As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity, P&C (Property and Casualty) insurers are rethinking how they secure the very foundation of their operations: their core insurance platforms. Insurtechs are stepping up with modern, built-in security frameworks that go far beyond the basics—helping insurers stay secure, compliant, and resilient in an evolving threat landscape.

Zero Trust: A Security Model That Starts with Skepticism

The days of “trust but verify” are long gone. For insurers, insider threats—whether intentional or accidental—pose serious risks. Employees often handle sensitive data like customer information, claims histories, and financial records. All it takes is one employee clicking on a phishing email to open the door for attackers.

That's where Zero Trust architecture comes in. The philosophy is simple: never trust, always verify. This model is gaining momentum in the insurance industry, and here’s what it typically includes:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A must-have for any insurer handling private data. MFA uses a combination of credentials—like passwords, biometrics, and security tokens—to verify identity. Adjusters accessing policy data, for instance, may need to pass all three checks.
• Microsegmentation: Think of it like building digital fire doors. By segmenting the platform into isolated zones, even if a breach occurs, the attacker can’t freely move across the entire network.
• Behavioral Analytics: By continuously monitoring user activity and spotting unusual behavior, insurers can catch compromised accounts or malicious actions before they escalate.

Consider Allianz—they cut insider threat incidents by 40% by implementing Microsoft Entra ID. It gave employees access only to the exact data they needed—no more, no less. The result? A leaner, more secure operation with a drastically reduced risk surface.

Cloud-Native Security: Protecting Data Where It Lives Now

As insurers move core systems to the cloud, traditional perimeter-based security isn’t enough. cloud native security tools are stepping in to guard against everything from data breaches to downtime. Key tools include:

• Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs): These act as gatekeepers, flagging suspicious activity and misconfigured settings in cloud native security and platforms.
• AI-Driven DDoS Protection: Distributed denial-of-service attacks can cripple online portals. AI-enhanced systems detect and neutralize them in real time.
• Immutable Backups: These backups can’t be altered—perfect for restoring systems after a ransomware attack or major breach.

Progressive Insurance, for example, uses Cloudflare’s infrastructure to absorb and deflect DDoS attacks, ensuring their online claims portal stays up and running no matter what.

Automated Compliance: Staying Ahead of Regulations Without the Headache

Let’s be honest—compliance is a nightmare for insurers, especially in the U.S., where regulations vary by state and evolve constantly. The consequences for falling behind? Fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

That’s why insurers are increasingly turning to automated compliance engines embedded within their core systems. These smart tools use AI to:

• Map policy wording against current laws