California Restricts Insurers’ Use of AI and Big Data

Cloud computing, Cloud Computing, Cloud technology concept

On June 30, 2022, the California Department of Insurance released a Bulletin which places several limitations on the use of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and alternative data sets (“Big Data”) by the insurance industry. The Bulletin states that the Department is aware of recent allegations of racial discrimination in marketing, rating, underwriting and claims practices by… Continue reading California Restricts Insurers’ Use of AI and Big Data

Callback Phishing Campaigns Impersonate CrowdStrike and Other Cybersecurity Companies

On July 8, 2022, CrowdStrike Intelligence identified a callback phishing campaign impersonating prominent cybersecurity companies, including CrowdStrike. The phishing email implies the recipient’s company has been breached and insists the victim call the included phone number. This campaign leverages similar social-engineering tactics to those employed in recent callback campaigns including WIZARD SPIDER’s 2021 BazarCall campaign.… Continue reading Callback Phishing Campaigns Impersonate CrowdStrike and Other Cybersecurity Companies

Specialty Program Group LLC Acquires the Assets of ESP Insurance Brokerage LLC

insurance acquisition

Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), a leading operator of specialty insurance brokerages and underwriting facilities, announced today the acquisition of ESP Insurance Brokerage LLC (ESP), a national insurance broker and program administrator for the sports, events and promotion marketing and entertainment industries. Headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, ESP offers nationwide coverages and has exclusive programs with… Continue reading Specialty Program Group LLC Acquires the Assets of ESP Insurance Brokerage LLC

NY Law Would Require Landlord Disclosures of Flooding History

Flooding in the kitchen and livingroom

Raisa Brown spent one night last September wondering how much the water would rise up to her platform bed. Brown, 32, and her fiancé — with their 3-year-old son in tow — considered using a mop and Swiffer to row away. The remnants of Hurricane Ida flooded Brown’s first-floor home in Mamaroneck, with flood water… Continue reading NY Law Would Require Landlord Disclosures of Flooding History

Patrick Deggelman Joins Alliant Insurance Services’ Employee Benefits Group in Northern Virginia

Employee benefits consultant Patrick Deggelman has joined Alliant Insurance Services as First Vice President within its Employee Benefits Group. Based in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, Deggelman will leverage his experience in actuarial science, data, and analytics to provide strategic benefits solutions to a diverse base of clients. “Patrick’s strong quantitative background allows him to… Continue reading Patrick Deggelman Joins Alliant Insurance Services’ Employee Benefits Group in Northern Virginia

Social Engineering Attack at Marriott Yields 300-400 Customer Credit Card Numbers

BEC attacks

Given Marriott’s general cybersecurity history, current expectations for the chain are low. Thus, a recent data breach that “only” compromised one property and “only” resulted in the theft of 300 to 400 customer credit card numbers appears relatively benign in comparison to its previous incidents: the 2014 mega-breach that impacted approximately 340 million customers worldwide… Continue reading Social Engineering Attack at Marriott Yields 300-400 Customer Credit Card Numbers

Some Companies Are Going Remote—and Upgrading to New Offices

Personal perspective of five corporate coworkers photographed through windows sitting at their desks on two floors in modern office at night.

CentralReach, a medical software provider, decided last year to allow all 373 of its employees to work remotely on a permanent basis. The company then signed a lease for a flashy new office. CentralReach’s office deal is the latest indication that even companies that embrace remote and hybrid work may still want new work spaces,… Continue reading Some Companies Are Going Remote—and Upgrading to New Offices

Acrisure Sponsor of Pittsburg Steelers’ Stadium

Acrisure unveils New England region

The Pittsburgh Steelers have run out of Heinz. And they’re not running to the store to grab more. The Steelers announced Monday that the organization has ended its longtime partnership with the formerly Pittsburgh-based food company, which had served as the title sponsor for the NFL franchise’s home stadium on the city’s North Shore since… Continue reading Acrisure Sponsor of Pittsburg Steelers’ Stadium

Amber Heard Sued by Insurer in LA Over $8.3M Johnny Depp Trial Verdict

Investors sue Lighthouse Insurance Company

Amber Heard’s insurer is suing the actress in Los Angeles, alleging in federal court that the actress’ policy does not cover any of the $8.3 million in losses ex-husband Johnny Depp won against her in their highly publicized defamation trial, according to court documents obtained Monday. While Heard — whom the insurer says lives in… Continue reading Amber Heard Sued by Insurer in LA Over $8.3M Johnny Depp Trial Verdict

Applied Underwriters Announces Across-the-Board 10% Salary Raise for Staff to Help Combat Inflation

Applied Underwriters forms United Risk

Mr. Steve Menzies, Chairman, Applied Underwriters, today announced that the Company has increased staff salaries across the board by 10% to keep up with inflation and its implications. The dramatic adjustment, far outpacing industry averages, came as predictions of inflation made by the Company’s lead economist, Dr. Justin Smith, speaking at a leadership panel in… Continue reading Applied Underwriters Announces Across-the-Board 10% Salary Raise for Staff to Help Combat Inflation