An empirical analysis of the behavioral influences and information sources affecting the cyber insurance decisions of German SMEs
The study examines behavioral and informational factors influencing German SMEs' cyber insurance decisions, based on a survey of 1,248 executives. Findings indicate that perceived financial impact and anxiety about cyberattacks significantly increase purchase likelihood, while perceived probability of attack and prior experience do not. External cybersecurity expertise positively affects demand, whereas reliance on independent Internet research reduces it, attributed to information overload. Internal risk assessments show no significant effect. Firm size is a strong determinant, with micro and small enterprises less likely to purchase than large firms. The research highlights emotional and informational influences over rational risk estimates.