Bedel Security^® is an established supplier of cybersecurity services for community banks and credit unions, with a focus on helping institutions manage information security with confidence. Their aim is to offer excellent service, offer opportunities for their employees, and support the communities they serve, all while protecting financial institutions from shifting cyber threats. Their method is based on the unique CySPOT^® platform, which was created by experienced CISOs to track and strengthen information security programs. Unlike traditional systems, CySPOT^® offers simple procedures, continuous tracking, and proactive management, allowing institutions to stay ahead of threats while bankers focus on running their operations.

Bedel Security^® offers virtual CISO (vCISO) services using a team-based approach. Each customer receives a senior vCISO advisor with CISSP or similar certification and a dedicated vCISO specialist. This team offers expert guidance, practical solutions, and support that match each institution's size and needs. In addition to vCISO services, Bedel Security^® offers CISO mentoring and independent program evaluations, which help institutions understand their security position and discover areas for improvement. With years of experience and only focusing on the financial sector, Bedel Security^® sets a standard for cybersecurity excellence in community financial institutions.

Services Offered by Bedel Security^®

Virtual CISO Services

Bedel Security^® provides Virtual CISO (vCISO) services to help community banks and credit unions manage their cybersecurity with confidence. With decades of experience in financial institutions and over ten years of giving vCISO support across the country, the company blends years of experience with its unique CySPOT^® technology to offer a practical, personalized solution. Each client is assigned a dedicated vCISO Senior Advisor and vCISO Specialist who collaborate directly with the institution's team from the beginning. The services are modular and adaptable, allowing banks and credit unions to select the support that best meets their unique needs, risk levels, and budgets. This ensures that the solution is of the right size and scope for every organization.

Bedel Security^®'s virtual CISO services are aimed to be productive, repeatable, scalable, and cost-effective. Compared to hiring a permanent CISO or depending on inexperienced employees, these services provide skilled cybersecurity advice at a fraction of the cost, offering excellent value without sacrificing protection. Clients also benefit from the Bedel Security^® Guarantee, which states that if the program does not show measurable results within the first 60 days, they will receive a complete refund. It shows the company's trust in its personnel, platform, and ability to assist institutions in improving their cybersecurity posture.

CISO Assessment

Bedel Security^® offers the CISO Assessment, a strategic, independent examination of information security processes for community banks and credit unions with under $2 billion in assets. This service offers institutions a useful, real-world view from experienced CISOs, allowing them to better understand their current cybersecurity posture and identify possibilities for development.

Unlike standard IT audits, the CISO Assessment prioritizes strategy over specific control testing. Experts examine the institution's cybersecurity program as if they were in charge, including governance, policies, cybersecurity controls, incident response, business continuity, monitoring, risk assessment, GLBA reporting, vendor management, audit scope, penetration testing, and user awareness training.

The assessment offers practical outcomes, like a 90-day action plan that focuses on the most urgent problems and a 12-month roadmap for continuous progress. The service costs $2,500 and includes a $2,000 discount on vCISO onboarding if the institution uses Bedel Security^® within 90 days of the final report. The CISO Assessment offers financial institutions the guidance, information, and strategy they need to strengthen their cybersecurity program, connect it with business goals, and ensure staff and leadership have the tools and resources for successfully handling IT risk now and in the future.

CISO Mentor

Bedel Security^® offers the CISO Mentor program to help CISOs, ISOs, and information security specialists at community banks and credit unions. The program is meant for workers who may feel isolated in their roles and need a trusted advisor to discuss difficulties, evaluate options, and learn from experienced security specialists. The program is ideal for new CISOs or ISOs, experienced leaders who want an outside perspective, managers looking to provide guidance to their security personnel, and ISOs with numerous responsibilities who need assistance selecting tasks. Each participant receives a dedicated vCISO Senior Advisor who serves as their mentor, offering a one-hour call every month and continuing email help for critical questions.

Pricing depends on the size of the financial institution. Annual fees begin at $5,200 for organizations with under $1 billion in assets and $7,900 for those with $1 billion to $2.5 billion, with custom pricing available for larger institutions. The CISO Mentor program is only available to financial organizations and does not provide a titled CISO role. Bedel Security^® provides expert advice, practical direction, and continuous support to help security leaders gain confidence, make smarter decisions, and effectively develop their organization's information security program.

Chris Bedel | Founder, President, and CEO

Chris Bedel, CISM, is the Founder, President, and CEO of Bedel Security^®. Bedel previously worked as an Information Security Officer at a community bank, where he helped establish assets and develop cybersecurity efforts. He graduated from Purdue University with a business degree and a minor in management information systems. Outside of work, Chris spends time on his 50-acre Indiana farm with his wife, four children, and pets.

“Bedel Security^® offers the CISO Mentor program to support CISOs, ISOs, and information security specialists at community banks and credit unions.”