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As of today, over 44% of data from financial services organizations is stored in the cloud.

In one of our articles, we explored what cloud computing entails and its impact on the insurance industry. We also examined how certain insurance players like Lemonade and Allstate have leveraged cloud technology to enhance their operations.

However, the number of these early adopters remains limited due to various hurdles.

Cloud computing involves migrating all operations to the cloud, enabling communication, access, and resource sharing from anywhere at any time. For the insurance industry, it allows insurers, brokers, and agents to store, process, and access their data and applications on remote servers via the Internet. This is made possible by means of an internet connection and a subscription to hosting platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

Despite its benefits like cost efficiency, scalability and business continuity, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of cloud technology in the insurance sector.

Let’s delve into these challenges and suggest potential solutions:

 1. Legal and compliance issues

Ensuring compliance with federal regulations like the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as state laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), requires considerable effort and delicacy.

Failure to comply can subject insurers and cloud hosting providers to significant fines and penalties.

What makes matters worse is the fact that different jurisdictions have varying legal requirements, making it difficult to maintain compliance when operating in multiple regions, as is often the case with cloud computing.

Solution: Insurance companies should work closely with legal experts to understand the regulatory landscape and ensure that cloud providers comply with relevant laws. In addition, enforcing robust data governance frameworks like Zero Trust Architecture and regularly auditing compliance practices can help mitigate legal risks.

 2. Interoperability issues

Many companies in the insurance industry still rely on outdated legacy systems. These systems often lack the compatibility needed to integrate with current cloud solutions easily.

Migrating these legacy systems to the cloud requires careful planning, significant resources, and technical expertise making the process complex and time-consuming, as it involves replacing old software and ensuring data integrity and security throughout the transition.

Solution: Using standardized protocols and middleware solutions can make it easier to connect old systems with new cloud technologies. This can be complemented by working with experienced cloud migration partners to help fix compatibility problems and make the transition smoother. Google has Google Cloud, which has one of the widest global reaches with numerous data centers and servers all over the world.

Add to that, a phased migration approach can help manage the transition from legacy systems to the cloud. Starting with non-critical applications and gradually moving to more complex systems allows for testing and adjustments along the way.

 3. Skill gap

There is often a shortage of skilled professionals who are adept at managing cloud infrastructure. This skills gap can lead to increased training costs and operational inefficiencies.

Solution: Investing in training and development programs for existing employees can bridge the skills gap. Partnering with cloud service providers for training resources and certification programs can also enhance the organization’s cloud expertise.

 4. Data security and privacy

Cloud environments are prime targets for cyberattacks, which can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Additionally, there is a significant risk of data loss due to technical failures and human error.

Solution: Implementing strong encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits can enhance data protection. Insurance companies should also work closely with cloud providers to ensure they have stringent security measures in place.

Conclusion

While cloud computing offers significant advantages for the insurance industry, overcoming these challenges requires strategic planning and investment in terms of time, human and financial.

By addressing legal and compliance issues, ensuring interoperability, bridging the skill gap, enhancing data security, and carefully managing the migration of legacy systems, companies can fully harness the power of cloud technology to drive innovation and improve operational efficiency in the insurance space.