Cybersecurity is a key topic for the PZU Group, given its growing importance in the financial and insurance sectors.
Proper system security is not only a regulatory necessity but also a foundation of trust for clients and investors. As a result, in its double materiality assessment, the PZU Group identifies cybersecurity as an issue that has an actual positive impact on its own operations. The use of advanced security technologies protects client data and ensures operational stability.
The PZU Group also identifies the risk that disclosure of customer and other sensitive information as well as cybersecurity threats could affect the security of customer data and the operational stability of the PZU Group.
Cybersecurity policies
The PZU Group has regulations concerning cybersecurity, data protection, and IT risk management. The adopted policies aim to align the organization with changing market conditions, regulatory requirements, and the rapidly evolving landscape of digital threats. One of the key policies is the PZU Group Security Management Policy, which aims to ensure effective cooperation in the area of security within the PZU Group and proper security management at subsidiaries. The policy covers all PZU Group entities, excluding the Alior Group and the Pekao Group.
- setting and maintaining standards in security management in the PZU Group;
- conducting security review or analysis with respect to selected areas of the entities’ operations;
- establishing rules for the provision of information by subsidiaries;
- principles for exchanging knowledge and experience in the area of security.
PZU has also developed and implements the IT Strategy for 2025-2027. What is an important part of the new IT strategy is building competencies of the future in artificial intelligence, cloud solutions and low-code technologies for faster application development. Cybersecurity and digital resilience are also strong pillars of the new IT strategy. The goal is to ensure that the data of PZU customers and of the organization itself are protected as strongly as possible from advanced cyber-attacks, and to safeguard the continuity of technology operations in the event of cybersecurity, physical, climate and geopolitical threats.
The Pekao Group has in place an Information and Communication Technology Security Strategy for 2025- 2027 which focuses on strengthening the organization’s resilience to digital threats and ensuring the highest level of protection for customer data. It envisages developing competence in modern technologies and implementing solutions to support secure banking services.
- improving the security of data, systems and customers;
- incorporating cybersecurity in the organization’s daily processes and culture;
- ensuring compliance with security-related regulations and standards;
- developing modern protective technologies and process automation;
- strengthening operational resilience and incident response capabilities.
Each entity in the PZU Group has the right to create its own regulations for its operations.
Processes carried out within the scope of activities to maintain and improve cybersecurity
The PZU Group implements a number of processes to improve cybersecurity. These include threat protection and monitoring, integrated security systems with interunit cooperation, specialized procedures in subsidiaries, and a general monitoring and reporting system.
PZU has comprehensive processes in place to ensure cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. PZU’s focus on risk and compliance management includes identifying and minimizing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) risks, implementing security standards, and advising on compliance with regulations such as the DORA Regulation. As part of these activities, cybersecurity projects and applications are also supported.
At the same time, threat monitoring and response processes are implemented, which include 24/7 surveillance of infrastructure, detection and neutralization of cyberattacks, and development of protection tools. In this regard, multi-layered security mechanisms and services are used. Security of cloud applications and solutions is also an important component, which includes penetration testing, security audits and vulnerability identification.
These processes support the security of new IT projects and the review of cloud solutions to minimize risks and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Through these measures, PZU is building effective, multi-level protection against cyber threats, ensuring the security of data, processes and services for clients and employees.
The PZU Group has a company called PZU Centrum Operacji, which, among other things, provides IT services and manages technology risks and security in IT systems for selected PZU Group entities. The remaining companies carry out cybersecurity tasks on their own.
The PZU Group strives to maintain the highest level of protection against cyber threats by implementing modern technologies, threat monitoring, and systematically raising employee awareness. Strictly controlled procedures, audits, and cooperation with external entities ensure effective protection against cyberattacks and safeguard data and resources within the PZU Group.
Security measures to prevent data loss and leakage in PZU’s systems and end devices form an extensive and multi-layered system.
In 2025, PZU implemented an innovative cyber threat early detection system. The solution allows PZU’s cybersecurity teams to accelerate the identification of potential incidents and respond to them effectively. The project is being implemented in cooperation with Polish startup RIFFSEC. RIFFSEC’s cyber threat early warning system monitors the Internet, deep web and dark net, detecting data breaches – from login and password leaks to brand incidents. Information collected by RIFFSEC for PZU concerns, among other things, situations potentially threatening the confidentiality of data (including logins and passwords), monitoring cybercriminals’ conversations about PZU, and monitoring the registration of domains similar to PZU. The platform also reminds the insurer to pay for domains and SSL certificates. PZU experts also have constant access to information about new attacks on other organizations, as well as the latest viruses and types of fraud used by cybercriminals.
In addition, PZU conducted activities including thematic training for employees, both induction and refresher training, which addressed key issues in data protection, cybersecurity and crime prevention. PZU attached particular importance to raising employee awareness through educational campaigns and meetings with experts, which focused on the topics of information security and threats such as disinformation. In 2025, internal information materials were published on the intranet, and experts held regular online meetings. That year PZU joined as a partner in the Scamming Out! campaign organized by the editors of Puls Biznesu and Bankier.pl, which aimed to build public awareness of cybersecurity.
At Link4, internal informational materials were published on the intranet, and employees’ knowledge of cyber threats was assessed through periodic phishing tests.
The Cybersecurity Team at PZU Zdrowie conducted a training program for employees of the company and its subsidiaries, aimed at raising employee awareness of cyber threats. The training was practical and engaging, and its key elements included:
- presentation of real-life threat scenarios – participants learned about the most common attack methods, such as phishing, social engineering and account takeover attempts, along with discussing their effects in business and private environments;
- live demonstrations of hacking techniques – training sessions included demonstrations of actual methods used by cybercriminals, including password cracking, attacks on web applications and exploitation of vulnerabilities in systems. This allowed participants to see how easily an unconscious action can lead to compromised data;
- discussing security best practices – specific ways to secure accounts, devices and data were presented, along with procedures for responding to suspicious incidents at work and in private life;
- interactive exercises and discussions – participants had the opportunity to ask questions, analyze cases and participate in simulations that allowed them to practice proper responses in crisis situations.
The training program was designed not only to impart theoretical knowledge, but also to make employees aware of real risks and teach them practical ways to protect themselves from threats.
At TUW PZUW, informative newsletters were sent out to increase employees’ knowledge regarding information security and cyberattacks. TUW PZUW held a Cyber Day in 2025, which included training for employees on cyberattacks and information security. Throughout the day, employees and associates had the opportunity to talk to cybersecurity experts.
In 2025, BALTA incorporated issues related to cybersecurity into the onboarding process for new employees as part of a mandatory training program. Upon joining the company, each employee is required to acquaint themselves with the Information Processing Policy and Acceptable Use Policy and to pass a knowledge test in this area.
Within the PZU Group, the efforts of Pekao Group and Alior Group, which focus on protecting information systems and educating employees and clients, are also vital.
The Pekao Group, as part of the implementation of its Information and Communication Technology Security Strategy for 2025-2027, is taking steps to enhance client data security. Solutions are being introduced to support the secure use of banking services, including identity verification mechanisms and client communication security. One example is the development of functions that support employee and client identification in mobile applications, which significantly increases the security of telephone interactions with clients and minimizes the risk of clients losing funds due to fraud. Pekao Group also conducts education and communication activities in the area of cybersecurity, including awareness campaigns and training for clients and employees. In terms of raising awareness of cybersecurity, the cyberPEKAO educational program is being implemented, which promotes knowledge about cybersecurity through training, webinars and workshops for various social groups. The Bank organizes industry events, such as Cybersecurity Days at Bank branches and the cyberPEKAO Academy, a conference for clients and employees. Another important element is cooperation with the CyberDefence24 portal, which addresses cybersecurity issues, where a dedicated zone of the Bank is maintained. In addition, a comic book about cybersecurity for children was published in cooperation with the portal’s editorial team. A nationwide educational campaign, “cyberPEKAO – a sign that protects”, was also launched.
In 2025, Alior Group had tools in place to estimate cybersecurity risks, along with procedures to ensure early detection and proper management of threats. The company also developed IT incident response plans in a way that minimizes the impact of cyberattacks on critical/key services and prevents identity theft. All critical and key IT systems that process client data and are involved in the execution of financial transactions undergo in-depth security testing. Alior Group also conducts automated tests of vulnerability to cyberattacks. Their results provide comprehensive information on the state of the security of the IT environment and allow for systematic risk mitigation. In addition, a team of specialists conducts round-the-clock security monitoring of the banking infrastructure and the security of client transactions. All the bank’s employees regularly participate in mandatory IT security awareness training. Training courses ending with a knowledge test are also mandatory for anyone starting work in the organization. The bank is also committed to raising client awareness of IT security. Materials pertaining to threats are regularly published on the bank’s website, social media, in newsletters and a mobile app. Alior Group also launched a dedicated “Phishing-Stop” cybersecurity page.
The PZU Group invests in the development and modernization of its IT security systems. Regular audits and vulnerability tests allow the PZU Group to detect and eliminate threats early. Cybersecurity is continuously treated by the PZU Group as a key element of its strategy, encompassing both central structures and individual subsidiaries.
In 2025, PZU implemented the DORA Regulation. It is an EU regulation aimed at strengthening the operational resilience of financial institutions to digital threats and cyberattacks by introducing uniform IT security standards across the European Union. PZU implemented appropriate procedures and made elearning training available to all employees.
Targets set for managing material cybersecurity-related impacts, risks and opportunities
PZU Group is focused on providing the highest level of protection against digital threats. There are a number of internal cybersecurity targets. Metrics such as the number of cyberattacks carried out and blocked are not disclosed.
- protection against advanced cyberattacks;
- securing the continuity of technology operations;
- regulatory compliance;
- strengthening the safety culture in the organization.