Cologne / Hamburg, July 1, 2025 – While real-time ratings in cyber insurance are currently being hailed as "the new big thing," they have long been standard practice at Gothaer. The long-established insurer has been using the outside-in platform from cysmo for over eight years – establishing itself early on as a pioneer in digital risk assessment.
Digital Underwriting Before It Became a Hype
“What many celebrate today as innovation began for us back in 2017,” says Oliver Schulze, Head of Cyber at Gothaer. “With cysmo, we were able from the start to make risks visible that were previously hidden – and to do so in an automated, scalable way for companies of all sizes.”
Since then, the results from the cysmo platform have systematically flowed into Gothaer’s underwriting. The data collected is not only assessed but also correlated with actual claims histories – a practice of high value.
From Score to Claim – and Back Again
Jonas Schwade, CEO of cysmo, emphasizes: “Over the years, we’ve seen with Gothaer how precisely outside-in data can be used in underwriting – not just for risk selection, but also for loss prevention.”
The results speak for themselves: significantly improved risk differentiation, clear patterns in claims development, and a data-driven approach that can now be considered best practice.
“Gothaer had the courage back then to rely on real-time digital data – long before the market was ready for it,” adds Schwade. “Today, many MGAs (Managing General Agents) and insurers are looking for exactly this combination of experience, substance, and speed.”
From Germany to the World – A Model That Sets the Standard
The long-standing collaboration between Gothaer and cysmo is not only proof of innovation but also a reference model for the industry: how to make cyber risks visible, digitize underwriting, and systematically reduce potential claims – this can not only be shown but proven.
Hannah Groß, Chief Digital Officer at cysmo: “We’re proud that cysmo is now used by international insurers – but we never forget where our foundation lies: with partners like Gothaer, who understood early on what truly matters in cyber underwriting.”
About BarmeniaGothaer
The BarmeniaGothaer Group, with around eight million customers, 7,500 employees, and premium income of approximately €8.6 billion, ranks among the top 10 insurers in Germany and is one of the largest mutual insurance associations.
All lines of insurance are offered for private and corporate customers. The company emphasizes high-quality personal and digital advice, as well as support for its customers that goes beyond just insurance services. As one of the leading partners for the SME sector, BarmeniaGothaer offers comprehensive protection against all relevant risks. In addition to a wide range of protection concepts, the companies also support their corporate clients in current challenges such as employee recruitment and retention.
For private customers, BarmeniaGothaer offers not only traditional insurance and retirement products but also digital services and a wide array of healthcare offerings. As a mutual insurer, BarmeniaGothaer is committed solely to its members – i.e., its customers – and not to shareholders. This independence allows the company to act long-term and sustainably in the best interest of its members.
Über cysmo®
cysmo Cyber Risk GmbH, a subsidiary of PPI AG, carries forward the 40-year success story of the consultancy and software company for banks, insurers, and financial service providers into a new digital era.
With cysmo®, the leading platform for external cyber risk assessment ("outside-in") – specifically developed for the needs of insurers – a company’s digital attack surface is analyzed within seconds and potential vulnerabilities are identified. Potential financial damages from cyberattacks can be simulated in real time.
Insurers particularly value cysmo® for its uncompromising result quality: Zero false positives. Zero noise. Real-time. The insights are precise, clearly presented, and immediately usable – whether in underwriting, sales, portfolio management, policy design, or supply chain analysis. cysmo® also provides clear value in meeting regulatory requirements such as NIS2 or DORA.
cysmo® is the market leader in Germany and one of the most recognized platforms in Europe for cyber risk assessment.
