiq and Univé have partnered to provide 1.1 million Univé members with immediate access to cyber insurance and cybercrime services through Sontiq’s Cyberscout product. Designed to help its members protect against, limit, and recover from the damage caused by cybercrime, the partnership provides both insurance protection against a multitude of cyber incidents and 24/7 live helpdesk assistance as standard in all non-life insurance policies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a wave of cyber-attacks around the globe, putting citizens everywhere at risk of fraud and identity crime. According to the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, more than 2 million Dutch citizens are victims of cybercrime each year – and that number is on a rapid growth trajectory. In the US, more than one-third of adults have experienced identity theft, and since March 2020, there has been more than UDS 200 billion in US unemployment and Covid-19 relief fraud – and this tally does not include losses from other forms of identity crime says Sontiq.
Sontiq notes that every organisation and individual has increased reliance on digital technology and says insurers like Univé are recognising the pressing need to protect their increasingly vulnerable customers from cyber risks.
“Our members face increasing cyber risks in the always-on, always-connected world and they need a strong advantage against the growing sophistication of cybercriminals,” said Marco Nanne, directeur Univé Schade. “Univé Cyberhulp is an essential product today that will offer our members help and protection at their moment of greatest need. In addition, enabling a proactive approach is imperative, so we’re introducing the 24/7 support and education available through the experts at Cyberscout for the most robust protection possible.”
Matt Cullina, Head of Global Insurance at Sontiq, said, “The demand for comprehensive cyber coverage, proactive services, and education is growing among private individuals and small businesses alike. As online fraud, scams, and cybercrime become more pervasive, Sontiq, through Cyberscout, helped Univé get to market quickly and confidently.”
More than 1 million policyholders were provided the Cyberhulp solution effective 8 February 2021. “This is a modern, game-changing cyber solution featuring integrated live and online cyber support services, educational tools and cyber insurance coverage,” added Tom Spier, Commercial Director of Global Markets at Sontiq. “This model of providing cyber across the entire Univé platform is a significant leap forward for personal and small business insurance providers striving for differentiation in a commoditised market.”
Earlier this year, it was announced that ICMIF’s Supporting Member Cyberscout had been acquired by Sontiq, a portfolio company of The Wicks Group of Companies, LLC (“Wicks”) and a leader in Intelligent Identity Security.
Cyberscout joined Sontiq’s cloud-based platform of products and services, with a mutual focus on delivering high-touch services and support. Cyberscout’s solutions include those focused on personal and commercial cyber coverage, as well as complementary programmes that are included in employee benefits packages. Through Sontiq’s comprehensive product portfolio, major insurance carriers, mutual insurers, and reinsurers can now also benefit from increased cybersecurity education, protection, forensics, incident response and resolution services.
