IN THIS PERIOD OF ECONOMIC DOWNTURN AND RISING CYBERSECURITY THREATS, MAYBE IT’S TIME YOU TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AT HOW THE NEW PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE DATA SECURITY ACT AFFECTS YOU, AND THE STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE TO BECOME COMPLIANT WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS.

If someone could prove to you that tens of thousands of dollars were being unintentionally put at risk due to non-compliance with the Pennsylvania Insurance Data Security Act, and simultaneously exposing your agency and your clients’ data to cybercriminals, would you want to know about it?

The Pennsylvania Insurance Data Security Act:
A Crucial Guide for Insurance Agencies.

On June 14, 2023, a game-changing law was signed by Governor Josh Shapiro. Known as the Pennsylvania Insurance Data Security Act (PIDSA), this law is a big step in boosting cybersecurity within the insurance industry. Let’s break down what insurance agencies need to know and do to make sure they’re in line with this new rule.

What is PIDSA All About?

PIDSA is a new law that focuses on protecting the sensitive information of insurance customers. It’s like a safety net, making sure that insurance companies and agents keep their cybersecurity defenses strong. This law got a thumbs-up from everyone – both sides of the political aisle were on board. 

Here is what insurance folks must do under PIDSA:

  1. Risk Assessments: This means taking a close look at the company’s systems to spot any weak points where hackers could break in. Agencies need to figure out what kind of cyber threats are out there, how likely they are to happen, and how bad it would be if they did. 
  2. Information Security Programs: Based on what they find in the risk assessments, agencies need to build strong security programs. These programs should be aimed at fixing any weak points, stopping cyberattacks, and having a game plan for bouncing back if an attack does happen.
  3. Notify the Insurance Commissioner: If a cyberattack occurs and customer information is at risk, agencies can’t sit on this information. They must tell the Insurance Commissioner within five business days.

These steps are all about making the insurance world more prepared and quicker on its feet when it comes to cyberattacks and online crimes.

Here Are A Few Of The Ways Money Is “Unintentionally”
Exiting Your Agency

tired-office-worker-getting-more-more-work-min

#1: Grossly Inadequate Data Compliance And Cyber Security Protections

When a cyber-attack happens, the losses stack up and multiply. There’s an instant loss of productivity. At best, you’re crippled. In the worse cases, you’re completely shut down, unable to transact, unable to deliver insurance services and claims to clients and unable to operate. 9 out of 10 agencies are grossly unprepared and unprotected.

#2: Chronic IT “Glitches” And Downtime

Most CEOs don’t realize just how often their employees are being interrupted and distracted due to recurring IT failures because it’s “hidden” from them. Many are shocked to discover their employees are dealing with chronic IT problems that are constantly getting in the way of serving clients, closing policy deals, and doing their job, forcing them to stop what they are doing, re-doing the work they just spent hours doing, or possibly NOT doing what they are supposed to do.

tired-office-worker-getting-more-more-work-min
young-girl-headphones-with-microphone-sitting-computer-table-min

#3: “Maverick” Spending, Poor Utilization And Undisciplined Planning

Many agencies we’ve audited have a mishmash of patch-work technology pieced together like an old quilt. A “Frankenstein” monster lumbering along. Nothing matches, nothing works as efficiently as it should and the entire IT system is awash in inefficiencies, duplicate and redundant resources and outdated technologies.

Offer is a Free Network Assessment At the
end of the Assessment, you’ll know:

  • Where you are overpaying (or getting underserved) for the services and support you are currently getting from your current IT company or team.
  • Whether or not your agency systems and data are truly secured from hackers and ransomware, and where you are partially or totally exposed.
  • If your data is actually being backed up in a manner that would allow you to recover it quickly in the event of an emergency or ransomware attack.
  • Where you are unknowingly violating State Cybersecurity Laws
  • How you could lower the overall costs of IT while improving communication, security and performance, as well as the productivity of your employees.

Motiva has over 15 years of experience working with small businesses in every industry. We give you the tools to outpace your competitors and provide exceptional customer service.

93-Seconds or less Response Time

Permanent Network Assets Monitoring

24/7/365 Technical Support Included​

Secure Remote Workforce Cloud-Based

Business-Driven Technology Solutions

Office 365 Premium Included in all plans

Robert Stone
Robert StoneManaging Director - Stone Insurance
Read More

“Motiva has been great to work with from the beginning. The tech support team does a fantastic job of communication within the team so that they know what is going on with their customers. They are very knowledgeable and patient, they take the time to understand the issue so they can fix it quickly. They explain what they are doing and why, to your system, which I really like. They follow up to make sure the issues were handled to our satisfaction; I have never had a tech company do that. They are really the nicest people; I cannot say enough of what a pleasure it has been to work with them.”

Anthony DeFede
Anthony DeFedeTCE Insurance Services, Inc.
Read More

“It’s rare that I write about somebody else. I strongly recommend you take advantage of Walter Contreras who is an expert in Cybersecurity and IT Managed Services. Even if you already have an IT company that handles your cybersecurity or a team on board, I cannot stress the importance of having a qualified, independent cyber security specialist conduct a [Cybersecurity] review. If they find areas that need improvement, they will let you know what they are so you can be brilliantly proactive in getting systems in place to ensure you never have to experience an embarrassing, financially devastating and disruptive cyber-event.”

Armond Schwing
Armond SchwingSchwing Insurance Agency, Inc.
Read More

“Motiva has been great as a single source for solving all of our IT issues. They ensure that we are compliant with the requirements for the way Insurance Agencies protect the PPI data entrusted to them, which is extremely important. You should jump on board with them as your new IT Company. I’m confident in saying that Motiva is responsive to your needs, and their team is very capable of handing what your Insurance Agency needs.”

“We never have to worry about our computer network. We have four law offices on Long Island that are in constant communication with each other and our clients. Motiva created our cutting-edge computer network and phone system, which has been a major factor in our rapid growth and our ability to keep costs down for our clients. Whenever we have issues with our computers or phones, we just send a message to Motiva, and our problems are solved.”
David Sperling
David Sperling
President. Law Office of David Sperling
“The convenience of a single source service between our phone system and our technology needs. Motiva’s customer service team is very attentive, responds quickly and accurately. Having the continuity of service and depth of staff is very important. Motiva’s staff maintains an excellent history of our inventory and always at the ready.”
Alexander Badalamenti
CEO. BLD Architecture DPC
“I called Motiva 6 years ago, and I never looked back. They handle all of our Technology needs. Our delivery and order software has never run this smooth, and it’s all thanks to Walter and his team. We open early in the AM, and there’s always someone there to assist us if we have trouble. I don’t know how they do it, but we have never been down. I highly recommend Motiva to any business.”
rICHARD
Richard Bove
President. Metal Masters Inc.