ACT Releases Agency Cyber Guide 3.0

The Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT) has released an updated version of the free Agency Cyber Guide. Agency Cyber Guide 3.0 includes a complete redesign of navigation and user experience and an updated cybersecurity provider guide while continuing to provide crucial insights to the independent agency channel on cyber and technology issues.

ACT works collaboratively with agents, carriers, vendors and tech users across the Big “I” community to create the most balanced and valuable resource possible. Agency Cyber Guide 3.0 has improved navigation with all-new flow and screens, as well as updated resources. The new version also includes real-world independent agent breach examples and a redesigned compliance roadmap.

“Knowing that small businesses—including many Big ‘I’ member independent agencies—are one of the most common targets for cybercriminals, and that independent agents are the trusted custodians of insureds’ private information, makes it crucial to arm agents with the best resources possible,” says Ron Berg, executive director of ACT. “Our Agency Cyber Guide 3.0 does just that: providing insights on the cyber trends, data breach costs, insights on regulations and, most importantly, how to protect their data and agency.”

The free guide is housed on a new home page, with dedicated pages for regulations and descriptions, costs and penalties, the 12-step compliance roadmap, real-world breaches, and the cybersecurity provider guide. The Cyber Guide has been one of ACT’s most popular and well-used resources since its inception in July, 2017.

The Agents Council for Technology (ACT) was established in January 1999 by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big “I”) to provide a candid, action-oriented forum to address the critical workflow and technology issues facing the independent agency system. ACT helps participants understand the perspectives of the other stakeholders in the process and provides excellent networking opportunities with the participants who are shaping the future for the industry on these issues.

ACT members include:

 Industry associations and consultants: ACORD, CSIO, IIABA, Insurance Brokers Association of Canada, Angela Adams Consulting Services, Steve Anderson Consulting, WSIA

 Technology providers: AgencyKPI, Applied Systems/IVANS, AssureSign, Citrix Sharefile, CyberClearSafe, DAIS, Duck Creek Technologies, EZLynx, HawkSoft, Indio Technologies, ITC, Insurance Agent Mobile Application, Levitate, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, Neilson Marketing Services, North American Software Associates, Rigid Bits, Simply Easier Payments/EchoSage, Strategic Insurance Software, Vertafore, Veruna, Xanatek, XDimensional Technologies

 User groups: AgentLynx by EZLynx, Applied Client Network, the HawkSoft Users Group, NetVU, the Nexsure User Group, Partner XE User Community

 Carriers: Allstate IA, The Berkley Companies, Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, CNA, Columbia Insurance Group, Dryden Mutual Insurance Company, EMC Insurance Companies, Encova (formerly Motorists Insurance Group), Grange Insurance, The Hanover Insurance Group, The Hartford, Hartford Steam Boiler, Liberty Mutual Insurance, The Main Street America Group, Merchants Insurance Group, MetLife Auto & Home, Nationwide Insurance, New York Central Mutual Insurance, Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, Penn National Insurance, Progressive, Safeco Insurance, Selective Insurance Company of America, Travelers, Utica National Insurance Group, Western National Insurance and Westfield Insurance