Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Prepare to Launch Major Campaign to Combat Cybercrime

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) is preparing to launch a major initiative to empower agents to deal effectively with cybercrime.

“Cybercrime is growing in frequency and severity and represents a dangerous challenge for both agents and their clients,” says Mike Becker, CEO. “That’s why we are planning a multi-phase effort, not just to educate but also to facilitate courses of action to fit each agency’s needs.”

The campaign will kick off with a one-a-kind assessment of an agency’s cyber weaknesses, developed by Thomas H. Wetzel & Associates twetzel@wetzelandassoc.com, long-time agent marketing and cybersecurity specialist.  The low-cost assessment is designed specifically for independent insurance agencies and includes detailed analyses of both agencies and their vendors and step-by-step recommendations. Special pricing is available for PIA members.

In addition, an expanded cybersecurity section on the PIA National website will contain detailed explanations of cyber risks, cases, and quizzes. Other features in the coming months will include podcasts and CE-approved cybersecurity courses.

“Insurers and regulators are requiring agencies to do more to mitigate cybersecurity risks on top of everything else, and this initiative has been developed to give our members compliant, practical information and tools,” says Becker.

The PIA announcement follows word from the U.S. State Department that it intends to create a bureau of cyberspace and digital policy dedicated to tackling the issues of ransomware attacks and a global decline in digital freedom.

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes, and businesses. PIA’s web address is www.pianational.org.