How Do You Keep a Bank Cyber Safe? UMGC’s Rick White Knows

The top finisher on the Forbes list of America's most cybersecure banks is Flushing Bank, a regional institution serving New York City whose chief information security officer (CISO) is Richard "Rick" White, adjunct professor in the School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

The Forbes list ranks the top 50 U.S.-based banks for their best-in-class website security and cybersecurity infrastructure. We caught up with White to learn why the CISO is increasingly one of the most important positions in at today's financial institutions.

What does a bank CISO do-and how has the job evolved?

The role of the CISO in banking has transformed significantly over the past five years. Traditionally seen as guardians of cybersecurity protocols, CISOs now play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decisions and aligning security strategies with business objectives. This evolution stems from the realization that cybersecurity is not just a technical concern but a fundamental aspect of business risk management. CISOs are now expected to engage at the highest levels of the organization, providing insights to the board on emerging threats, regulatory compliance and the integration of security into digital transformation initiatives. In essence, the CISO has evolved from a technical expert to a strategic leader of cybersecurity.