Happy 2025! …JK. January was a whirlwind, so I’m officially considering February the real start of the year. There’s already been a lot happening in the world of tech and insurance, so let’s jump into a few things I’ve been thinking about lately.
AI Tools We’re Testing (And Want Your Feedback On)
AI is everywhere, but does it actually help insurance agencies—or is it just another thing to manage? We’re always on the lookout for tools that make life easier, and right now, we’re testing:
🔹 LivePerson for Insurance – AI-powered chat and messaging for agencies. If it works well, it could help with client communication without adding extra workload to your team.
🔹 Linqura – AI-driven workflow automation. This could be useful for handling large amounts of client data and cutting down on repetitive tasks.
If you’ve used either of these (or anything similar), I want to hear from you.
Does AI actually help your agency, or is it just another thing to manage?
Diving Into the Bible (And the ESV Study Bible)
Lately, I’ve been reading the Bible. It’s… complicated. A client and friend introduced me to the ESV Study Bible, which has been a great resource. It’s packed with explanations, historical context, and even maps, which help make sense of things.
I’m curious—if you’ve read through it, what did you take away from it? And if you’ve got other recommendations for study tools, let me know!
Microsoft 365 Is Secure…ish
Microsoft 365 is a powerful and secure platform, but here’s the catch: your agency’s security depends on how well it’s set up.
Big companies with dedicated security teams still get breached—just look at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), which recently alerted employees about a cyberattack that exposed their data. If it can happen to them, it can happen to anyone.
For insurance agencies, the risks are even higher. Hackers know agencies store sensitive client data, and Microsoft 365 accounts are a prime target.
Here are four ways to strengthen your defenses:
✔ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – The simplest, most effective way to stop unauthorized access.
✔ Use Conditional Access Policies – Block suspicious logins and require extra verification.
✔ Deploy Anti-Phishing Protection – Phishing attacks target insurance agencies constantly. Training your team and using Microsoft Defender can help.
✔ Back Up Your Microsoft 365 Data – Microsoft doesn’t automatically back up your files, emails, or Teams data—make sure you do.
Want to see where your agency stands? Check out our guide to securing Microsoft 365.
If you’re unsure whether your agency’s setup is secure enough, let’s connect.
My Favorite Gluten-Free, Alcohol-Free Beer
Okay, totally unrelated, but important. I finally found a gluten-free, alcohol-free beer that actually tastes good: Visitor.
If you’re cutting back, gluten-free, or just looking for a solid NA option, this one is worth trying. And if you’ve got other recommendations, send them my way—I’m always up for discovering something new.
The Last Word
This year is already shaping up to be a big one for insurance tech, AI, and (apparently) Bible study. Whether it’s figuring out how AI fits into your agency, securing Microsoft 365, or just making sure your systems work when you need them, we’ve got your back.
Got thoughts? Questions? Just want to talk shop? Let’s connect.
Wishing you an awesome week ahead!
Best,
Brad Ruben
President, Archway Computer
