Cutting-Edge Security Technology Behind Today's Banks & Financial Institutions

Security is the number one priority of any corporation, but it is even more important for the banking industry. In this digital-age more and more sensitive data is being processed on internet connected networks which are increasingly vulnerable to hackers.

In order to keep that data protected network security system focus on three things: a good firewall, intrusion prevention, and intrusion detection. These bank security systems focus on the digital aspects of banking, which have revolutionized how financial institutions operate.

Digital Security Systems for Banking

The firewall is the first line of defense in protecting any networks security even if that network isn’t connected to the global network. The firewall is a simple gatekeeper which selectively blocks or allows traffic through the network.

This selection is based upon rules that are decided by the Network Administrator and relies on the person doing that job to be up to date on the latest news and tricks that hackers are using to sneak past firewalls. Companies that specialize in bank security systems, like Seico Security, are starting to adopt such security technologies into their suite of solutions.

Normally this would mean that any good banking system is dependent on well-educated and proactive Network Administrators but thanks to development in detection and prevention programs they are not the only line of defense.

Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) have become much more sophisticated. These actively monitor the traffic on the network 24/7 whether or not someone is there. The first thing these systems do in their monitoring is look for strange or unusual activity on the network.

If most of the network activity takes place between 9am and 6pm, the detection systems record this normal activity and watch for activity that shouldn’t take place outside of those time frames. The second part of the detection system is just how much data is moving on the network; when there are sudden increases data moving through at a time where it shouldn’t the system flags that activity and block it from taking place.

IDS/IPS is fully customizable and available from many providers. Cisco is one of the highest ranked and most well-supported supplier of IDS/IPS systems and frequently stays ahead of the game with the Cisco Self-Defending Network IPS 4200 Series Sensor by monitoring the known hacker networks for the latest exploits and tools being used.

This allows them to “pre-patch” vulnerabilities in their systems removing some of the human error out of the equation. However, most providers do this same thing and has become nearly industry standard by this point.

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In IPS there is an active pre-patch shield in place that forms a second security wall around the network which allows for a quick response to possible intrusions; the pre-patch shield identifies the possible intrusion and simply resets the connection to that intrusion.

This is a very simple but effective method in preventing nefarious entities from entering the network through known vulnerabilities until it is repaired. On the back of this is IBM’s Protocol Analysis Module (PAM), this system from looks at the network data on a deeper level than an IPS can. Learn more about this system by visiting IBM.

Monitoring & Pinpointing Unusual Activity

One of the popular ways for hackers to get into a network is to hide their activity deep within normal data transfers on the network. PAM allows us to look deeper at normal activity in order to find strange behaviors that may be hidden from the IDS and IPS system.

For example, hackers will try to hide their activities behind the IP’s of normal customers accessing their accounts. This can sometimes slip through the Firewall, the IDS, and the IPS security since it seems to be normal activity but PAM takes a deep look at the data and makes sure that what the IP sends is what is normal for that IP to send.

If the hacker is trying to download a virus to the system through a client's IP’s this will show up as excess data in the connection and PAM can shut it down. Since PAM is as customizable as the other security systems, this means that there can be a strict restriction on what outside data and connections are allowed or those restrictions can be loosened for a specific client, IP’s, or outside networks.

Network security is a critical infrastructure of the banking industry which is in continuous motion and development. Providers for IDS and IPS are constantly updating and monitoring the effectiveness of their systems to help support the banking industries data and networks.

When to Consult an IT Support Specialist for Data Recovery & Backup

Data is the cornerstone of almost any successful business; it is the basic part of the enterprise, on which everything else depends. Owing to this, it is crucial for you to protect and preserve your company's data (critical files, internal documents, applications, etc.) just to be on the safe side in the event of disaster. And to do so, you need to implement an effective system backup as well as recovery plan.

Backing-up files can safeguard your business against accidental loss of user data, database corruption, hardware malfunction, and even natural calamities. This is where IT support or data recovery specialists come in.

While a data recovery technician may be responsible for ensuring data backups are performed, their major role is to salvage inaccessible data from corrupted or broken secondary storage, when it can't be accessed in a normal way. Below are some key benefits to hiring an external data backup and recovery specialist for your company, regardless of your company's size;

1) Keep Your Systems & Backups Up-To-Date

An external IT Support technician will keep your system and its backup up to date, using their expertise together with state-of-the-art tools and software. This means when you get back up and running, you won't have to update to a more complete version, or try to reconstruct what you had previously.

Your system shall have been updated to the most current version, totally matching the prior one. This will ensure there is no confusion and frustrations getting your business back on the rails, because all of your essential items will be right where you left them or the way you left them.

2) Reduce Downtime

Downtime can be one of the business's worst nightmares, data recovery technicians understand this. That’s why when you call in a professional upon the occurrence of a disaster; they will get to work right away to recover your systems. They can identify the problem instantly and get your systems back up and running so you can get back to making money.

3) Cloud Backup Solutions

Cloud-based backup services is a form of data backup where data is backed up to a remote, cloud-based server. Cloud-based computer network backup services allow you to access your information from anywhere, even if a disaster strikes and your organization's computer system is damaged.

An external IT support specialist can transform your vulnerable regular backup system into cloud. This ensures your business continues to operate without any interruption, allowing it stay on track. Not even your clients may learn there is some kind of issue going on behind the scenes.

4) Flexibility & Savings

You may agree with an IT consultant to receive their specialized services on as-needed basis. This gives you greater flexibility in the relationship, while allowing you to get extra benefits for the business. In as much as you may pay a higher hourly rate for a consulting service, your IT consulting investment will actually save you money in many ways including getting more efficient and cost-effective solution and cutting on wages. You can save on salaries and perks, employee benefits, as well as tax contributions.

Compared to hiring a full-time employee, bringing in an external IT support or data recovery professional is the best way to ensure that your organization's most important asset-data is safeguarded and retrievable with fewer problems. Doing so also enables you to save significantly in both the short and long run.

Attributes That Define Reliable & Responsive IT Support Companies

Hiring the right IT support company to help manage and maintain your business's technology and computer network systems is a critical decision. Whether to be hired in-house or outsourced service, the responsiveness and dependability of your IT support firm can influence your company's production and overall bottom line.

To help you find the best prospects, the following are attributes that define reliable and dependable IT support companies. 

Dedication to Problem Solving

Top-notch IT support companies are dedicated to permanently solving problems related to information technology. They pride in leaving their clients satisfied such that the clients recommend the company to others.

For instance, where clients find difficulties in running new programs or applications, the IT company will ensure that the client gets help within the shortest duration possible. They follow all the steps and procedures even during crisis situations to the extent of pursuing loose ends if need be.

Cloud Technology Expertise

Most adept IT companies are experts when it comes to latest technology, such as cloud technology and virtualization. These are some of the most desirable skills in the field of Information Technology. These companies are always updating their staff on the most recent technologies. Constant updating and training of information technology experts improves their competency.

Most professional IT companies also regularly host IT programs and events for their clients. What they usually do is to first gather the most innovative and the best IT technologies that are available and then pass them during specially organized events to their clients. The expertise and the competence of the staff will enable them to always meet the information technology of the clients and keep them happy.

Efficient Client IT Desk Support

All top notch IT service provision firms are always at the forefront when it comes to modern data handling and real time technology. Modern data handling skills and real time technology will ensure that clients are provided with excellent and high class desk support.

Such firms usually stand taller than their peers because they are in a position to offer responses to their clients all the time. This means that they are easily accessible hence very convenient. Top notch IT companies should also have customer care service representatives that are courteous and well trained.

Highly Safe and Secure IT Services

The world is fast changing and it is no longer enough that a company simply owns a firewall and an antivirus that will serve to protect its vital business data. With the advancement in technology, companies should understand that there are super viruses that can put any business, whether small or big or even government agencies into total chaos.

Dependable IT support companies like Facet Technologies, Inc. have the capability, both software, hardware and the technical know-how required to secure the information technology system of a company. Such IT Companies have intelligent tools and software like Security Information Event Monitoring (SIEM) that are used for monitoring information. Such tools facilitate the collection of information. The firms can also use the software to immediately produce reports.

Innovative IT Solutions

Top notch information technology companies usually offer innovative solutions to their clients. Such business IT support companies usually partner with good suppliers of IT equipment so that they constantly keep providing innovative technological solutions that will enhance the day-to-day performance of businesses. Such successful companies usually have partnership-level skills and competent knowledge that will offer innovative solutions.

For IT companies to be successful, they should be willing to communicate effectively to their clients. When it comes to service delivery, communication is very important. Such successful firms therefore listen to their clients’ issues and address the issues raised.