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Watermark’s Robust Cybersecurity: A Shield for Senior Living

Winter 2023-2024
February 06 2024
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An illustration of a lock in cyberspace.
In the contemporary digital landscape, where cyber threats pose a substantial risk, Watermark stands as a beacon of security. Recognizing the paramount importance of safeguarding sensitive information, intellectual property, and financial assets, Watermark has adopted a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. With the average cost of a cyber breach exceeding $4.45 million, cybersecurity is not just a technical concern for Watermark—it’s a strategic imperative for protecting residents and ensuring operational resilience.

Watermark aligns its cybersecurity initiatives with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, a guideline assisting organizations in assessing their current cybersecurity posture, establishing goals, and developing a road map for improvement. The framework comprises five functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
 

Key Highlights of Watermark’s Cybersecurity Approach:

  1. Business Asset Protection: Watermark’s cybersecurity measures extend beyond safeguarding assets; they ensure business continuity and contribute to preserving the organization’s reputation.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Committed to corporate responsibility, Watermark’s framework mitigates legal and financial risks, demonstrating dedication to both residents and regulatory standards.
  3. Financial Stewardship: Acknowledging the staggering financial consequences of data breaches, Watermark’s protocols prevent costly breaches, legal liabilities, and fines, enhancing stakeholder confidence.
  4. Competitive Advantage: Watermark’s commitment to cybersecurity becomes a competitive advantage, attracting stakeholders prioritizing the safety and security of community and resident information.
  5. Brand and Reputation Management: Preserving Watermark’s strong brand is paramount in the cybersecurity strategy, ensuring customer trust and loyalty remain intact.
  6. Operational Integrity: Watermark’s cybersecurity measures go beyond the digital realm, ensuring uninterrupted operations, minimizing downtime, and associated losses.
  7. Strategic and Informed Decision-Making: Effective cybersecurity enables confident data-driven decision-making, supporting innovation and business growth.
  8. Employee Well-Being: Creating a secure work environment demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, fostering a secure atmosphere that enhances productivity and morale.


Watermark’s Cybersecurity Plan Framework in Action:

  1. Identify: Conducting a thorough review of assets, risks, and vulnerabilities to establish a foundation for effective cybersecurity management.
  2. Protect: Focusing on implementing safeguards, including access control, data encryption, and comprehensive security awareness training.
  3. Detect: Employing continuous monitoring, intrusion detection, and security event analysis for prompt identification of cybersecurity incidents.
  4. Respond: Following a robust incident response plan to mitigate the impact of cybersecurity incidents promptly.
  5. Recover: Emphasizing the restoration of services and systems to normal operation post-cybersecurity incident, with a focus on continuous improvement.


Watermark’s Cybersecurity Initiatives in Action:

  1. Network and Third-Party Security: Employing advanced management systems and stringent third-party access policies.
  2. Regular Audits and Scans: Proactive engagement with penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.
  3. Advanced Threat Protection: Utilization of next-generation firewalls and cutting-edge threat intelligence services.
  4. Employee Empowerment: Comprehensive training programs for staff to recognize and respond to potential threats.
  5. Data Security: Implementation of encryption and geolocation protection for information security.
Watermark’s cybersecurity strategy goes beyond technical measures; it’s a comprehensive commitment to trust, integrity, and the well-being of its communities. In this evolving digital landscape, Watermark stands strong, ensuring the safety and security of its senior living residents.
 
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On the Mark is an exclusive resource for our partners that provides a glimpse inside Watermark Retirement Communities. View more stories about our continuous innovation, current challenges and how we’re overcoming them, the unique approaches we take, and solutions we develop to succeed in the complex business of senior living.

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