In today’s digital world, many insurance companies offer online services to make your life easier. Oftentimes, you can buy insurance, manage your policies, file claims and make payments right from your phone, tablet or computer.
While certainly convenient, it’s also important to consider the security of your personal information.
Dealing with insurance naturally involves sensitive information like your Social Security number, birth date, medical records, bank account details, driver’s license number and more. In the wrong hands, this information can be used for identity theft or fraud.
Insurance companies are heavily regulated and must follow laws to keep your sensitive information secure. However, there are steps you can take on your end to help ensure the security of your information as well. Review these seven tips that can help you protect your digital life.
1. Use Strong Passwords
Real talk: It’s time to stop using “123456” or your dog’s name as your password. A hacker can crack a password comprised of eight upper and lowercase letters in just 28 seconds!
Passwords for your insurance accounts should be a complex mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. And each of your accounts should have its own unique password. Consider using a password manager that can help make the creation, management and storage of secure passwords easier.
2. Enable Two- or Multi-Factor Authentication
Be sure to enable two- or multi-factor authentication when you create an online insurance account. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires two forms of identification to access an account. MFA usually requires more types of authentication and is considered even more secure.
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3. Protect Your Devices
Be sure to keep your phone, tablet and computer up to date with the latest security patches and software updates. Updates exist to keep your devices protected against new vulnerabilities.
4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Avoid accessing your insurance accounts when using public Wi-Fi networks. That’s because these networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to access your data.
5. Be Vigilant About Phishing Emails and Scam Calls
Cybercriminals can send convincing emails that look like they came from your insurance company. Carefully examine all emails and never click on suspicious links. Examine the sender’s email address and make sure the domain matches your insurance company’s official website.
Scam artists could also call you pretending to work for your insurance company, claiming there’s a problem with your policy and requesting personal information to fix the issue.
If you ever receive a suspicious email or phone call, immediately call your insurance company directly and verify the email or call’s legitimacy.
Related: 5 Latest Scams You Need to Know About Now
6. Have Physical Security Measures in Place
Physical security is crucial for cybersecurity, too! Protect your devices when they aren’t in your direct physical control by keeping them in a secure area with limited access from others. Don’t leave devices in cars or hotel rooms and be sure to lock your screen if you have to step away.
If your mobile phone is stolen, perform a remote factory reset to overwrite your data from the device. If your laptop is stolen, reset any passwords that your computer is automatically logged into.
7. Monitor Your Account and Log Out After Each Session
Regularly log in to your insurance account to check for any unusual or unauthorized activity. And when you’re done, be sure to log out so no one else can access your account. Want more? Check out this blog, Cybersecurity Awareness for Seniors: Protecting Your Financial Information
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On MyColonialPenn.com, our policyholders can make one-time payments, set up autopay, see payment history, get policy information and more. We respect your privacy and take our responsibility to protect the information entrusted to us very seriously. You can view our Website Privacy Policy here.
