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Contents PRIMARY AGENT MAGAZINE
Data breach hits close to home It’s time to rethink data breach liability. Running a multi-billion dollar company that boasts millions of customers (Adobe, anyone?) is not a prerequisite for a breach. In fact, it’s small businesses that are most vulnerable, and thanks to the nature of the industry, insurance agencies make a tempting target.
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Page 10 Six steps to conquer the cyber application Data breach exposures can be difficult for underwriters, producers and business owners alike to wrap their heads around. And effectively covering those risks can be even more challenging. In this article, risk advisor Brian Brown shares his insight on how to most accurately address this emerging threat.
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24 Mission Statement Primary Agent delivers ideas to help Insurance Agents & Brokers’ members negotiate their unique position as guardians of trust between insurance consumers and companies while facing the challenges of maintaining a small business. Primary Agent also supports IA&B’s mission to preserve and advocate the American Agency System.
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Support for Windows XP ending If your agency uses the Windows XP operating system, you’re facing a data security nightmare. Beginning April 8, Microsoft will no longer offer security updates on the system. And for agencies subject to HIPAA/HITECH, continued use of XP could be seen as non-compliance and trigger regulatory actions. Here, Steve Anderson shares how to upgrade.
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In every issue 2 3 4 6 8 13
Chair of the Board’s Message Ask Our Experts State News Preventing E&O Coverage Corner My Events
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Subscriptions: Non-member price: $2.25 per copy or $15 per year. All communications for publications, including news, features, advertising copy, cuts, etc., must reach the editor by 1st of month two months prior to publication. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Address inquiries to: Primary Agent Editor 5050 Ritter Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0763 Phone (800) 998-9644 or (717) 795-9100 Fax (717) 795-8347 Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pa. and additional entry post office. Postmaster: Send address changes to above address. Primary Agent (ISSN 1543-3110), Permit # 638-620, Issue # 2014-1 is published monthly by IA&B Service Group Inc., a subsidiary of IA&B. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of the publisher. The information in this publication is general in nature and is not intended to serve as legal, accounting, financial, insurance, investment advisory or other professional advice as to any reader’s particular situation. Users are encouraged to consult with competent legal, financial, insurance, investment advisory and or other professional advisors concerning specific matters before making any decisions and we disclaim any responsibility for any decisions or actions by readers. Statements of fact and opinion in Primary Agent are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers or the members of the IA&B. Participation in IA&B events, activities and/or publications is available on a non-discriminatory basis and does not reflect IA&B endorsement of the products and/or services.