Cybersecurity is top of mind at Catalyit and we’re sharing some of the latest tips to keep you and your clients more secure. If you need assistance, Catalyit’s team of cybersecurity gurus can recommend solutions to test your vulnerabilities, steps to remediate them, and cutting-edge tools to train your staff. See how Catalyit can help!
Insurance agents should be aware of the potential cybersecurity threats that can affect their clients and take steps to protect against them. Some of the top concerns for insurance agents to be aware of in 2023 include the following:
Phishing scams
These are fraudulent emails that appear to come from a legitimate source and attempt to trick the recipient into divulging sensitive information or installing malware. Insurance agents should be cautious when opening emails or clicking on links and should verify the authenticity of the sender before sharing any personal or financial information.
Ransomware attacks
These are attacks in which cybercriminals hold a victim’s data hostage until a ransom is paid. Insurance agents should advise their clients to regularly back up their data and have a plan in place for responding to a ransomware attack.
Data breaches
Hackers can gain access to sensitive data, such as personal information or financial records, through a data breach. Insurance agents should encourage their clients to use strong passwords and implement other security measures to protect against data breaches.
Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, is any software designed to harm or exploit a computer system. This can include viruses, worms, and ransomware. Insurance agents should ensure that their devices have up-to-date antivirus software installed to protect against malware attacks.
Unsecured networks
Customers may be at risk when accessing the internet on unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots. Hackers can easily intercept unencrypted data transmitted over these networks, so insurance agents should use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure their connection. See Cataylit’s TechTip on using your personal hotspot when in public spaces to help secure your data.
Weak passwords
Weak or easily guessable passwords can make it easy for hackers to gain access to insurance agents’ systems. Agents should use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Cyber insurance policies require the use of multi-factor authentication and if you aren’t using technology that supports this, consider switching and we can help!
Lack of employee awareness
Insurance agents should educate their employees on cybersecurity best practices and the importance of protecting client information. This can help prevent employees from falling victim to phishing attacks or other types of cyber threats. At Catalyit, we can also recommend some great tools to help you automate and manage this training easily.
By being aware of these and other cybersecurity threats, insurance agents can help their clients protect themselves and their businesses from potential harm. Let’s ring in the new year with new knowledge to stave off attacks and safeguard our customers and our agencies!
