Pub. 7 2018 Issue 3

April/May 2018 29 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s • Prevention of malicious code execution (e.g., website blocking, website ad-blocking, phishing detection, security awareness training for users, etc.) Back to Basics Did you notice the mitigation items listed are the core elements of strong security cultures? Even though the vulnerabilities were recently discovered and the exploits breached protected memory as never before, basic security standards remain the first line of defense. As it became apparent the sky was not falling, the vulnerabilities reminded us of the important fundamentals of security. No matter how far reaching an exploit may be, the potential of your organization being impacted is significantly lessened if: • The vulnerability doesn’t have access to your systems. • Operating system or application weaknesses needed by the exploit are patched. • Security software is installed (advanced end-point protection software with artificial intelligence is a game changer). Make it So The Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities serve as an important reminder to establish and maintain security best practices in your bank: • Monitor availability for operating system and application updates. • Test updates to ensure compatibility. • Apply updates and patches on a regular schedule. • Install and maintain security software (e.g., antivirus software, endpoint security software, etc.). • Prevent malicious code execution (e.g., Internet filtering, phishing detection, security awareness training over how to identify malicious emails and not click links in emails, etc.) There will continue to be emergencies to address, policies to tweak, and fires to put out, but if you lay a good security foundation, the sky will not fall. Carl Cope is the Chief Operations Officer for CoNetrix. CoNetrix is a provider of information technology consulting, IT/GLBA audits and security testing, Aspire IT hosting, and the developer of Tandem, a security and compliance software suite designed to help financial institutions create and maintain their Information Security Programs. Visit CoNetrix at www.CoNetrix.com . Filename:218BCBS003-KBATrustedPartnersforKansasBankersAsssn_3_0_DF Client:BlueCrossBlueShield Publication:KansasBankersAssociationDirectory Dimensions: 8.5” x 11” OutputTime: 2/08/18 for group benefits Trusted Partners • Personalized expertise saves you time and money. • Affordable options – tailored to your needs. • Comprehensive portfolio of employee benefits. • Largest provider network. • Onsite and online wellness programs and tools. 785.291.7000 • bcbsks.com M.1802 An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Filename:218BCBS003-KBATrustedPartnersforKansasBankersAsssn_3_0_DF Client:BlueCrossBlueShield Publication:KansasBankersAssociationDirectory Dimensions: 8.5” x 11” OutputTime: 2/08/18 for group benefits Trusted Partners • Personalized expertise saves you time and money. • Affordable options – tailored to your needs. • Comprehensive portfolio of employee benefits. • Largest provider network. • Onsite and online wellness programs and tools. 785.291.7000 • bcbsks.com M.1802 An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Filename:218BCBS003-KBATrustedPartnersforKansasBankersAsssn_3_0_DF Client:BlueCrossBlueShield Publication:KansasBankersAssociationDirectory Dimensions: 8.5” x 11” OutputTime: 2/08/18 for group benefits Trust d Partners • Personalized expertise saves you time and money. • Affordable options – tailored to your needs. • Comprehensive portfolio of employee benefits. • Largest provider network. • Onsite and online wellness programs and tools. 785.291.7000 • bcbsks.com M.1802 An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue ShieldAssociation. Filename:218BCBS003-KBATrustedPartnersforKansasBankersAsssn_3_0_DF Client:BlueCrossBlueShield Publication:KansasBankersAssociationDirectory Dimensions: 8.5” x 11” OutputTime: 2/08/18 for group benefits Trusted Part er • Personalized expertise saves you time and money. • Affordable options – tailored to your needs. • Comprehensive portf lio of employee b nefi s. • Largest provider network. On ite nd onlin wellness programs and tools. 785.291.7000 • bcbsks.com M.1802 An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.