How insurers can turn toxic overnight

Are US insurance companies in danger of shooting themselves in the foot? Even the best of brands are at risk - if they get exposed in one vital area of customer care.

What do FedEx, Uber, and Pizza Hut have in common? Answer: They each made Techworld's latest list of infamous data breaches^[1].

Of course, security disasters like this are never something to celebrate. Typically, companies have to endure the shame of telling customers, the humiliation of facing the media, the rigors of investigations, and the costs from fines and lost business.

Big brands with huge credibility can often ride out the storm; they've got deep pockets and a customer base willing to give them a second chance.

But what about insurers? Does the threat of a data breach pose a particular challenge to their survival? The answer is Yes. And it's because of a deeply human reason.

When brand values backfire

Occasionally, a news story pops up that stuns readers: A pilot about to fly is discovered to be drunk, a doctor lets down his patients, or a captain abandons ship, leaving his passengers high and dry.

The reason that most people recoil at such news is because they expected better. The professionals in the story were meant to protect but their actions undermined everything they stood for.

And here's where insurance companies are especially vulnerable: Your brand values are based on care for customers ... so if you're careless with their sensitive data, what confidence can they have that your services will live up to their promise? Trust gets destroyed instantly.

Health fraud is rising

When world-leading brands suffer data breaches, they make headlines for obvious reasons. But it's a mistake to think that less high-profile businesses escape criminal intentions. Criminals tend to be motivated by money rather than kudos and insurance provides rich pickings.

Some experts believe that data breaches are becoming an epidemic and have flagged identity theft as a big issue. Meanwhile, others believe that criminals are stepping up their efforts to steal personal data, including social security numbers and bank account details. In fact, breach incidents are growing at around 10% each year, according to research cited by Symantec^[3].

Putting data out of reach,

One way that insurance companies can help to protect themselves from data breaches is by deploying CallGuard in their contact centers. The solution prevents sensitive details whether its payment card or personal data from being stolen by rogue agents because the information is made not available to employees. Not seen, heard or stored anywhere, not even in call recordings so there's nothing to steal.

It's not tricky to deploy either. CallGuard can be implemented with no change to your CRM or payment service provider. What's more, it allows your agents to deal with customers securely, regardless of whether they're based in your contact center or working from home.

Discover more today

For deeper insight into card-not-present crime in contact centers take a look at our eGuide to CNP crime in Contact Centers. Alternatively, talk to us about how CallGuard can protect your insurance business by giving us a call on 866 258 9297 drop us an email at tellmemoreUS@eckoh.com.