Press Release

*More Than 210 Industry Professionals Attend Cybersecurity Educational Event Hosted By DIFS*

*Media Contact:?**Laura Hall*, (517) 290-3779, [email protected]? ?
*Consumer Hotline:* 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints [ [link removed] ]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:* October 20, 2022

(LANSING, MICH) Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed October 2022 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month [ [link removed] ], an issue of vital concern to the insurance and financial services sectors.? To support these industries in protecting their customers and businesses from cyber breaches, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) held a virtual cybersecurity event with more than 210 industry professionals in attendance.

?As cyber criminals become more sophisticated and data breaches become more common, it is more important than ever that insurers and financial service organizations review, update, and test their data protection processes,? said *DIFS Director Anita Fox*. ?We were pleased that industry professionals joined us in a collaborative environment to learn best practices from colleagues, talk through safeguards with law enforcement, and discuss ways to protect against cybercrimes and protect Michigan consumers.?

DIFS held the Cybersecurity Forum: "Cybersecurity Issues Facing Financial Services and Insurance Sectors" event October 11-12 via Zoom. The event featured presentations and panel discussions with representatives from DIFS leadership, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Michigan State Police, Yahoo Finance, and other state and federal regulators. Subject matter experts described how threat actors execute cybercrimes like phishing and business email compromise, and addressed what regulators are doing to protect consumers and support licensees.

With the increasing reliance of financial services and other critical infrastructure on information systems and technological support, cybersecurity education and awareness are crucial for everyone. DIFS has additional cybersecurity resources [ [link removed] ] for consumers and businesses on its website. Consumers with questions about their insurance or financial services can call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/DIFS [ [link removed] ]?or follow the Department on Facebook [ [link removed] ], Twitter [ [link removed] ], or LinkedIn [ [link removed] ].

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