Insurance brokers in Reading and Berkshire need IT support that does three things well: keeps the broker platform, email and phones running so clients can always reach you, protects the personal and financial data you hold, and gives you the evidence insurers, networks and regulators ask for. A good IT partner handles the day-to-day support and security so your team can focus on clients and renewals.
Why IT matters more for insurance brokers
A broking firm runs on information. Client details, claims history, policy documents, bank details and correspondence with insurers all pass through your systems every day. That makes brokers an attractive target for criminals, and it means a short outage can stop you quoting, binding or helping a client with a claim.
Most brokers are regulated by the FCA, which expects firms to have adequate systems and controls and to manage operational risks, including cyber risk. Insurers and networks increasingly ask for evidence of good security too. Your IT has to work, and you need to be able to show that it is secure.
The IT risks brokers face most often
- Email impersonation and payment fraud. Criminals take over or spoof an email account and ask a client, or your accounts team, to pay premiums or refunds into a different bank account.
- Phishing. Busy staff handling a high volume of documents and links are a natural target for convincing fake emails.
- Ransomware. If your files or broker platform are locked, you cannot serve clients until they are restored.
- Lost or unmanaged devices. A laptop or phone with client data on it that is not encrypted or centrally managed is a data breach waiting to happen.
- Leavers keeping access. Accounts that are not closed promptly when staff leave are a common and avoidable gap.
What good IT support looks like for a broking firm
A responsive helpdesk that understands your working day
Renewal deadlines and client calls do not wait. Your team needs a helpdesk they can reach easily, that knows your systems, and that does not make them think twice about asking for help. Fixed monthly support with no per-ticket charges helps here, because people raise small problems before they become big ones.
Secure Microsoft 365 and email
Most brokers live in Outlook. Multi-factor authentication on every account, good email filtering, alerts for suspicious sign-ins and sensible rules on forwarding and sharing all reduce the risk of account takeover and payment fraud. Your IT provider should set these up and keep checking them.
Managed, encrypted devices
Every laptop and phone that touches client data should be encrypted, kept up to date and managed centrally, so it can be locked or wiped if it is lost. This matters even more if your team works from home or visits clients across Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
Backups you have actually tested
Microsoft 365 data, shared files and any locally held data should be backed up separately and restored as a test from time to time. Our article on why automated backups are your best defence against downtime explains what to look for.
Support with your broker software and suppliers
Your broker platform and insurer portals are usually provided by third parties. A good IT partner will look after the computers, network and accounts they rely on, and deal with the software supplier on your behalf when something goes wrong, rather than leaving your staff stuck in the middle.
Evidence for regulators, insurers and networks
Being secure is only half the job. You also need to show it, whether that is answering a security questionnaire, renewing your own cyber or professional indemnity cover, or meeting the requirements of a network or panel. Cyber Essentials is a sensible starting point for many firms, as it covers the basic controls that stop most common attacks and gives you a certificate to point to.
FibreFly is ISO 27001 certified, so we apply a recognised information security standard to how we run our own business and how we look after yours. Find out more about our cyber security and compliance services.
Questions to ask a prospective IT provider
- Do you support other regulated financial services or professional services firms?
- How will you protect us against email impersonation and payment fraud?
- Can you help us achieve Cyber Essentials and answer security questionnaires?
- Will you work directly with our broker software supplier?
- How do you handle new starters and leavers?
- Can you visit our office when needed, and how quickly can you get to us?
Being local helps. We are based in Shinfield, just south of Reading, and support firms across Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell, Henley-on-Thames and the wider Thames Valley, as well as London. See our IT support in Reading page for more.
Key points
- Brokers hold valuable client data, which makes them a target for phishing, payment fraud and ransomware.
- Secure Microsoft 365, managed devices and tested backups cover the biggest risks.
- You need to be able to evidence your security to regulators, insurers and networks.
- A good IT partner deals with your software suppliers so your staff do not have to.
- A local, ISO 27001 certified provider in Berkshire can support you remotely and on site.
Frequently asked questions
Do you provide IT support for insurance brokers in Reading?
Yes. Insurance is one of the sectors we focus on, alongside legal, accountancy, financial services, professional services and logistics. We support firms in Reading and across Berkshire.
Does Cyber Essentials help an insurance broker?
For many firms, yes. It covers the basic technical controls that prevent common attacks and gives you a certificate you can show to clients, insurers and networks. Whether you need more than that depends on your firm and your obligations.
Can you help stop payment fraud by email?
We can reduce the risk significantly with multi-factor authentication, email filtering, sign-in monitoring and staff awareness. It is also worth having a simple rule that any change to bank details is confirmed by phone using a number you already hold.
Will you work with our broker software provider?
Yes. We look after the devices, network and accounts your software relies on and liaise with the supplier when there is a problem, so your team has one point of contact.
When is your helpdesk open?
Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 18:00.
Talk to us
If you run a broking firm in Reading or Berkshire and want IT that is reliable, secure and easy to evidence, book a free 30-minute call through our contact page or ring 0118 384 0015.
