The Key to Protecting Your Agency: Regular Security Audits

As we close out Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s time to focus on a critical step that often gets overlooked—regular security audits. Cyber threats don’t stay the same, and neither should your defenses. Keeping your insurance agency protected requires more than one-time fixes; it demands regular assessments to identify and fix potential weak points in your security.

In this post, Brad Ruben from Archway Computer explains why regular security audits are crucial and how they can help safeguard your agency from evolving cyber threats.

Why Regular Security Audits Matter

Your insurance agency faces ever-changing cyber risks, from phishing scams to malware attacks. What kept your systems secure a year ago—or even last month—might no longer be enough. Cybercriminals are constantly adapting their tactics, which is why regular security audits are a necessity.

A security audit serves as a checkup for your agency’s cybersecurity. It allows you to uncover hidden vulnerabilities, such as outdated software, weak passwords, or unpatched security flaws, before they lead to major issues. This proactive approach ensures your agency’s defenses are always current, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.

What a Security Audit Involves

During a security audit, Archway Computer thoroughly assesses your agency’s cybersecurity infrastructure, focusing on:

• Outdated Software: Running old software without recent security updates can expose your agency to unnecessary risks. We check all systems to ensure they are up to date.

• Weak or Reused Passwords: Using simple or reused passwords is a common mistake that hackers love to exploit. We identify and recommend stronger password practices to secure your accounts.

• Unpatched Security Gaps: Any unpatched vulnerabilities, no matter how small, can provide hackers with a way in. We pinpoint these gaps and ensure they are closed.

• Comprehensive Risk Review: Our audit evaluates every aspect of your digital security, ensuring that potential threats are identified and mitigated before they become problems.

Schedule a Security Audit Annually

A good cybersecurity strategy involves regularly updating and assessing your defenses. By scheduling a security audit at least once a year, you can stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure your agency is always prepared for the latest challenges. Catching vulnerabilities early can prevent serious consequences, from financial loss to reputational damage.

How Archway Computer Can Help

Archway Computer has been working with insurance agencies for decades, and we understand the unique cybersecurity challenges they face. Our team can help you schedule and conduct regular security audits to keep your agency’s systems safe, secure, and up to date.

Let’s use the momentum of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to make regular security audits a key part of your protection plan. With Archway Computer’s guidance, you can keep your agency secure and ready for the future.

Take the next step in protecting your agency. Schedule a security audit with Archway Computer today and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Boost Your Agency’s Security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to revisit your agency’s security practices and make necessary improvements to safeguard sensitive data. One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your insurance agency from cyberattacks is by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA).

In this post, Brad Ruben from Archway Computer explains why MFA is essential for keeping your accounts secure and how it can help prevent unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

MFA is a security measure that requires two steps to verify your identity when logging in. The first step is something you know—your password. The second step is something you have—typically a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. This two-step process adds an additional layer of protection, making it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts.

Why MFA is Like a Deadbolt for Your Agency’s Security

Think of MFA as adding a deadbolt to your digital front door. While passwords are important, they can be stolen or guessed. Adding MFA means that even if someone steals your password, they still can’t access your account without the second factor of authentication. This makes it far more difficult for hackers to break in.

Why Your Agency Needs MFA

Insurance agencies are prime targets for cyberattacks because they handle sensitive client information. If a hacker gains access to your systems, it could result in serious financial losses and damage to your agency’s reputation. Implementing MFA can prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of data breaches.

If your agency hasn’t adopted MFA yet, now is the time to do it. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great opportunity to enhance your security measures and protect your business from evolving threats.

Let Archway Computer Help You Implement MFA

At Archway Computer, we specialize in helping insurance agencies improve their cybersecurity. We can help you set up multi-factor authentication across all of your accounts, ensuring your business is as secure as possible. Taking this extra step can go a long way in protecting your agency from cyberattacks.

Let’s make Cybersecurity Awareness Month the turning point for your agency’s security. Contact us today to get started with MFA and take your cybersecurity to the next level.

Secure Your Agency with MFA Today! Contact Archway Computer for Assistance and Take Action This Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Protect Your Agency from Phishing Scams: 3 Simple Tips

Phishing scams are one of the most frequent and dangerous threats insurance agencies face. Hackers disguise malicious emails to appear like they are coming from trusted sources—your bank, a colleague, or even one of your clients. One wrong click can expose your entire agency to malware, data breaches, and other costly cyberattacks. That’s why being able to recognize a phishing email is critical for keeping your agency secure.

In this quick guide, Brad Ruben from Archway Computer walks through three easy ways to identify and avoid phishing scams so you can stay safe.

1. Look for Typos and Strange Grammar

One telltale sign of a phishing email is poor spelling or odd sentence structure. These emails often come from hackers in other countries who aren’t paying attention to the finer details of grammar. If you see unusual mistakes, chances are, it’s a phishing attempt. As Brad humorously mentions, “Hackers aren’t using Grammarly.”

2. Hover Over Links and Email Addresses

Before clicking any link in an email, always hover over it to see where it really leads. The URL might look legitimate at first glance, but hovering over the link will reveal the actual destination. Similarly, you can hover over the sender’s email address to check if it matches the expected sender. If something looks off, don’t click.

3. Be Suspicious of Urgent Messages

Phishing emails often use urgency to trick people into acting without thinking. They may claim your account will be suspended or some other immediate action is needed. Always treat these types of emails with caution. Take the time to verify the information by contacting the source directly, either through a phone call or a trusted email.

Stay Cyber Safe with Archway Computer

Phishing scams are a growing threat, but awareness is the first line of defense. These three tips can help you spot phishing emails before they cause any damage. If you need additional support, Archway Computer is here to help protect your agency from cyber threats. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take the extra steps to ensure your business is secure and prepared.

For more cybersecurity tips and assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Archway Computer!

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a time when businesses, especially small insurance agencies, should take extra steps to protect themselves from cyberattacks. It’s not just the big companies that hackers are after; in fact, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and insurance agencies are prime targets because hackers assume they have cyber insurance. At Archway Computer, we want to make sure your agency is ready to face these threats.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Your Agency

Insurance agencies, like many small businesses, are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers often believe that agencies are less secure and an easier target, especially if they know you have cyber insurance. This misconception could make your agency a bullseye for cybercriminals looking to exploit weaknesses in your security.

One wrong click or a single vulnerability could result in costly damages—not only in financial terms but also in the trust your clients place in your agency. With sensitive client information on the line, maintaining a strong cybersecurity stance is critical.

Three Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Agency’s Cybersecurity

There are several actions you can take right now to improve your agency’s cybersecurity and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of an attack. Here are three simple yet effective steps that you can start implementing today:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account
   It might sound simple, but weak or reused passwords are often the first line of attack for hackers. Make sure each account—whether it’s your email, AMS system, or client portals—uses a strong, unique password that’s hard to crack. Consider using a password manager to keep track of everything securely.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   MFA (also known as two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. Even if a hacker gets ahold of your password, they still need to bypass the second verification step—such as a code sent to your phone—before they can access your account. Enable MFA on all important accounts, including email and agency management systems, to make it harder for cybercriminals to breach your defenses.

3. Keep Your Software Updated
   Security vulnerabilities in outdated software are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your systems. Ensure that all your software—from operating systems to your AMS—is updated with the latest security patches. Regular updates help close security holes and protect your agency from known threats.

Don’t Wait—Act Now to Secure Your Agency

These three steps are a great starting point, but there’s much more to ensuring your agency is fully protected. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to take a fresh look at your agency’s security practices. At Archway Computer, we specialize in helping insurance agencies safeguard their systems against cyber threats. We can help you assess your current security measures and make sure your business stays secure.

Let’s make this month a turning point for your agency’s cybersecurity. Contact us today if you need assistance getting started or enhancing your security protocols. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges and keep your business protected.

Stay Safe, Stay Secure, and Let’s Keep Your Agency Protected!