Is my information safe? Your clients want to know that when they’re working with your agency. They need insurance, but they also need to know that everything from the personal data that they share for insurance purposes to their basic credit card information will be safe in your hands. Helping keep people safe is part of your insurance agents’ job description. When you’re looking at data protection, here’s how you can reassure your customers that you’re thinking about their data security when they’re working with you online.
Develop a Clear Privacy Policy
Your clients need to know that you take privacy seriously. For example, you’d never leave credit card information sitting on the front desk during a lunch break. Create a policy that outlines how you’ll work with client information and show this to clients as part of the process of signing up with your insurance agency.
Understand What Information You Have
Know what information you’re collecting about your clients. Is all of this information essential to your decision-making about insurance? Do you need it to contact your clients or process their payments? Make sure you know what you’re storing and why. If you’re storing information that’s extraneous, delete it instead of storing it for a rainy day. The more extra information you store, the more you have to protect.
Keep Your Computers Clean and Updated
Your computer needs to be squeaky clean in order to house information about your clients. Make sure that you have the latest in virus and malware protection on your computer. Update your programs regularly so that you can be sure they are protected. Scan your devices when you attach them to your computer. A USB from a client or a colleague can be a vector for a virus that could compromise your data.
Use Robust Passwords
The simple password is one of the ways that you can make sure that information that’s for a few eyes only stays that way. Use complex passwords that are difficult to guess, and change them at least every 90 days. Combine letters, numbers, symbols, and develop a longer password that’s up to 12 characters long.
Filter Incoming Data
Protect your computer by filtering what comes into it. Use a firewall to keep data thieves out of your computer, and filter your email with spam filters. This removes the temptation to click on an email that looks promising but is actually dangerous to your computer and your data.
Encrypt Your Mobile Devices
From laptops to iPads to phones, your data is on or accessible from many different devices. These devices are easy to steal. Put on a strong password and encrypt your machines so that someone who takes a device can’t take your data as well. Back up your data in the cloud so that if you need to disable or wipe a device, you can.
Update Your Education
Take your security seriously. Attend workshops, networking sessions, and webinars about security processes and products that you can use to keep your business data safe. There are many people who are working on data security. Make it your business to get familiar with that industry, so that you can ensure that you’re using state-of-the-art, updated security systems.
From the security of confidential data to online insurance marketing, American Agents Alliance is here to inform and enable your small insurance business. As you work with the issues that shape our industry, our organization can provide networking and learning moments that increase your capacity to do everything in your insurance agent’s job description. Contact us today and learn more about our many membership benefits.
