Strengthening Security and Privacy in the AI-based Intelligent Automation Era

The financial sector operates under intense scrutiny, with strict regulatory requirements that ensure sensitive information is protected. These experiences have shaped my approach to cybersecurity:

• Minimizing Risk through Simple, Effective Controls: During my career, I’ve implemented measures like blocking access to personal email and restricting uploads to external cloud services from work devices. These simple steps drastically reduce exposure to malware and unauthorized data sharing.
• Treating All Data as Sensitive: Even seemingly innocuous details — like an address or phone number — can become sensitive when combined with other information. Adopting this mindset is critical for preventing data breaches.
• Staying Proactive, Not Reactive: Too often, I’ve seen organizations address security only after an incident. Proactive measures — such as regular audits, vulnerability scans, and user education — are essential to staying ahead of threats.

Protecting privacy isn’t just about technology — it’s about mindset. Many individuals unknowingly undermine their own security by writing checks with sensitive information, clicking on phishing links, or downloading apps with excessive permissions.

In my experience, privacy education is as important as technical controls. Most people don’t prioritize privacy until something happens to them. By engaging with clients and users proactively, we can foster a culture where privacy is valued and protected.

When I first encountered HuLoop as a client, I was impressed by its intelligent automation platform. The product’s ability to streamline repetitive tasks resonated with me, but I also recognized the importance of its security posture. Now, as a member of the HuLoop team, I’m focused on ensuring that our platform not only delivers efficiency, but also sets the standard for security and privacy in intelligent automation.

At HuLoop, we’re committed to proving to our clients that security is more than just a checkbox — it’s a cornerstone of our business. My mission is to build and refine a security program that inspires trust and confidence among our clients.

As we continuously enhance HuLoop’s security capabilities, we’re also directly improving the security of our clients. Here’s how:

• Enhancing Vulnerability Scanning: Regular scans ensure our systems — and by extension, our clients’ systems — are resilient against threats.
• Implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP): The purpose of DLP is to safeguard sensitive information, including personal identifiable information (PII), intellectual property and confidential business data, by vigilantly monitoring and controlling data movement. Implementing DLP helps mitigate risk, ensures compliance with regulations and fortifies reputation.
• Upgrading Security Tools: Enhancing server security and leveraging advanced tools ensures that our clients’ environments are secure.
• Delivering Trust Through Compliance: Our rigorous auditing processes provide clients with documentation that supports their own compliance efforts.

While these measures may not speed up a client’s processes, they provide something equally valuable: peace of mind. Clients can trust that HuLoop prioritizes their data security, allowing them to focus on their core business.

The intelligent automation industry has tremendous potential, but it also introduces risks if not implemented thoughtfully. Poorly secured automation tools can become entry points for hackers. At HuLoop, we take a different approach, integrating security into every facet of our platform.

My experience in vendor management has taught me that due diligence is critical when working with automation and AI providers. The banking industry offers a strong model for this, with strict vendor management practices that can — and should — be adopted across other sectors. Organizations in other arenas must be just as vigilant, scrutinizing their automation providers to ensure they meet rigorous security standards.

As HuLoop continues to innovate in intelligent automation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to security and privacy. My goal is to not only protect our clients’ data but to lead by example, setting a standard for what secure automation should look like.

Cybersecurity and privacy are not one-time projects — they are ongoing commitments. At HuLoop, we understand that protecting our clients means protecting their customers, their operations, and their reputations. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and it’s one that drives everything we do.

By adopting proactive measures, fostering awareness, and setting industry standards, we can create a more secure, privacy-conscious future for our organization, our clients and beyond.

With two decades of cybersecurity experience, Mark has spent 17 years as an Information Security officer for banking organizations such as California Bank of Commerce and Westamerica Bank. He has extensive experience in a variety of areas in the cybersecurity realm, including incident response, disaster recovery and business continuity, governance risk and compliance (GRC), security awareness training, risk management and assessment, audit, vendor management, and vulnerability assessments.

Based in the Sacramento area, California, HuLoop Automation serves enterprises who are digitally transforming their businesses to maximize human productivity and improve customer experience, all while leveraging existing technology investments. HuLoop has built a unified automation platform to help enterprises automate manual, mundane tasks, so their human talent is able to spend time on higher value work. Our AI-based, codeless, Human-in-the-Loop software eliminates mind-numbing work, saving our clients money and improving employee satisfaction. Learn more at www.huloop.ai and follow HuLoop on LinkedIn, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter).