LIVE WEBINAR
DFS For Dummies: Why the Cost of Compliance Beats the Cost of a Breach
Register To Join Us Live!
What agents must do before November 1, 2025, the evidence auditors ask for, and a 5‑step plan to avoid costly mistakes.
Hosted by Walter Contreras & Megan Youmans
Walter Contreras
Registered Department of Financial Services Compliance Instructor, Cybersecurity expert, and CEO of Motiva Networks understands how the world's digital transformation is impacting small to medium sized businesses. With over 25 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, his vision is clear - safeguarding and strengthening the digital backbone of business owners.
This webinar is presented by
Walter Contreras
CEO of Motiva Networks and
cybersecurity specialist
Megan Youmans
Compliance
Manager
Why this matters
A two‑person agency spent over $1M after an email breach on forensic attorneys and credit monitoring—largely due to missing logs and weak MFA. This session shows how to avoid that outcome.
Map where enhanced MFA must apply (beyond email)
Confirm logging/monitoring auditors ask for
Get a tailored DFS compliance checklist
Expect a call
Anabell from our team will reach out to schedule a 15–20 minute checklist review with Walter. Prefer to request times now? Use the scheduler below or email info@motiva.net
Why You’ll Love
This Session
-
Real-world, actionable tips you can use
immediately -
Designed for small and mid-size
agencies who don’t have a big IT team -
Free bonus resources (compliance
checklist + starter pack) included
What you’ll learn
- Where enhanced MFA must be enforced (endpoints, privileged accounts, remote access)
- Exactly what DFS auditors request first—and how to produce it in minutes
- The 5‑step plan to stay compliant without enterprise overhead
- Tip: Share this page with your team so everyone aligns on the plan.
Get the DFS Checklist
- Gap scan: risk assessment, policies, training records, phishing simulations
- Third-party oversight: what you must require and document
- Evidence pack: what to show an auditor
- Printable tracker: Done / Not Done / Owner / Due Date
- Last-mile plan: prioritize what to fix before February
Who Should Join?
Insurance Agencies & Brokers in New York
If you handle client data, you’re directly on the hook for DFS compliance—and
this webinar shows you how to manage it without guesswork.
Leaders Responsible for Compliance or Security
Whether you’re the owner, manager, or in charge of IT, you’ll learn affordable,
practical ways to finally feel in control of compliance.
Small Mistakes
that Put
Mortgage
Brokers at Risk
JUL 23rd - 11:00 AM EST
Learn the true financial and
reputational cost of a DATA BREACH
This webinar is presented by
Walter Contreras
CEO of Motiva Networks and
cybersecurity specialist
Megan Youmans
Compliance
Manager
Why attend?
Join us for a live breakdown of DFS compliance risks — and how to protect your firm from penalties, audits, and client loss.
MFA where it matters
Secure workstation logins, remote access, cloud apps with NPI, and all privileged accounts—not just email.
Evidence on demand
Logging/monitoring and exportable reports aligned to common DFS audit requests.
April filing, zero scramble
Annual risk assessment → updated policies/training → certification or acknowledgment.
Get the DFS Checklist + Templates
We’ll also grant access to our Compliance Portal (ask about complimentary access for Big “I” members).
Thanks! Check your email for the checklist and portal invite.
Book a 15–20 Minute Checklist Review
We’ll map MFA to your endpoints and privileged accounts and hand you an evidence checklist.
Prefer email? Contact us and ask for the “MFA Fast‑Track.”
Real‑world story: the $1M email breach
A two‑person agency faced a breach that exposed client data. Without the right logs or MFA coverage, they spent over $1,000,000 on forensic attorneys and credit monitoring—plus months of operational disruption. This is preventable with the controls covered in the webinar.
FAQ
Is April 15 still the NYDFS filing date?
Yes. DFS requires an annual filing (Certification of Material Compliance or Acknowledgment of Noncompliance) by April 15 each year.
What counts as limited‑exempt?
Generally: ≤20 employees and independent contractors, or ≤$7.5M revenue in each of the last three fiscal years, or ≤$15M in year‑end total assets.
Does SMS count as MFA?
SMS codes are widely considered the least secure method. We recommend app‑based or hardware token MFA methods.
Do solo/small agencies still need a program?
Yes. Limited‑exempt firms still have specific requirements and must be able to demonstrate controls and evidence during an audit.