Skip to main content

Check out our 3Q2024 Market Review and Investment Outlook for the remainder of 2024

RPS cybersecurity banner image

DOL Cybersecurity Tips

Photo of author, Teresa Shawver, FPQP™, CPFA®.
Teresa Shawver, FPQP™, CPFA®
Manager of Advisory Service Standards

In this age of relying heavily on technology, it is vital to take the necessary cyber security precautions. You want to make sure that all sensitive information is highly protected. This document showcases some tips and trick for plan sponsors.

Topics include: Security Standards, Establishing a Formal Cybersecurity Program, Using Multi-Factor Authentication, Cybersecurity Insurance, and much more.

Per the DOL, plan sponsors should ask the service provider about the following:

  • Security Standards
  • Security Practices
  • Security Policies
  • Audit Results
  • Security Validation Process
  • Security Levels Implemented
  • Past Security Breaches
  • Cybersecurity Insurance
  • Cybersecurity Guarantee

Per the DOL, plan sponsors should consider the following actions:

  • Establish a formal Cyber Security Program
  • Conduct annual risk assessments
  • Hire third party to audit security controls
  • Define and assign information security roles and responsibilities
  • Establish strong access control procedures
  • If data stored in cloud or with third party conduct security reviews
  • Conduct cyber security awareness training
  • Implement secure system development life cycle
  • Create effective business resiliency program
  • Encrypt sensitive data
  • Respond to cyber security events

Per the DOL, plan participants should consider the following actions:

  • Register your account
  • Regularly monitor your account
  • Use strong and unique passwords
  • Use multi-factor authentication
  • Keep personal contact information current
  • Close or delete unused accounts
  • Do not use free Wi-Fi
  • Beware of Phishing attacks
  • Do not store login information in your email account
  • Use up to date anti-virus software
  • Report identify theft to your employer and the record-keeper
Related Insights
Nov Qualified Blog2 image

The Arrival of TDFs with Annuities

With participants thinking erroneously that there is a guaranteed paycheck built into their retirement plan, the production of an “Income Target Date Fund” has grown exponentially. Since 2020, some target-date series now include a form of guaranteed income, providing participants with a more predictable future. Learn more about the TDF with an Annuity.

Read More
Nov Qualified Blog3 Image

When It Comes to 401(k) Beneficiaries, Where There’s a Will There Isn't Necessarily a Way

Beneficiary designations are a critical yet often neglected aspect of retirement plans. Many participants mistakenly believe that their retirement plan assets will be distributed according to their will or trust. However, retirement accounts are governed by their own rules, meaning the named beneficiary on the account will typically inherit the funds, regardless of other estate planning documents. Learn more

Read More
Nov Qualified Blog1 Image

The Road to 15%: Helping Participants Navigate Toward Retirement Readiness

Many advisors recommend saving 15% of pre-tax earnings, including any employer match, to prepare for a secure retirement — but to accomplish this, timing is crucial. According to Forbes, savers need to begin by age 35 to retire comfortably by age 65; to retire by age 62, they’d need to get started by 25. Looking under the hood at participant data allows plan sponsors to better tailor strategies that help participants accelerate savings goals — and avoid financial speed bumps along the way.

Read More
Play