Aon's Survey: Cybersecurity Tops Global Risks, Geopolitical Volatility Rises
Aon's latest 'Global Risk Management Survey' sheds light on the top concerns of nearly 3,000 risk managers, C-suite leaders, and executives. The report highlights the growing awareness of geopolitical volatility and the persistent threat of cybersecurity risks.
Cybersecurity has emerged as the top risk, with a staggering 87% of respondents ranking it as a high or very high concern. However, only 13% have quantified their cyber exposure, indicating a significant knowledge gap. This lack of understanding leaves businesses vulnerable to financial and reputational losses, as seen in recent attacks on UK entities like M&S, the Co-op, Harrods, Jaguar, and major airports.
Geopolitical volatility, once a lesser concern, has risen to the tenth spot in 2025, a 12-place increase from 2023. It is now ranked fifth in the top ten future risks by 2028. This shift reflects the increasing impact of geopolitical risks on international projects and investments, driving interest in political risk insurance. Business interruptions, economic slowdowns, regulatory changes, and damage to reputations also feature in the top ten global business concerns for 2025.
The Aon survey underscores the evolving nature of business risks, with geopolitical volatility joining the top ten global concerns for the first time. Despite the persistent threat of cyberattacks, many businesses remain underprepared, highlighting the urgent need for better understanding and quantification of cyber exposure.
