Insurance Industry Establishes Guiding Principles for Information Security

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INSURANCE INDUSTRY ESTABLISHES GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR INFORMATION SECURITY

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2016—The insurance industry is intensifying its efforts related to information security and has established guiding principles to protect retained policyholder data. The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York (IIABNY), New York Insurance Association (NYIA) and Professional Insurance Agents of New York (PIANY) released Guiding Principles to Advance Information Security in New York with the facilitation of the Center for Internet Security (CIS).

The principles are designed to provide a general road map for agents and companies and are the outcome of a roundtable discussion of representatives from the agent and carrier communities. The goal of the principles is to create a strong working relationship within the insurance industry to ensure agencies, companies and policyholders are better protected.

“The insurance industry remains intently focused on information security,” NYIA President Ellen Melchionni said. “Collaboration is essential to most effectively address the challenges presented by this ever evolving issue. NYIA members have been proactive on security issues and are committed to seeking new ways to shield our businesses and policyholders from threats.”

“Information security threats grow more severe every day,” Richard Poppa, IIABNY president and CEO said. “Independent insurance agencies and brokerages are committed to helping their clients protect themselves and to protecting client and employee information they possess. We are pleased to work with our peer associations on such an important challenge. These guiding principles will help insurers and producers strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.”

“As professionals, our members have exceptional access and responsibilities with regard to our clients’ information. Our industry, therefore, is in a vanguard position with regard to cyber security,” PIANY Executive Director Kelly Norris said. “As their association(s), it is imperative that we provide information and guidance to help agents and companies guard the information with which they are entrusted. PIA is committed to this goal, and to helping every professional, independent insurance agency to ensure its own information and privacy is secure.”

“The insurance industry’s concerted efforts to address information security are commendable,” Steven Spano, CIS president and COO said. “Coordination is critical to effectively prepare for and respond to potential breaches.”

The New York Insurance Association, Inc. (NYIA®) is a state trade association that has represented the property and casualty insurance industry for more than 130 years.

The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York (IIABNY) has represented the common business interests of independent insurance professionals across the Empire State since 1882.

Headquartered in Glenmont, N.Y., the Professional Insurance Agents of New York (PIANY) is a trade association comprised of 80 experts and representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the cybersecurity readiness and response among public and private sector entities.

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Contact:

Cassandra Anderson, NYIA                                                                              

(518) 432-4227 or (518) 312-3315

Mary E. Christiano, PIANY

(800) 424-4244, ext. 236 or (518) 588-8424

Tim Dodge, IIABNY       

(315) 432-4229

View this release as a PDF.