If you’re an agent working with Aetna, you may have recently received an email about the new Security Requirements. At the beginning of July, Aetna started to randomly select agents, who were accessing their website, to download a program called AlertSec ACCESS. We have gotten a few calls about the email so in this week’s Tech Tuesday blog we’ll take a look at what’s going on with this new process from Aetna.
What’s Going On?
Starting at the beginning of July agents who logged into Aetna’s website were randomly selected to have the option to download a program called AlertSec ACCESS (in the future it will be a requirement). This program does not monitor your computer, but it does make sure you are using full-disk encryption and your device is secure.
Did I Lose You at “Full-Disk Encryption” – Keep Reading!
To simplify it as much as possible, Full-Disk Encryption takes everything on your computer and translates using a secret code, but only your computer has the cipher, or the “secret decoder ring.” This ensures that if anyone that is not supposed to have access to your computer can’t just come in a read all your information. For example it will change,
“Mrs. Smith’s Medicare Number is 111-22-4444-A and her date of birth is July 24th, 1953”
into
“ocssaLgLKfq8CwT2saEwSp7uQ0cKqQ5izhiFdbaatWUWp3yUF3qcCIbt4M8fcUq8f6ZwuVPrb3glWaCwLHCsGY”.
Without the “secret decoder ring,” those letters and numbers mean nothing, and are worthless to anyone trying to steal information.
Why It’s Important
Besides the fact that this new process will initially be between you and access the Aetna agent website, data security is a pretty big deal. While we’re not in the Health Care Industry, HIPAA compliance is still a huge deal for insurance agents. But concerns over data and how it’s stored and accessed goes beyond just lists of health conditions and medications. We are constantly gathering, storing, and sending names, Social Security Numbers, dates of birth, banking information and other really personal pieces of information. Anyone looking to steal someone’s identity would hit a goldmine if they were able to access the data on an agent’s computer. Now think about the amount of sensitive information that comes through Aetna’s computer systems, not just on a daily basis, but every minute of every day! The liability they would be subject to if someone were to be able to breach into their system would be incredible! That’s where this new initiative from Aetna comes in.
Aetna’s New Initiative
So why has Aetna rolled out an initiative like this? Some would say, “to be a burden and stumbling block for an agent and make it harder for them to do their job!” It’s okay if you thought it, many agents have. But I’m going on record to say that is not the case here (and I’m not just saying that because Aetna’s reading this too).
Yes this new initiative is definitely benefiting Aetna. Anytime you look at “securing” anything you look for the weakest spots. Think about your home or office. You’ve got locks on the windows and locks on the doors to protect what’s inside. Now think of your computer as a window or door into Aetna’s back office. This initiative is basically Aetna going through their office and making sure all the windows and doors are shut and there’s a lock on them.
So It’s Good For Aetna, But What’s In It For Me?
Downloading and running the AlertSec ACCESS tool on your device is a chance to have a great night’s sleep! You’ll have peace of mind to know that what you’ve already done to your device is helping to keep your client’s data secure!