T SECURING YOUR DATA ADVICE FROM AN AWARD-WINNING CYBERSECURITY TEAM BY KEITH GRUEBELE, BHG BANK NETWORK Technology continues to insinuate itself into almost every facet of our daily lives, whether it is personal or work-related. As a result, protecting data privacy has become increasingly more relevant to every consumer and business. In 2022, 422 million people were affected by data breaches at U.S. companies with an average of 4.8 breaches per day.1 Stolen data included bank account numbers, medical histories, Social Security numbers and more. Personal data is continuously being collected, shared or sold, so it is crucial that everyone understands how to protect it. In today’s world, it is incumbent upon companies to ensure they have the information security protocols in place to protect customer data and electronic assets from the growing global threat of hackers. This requires a keen focus on increasing the adoption of new technological innovations and following industry best practices in the evolving world of cybersecurity. Companies with an established history of successfully safeguarding electronic data often share similar characteristics, such as: • A significant investment in people and technological resources • Executive leadership that has demonstrated its mission to make information security and data privacy top priorities GUEST ARTICLE • Next-generation firewall and encryption technology to protect internet connections and Wi-Fi networks • Best-in-class security software installed and updated automatically • Industry certifications and acknowledgments that appropriate security controls are in place to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all data assets BHG Financial is a noteworthy financial services provider that has earned recognition for its exceptional cybersecurity capabilities. The company boasts a team of seasoned cybersecurity professionals who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the industry. In this article, we will be sharing insights from BHG Financial’s cybersecurity experts on simple yet critical tasks that businesses should not overlook. In acknowledgment of its dedication to cybersecurity, BHG and its Information Security Team recently received several industry accolades. First, it was honored with a 2022 Fortress Cyber Security Award for organizational excellence.2 In addition, the company has been certified SOC 2® Type 2 compliant in accordance with standards set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. SOC for service organizations is a compliance standard that demonstrates how BHG Financial is safeguarding customer data throughout its services and is meeting standards for strong operational effectiveness. 22 Community Banker
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