YOUR BOND MARKET SOLUTIONS

BIG "I" MARKETS HAS YOUR BOND MARKET SOLUTION

B i g " I " M a r k e t s

As the world adjusts to a “ new normal, " construction projects continue to move forward and certain things remain the same. Contractors continue to bid and receive awards for new construction contracts. Project owners continue to require bid bonds, performance bond and payment bonds. Governmental entities continue to require license and permit bonds. And Big “I” Markets’ bond partner Goldleaf Surety continues to be here to assist your agency with all of these bond needs.

Goldleaf Surety prides itself on being there when agents have questions about or need help navigating the world of surety bonds. For over 20 years, Goldleaf's experienced and knowledgeable staff has been working with independent agents. And as we move forward in ever-changing and uncertain times, Goldleaf Surety will continue to be here to assist your agency.

Goldleaf Surety and its team of bonding specialists go beyond the normal process of simply gathering paperwork and placing a bond. They form lasting relationships that provide you with support throughout the initial bonding process. And they continue to support their customers and their companies as their surety needs change and evolve over time.

Whether it is a company with existing surety support or a company new to bonds, Goldleaf Surety can help answer all the questions and obtain the bonds needed.

For assistance with all your bond needs, access Goldleaf Surety through Big “I" Markets. Simply log in to www.bigimarkets.com, or email bigimarkets@iiaba.net and an underwriter will contact you.

Not yet registered for Big “I” Markets, the online market access program available exclusively to Big “I” members featuring no fees, no minimums and ownership of expirations? Complete a simple and

LOUISIANAAGENT C o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 2 9 free registration online at www.bigimarkets.com.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only. IIABA and its subsidiaries and affiliates shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaim, any liability in any way relating or connected to any reliance on or use of this article. The information contained or referenced herein is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for obtaining such advice. If specific legal or other expert advice is required or desired, the services of an appropriate, competent professional, such as an attorney or accountant, should be sought.

Copyright © 2020, Big I Advantage, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be used or reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission from Big I Advantage. For permission or further information, contact Big “I” Markets, 127 South Peyton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 or email at bigimarkets@iiaba.net.

PROTECT YOUR AGENCY FROM HACKERS

Tip #9 By Steve Anderson

Hackers are targeting insurance agencies to obtain passwords to access client information.

It appears that:

Hackers have been systematically tracking and collecting the email addresses of insurance agency employees.

They are now targeting the passwords used by insurance agency employees, and data shows that in some cases, passwords can be acquired.

When successful, hackers can access the quote applications.

Phishing emails are sent to consumers using false company identity, email address, and insurance company logos to collect additional information.

Make sure your staff is aware of possible indicators of an intrusion:

Avoid password reset requests that you did not initiate.

Unusual online quote activity during non-office work hours.

Hundreds of quotes attributable to a single employee ID in one day.

Continue to be careful about emails that have links or attachments from unknown sources.

Steps you can take to make hacking your systems more difficult:

Additional Resources

Your agency should be using a password management program for every computer in the office (or at home) so every employee can have a unique, complex, non-repeatable password for every site. Inform employees of the potential for suspicious emails. Make sure before anyone clicks on a link in an email that they understand where that link is taking them. In Outlook, you can do this by hovering your mouse over the link. A small pop-up will show the actual link address. If suspicious, delete it. If you think it is legitimate, type the address in a browser tab. Don't click the email link. Have a short employee meeting to emphasize the importance of protecting client information.

Can You Spot When You ’re Being Phished? If You Are a Victim of a Cybercrime – File this Report Immediately The Importance of Strong Passwords Why Your Office Needs a Password Management Solution