Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: U.S. insurance companies are being targeted in a new wave of cybersecurity attacks. Plus, the industry is bracing for a growing talent shortage—what can be done?

US Insurance Industry Warned of Scattered Spider Attacks

Google’s Threat Intelligence Group is warning that the threat actor Scattered Spider (also known as UNC3944) is actively targeting U.S. insurance companies and managed service providers.

Using advanced social engineering tactics, attackers are impersonating IT or helpdesk staff to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA), reset credentials, and deploy ransomware.

What You Should Do:

• Use stronger MFA – Opt for phishing-resistant methods like hardware tokens or push-based apps.
• Secure helpdesk procedures – Validate identity through callbacks or challenge questions before resetting passwords.
• Stay alert – Monitor for unusual login activity, MFA failures, and unexpected password resets.
• Reinforce staff awareness – Conduct regular training against phishing and social engineering.

Learn more here.

Insurance Industry Talent Shortage is Imminent

The insurance industry is staring down a major workforce gap. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 400,000 insurance professionals will retire by 2026. Meanwhile, agencies are struggling to recruit young talent.

Without a new generation stepping in, the industry risks losing the valuable “generational handshake”—the transfer of knowledge from experienced professionals to new recruits.

Rose Hall, founder and CEO of RH Business Ventures, says the industry may need to rethink its image. Gen Z candidates are looking for flexibility, purpose, and modern work environments—not just a 9-to-5 desk job. Read more here.

For more news, check out the Action News section of our weekly e-newsletter, Big I Buzz. If you aren’t subscribed, click here to add your email to our emailing list.