As fraud threats against agencies change, ARC aims to provide clear guidance on how agents can protect themselves against phishing schemes, unauthorized transactions (UAT) and other cybersecurity threats.

The Protecting Agents: Security Agreement Insights & Updates webinar was presented on January 26, 2024, to inform travel agents about current fraud schemes, how to deter fraudsters and how to limit their financial liabilities.

ARC leaders Jeannine Hankinson, Cornelius Hattingh and Rich Licato covered how reasonable care is defined by ARC in a world of ever-evolving cybersecurity threats. They reviewed the steps required of agents to protect your systems.

Watch the full video below or use the links to skip ahead to specific parts of their discussion.

1:24 Hear a message from Jeannine Hankinson, managing director of operations and customer experience about the objective of the webinar.

2:40 Learn about the background of UAT and phishing schemes.

5:20 Gain an understanding of what will be covered in the presentation.

5:50 Review the changes to Agent Reporting Agreement (ARA) Section B: Security Guidelines for ARC Traffic Documents that went live on January 30, 2024, including the definition of “Reasonable Care.”

The presenters review ten items changing in the ARA and Industry Agents’ Handbook (IAH) 2024:

  1. 9:31 Learn about effective and unique electronic challenges and authentication for all log-in credentials or security credentials, including but not limited to any credentials used to access System Providers. 

  1. 11:28 Gain insight into how to make strong passwords and protect them from fraudsters.

  1. 15:22 Understand the definition of multifactor authentication (MFA) and how to utilize it when made available by a System Provider, including Single Sign On solutions.

  1. 19:25 Review information about installing and recording logs of all security patches and system updates made available by an agent’s computer operating system provider and browser. 

  1. 21:58 Learn about installing and maintaining industry-standard antivirus, firewall and anti-malware software on all agents’ computers. The presenters also cover the regular use and maintenance of usage logs.

  1. 24:23 Understand the use and maintenance of effective and current anti-spam and anti-phishing email filtering systems and effective use of anti-phishing toolbars.

  1. 25:29 Review the appropriate maintenance of security, encryption and password protection on an agent’s computer(s) and any wireless internet systems used by their computers.

  1. 30:45 Obtain information on the attendance of agents and all personnel who issued ARC Traffic Documents at ARC-approved fraud and security webinars and training sessions within the past twelve (12) months.

  1. 34:21 Learn about installing computer operating systems updated with the latest patches and with automatic updates enabled.

  1. 35:28 Understand how internet browsers are installed with the latest patches and automatic updates enabled. 

36:57 Review how to take the quiz and its importance after watching the webinar to confirm your participation and ensure a clear understanding of security readiness requirements. Also, hear more Q&A between the presenters and attendees.

ARC’s revenue integrity is here for fraud-related support. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, contact ARC immediately by calling 855-358-0393 or emailing  stopfraud@arccorp.com. We also offer after-hours and weekend support.

Please visit our  fraud prevention webpage and on-demand webinars for additional resources.

The webinar for part two of this series will be presented on February 22, 2024. More information and registration details will be listed on our events page.