Some time during 2024, you likely received an email or letter from a business notifying you that your personal data had been compromised. If you did not, congratulations. It feels like an everyday occurrence at this point.
Most of these emails or letters come from large companies that interact with thousands of customers and have many transactions. During 2024 the cyber security industry has noticed a change in activity. A cybercrime study from Accenture showed that nearly 43% of cyber attacks were on small businesses. Churches of all sizes fall into this classification.
Hackers have become smarter with time and now realize that hitting smaller targets that possess significant personal data is an easier target than large organizations. They are often less prepared, but still can provide personal data that enables them to commit other crimes.
As churches rely more on technology for communication, donations, and record-keeping, they have become increased targets for cyberattacks. Here’s why cyber liability insurance matters in 2025 and what your church can do to protect itself.
Why Churches Are Targets
Churches may not seem like a big target for hackers, but they collect information that hackers and cybercriminals find valuable. Member lists that include email addresses, donation records that potentially have bank information, and staff details are all things hackers can use to steal money or commit fraud. When you consider that many churches also don’t have strong cybersecurity, it becomes easier to see why they are targets.
And remember that hackers are also getting smarter. They now understand that smaller organizations, like churches, don’t always have the tools or knowledge to fight back when cyber attacks occur. These details also raise the attack likelihood for ransomware, where hackers lock files until a payment is made.
The Growing Role of Technology in Churches
Churches are using more digital tools than ever. Email marketing platforms, online giving systems, and member databases are now a regular part of how many churches operate regardless of size. These tools make it easier for your church to run the ministries that your community relies upon. But they also open up your risk profile considerably.
If a cyberattack hits one of these tools, it can stop your operations in their tracks. A hacked email system might spread dangerous phishing links to members. A breach in your online giving system could expose sensitive financial information. These risks open your church up to financial damage claims that put your long term financial security at risk. This should make it clear why churches need to take cybersecurity seriously.
What Cyber Liability Insurance Covers
Cyber liability insurance products help cover the costs when things go wrong online. The insurance company will help you triage the situation, regain control of systems, repair damage, and help repair any reputational damage while cleaning up liability issues that affect your congregation.
Here are some specific instances that are addressed, though this list isn't exhaustive.
Data Breach Costs
If hackers steal member information, your church will need to notify everyone affected and offer credit monitoring to protect them. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for these costs, as well as any legal fees that come up.
Ransomware Attacks
Hackers may demand payment to unlock files or systems they’ve taken over during a breach of your systems. Cyber church insurance can help cover the cost of negotiating with the hackers or recovering your data without paying the ransom.
Reputation Management
When a cyber attack happens, trust can be damaged with your congregation. Cyber coverage from a church insurance specialist can help pay for public relations efforts to rebuild trust with your members and community.
Third-Party Vendor Issues
One problem you likely won't consider is if a vendor your church uses gets hacked. If that system like an email or donation platform is attacked and affects your church, third-party coverage can help cover related losses.
Steps to Reduce Cyber Risks
The old saying is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and cyber insurance providers buy into this notion wholeheartedly. Taking steps to prevent attacks is just as valuable as securing gaps in coverage that your church might have. Here are a few ways your church can reduce risks:
Educate Staff and Volunteers
Teach everyone on your staff how to spot phishing emails and use strong passwords. A little knowledge can go a long way in stopping attacks before they start.
Use Secure Technology
Choose tools like email platforms and online giving systems with strong security features. Look for vendors that update their systems regularly to block new threats.
Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Review your church’s digital tools and identify any weak spots. Consider bringing in an IT professional to check for vulnerabilities and recommend fixes.
Why Cyber Liability Insurance Is a Must for 2025
Cyberattacks are not only growing in number but also in cost. Hackers are now targeting smaller organizations because they are easier to exploit. For churches, a single attack could lead to thousands of dollars in expenses and weeks of disruption. For most church budgets, this is simply not sustainable for most religious organizations. Simply avoiding this conversation increases the profile of your church at risk.
Most general liability policies don’t cover cyber risks. So do not assume that you have protection from these attacks. This means if your church faces a cyberattack, you’re on your own to handle the costs. Cyber liability insurance fills this gap, giving your church the protection it needs to manage an incident and recover.
How to Get Cyber Liability Coverage for Your Church
If your church doesn’t already have cyber liability insurance, now is the time to get it. An experienced church insurance specialist understands the unique risks that churches face. They can help you add cyber liability coverage to your existing coverage and explain how it works.
Adding cyber liability as part of a larger insurance plan can simplify things and sometimes lower costs on your current insurance policy. Make sure you understand what the policy covers, including data breaches, ransomware, and reputation management. Knowing the details will help you feel confident about your coverage and provide the peace of mind that you deserve.
Don’t Let Cyber Risks Hurt Your Ministry
Cyberattacks are a growing threat to churches, but you can take steps to protect your ministry. Cyber liability insurance helps cover the costs of recovering from an attack so you can focus on serving your community.
True Texas Church Insurance, a program offered only by Insurance For Texans, includes cyber liability options designed to meet the needs of Texas churches. Our team has helped hundreds of churches all across the state stay protected from both digital threats and other church-specific risks. Our experienced insurance specialists help churches find the customized solutions that they need to continue their ministries.
Click the button below to connect with a church insurance specialist today. Let’s make sure your church is ready for the challenges of 2025 and beyond.