Most Irish homeowners understand why they need insurance for fire, flooding, theft and accidental damage. However, our homes now face risks that traditional security measures cannot prevent. We bank online, shop through apps and connect everyday devices to household Wi-Fi. Consequently, cybercriminals have more opportunities to target our money, personal information and home technology.
That raises an important question. Does your home insurance protect your digital life as well as your physical property? At Dolmen Insurance Brokers, selected home insurance products from Dolmen Underwriting include specialist home cyber protection.
Taoiseach Warns About Ireland’s Growing Cyber Threat
Cybersecurity returned to the headlines in November 2026 following an incident affecting refrigeration systems at 13 SuperValu stores. On 3 November, Taoiseach Micheál Martin described cyberattacks as a constant danger to businesses and public services. He also expressed concern about increasingly sophisticated attacks and the need for stronger national resilience.
The incident involved commercial equipment, not private houses. Nevertheless, it highlights a broader reality: internet-connected technology can create vulnerabilities in unexpected places. Irish households depend on similar connectivity every day, from smart televisions to security cameras and home networks.
Cybercrime Is Already Affecting People Across Ireland
The latest figures show why online security deserves attention. According to the Central Statistics Office’s 2025 Crime and Victimisation Survey, 11% of adults reported experiencing fraud. That compares with 4% in 2019, illustrating how significantly the landscape has changed.
Card payment fraud affected 45% of fraud victims in the survey. Meanwhile, 26% experienced phone fraud, and another 26% reported online shopping or auction fraud. Account takeover affected 8% of fraud victims. These figures describe different types of fraud, not necessarily successful attacks on home networks.
Even so, they demonstrate why Irish families should consider their financial exposure alongside conventional household risks.
Your Connected Home Has More Than One Digital Door
Think about how much information your household handles each week. Family members receive banking alerts, download apps, store photographs and make online purchases. Children may also use tablets, gaming platforms and connected devices. Furthermore, smart speakers, doorbells and thermostats often share the same home network.
Cybercriminals do not always need sophisticated tools. A convincing phishing message or compromised password can open the door to serious disruption. An attacker might access an online account, steal payment details or install malicious software.
Good cyber hygiene reduces these risks. However, even careful households can encounter convincing scams or unexpected technical problems.
What Does Home Cyber Insurance Cover?
Dolmen Underwriting offers home cyber protection within qualifying home insurance policies. The cover focuses on digital incidents that ordinary buildings and contents insurance may not fully address. Depending on the policy, three important areas can include:
- Cyber home systems damage: Help with malware removal, system restoration, data recovery and specialist technical assistance.
- Cybercrime: Protection for certain eligible financial losses involving online fraud, hacking and cyber ransom incidents.
- Online liability: Support for certain privacy breaches, online defamation claims and related legal costs.
These benefits provide more than a payment after an incident. Access to specialist support can help households understand the problem and take practical recovery steps. Nevertheless, cover always depends on the relevant policy wording, limits, excess and exclusions.
Why Traditional Home Insurance May Leave Digital Gaps
Many homeowners carefully compare premiums, rebuilding costs and contents cover. Yet they rarely ask whether their policy includes cyber protection. Standard household insurance generally focuses on physical property and specified liabilities. Therefore, a digital incident may need a separate or specialist policy section.
Imagine losing access to an infected laptop containing important family documents. Alternatively, consider a fraudulent transaction linked to a phishing email. The technical recovery work alone could create stress and unexpected expense. Specialist cyber cover may help with eligible costs when the circumstances meet the policy conditions.
Practical Ways to Reduce Cyber Risks at Home
Insurance works best alongside sensible everyday precautions. Fortunately, households can improve their security without becoming technology experts. Start with a few straightforward habits:
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multifactor authentication wherever available.
- Update devices and apps regularly, including smart home equipment and your Wi-Fi router.
- Check unexpected messages carefully before opening links, sharing details or transferring money.
- Back up important files and contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraud.
Additionally, talk openly with family members about common scams. A quick conversation can prevent someone from responding to a suspicious request. If an incident occurs, report it promptly and preserve relevant evidence.
A Smarter Approach to Home Insurance in Ireland
The way Irish households use technology has changed considerably. Consequently, home insurance deserves a fresh look. Buildings and contents protection remain essential, but cyber risks also deserve consideration.
Dolmen Insurance Brokers can explain the home cyber benefits available through qualifying Dolmen Underwriting policies. Our team can discuss what cover applies, which exclusions matter and how claims support works. That helps you compare policies based on meaningful protection, not simply the premium.
Your home is more than its walls, roof and belongings. It also holds the connected devices and information your family relies upon every day. Protecting both sides of modern life makes sense.
To get a quote and find out more about our incredible insurance, visit Dibl.ie.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute insurance or cybersecurity advice. Cyber cover applies only to eligible policies and insured events, subject to policy terms, limits, excesses, conditions and exclusions. Not every scam, financial loss or device problem qualifies for cover. Always review your policy documentation and speak with Dolmen Insurance Brokers about your requirements.
