Private sector non-life insurer HDFC Ergo has launched a personal cyber insurance policy that will provide cover to individuals and families from cyber crimes, including cyber attacks, identity theft, phishing, and reputational risks such as bullying and trolling.

"We live in a digital world where individuals freely share a lot of their personal as well as financial information online," said Ritesh Kumar, Managing Director and CEO, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company.

Online harassment

The E@Secure policy provides cover for between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 crore. The policy also covers costs for legal help or advice, as well as expenses incurred on counselling sessions with a psychologist for trauma arising from online harassment.

Estimates show there are over 480 million people who are internet users in India, and nearly 240 million people are social media users. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report 2016, cyber crimes increased by 6.3 per cent in 2016 to 12,317 from 11,592 in 2015.