Insurers set tougher terms as ransomware containment improves 33%

Adoption in Asia-Pacific is slightly higher at 38%, with China leading at around 50%.

Organisations with microsegmentation reduced ransomware containment time by 33% and improved their ability to meet insurer expectations, as insurers tighten requirements, according to a new report from Akamai Technologies.

The report, The Segmentation Impact Study: Why Microsegmentation Now Defines Enterprise Cybersecurity, Risk, and Resilience, surveyed 1,200 security and technology leaders globally. 

Whilst 90% of organisations use some form of network segmentation, only 35% have deployed microsegmentation across their systems. 

Adoption in Asia-Pacific is slightly higher at 38%, with China leading at around 50%. 

More than half of non-adopters plan to implement the technology within two years, whilst 68% of current adopters intend to increase investment.

According to Akamai’s Director of Security Technology & Strategy for Asia-Pacific and Japan, Reuben Koh, regulatory pressures and tougher cyber insurance requirements are driving adoption. 

“Recent breaches at major Asian manufacturers highlight how a single disruption in Asia can ripple across global supply chains, disrupting industries and everyday life,”  Koh said.

“This is where microsegmentation makes a real difference, it stops attacks in their tracks before they spread, helps organisations demonstrate compliance, improve their standing with insurers, and ultimately lets businesses focus on their work without the constant worry of disruption,” he added.

Ransomware remains a major concern, with 79% of surveyed organisations reporting at least one attack in the past two years. 

Amongst those that have adopted microsegmentation, 63% did so to limit ransomware spread, whilst 74% aimed to protect critical assets and 57% sought to meet regulatory standards.

The report also found a strong link between segmentation maturity and improved insurance outcomes. 

About 60% of organisations said segmentation helped lower premiums, 85% said it simplified audit reporting, and 74% believed it improved claim approvals.

Despite rising awareness, adoption remains slow due to challenges such as network complexity, limited visibility, and operational resistance.

Regulatory differences across Asia-Pacific also complicate implementation, with China’s strict data and traffic visibility laws cited as an example.

Akamai said it is investing in artificial intelligence tools to help companies overcome these hurdles and accelerate microsegmentation adoption.