Defending Wealth: Cybersecurity for ERISA-Covered Plans

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a critical concern for all organizations, including those that manage retirement plans. ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) -covered plans are especially attractive targets for cybercriminals because they hold sensitive personal and financial data. Fortunately, there are steps plan sponsors can take to mitigate these risks and safeguard their participants’ information.

The Importance of a Cybersecurity Program

The first line of defense against cyberattacks is a formal, well-documented cybersecurity program. This program should be tailored to your plan’s specific risks and outline the steps you will take to protect participant data. The program should address the following key elements:

• Risk Assessments: Regularly assess your plan’s vulnerability to cyberattacks. This includes identifying the data types you store, how it is accessed, and the potential consequences of a data breach.
• Annual Audits: Conduct annual cybersecurity program audits to ensure its effectiveness. These audits should identify any weaknesses in your defenses and recommend corrective actions.
• Clearly Defined Roles: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved in implementing and maintaining your cybersecurity program. This includes plan sponsors, fiduciaries, service providers, and IT staff.

Security Measures

Once you identify your risks, you can take steps to mitigate them. Here are some essential security measures to consider:

• Access Controls: Implement robust control procedures to restrict access to participant data. This includes using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and least privilege access controls.
• Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. This will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to steal or use the data if they gain access to your systems.
• Firewalls: Implement firewalls to filter incoming and outgoing traffic and block unauthorized access to your network.
• Incident Response Plan: Develop a plan for responding to a cyberattack. This plan should outline steps to contain the breach, mitigate the damage, and notify affected participants.

Educate Your Workforce

One of the most effective ways to prevent cyberattacks is to educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices. Employees should be trained to:

• Recognize phishing attempts: Cybercriminals often use phishing emails to trick employees into revealing sensitive information. Train your employees to be suspicious of unsolicited emails, even if they appear to be from a legitimate source.
• Be careful about what they click: Teach employees to avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails or text messages.
• Report suspicious activity: Encourage employees to report any suspicious activity to their supervisor or IT department.

By following these best practices, plan sponsors can reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. A strong cybersecurity program can help protect participant data and ensure the continued viability of your retirement plan.

Additional Tips

In addition to the best practices outlined above, keep the following tips in mind to help protect your retirement plan from cyberattacks:

• Keep software up to date: Regularly update your software and operating systems to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Back up your data: Regularly back up your data to a secure location so that you can restore it in the event of a cyberattack.
• Use a reputable recordkeeper: Choose a recordkeeper with a strong cybersecurity track record.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your retirement plan is secure and that your participants’ data is safe.

Source: DOL: Cybersecurity Program Best Practices

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or cybersecurity professional for advice on your specific situation.