Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and financial institutions are often one of the most vulnerable industries.

In today’s banking industry, information security officers, like Jonathan Martin of Texas Heritage Bank, often play a vital role for community banks when it comes to building relationships and trust with the community.

“We have a high calling to be an organization that can be trusted with the private financial information of individuals and businesses,” said Martin. “This trust applies not only in the way that we keep each customer’s best interest at heart but in keeping information secure.”

From teller to information security officer

Originally from the Deep East Texas region, Martin grew an interest in computer science at an early age and later turned his passion for programming into a banking career.

“Thankfully, my dad was able to provide some guidance and suggested that I look into banking,” added Martin. “He recommended that I apply at Commercial Bank of Texas where our family had banked for many years.”

In 2008, Martin got his start as a teller at Commercial Bank of Texas in Nacogdoches. He quickly rose through the ranks, gaining valuable experience in digital banking support, ATM maintenance and repair, new accounts such as deposit and lending and branch management.

Nearly seven years later, Martin went on to join Security State Bank & Trust in Boerne as a lender and in 2017, moved to Texas Heritage Bank to lead the information technology team.

“The role of technology officer allowed me to work for the type of organization whose values I wanted to mirror in service to both my family and community,” Martin said.

Martin has served as the information security officer at Texas Heritage Bank since 2018. He is responsible for overseeing the bank’s information and data security, including risk management, policies, business continuity, incident response and vendor management.

When it comes to banking, he mostly enjoys “assisting individuals turn an idea into a business.”

Actively involved in the banking industry, Martin currently serves on the Texas Bankers Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (TB-ISAO) advisory council and is responsible for participating in council meetings, assembly of cybersecurity vendors and sharing information on threats and vulnerabilities.

“Banks are a part of the nation’s critical infrastructure and will continue to be potential targets for foreign adversaries,” Martin said. “The mindset of going it alone needs to change. The initiatives TBA has put in place, including the development of the TB-ISAO, are the right direction.”

About Texas Heritage Bank

Founded in 1931, Texas Heritage Bank opened for business shortly after the turn of the twentieth century and was re-organized during the Great Depression.

Growth at the community bank has been uninterrupted. From droughts to wars and loss of key personnel notwithstanding, Texas Heritage Bank continues to strive. The community bank offers both personal and business banking solutions to the growing number of customers around Texas.

Texas Heritage Bank has grown over 25% in the last year to $200 million in assets and boasts locations in Boerne, Cross Plains and San Antonio. The community bank is the only locally owned bank with headquarters in Kendall County.

“As the only bank headquartered in Kendall County, dedicated personnel have been a hallmark of Texas Heritage Bank,” Martin remarked. “Through the years, its employees have exhibited responsible character, conducting their jobs well and serving as respected leaders in all facets of community life.”

On March 2, Texas Heritage Bank hosts its annual Texas Independence Day celebration. To honor the occasion, the bank opens its doors for a special open house that features a complimentary lunch experience for the whole community. From brisket to fish tacos and ice-cold Dr. Pepper, it’s a community favorite among the bank’s employees and customers.

“I look forward to it every year and I am confident I am not the only one,” Martin stated.

With a commitment to the community, Texas Heritage Bank is a strong supporter of the annual Callahan County Jr. Livestock Show and through the program, the community bank funds the purchase of some of the participants’ animals.

This unique program helps promote a strong work ethic and helps students understand the costs and work associated with livestock production. The community bank also actively participates in the purchase of the animals during the premium sale, which takes place at the end of the livestock show.

“Our focus is on serving people [and to] always strive to do the right thing, holding ourselves to a high standard of morality and ideals and remaining relational,” Martin added.

In addition, all Texas Heritage Bank employees are encouraged to actively participate in the community and are given four days a year that can be used to assist a nonprofit or community organization of their choice.

Outside of the bank

Martin and his wife, Ashia, have been married for 13 years and have 4-year-old triplet boys together: Micah, Zeke and Liam.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, playing board games, video games on the Nintendo switch and reading science fiction. He is currently reading the “Foundation” series written by American author Isaac Asimov.