The growth of cyber-attacks and breaches in the financial industry has become a major concern for community banks. With limited resources and budget, it can be challenging for these smaller institutions to keep up with the constantly evolving threat landscape.
In order to protect their customers’ sensitive information and maintain trust, it is crucial for community banks to have strong cybersecurity measures in place. This self-assessment guide aims to help community banks evaluate their current level of cyber-resilience and identify areas for improvement.
Getting Started
To begin the self-assessment, gather your bank’s IT team or designated individuals responsible for cybersecurity. It is recommended to have multiple perspectives and expertise when evaluating your bank’s cyber-resilience.
Next, go through the following sections and answer the questions honestly. Keep in mind that a “yes” answer means your bank has implemented the measure, while a “no” indicates that there is room for improvement.
Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures
Does your community bank have documented cybersecurity policies and procedures in place?
- Yes/No
If yes, do these policies align with industry standards and regulations?
- Yes/No
Employee Awareness and Training
Does your bank provide regular cybersecurity training to all employees?
- Yes/No
If yes, does the training cover topics such as phishing scams, password management, and social engineering?
- Yes/No
Network Security
Does your bank have firewalls in place to protect your network?
- Yes/No
If yes, are the firewalls regularly updated and tested for effectiveness?
- Yes/No
Data Protection Measures
Does your bank have data encryption measures in place for sensitive information?
- Yes/No
If yes, is the encryption used consistently across all systems and devices?
- Yes/No
Incident Response Plan
Does your bank have an incident response plan in place to handle cyber breaches?
- Yes/No
If yes, has the plan been tested and updated within the last year?
- Yes/No
Vendor Management
Does your bank have a process for evaluating and monitoring third-party vendors’ cybersecurity practices?
- Yes/No
If yes, is this process regularly reviewed and updated?
- Yes/No
Business Continuity Plan
>Does your bank have a business continuity plan that includes provisions for cybersecurity incidents?
- Yes/No
If yes, has the plan been tested and updated within the last year?
- Yes/No
Cyber Insurance
Does your bank have cyber insurance coverage?
- Yes/No
If yes, does the policy cover all potential risks and liabilities?
- Yes/No
Regular Risk Assessments
Does your bank conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities?
- Yes/No
If yes, are these assessments comprehensive and actionable?
- Yes/No
Cybersecurity Budget and Resources
Does your bank have a designated budget for cybersecurity measures?
- Yes/No
If yes, is the budget sufficient to address potential risks and vulnerabilities?
- Yes/No
Once you have completed the self-assessment, review your answers and identify areas where improvements can be made. Prioritize these areas and develop a plan for implementing necessary measures to enhance your bank’s cyber-resilience.
Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and it is important to regularly review and update your policies, procedures, and practices to stay ahead of potential threats. By taking proactive steps now, you can better protect your community bank and maintain the trust of your customers. So, stay vigilant and make cybersecurity a top priority for your institution to ensure its success in the digital age.