Connect with us

Technology

Insurers Urged to Safeguard Data Amid Rising AI Adoption and Privacy Risks, Says Info-Tech Research Group

Published

on

In its recently released blueprint, Info-Tech Research Group is providing insurers with a comprehensive framework to tackle the growing challenges of data privacy in the age of AI. In the resource, the global research and advisory firm recommends AI training, strong data governance, and proactive risk management to help insurers safeguard personally identifiable information (PII) while using AI for underwriting, claims processing, and customer engagement.

TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – As AI adoption continues to accelerate, the insurance industry is under increasing pressure to safeguard personally identifiable information (PII) against sophisticated data privacy risks. Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group explains in a newly published industry resource that traditional system safeguards and outdated legacy systems are proving insufficient to address the complexities of modern AI-driven processes, leaving insurers exposed to regulatory and technological vulnerabilities. To help insurers tackle these pressing challenges, Info-Tech Research Group’s blueprint, Safeguard Your Data When Deploying AI in Your Insurance Systems, offers a strategic framework for integrating privacy-preserving AI solutions. The firm’s resource features research insights and tools that will equip IT leaders in the insurance sector to strengthen compliance, mitigate risks, and protect PII while maintaining system performance.

“Insurers handle vast amounts of data, from health records to financial histories, fed into AI systems that promise accuracy and efficiency but pose privacy concerns,” says Arzoo Wadhvaniya, research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “A single breach could compromise thousands of customers’ personal information, causing severe reputational and financial damage. It is not just about what AI can do; it is about ensuring it is done securely and ethically.”

In the blueprint, Info-Tech explains that traditional data safeguarding methods in the insurance industry are increasingly ineffective, as legacy systems often lack the flexibility to meet modern demands. The firm’s research findings suggest that unfamiliarity with integrated AI technologies can lead to confusion among employees when assessing risks and determining appropriate applications. Complex regulatory requirements, which may not align with AI-driven processes, further heighten compliance challenges. To address these issues, Info-Tech recommends AI training programs to help employees understand associated risks and foster a culture of security and compliance.

“Regulatory frameworks demand strict compliance, yet AI introduces complexities that make this harder. Insurers must ensure AI respects customer consent, limits data usage, and mitigates bias. Otherwise, the consequences could be costly in terms of both fines and lost trust,” explains Wadhvaniya.

Info-Tech’s new resource provides IT leaders in the insurance industry with actionable strategies to address critical risks associated with generative AI. The firm emphasizes the importance of identifying insurance-specific risks and adopting a continuous improvement approach supported by metrics and a risk-based strategy aligned with a privacy framework tailored to organizational needs.

The research highlights three key risks tied to generative AI:

Data Breaches of PII: AI systems within insurance companies handle vast amounts of sensitive customer data, including health records, financial details, and personal identifiers. These systems, if not adequately secured, can become targets for cyberattacks, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Noncompliance With Regulations: Privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) impose strict requirements on how customer data is collected, processed, and stored. AI systems in insurance, which often require large datasets to function effectively, may unintentionally violate these regulations if not properly designed and monitored.

Insider Threats: Employees or third-party contractors with authorized access to AI systems and sensitive customer data may exploit their privileges, either intentionally or through negligence. This can lead to data theft, manipulation of critical AI models, or tampering with claims and pricing algorithms.

The firm advises the industry to take a proactive stance, implementing robust data governance practices, ensuring transparency, and fostering customer trust in the responsible use of AI. By leveraging insights from this blueprint, insurance companies can effectively address growing data privacy challenges while adopting advanced AI technologies for underwriting, claims processing, and customer engagement.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Arzoo Wadhvaniya, an expert in IT strategies, and access to the complete Safeguard Your Data When Deploying AI in Your Insurance Systems blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insurers-urged-to-safeguard-data-amid-rising-ai-adoption-and-privacy-risks-says-info-tech-research-group-302331530.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Health Net Providing Special Assistance to Members Affected by Bird Flu Throughout California

Published

on

By

Health Net Assisting Members During State of Emergency

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In response to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declared state of emergency in California, Health Net, one of the state’s most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is providing special assistance to members affected by the Bird Flu. Health Net is committed to ensuring its members have uninterrupted access to essential prescription medications, critical Health Net information and healthcare services.

Prescription Information

During the duration of the State of Emergency, members in California affected by the Bird Flu can obtain an emergency supply of medication from the drug store where they originally filled their prescription.If a member’s drug store is closed, they can call Health Net at 1-800-400-8987 for assistance.

Help with Coping
Health Net members have access to Health Net Behavioral Health Services for coping support including referrals to mental health counselors, local services and phone consultations. These services support members coping with grief, stress or trauma related to the Bird Flu. Health Net Behavioral Health is available for crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-675-6110 (TTY: 711).

Video Medical Appointments
If members cannot reach their primary care provider during a declared State of Emergency, Health Net provides access to telehealth services at no cost. To make an appointment, members can refer to their Health Net ID card for more information on accessing telehealth services. Members can also find this information by registering with and logging on to HealthNet.com.

Information for Healthcare Providers
Doctors and nurse practitioners can call Health Net at 1-800-641-7761 for help with:

Emergency prescription refill guidelines.Escalating approvals to reduce approval turnaround times.Approval for out-of-network treatments when in-network resources are unavailable.

Other Important Information
Depending on how long the members need additional assistance, Health Net may take additional steps to ensure its members have access to necessary healthcare services.

About Health Net
Founded in California more than 45 years ago, Health Net, a company of Centene Corporation, believes that every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Today, we provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. With more than 90,000 of our network providers, Health Net serves more than three million members across the state. We also offer access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, employee assistance programs and managed healthcare products related to prescription drugs. We make these health plans and services available through Health Net, LLC and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Health Net and Centene employ more than 5,700 people in California who work at one of five regional Talent Hub offices. For more information, visit www.HealthNet.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-net-providing-special-assistance-to-members-affected-by-bird-flu-throughout-california-302335614.html

SOURCE Health Net

Continue Reading

Technology

Amira Learning Receives Top Endorsement for K-2 Dyslexia Screening in California

Published

on

By

State panel-approved solution aids California school districts to meet mandatory early screening requirements

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Amira Learning (Amira), the creator of the first and only proven Intelligent Reading Assistant for teachers and AI Reading Tutor for students, has been formally recommended by the Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel (RDRSSP) as the only screener unanimously approved for California school districts. This recommendation means California districts can partner with Amira to meet the mandatory K-2 Screening requirements (EC 53008) for the 2025-2025 school year.

“This endorsement highlights our innovative approach to early literacy assessment, intervention, and remediation,” said Malia Vella, Vice President of State Partnerships at Amira Learning.

In compliance with California Education Code 53008(b), the State Board of Education convened a panel of nine independent experts to evaluate early literacy screening tools. After a comprehensive review, the panel selected and approved Amira Learning on December 16, 2024 as a top-tier screening instrument for Kindergarten through Second Grade students, in both English and Spanish.

“This endorsement highlights our innovative approach to early literacy assessment, intervention, and remediation,” said Malia Vella, Vice President of State Partnerships at Amira Learning. “Early detection is the critical first step in supporting students’ reading development and by identifying dyslexia risk as early as kindergarten, in a way that does not disrupt classroom instruction, we’re providing educators and parents with the tools they need to intervene and support —ensuring every child has the opportunity to develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”

Amira is the only recommended screener validated by university and SEA efficacy research that accelerates literacy outcomes by delivering the latest reading and neuro science with AI. Leveraging advanced AI technology, the system provides a fully AI proctored assessment that saves teachers valuable time, turns practice sessions into real-time progress monitoring data, provides AI-powered just-in-time tutoring, delivers micro interventions, and offers immediate remediation guidance – down to the phoneme – to educators. A recent University of Houston study highlights the platform’s critical importance, revealing Amira’s ability to effectively identify 98% of students at risk for dyslexia, making it an essential tool in early literacy assessment and intervention.

As an Intelligent Growth Engine, Amira enables teachers to focus on core instructional responsibilities while seamlessly handling universal and dyslexia screening for K-2 students. The comprehensive platform provides precise risk identification and analysis, recommended interventions and integrated parent communication tools. By unifying assessment, instruction, and tutoring into a cohesive learning cycle, Amira offers districts a holistic solution that helps districts achieve instructional coherence across their literacy program.

The company has seen success with its screener in other states. Amira was recently rated as the highest-scoring screener for Georgia’s mandated screening for K-3 students, and studies have consistently shown a significant effect on end of year literacy achievement for students who use Amira 30 minutes each week, particularly for at-risk readers.

To learn more about Amira’s solution, visit: https://amiralearning.com/amira-isip-assess

About Amira Learning
Amira Learning accelerates literacy outcomes by delivering the latest reading and neuro science with AI. Propelling gains exceeding human tutoring, Amira is the only AI edtech validated by university and SEA efficacy research.

Amira’s Intelligent Growth Engine seamlessly bridges assessment, instruction, and tutoring, powering a coherent instructional cycle centered on a district’s chosen curriculum. Amira continuously identifies skill gaps, recommends individualized reading plans aligned with district curricula, and delivers 1:1 tutoring with real-time feedback.
Amira’s unique ability to listen to students read aloud drives unprecedented growth, delivering an effect size of over 0.4. Trusted by more than 2,000 districts and schools worldwide, Amira is the intelligent assistant teachers need to turn students into motivated and masterful readers.

To learn more about Amira Learning, visit amiralearning.com.

Media Contact

Shelby Busen, Amira Learning, 6364855430, amira@thekeypr.comhttps://amiralearning.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/amira-learning-receives-top-endorsement-for-k-2-dyslexia-screening-in-california-302335581.html

SOURCE Amira Learning

Continue Reading

Technology

OpenGov Strengthens its India Presence with a New, Modern Office in Pune

Published

on

By

Rapidly growing software company crosses 100 employees locally, aims to create additional 50 plus jobs by next year

PUNE, India, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OpenGov, the leader in modern cloud software for U.S. cities, counties, special districts, and state agencies, has opened a large office location with capacity for all local employees in Pune to accommodate its rapid growth.

The OpenGov Pune team just surpassed 100 employees locally, a significant milestone for any startup. There are currently more than 50 open positions locally across engineering and product development. Within the next 12 months, the company is looking to add 50+ additional roles in Pune.

The new office is located in the heart of Pune at Radhe Complex, 8th Floor, Raja Bahadur Mill Road, Behind Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sangamwadi Pune, Maharashtra, India – 411001. The location is attractive for the region’s top tech talent. This new space is designed around the principles of fit-for-purpose, contemporary look, and a collaborative environment.

“By opening a larger, more modern office in a highly desirable neighborhood of Pune and committing to growing the local team by 50 percent demonstrates OpenGov’s commitment to the region,” said Rama Jayanti, senior vice president, engineering and Pune office leader for OpenGov. “OpenGov values its employees and provides excellent opportunities to grow professionally, and I’m thrilled to welcome new teammates into our beautiful space.”

“Our new Pune office is a vital step in solidifying OpenGov’s position as a global leader in government technology,” said Thiago Sa Freire, president and COO of OpenGov. “This space will serve as an innovation hub, fostering collaboration and enabling us to deliver even greater value to our customers while driving the next phase of OpenGov’s growth.”

Earlier this year, the Pune team was recognized for its positive workplace culture by the GCC Workplace Awards 2024. OpenGov was named one of the Top 24 in 2024 Companies, and Jayanti received the Woman Leader of the Year Award.

OpenGov formally established itself as a legal entity in Pune in 2022. The American software company chose Pune for its status as the engineering, computer science, and tech education capital of India. The high number of highly skilled technologists and vibrant startup ecosystem make Pune a prime location for companies like OpenGov.

To learn more about working at OpenGov and see open positions, visit https://opengov.com/careers/.

About OpenGov
OpenGov is the leader in modern cloud software for cities, counties, state agencies, and special districts. With a mission to power a more effective and accountable government, OpenGov serves more than 1,900 public sector leaders and their organizations. OpenGov is built exclusively for the unique budgeting and planning, accounting, permitting and licensing, procurement, asset management, and tax and revenue needs of the public sector. The OpenGov Cloud empowers organizations to operate more efficiently, adapt to change, and strengthen trust with the communities they serve. Learn more or request a demo at opengov.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/174107/opengov__logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/opengov-strengthens-its-india-presence-with-a-new-modern-office-in-pune-302335225.html

Continue Reading

Trending