As Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) grew toward the $1 billion asset mark, leadership recognized that cybersecurity had become an enterprise risk requiring executive and board-level oversight. At the same time, the bank no longer had a dedicated information security leader, creating a gap in accountability as cyber threats increased across the industry. With peer institutions experiencing visible incidents and regulators raising expectations around governance and documentation, leadership understood that a single successful attack could disrupt operations, erode customer trust, and damage the bank’s reputation at a pivotal moment in its growth.
A Growing Concern
"What if we are next?"
As CFB approached one billion dollars in assets, leaders began asking urgent questions about accountability and preparedness. Those concerns intensified when targeted phishing attempts nearly compromised executive credentials, demonstrating how quickly a single mistake could create a pathway into critical systems.
Shortly thereafter, a third-party vendor supporting the bank’s ATM network experienced a ransomware attack. While the bank itself was not the source of the breach, the incident underscored how quickly operational and reputational risk could escalate without strong leadership and response capabilities in place.
Leadership identified three immediate risks that required action:
- A cybersecurity leadership vacancy with no clear dedicated team
- Increasing regulatory scrutiny and higher expectations for governance
- Near-miss incidents involving executive credentials that signaled exposure
The bank needed experienced cybersecurity leadership and a mature, scalable program.
The Solution
Engaging Fractional CISO Leadership
CFB partnered with Hartman Executive Advisors to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity program led by a fractional CISO. This approach allowed the bank to put seasoned leadership in place immediately while gaining access to a broader team of specialists supporting governance, monitoring, incident response, and regulatory alignment.
Hartman served as the bank’s accountable CISO, working directly with executive leadership, the board, and internal IT staff. Rather than operating as a traditional advisor, the Hartman CISO and supporting team assumed day-to-day ownership of the cybersecurity program, allowing executives to stay informed and confident without having to manage the details themselves.
Hartman began with a full assessment of the bank’s technology environment, risk posture, and compliance requirements. A formal governance structure was established that clearly separated operational IT responsibilities from independent information security oversight, aligned the program with examiner expectations, and clarified accountability across the organization.
A cross-functional security steering committee was created to manage cybersecurity as an enterprise priority, providing leadership with consistent visibility into risk, program maturity, and progress.
With governance in place, Hartman implemented managed detection and response through a dedicated security operations center.
When sophisticated phishing campaigns targeted executive-level users, enhanced monitoring identified anomalous activity quickly. Access was terminated, credentials were reset, and potential lateral movement was prevented, strengthening leadership’s confidence in the bank’s security posture.
During Hartman’s engagement, the ATM vendor ransomware incident tested the program in real time. Hartman guided the response by isolating systems, reviewing indicators of compromise, and managing stakeholder communications. The bank returned to normal operations without customer disruption.
Results That Restored Confidence
Through Hartman’s fractional CISO leadership, Community First Bank of Indiana transitioned from uncertainty to a governed, well-controlled cybersecurity program. By addressing a critical leadership gap, the bank strengthened its security posture and established a clear, accountable governance structure. Today, it is better positioned to protect its customers, safeguard its reputation, and preserve long-term franchise value as it continues to grow.
A Stronger Regulatory Position
Experienced security leadership strengthened the organization’s regulatory posture, enabling clearer alignment with examiner expectations and greater confidence during oversight activities.
Reduced Operational and Reputational Risk
Improved visibility and response capabilities reduced the likelihood and impact of incidents that could disrupt operations or damage trust.
Defined Governance, Clear Ownership, and Increased Confidence
Clear governance and accountability gave executive leadership and the board confidence that cybersecurity risks were being actively and effectively managed.
Immediate Access to Seasoned Expertise
The fractional model provided immediate access to senior‑level expertise without the cost or delay of a full‑time executive hire.
