Protecting your personal information is at the heart of everything we do at Heartland Trust. In today’s digital-first financial world, we’re entrusted with vast amounts of sensitive customer data. Safeguarding this data isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a cornerstone of customer trust and a fundamental part of our commitment to you.
Our Multi-Layered Approach to Security
To defend your information against cyber threats, system failures, and unauthorized access, we employ a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy. While we can’t reveal every detail for security reasons, here’s an overview of some of the essential methods we use:
Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Strengthening Access Control
One of the most effective ways we prevent unauthorized access is through multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to verify their identity using two or more factors—such as something they know (a password), something they have (a smartphone or security token), and something they are (biometric data like a fingerprint or retinal scan). This layered approach significantly reduces the risk of breaches, even if a password is compromised.
Security Audits: Proactively Identifying Vulnerabilities
Each year, we engage a licensed third-party security firm to conduct a thorough security audit. These experts “stress test” our network using the same tools and tactics as cybercriminals, simulating potential attacks to evaluate our defenses. The audit also includes compliance verification, ensuring we meet all industry standards and legal requirements for data protection.
Data Encryption: Securing Information at Every Stage
Encryption is the backbone of modern data security. We use end-to-end encryption to protect customer data both at rest (when stored in databases or backups) and in transit (when transmitted across networks). This means that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the proper decryption keys.
Our Commitment to You
Our mission at Heartland Trust is “To provide a lifelong commitment to the well-being of those we serve.” In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven era, helping you achieve your financial goals also means protecting your digital footprint. Ensuring that your funds and personal information remain secure is—and always will be—one of our highest priorities.
Staying Vigilant: Why Phishing Remains a Threat
Even the most advanced security systems can be undermined if someone is tricked into opening the door. Cybercriminals increasingly rely on phishing—a form of social engineering that targets people rather than systems.
Phishing emails often appear to come from trusted sources, such as your bank, a delivery service, or even Heartland Trust. Their goal is to trick you into clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or entering your login information on a fake website.
Simple Tips to Stay Safe
- Be skeptical of urgent messages. If an email urges you to “Act now!” or threatens account closure, take the extra time and verify its authenticity.
- Check the sender’s email address. Look for subtle misspellings or unusual domains (e.g., @rnicrosales.com instead of @microsales.com).
- Don’t click suspicious links. Hover over links to preview their destination before clicking.
- When in doubt, contact them directly. I can only speak for us, but we are willing and happy to hear from you if you would like to verify any communication that claims to be from Heartland Trust.
Thank you for trusting us with your financial well-being. Protecting your personal and financial information is, and always will be, one of our highest priorities.
— Heartland Trust Security Team
