Here’s what the experts have to say.
Breaking the Language Barrier—Clarifying Information Security Terminology
Information security terms can be confusing. Subtle changes to terminology over time, combined with inconsistent vernacular used by vendors and examiners alike, make it difficult to stay on top of what the terms actually mean. Knowing what services to request and evaluate is even more difficult. In an attempt to provide some clarity, we’ve outlined below the industry-accepted definitions for the most common types of security services, the value of the services and recommendations on how they should be applied.
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Pandemic Planning: Lessons Learned from the Spring
Business continuity planning for a pandemic outbreak has been a requirement for financial institutions for a few years now. Most banks have done some level of pandemic planning. In April, when the Swine Flu (H1N1) first reared its ugly head and the World Health Organization (WHO) elevated the Pandemic Alert Level from Phase 3 to Phase 5 within three days, many of these plans were put into motion for the first time. This test drive of pandemic response gave us a glimpse of what we should expect if future waves increase in severity.
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2009 Security: Where do you stand?
Needless to say, 2008 brought all of us some serious challenges—with ramifications that will carry forward beyond 2009. The bail-outs, fraud, bank failures, ponzi schemes and identity thefts of 2008 will be followed by sweeping new regulation and increased governmental oversight. Information security now plays a key role in retaining consumer trust, and information security will be of paramount concern for 2009. So how do you know how your information security program stacks up? Here are a few red flags that may indicate opportunities for improvement.
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Sharing Sensitive Data with Vendors? Three Critical Steps to Reducing Risk
Most companies-large and small-have embraced outsourcing services as a cost-saving strategy. Outsourcing not only reduces overhead, it can provide competitive advantages by improving quality or time to market.
However, because of this growing trend, an unprecedented amount of sensitive data is being shared with outside vendors. And there lies the rub.
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Top 10 Security Risks for 2008
It is becoming apparent that 2008 is going to be a challenging year for business.
Although the market conditions may prompt you to look for ways to cut corners
and decrease costs, that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on information
security. Check out this list of the Top 10 risks that could compromise
your bank operations, data and ultimately your customers’ trust.
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Avoiding Business Continuity Planning Pitfalls
Increased risks, complexities and regulations have escalated the urgent need for an effective Business Continuity Program (BCP). A project of this magnitude entails naturally requires extensive attention and documentation – and includes dangerous pitfalls. Here are some suggestions to avoid eight of the most common pitfalls.
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Rethinking Recovery
When was the last time you really looked at your disaster recovery (DR) strategy? Not just the big binder on the shelf that documents downtime procedures. I mean the actual “strategy” to recover your operations. If there were a “disaster” at your bank today, how soon could you recover?Read more...
