Why Every Insurance Agency Needs a Network Firewall

In today's increasingly interconnected world, insurance agencies handle more sensitive customer data than ever before. Having robust cybersecurity measures in place is crucial. One of the most vital protections is a network firewall. 

Let’s explore what a network firewall is, why insurance agencies need one, the threats it helps mitigate and how it secures critical agency assets. We'll also discuss the additional security an agency management system (AMS) like Eclipse offers.

What Is a Network Firewall?

A network firewall acts as a barrier between your agency's internal network and external networks, like the Internet. It monitors and controls inbound and outbound network traffic using pre-defined security rules. By allowing or blocking specific traffic, a firewall prevents unauthorized access to your systems and data.

Why Do Insurance Agencies Need a Firewall?

Insurance agencies accumulate extensive amounts of customer information — from SSNs, driver's license numbers and medical history to bank account and credit card details. 

Failing to protect this sensitive data can have catastrophic implications in the event of a breach. Network firewalls form the first line of defense by shielding customer data from cyber attacks.

On top of safeguarding privacy, firewalls help agencies comply with industry regulations like NAIC's Insurance Data Security Model Law. Violating these can lead to hefty non-compliance penalties or even loss of insurance licenses.

Common Cyberthreats Facing Agencies

While robust firewalls significantly minimize risks, insurance agencies still face various cybersecurity threats, including:

• Malware: Malicious software that can access, damage or disable agency systems
• Ransomware: Malware that locks systems until a ransom is paid
• Phishing: Elaborately crafted emails luring employees to share login credentials, unknowingly granting access
• Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive customer information often enabled by lax security
• Hacking: Sophisticated attacks penetrating systems to steal data, implant malware or cause disruption

How Can a Network Firewall Help?

Network firewalls are powerful tools in an agency's cybersecurity toolkit. Key protections a firewall offers include:

• Blocks unauthorized access: Stops infiltration attempts by cybercriminals
• Controls network traffic: Permits only approved inbound and outbound data flows
• Shields customer data: Cloaks confidential information from prying eyes
• Protects agency assets: Keeps critical systems safe from disabling malware or viruses
• Provides cyber attack alerts: Scans traffic patterns and detects anomalies indicative of threats

How AMS Solutions Offer Additional Security

While network firewalls fend off external threats, having a modern agency management system (AMS) like Eclipse further strengthens data security internally:

• Access control: Restricts data visibility only to approved staff
• Role-based permissions: Limits system control to authorized users
• Encryption: Secures data, whether at rest or in transit

Combined with a firewall, advanced security features native to Eclipse's design offer insurance agencies defense in depth from both internal risks and external cyber threats.

Get Eclipse AMS and Enhance Your Defenses

As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, agencies must deploy layered protections around customer data and critical systems. Implementing robust network firewalls along with security-centric agency management platforms better positions agencies to thrive in today's digitally-driven world while keeping client information safe.

Empower your agents with the tools they need to seamlessly track clients, manage data, renew policies and keep data secure at an affordable price.