2021 September Tech Talk for Insurers

One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding digital transformation is the cloud. Though the cloud has been around for decades, it’s still rather mysterious to those outside of the tech industry. There have been countless occasions where the security and longevity of the cloud have been questioned, as people tend to judge what they don’t understand. 

For several years, there were legitimate problems plaguing the cloud involving security and protection. This window of time only made opinions more polarized. Unfortunately, the sour taste lingered far after the security problems were rectified. A shocking number of business professionals don’t know that cloud hosting is now the top choice, specifically for its security measures. 

For insurance companies, some of the most important data you must protect is the sensitive information of your customers. If this information were to get out, people would have access to your clients’ names, contact information, social security number, insurance plans, bank accounts, credit card numbers, and more. Now more than ever, it is highly suggested to transition to cloud hosted services. The cloud has grown into a secure data powerhouse that can safeguard information far more effectively than filing cabinets, desk draws, and locked closets even could. Even the Federal Government is trusting cloud-based services to store and manage confidential information. For insurers, the level of protection offered by the cloud is unmatched and is the best way to build trust with your customers. 

What type of measures are in place? Truthfully, cybersecurity is a rapidly changing and evolving field. Cybersecurity specialists are smart, but cybercriminals are fast. Over the years, cybersecurity has developed to be several steps ahead of criminals to avoid breeches, takeovers, and leaks. Some of the most common safeguards include:

• Encryption: Encryption takes plain text and converts it into a complex code that is nonsensical until unscrambled. The only way to unscramble the code is with a protected decode key or password.

• Constant monitoring: In some cases, the cloud or will be monitored by company-owned platforms or software. For example, some insurance companies have an automatic alert system that notifies IT when/if a node is exposed or if there is any nefarious behavior detected.

• Firewalls: A firewall is a network security device that monitors traffic to or from your network. It allows or blocks traffic based on a company-defined set of security rules.

• Multi-factor verification: The cloud will only be accessible to those who can pass all levels of clearance. This can be a password, a key, preset clearance based on position, face ID, and more.

• Complex passcodes/keys: The cloud is protected by a series of codes. Without the right code, you can’t get into cloud hosted databases.

At the end of the day, transferring at least some data to the cloud is a fantastic way to provide additional security. Storing documents in boxes or filing cabinets is asking for trouble from floods, natural disasters, and human interference. Even on-premise servers are at risk because they are a tangible object that can be tampered with. The cloud stores your information far away from prying eyes with levels of top-tier protection surrounding them from all sides. Many insurance companies are opting for a hybrid model, storing most things on the cloud with some materials staying in-house. 

If you’ve been thinking about transitioning to a hybrid or fully remote storage option, it’s time to look into cloud hosting. It will free up space, speed up your server, improve communication between employees via multi-party access, and increase safety measures. Your clients will feel confident knowing that you store their data safely in a centralized database that can be access 24/7. People are trusting you with their medical care, homes, cars, and lives; make sure you’re protecting them as much as possible. The cloud can be scary, but we guarantee you’ll be impressed by the tight security that comes with it. 

There’s a lot of information to learn in regards to safeguards online. If you’re interested in chatting with us more about cloud hosting and security, please feel free to contact us.

Disaster Recovery? Keep Your Strategy in the Clouds

Weather, unfortunately, does not evolve – the threat of natural disasters will always be a constant. But with the timelines of peoples’ lives on the line, courts, clerk’s offices and government agencies have advanced their preparation and resilience tactics to continue functioning amidst, and especially after, distress. Disaster and document recovery plans reassure not only staff, but also constituents whose records, histories and FOIA needs become of acute concern.