The speed with which the global maritime industry is adopting AI technology to optimise operations, recruitment and maintenance is leaving the sector open to a swift, autonomous cyberattack that is almost impossible to detect before it is too late, according to research by cyber security specialist Cydome.

"Organisations that perform well over time are not those with the most aspirational values statements. They’re the ones that design work, leadership and governance around how people actually behave"

Beazley has reported a 19% drop in PBT to US$1,146.5m for 2025 (from US$1,423.5m in 2024). Highlighting the challenges of a “volatile global backdrop” and a “softening insurance rating environment”, chief executive officer Adrian Cox said Beazley’s “robust underwriting discipline and active cycle management” were central to the insurer’s success.

In recent years, Spain has faced a succession of severe weather events that have exposed significant weaknesses in the country’s current insurance framework for extraordinary risks. The catastrophic floods that hit Valencia, and the widespread damage they caused, have reignited debate across the insurance and legal sectors about whether the existing voluntary model is fit for purpose.

UK organisations are being advised to review their cyber security provisions in light of unfolding events in the Middle East. In an advisory notice, the UK National Cyber Security Centre said that while there is likely no current significant change in the direct cyber threat from Iran to the UK, due to the fast-evolving nature of the conflict, this assessment may be subject to change.

Initial ransom demands rose 47% in 2025, yet 86% of businesses did not pay, according to data from Coalition. Ransomware was the costliest type of claim, with an average loss of £202,000, while business email compromise and funds transfer fraud accounted for 58% of cyber incidents. Among FTF claims, 52% originated from BEC.