Category Archives: Cybersecurity

How to Identify Blind Spots in Your Bank’s Security Monitoring Tools

man reviewing network security monitoring

Running a community bank means wearing a lot of hats, but keeping customer data safe is always at the top of the list. Even with the best intentions, monitoring blind spots poses a serious risk to your institution. Cyber threats evolve constantly, frequently shifting their capabilities and targets to bypass standard defenses. On top of […]

A Guide to Network Segmentation for Community Banks

community bank employee working on network segmentation on computer

If you walked into your bank branch this morning, you likely passed through several layers of physical security without thinking about it. There’s the front door (accessible to everyone), the teller line (restricted to employees), the vault (highly restricted), and perhaps a safe deposit box area (customer-specific access). You wouldn’t leave the vault door wide […]

Is Your Bank Seeing All Vendor Activity? Monitoring Third-Party Access

group of bank employees with one shaking vendors hand

As a community bank, trust is your currency. But when you rely on third-party vendors to handle critical operations—from core processing to cloud storage—you are extending that trust outside your walls. While outsourcing services is essential for efficiency and innovation, it’s important to remember one golden rule: you can outsource the work, but you cannot […]

Still Using Windows 7 for ATMs? It Might Not Be as Risky as You Think

woman using ATM

It’s been over five years since Microsoft officially ended extended support for Windows 7 in January 2020. For most business environments, continuing to use an unsupported operating system poses serious security risks. However, in the world of ATM management—where legacy hardware and software lifecycles are longer than typical IT infrastructure—the conversation is more nuanced. Many […]

Important Cybersecurity Guidance for U.S. Organizations

Cybersecurity lock

In light of recent global events, the DHS has issued official guidance regarding potential cyber threats.

How to Identify Weak Spots in Your Bank’s Cybersecurity Posture

bank employees discussing banks cybersecurity posture

Did you know that 73% of global banking executives believe that cybersecurity risks are the most significant threat to their digital infrastructure in the upcoming year? As cyber threats continue to evolve at an alarming rate, identifying weak spots in your bank’s cybersecurity posture is not just crucial—it’s imperative.  With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated by […]

What Can Small Businesses in St. Louis Do to Protect Against Cyberattacks?

cybersecurity for small businesses

Did you know that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are adequately prepared to defend themselves? For small business owners in St. Louis, juggling tight budgets, limited resources, and daily responsibilities is already challenging enough. Add cybercriminals into the mix, and the stakes of cybersecurity for small businesses get even higher.  From […]

Are Your Bank’s Wi-Fi Connected Devices Secure? 9 Must-Know Best Practices 

employee connecting wifi device securely for endpoint protection

When you picture a cybercriminal breaching your network, have you ever imagined it could come through something like a coffee maker or fridge? With 16.6 billion IoT devices connected to the internet at the end of 2023, the likelihood of a cyberattack through an unsuspecting and unsecured device is becoming a reality. Today’s banks are […]

What Community Banks Can Learn from the Biggest Cybersecurity Incidents of 2024

employees in a meeting discussing bank cybersecurity

Cyberattacks continue to escalate, and 2024 saw some disruptive breaches. Financial institutions faced increasing risks as threat actors targeted sensitive data and systems.  For example, LoanDepot suffered a ransomware attack that halted mortgage payments and cost them nearly $27 million in recovery expenses. Similarly, Dell’s breach potentially exposed the data of 49 million customers. These […]

Celebrating Data Privacy Week: How Community Banks Can Build Trust Through Transparent Data Practices 

bank employees discussing transparent data practices

Community banks hold a special place in the financial ecosystem. Their local focus and personalized service create close relationships with customers, but this also comes with unique challenges when managing sensitive information.  While a community bank will have the service of a local business, it also has the budget of one. Cybercriminals know this and […]