Strengthening Cyber Hygiene for South Dakota Trust Companies and Banks: A Brivy IT Guide

South Dakota’s trust companies and banking institutions face escalating cyber threats—from ransomware to state-sponsored actors like Volt Typhoon. With over 100 state-chartered trust companies and a banking sector managing $3.5 trillion in assets (FDIC data), the Mount Rushmore State is a prime target. At Brivy IT, we’ve spent years helping trust companies nationwide maintain compliance and secure their systems. Drawing from the South Dakota Division of Banking’s February 28, 2025, memo, here’s how we help South Dakota financial institutions bolster cyber hygiene and stay ahead of cybercriminals.

The Cyber Threat Landscape in South Dakota

Ransomware remains a relentless foe in 2025. The South Dakota Division of Banking warns of phishing-driven attacks and unpatched vulnerabilities enabling data theft—costing firms an average of $4.45 million per breach (2023 IBM Report). Geopolitical risks compound this, with state-sponsored actors from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea targeting financial systems directly or via critical infrastructure like energy and telecoms. For South Dakota’s trust and banking sectors, where privacy and asset protection are paramount, these threats demand action.

Why Cyber Hygiene Matters for South Dakota Institutions

CISA Director Jen Easterly notes, “Basic cyber hygiene prevents 98% of cyberattacks.” For South Dakota trust companies—regulated under SDCL Chapter 51A-6A—and banks overseen by the Division of Banking, robust cybersecurity isn’t just best practice; it’s a compliance necessity. Weak defenses invite reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, and liability. Brivy IT’s tailored approach ensures your institution meets these expectations while deterring threats.

11 Cyber Hygiene Steps Brivy IT Implements

Based on the Division’s guidance, here’s how we secure South Dakota financial institutions:

1. Asset Inventory Management: We catalog all IT assets—hardware, software, and network connections—to support vulnerability tracking.
2. Vulnerability & Patch Management: Our proactive patching closes exploitable gaps, a favorite entry point for hackers.
3. End-of-Life Planning: We replace outdated systems to eliminate unsupported risks.
4. Strong Password Policies: Brivy IT deploys password managers for complex, unique credentials.
5. Phishing-Resistant MFA: We configure multi-factor authentication for privileged access, cloud services, VPNs, and customer platforms like eBanking.
6. Third-Party Risk Oversight: Our risk management programs assess vendors, critical for trust companies relying on managed service providers.
7. Centralized Logging: We enable and store logs securely, thwarting criminals exploiting short retention periods.
8. Robust Backups: Brivy IT ensures core systems and data are recoverable, minimizing ransomware fallout.
9. Cybersecurity Training: Our phishing tests and awareness programs protect your staff—the first line of defense.
10. Threat Intelligence: We integrate FS-ISAC, FBI InfraGard, and CISA alerts for real-time insights.
11. Incident Response Plans: We craft and test plans to ensure rapid recovery from breaches.

Brivy IT: Your South Dakota Cybersecurity Partner

South Dakota’s trust and banking sectors thrive on privacy and stability—cyber breaches threaten both. With experience supporting trust companies nationwide, Brivy IT offers a proven, compliance-focused approach. The Division urges collaboration between institutions and regulators to counter ransomware and geopolitical risks. We’re your ally in this fight, delivering tailored IT solutions from Pierre to Sioux Falls. Don’t wait for a breach. Visit brivyit.com or call us today to fortify your cyber defenses.