San Francisco, CA - April 9, 2008 - Cisco® today announced that Esurance, a direct-to-consumer personal auto insurance company, has deployed security technology as part of a comprehensive Cisco-based network that is helping secure and support a number of corporate initiatives, such as data protection, compliance, and innovative online services.
Esurance represents one of the auto insurance industry's leading innovators. The company was one of the early pioneers in developing an online business model that creates more convenience for customers and environmental benefits in reduced reliance on paper. For example, Esurance offers instant online quotes and comparison quotes, with real-time verification of driving records and other information. Esurance policyholders can also make policy changes and monitor their vehicles' repair online. Clearly, security is a top priority for the company. As auto insurance is a regulated industry, compliance is also paramount.
"At Esurance, safeguarding our consumer information and meeting our compliance requirements are essential," stated Phil Swift, Esurance's chief information officer. "Our Cisco Self-Defending Network represents one of our main security components, providing centralized management and visibility into our entire security framework, while producing reports required for compliance purposes. Esurance has the ability to enhance operational efficiency, correlate and investigate security events, and sustain business continuity. Simply put, our business and security are aligned as one operation."
Esurance has deployed a series of state-of-the-art Cisco security products as a means to create an in-depth, multilayered defense solution. This permits enhanced coordinated security across its network.
At the heart of Esurance's network security infrastructure is the Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (Cisco Security MARS), which provides event correlation and a centralized view of the security landscape. With a centralized console, Esurance security staff can efficiently monitor its security system holistically and efficiently. "The Cisco Security MARS solution connects the dots and provides us with an easy-to-read dashboard that allows us to streamline the management of our entire security system. This helps ensure operational efficiency and business continuity," Swift said.
Cisco Security MARS offers predefined reports to assist Esurance with its regulatory compliance efforts. All public and private companies that process, transmit, or store credit card information must comply with more than 200 Payment Card Interface (PCI) compliance rules. In the event of an audit, Cisco Security MARS allows Esurance to easily create reports on demand. Also, through its event correlation, Cisco Security MARS helps shrink the data store and track more information for longer periods of time.
"Esurance truly represents a business with a progressive approach to its enterprisewide threat control and network security management," said Mick Scully, vice president of product management for Cisco's Security Technology Group. "As a trend-setter and innovator in the auto insurance industry, Esurance has anchored its business with an intelligent, collaborative Cisco security solution that paves the way for greater productivity, future innovation and sustained operations. In the process, it remains in a position to maintain its leadership in innovating the online insurance business model."
Esurance, a subsidiary of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: WTM), is dedicated to constantly improving the way people shop for, buy, and manage their auto insurance. By combining the best of technology with industry know-how, Esurance is able to offer 24/7 customer service and claims handling at competitive prices. Through Esurance's Web site, www.esurance.com, customers can get instant quotes, view comparison quotes, buy an Esurance policy, and print their proof of insurance card. In addition, policyholders can make policy changes and file claims instantly online, demonstrating its commitment to improving the entire insurance process from quote to claim.
