First Interstate Bank Dale Daugherty: What the CISO Role Actually Means for Your Money

Cybersecurity is a headache for most of us. You probably think about it only when a weird text pops up or you forget your password for the tenth time this month. But for Dale Daugherty, it’s the day job. Specifically, he is the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at First Interstate Bank.

He's been there for a while. Actually, since 2002.

When you think about a bank, you might imagine vaults and heavy doors. Today, those vaults are mostly lines of code and encrypted servers. First Interstate Bank Dale Daugherty is the guy tasked with making sure those digital walls stay standing. It’s a massive responsibility. First Interstate isn’t just some tiny local branch; it’s a multi-state operation with billions in assets.

Daugherty stepped into the CISO role officially in 2021, but he didn't just walk in off the street. He spent nearly two decades climbing the ladder within the same institution. He's been an IT Audit Manager. He’s been the Director of IT Compliance, Risk, and Security. He knows where the figurative bodies are buried because he helped build the graveyard.

Why the CISO Role at First Interstate Matters to You

Most people don't know what a CISO does. Honestly, the title sounds a bit like corporate alphabet soup. But in a world where "deepfakes" and "phishing" are everyday news, this role is the thin line between your checking account and a hacker in a different time zone.

Daugherty doesn't just sit in a room looking at green text on a black screen. He’s an intermediary. He sits between the technical teams—the folks actually fighting the fires—and the executive leadership, like the Chief Risk Officer and the Board of Directors.

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He has to explain "scary tech stuff" to "business people." That's a skill.

The Credentials Behind the Name

You can’t just wing it in bank security. Daugherty holds a stack of certifications that would make a grad student tired. We're talking CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor). He also has specialized GIAC certifications like GCIH and GCIA.

What does that actually mean?

It means he is trained to handle incidents, analyze intrusions, and audit the very systems he protects. He isn't just managing; he's an expert. It's about layers. If one defense fails, he’s got another three ready to go.

Cybersecurity as a Team Sport

One thing Daugherty has been vocal about is that technology isn't the whole solution. He often says that cybersecurity is about awareness. Scammers aren't always trying to "hack the bank." Often, they are trying to hack you.

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They use urgency. They use confusion.

First Interstate recently pushed the "Banks Never Ask That" campaign. It’s a simple concept, but people still fall for the tricks. Daugherty’s team focuses heavily on the idea that a bank will never call you and ask for your PIN. They won't ask for your password over the phone to "verify your identity."

If someone asks for that, it's a scam. Period.

Managing the Modern Threat Landscape

The banking world has changed. First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. has grown through acquisitions, which means Daugherty has had to integrate different systems, different cultures, and different security protocols.

It’s messy. It’s complicated.

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He reports directly to the big committees: the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC) and the Risk Committee of the Board. This ensures that security isn't just an "IT problem" but a "bank problem." When a bank treats security as a fundamental business risk, you're usually in better hands.

A Career Built on Longevity

In the tech world, people jump jobs every two years. Daugherty is an outlier. Staying at First Interstate since 2002 shows a level of institutional knowledge that is increasingly rare. He saw the transition from the early days of online banking to the mobile-first world we live in now.

He's seen the evolution of the threat.

In the early 2000s, it was simple viruses. Now, it’s state-sponsored ransomware and AI-driven social engineering. Having a leader who has seen the "before and after" provides a perspective that a fresh hire simply won't have. He knows the legacy systems. He knows the vulnerabilities that come with growth.

What You Should Do Next

Knowing that someone like First Interstate Bank Dale Daugherty is at the helm is reassuring, but it doesn't let you off the hook. Security is a two-way street. The bank secures the vault, but you have to keep your key safe.

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If you aren't using this, you're basically leaving your front door unlocked. Use an app, not just SMS.
• Trust Your Gut: If a call from the "bank" feels weird or aggressive, hang up. Call the number on the back of your actual card.
• Update Your Software: Those annoying pop-ups on your phone or laptop? They often contain "patches" for security holes that hackers are already using.
• Watch for Urgency: Banks rarely need you to do something "right this second" without giving you a chance to verify who they are.

Protecting your finances is a partnership. While the CISO handles the infrastructure, your job is to stay skeptical. Keep your software updated and your passwords unique. That's the best way to support the work being done behind the scenes at places like First Interstate.