Google Cloud has today announced the expansion of its Risk Protection Program (RPP) into the Australian market, offering local organisations a new path to more efficient, tailored cyber insurance coverage in the face of growing regulatory pressure and escalating cyber threats.

The expansion introduces new global insurance partners Beazley and Chubb, alongside founding partner Munich Re, which will now include its SME and specialty units, Munich Re Specialty and HSB.

Together, the partners aim to reshape how cyber insurance is assessed, priced, and delivered — using real-time cloud security data to simplify underwriting and improve outcomes for customers.

“We’re making it easier for Australian organisations to turn strong cloud security into tangible insurance value,” said Monica Shokrai, Head of Business Risk and Insurance at Google Cloud.

“This program reduces the friction typically associated with insurance procurement and creates real incentives for improving cyber posture.” she said.

A Timely Solution For An Evolving Market

The Australian cyber insurance market is under growing strain. Brokers are forecasting premium hikes and more complex underwriting conditions following a series of high-impact ransomware incidents affecting key sectors, including healthcare, logistics, and retail.

At the same time, regulators such as the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) are tightening the compliance landscape through new frameworks like CPS 230 and CPS 234, setting higher expectations for operational risk and information security.

The Risk Protection Program aims to meet this moment, offering:

• The Cyber Insurance Hub – a Google Cloud tool that allows customers to assess their cloud security posture in real-time, receive actionable recommendations, and automatically generate reports to share with insurers.
  
  
• Data-driven underwriting – moving away from static questionnaires, the RPP enables personalised pricing based on actual risk metrics and security configurations.
  
  
• Expanded insurance options – including Affirmative AI coverage for organisations using Google Cloud’s AI tools, and protection against emerging quantum computing risks.
  
  
• Streamlined application process – including a simplified one-page attestation model from Beazley for eligible digital-native customers, eliminating lengthy insurance applications.
  
  
• Security readiness support – through access to Mandiant threat intelligence and incident preparedness services for Munich Re policyholders.

Helping Organisations Turn Compliance Into Business Advantage

In a landscape where cyber risk is increasingly tied to operational resilience and board-level accountability, the RPP provides a way for organisations to align insurance coverage with real-time risk visibility — while meeting stricter compliance requirements.

“Google Cloud’s RPP has improved our insurance renewal process significantly,” said Justinian Fortenberry, CISO and VP of Engineering at Etsy. “With direct insight into the data insurers are evaluating, we’re able to respond proactively and save time.”

Frank Caserta, CISO of LiveRamp, added: “The program helps translate cloud risk into clear, reportable metrics and simplifies compliance monitoring.”

As part of the program rollout, Australian customers can access up to $300 in free credits to trial Google Cloud’s security and identity products, with more than 20 tools available at no cost.

The launch in Australia serves as the first phase of a broader global expansion, with the program set to roll out progressively across other regions in the coming months.