The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) is urging insurance companies to adopt proactive strategies to protect their clients from emerging cyber threats as the Paris Summer Olympics draw near.
With the Paris Games approaching, there’s growing concern about potential cyberattacks. This unease follows recent disruptions where hackers targeted the websites of a Parisian film festival and a museum, raising alarms about the security of the upcoming event.
Cybersecurity is a pressing issue extending beyond the Olympics. As technology evolves, ensuring digital safety becomes increasingly vital. ANZIIF emphasizes the need for strong cybersecurity measures to fend off these threats.
Given the global prominence of the Olympics, it’s no surprise that they are a frequent target for cyberattacks by various actors, including organized crime and state-sponsored groups. The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 faced around 450 million cyber threats, according to Cisco. With Paris 2024 on the horizon, the World Economic Forum, an official partner, forecasts an alarming increase in cyberattacks, estimating up to eight times more than Tokyo.
Experts highlight that the significant amount of transactional and personal data involved in the Olympics makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. The Paris 2024 official website warns that “cybercriminals driven by financial incentives are intensifying their efforts and may create counterfeit websites posing as legitimate services.”
ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity, noting, “Businesses must prioritize cyber safety. Data breaches surged by 72% from 2021 to 2023, breaking previous records. This underlines the necessity of having robust security measures.”
To address these concerns, ANZIIF offers various educational programs tailored to keep insurance professionals updated on the latest cybersecurity practices. Available courses include:
- LA30007-20: Business interruption loss adjustment
- LA30010-20: Theft, money, and fidelity loss adjustment
- GE20002-20: Understanding general insurance products and policies
- GE10001-22: Customer advice on insurance products
ANZIIF provides online, interactive short courses known as Skills Units, as well as distance learning options. These courses are designed to be completed in five to seven weeks and emphasize practical, hands-on learning to enhance professional skills and business effectiveness.
For those seeking formal qualifications, ANZIIF’s Skills Units align with the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF), offering pathways to certificates or diplomas.
