Cyber Business Podcast

Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in Financial Services with Geoff Moore

Written by Matthew Connor | Sep 16, 2024 11:00:00 AM

Geoff Moore is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Valmark Financial Group, where he has spent over 14 years guiding the firm’s technology and cybersecurity strategies. With a background in both financial services and IT, Geoff leads efforts to protect the firm’s independent financial advisors by ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards like FINRA and the SEC. Throughout his career, Geoff has championed innovative security solutions, such as Valmark’s "My Shield" platform, to provide clear visibility into cybersecurity posture. His leadership continues to drive advancements in AI and data protection for the financial sector.



Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

  • How Valmark Financial Group manages cybersecurity challenges for independent financial advisors
  • Balancing regulatory compliance with advisor flexibility while protecting sensitive client data
  • The implementation of "My Shield" to offer clear visibility into cybersecurity health
  • Enforcing antivirus standards and multi-factor authentication across the network
  • How Valmark engages in continuous advisor education on cybersecurity best practices
  • Geoff’s perspective on future cybersecurity threats and AI’s evolving role in defense
  • Insights on the growing complexity of vendor management in cybersecurity

In this episode…

In this episode of The Cyber Business Podcast, Matthew Connor welcomes Geoff Moore, Chief Information Officer at Valmark Financial Group, to delve into the complex world of cybersecurity in financial services. Geoff shares his experiences managing the intricate balance between regulatory compliance and the operational freedom of independent financial advisors. He explains how Valmark navigates the delicate line between offering flexibility to advisors while ensuring strict adherence to data protection standards imposed by regulators like the SEC and FINRA.

Geoff introduces Valmark’s innovative "My Shield" platform, designed to consolidate critical cybersecurity information into an accessible report for advisors. He explains how the platform provides financial advisors with a clear, actionable overview of their cyber posture, simplifying the often-overwhelming task of cybersecurity management. By integrating these reports into their commission statements, Valmark ensures that advisors stay engaged with their cybersecurity health, boosting both visibility and accountability across the board.

The conversation also explores broader trends in cybersecurity, from the rising threats of sophisticated AI-driven cyberattacks to the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device authentication. Geoff offers valuable insights into how financial firms can protect themselves in an increasingly complex digital landscape while highlighting the importance of collaboration within the C-suite to drive security initiatives forward.



Resources mentioned in this episode:

Matthew Connor on LinkedIn
CyberLynx 
Geoff Moore on LinkedIn
Valmark Financial Group Website
SentinelOne Website
YubiKey Website


Sponsor for this episode...

This episode is brought to you by CyberLynx.com  

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