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• March 04, 2024
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An ISNP security audit is an audit of an insurance company’s in-house network and IT infrastructure in an “insurance self network program” (ISNP). This type of audit examines an insurer’s own IT security and ability to protect sensitive customer data.

Why Conduct an ISNP Security Audit? 

An insurance company may want an independent ISNP security audit for several key reasons: 

• Assess vulnerabilities in their own networks that could lead to data breaches.
• Identify any gaps in security controls protecting customer data.
• Evaluate compliance with data security regulations and requirements.
• Demonstrate proper IT security to customers and build trust.

Key Areas Covered in an ISNP Audit

Some key systems and processes examined during an ISNP security audit include:

• Network perimeter defences like firewalls. 
• Internal network. segmentation controls. 
• Endpoint security on devices like anti-malware.
• Authentication systems like multi-factor authentication.
• Access control systems and user account management.
• Vulnerability scanning and patch management.
• Data encryption for sensitive customer information.
• Security alerting and log analysis capabilities.  
• Disaster recovery system resilience.

Benefits of an ISNP Security Audit

Some benefits that an insurance firm can realise from an independent ISNP security audit include:

• Identifying data security gaps before a breach occurs.
• Expert advice on strengthening defences against attacks.
• Ensuring compliance with insurance cyber security regulations. 
• Building customer trust by demonstrating security due diligence.
• Making data security and privacy a priority for the organisation

By assessing threats to sensitive customer data within their own IT infrastructure, insurance companies can gain significant long-term benefits from periodic ISNP audits. Identifying and fixing security holes is far less costly than dealing with the fallout of a major breach.

Conducting Regular Audits

Insurance companies should conduct periodic ISNP audits such as once a year or any time there are major changes to systems and processes. Keeping up with evolving threats requires ongoing vigilance.

For reliable and thorough ISNP security audits tailored to the insurance industry, financial firms rely on the experts at Essential Infosec. Our consultants have extensive expertise evaluating security risks specific to sensitive customer data and financial systems.

With an ISNP audit from Essential Infosec, insurance companies can benchmark the effectiveness of data security controls, remain compliant with industry cyber security regulations and demonstrate their commitment to customers’ privacy. Contact our team today to learn more about our information security audit services.