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How Managed IT Services

Simplify Compliance for Banks
BY THOMAS DOUGLAS

Even the most diligent IT teams
As an executive, few things induce more stress than an impending
receive audit findings requiring
IT audit or examination. The mountain of documentation requests, remediation and process
endless logs to compile, and scramble to demonstrate compliance can improvements. Often, banks
quickly become overwhelming. Take a deep breath – there's a better struggle with properly
way to sail through audits without disrupting daily operations or your
implementing recommendations
peace of mind. due to resource constraints. The

Partner with a professional managed service provider (MSP) focused MSP's Compliance Specialist takes
on banking IT compliance. These experts live and breathe frameworks ownership, developing a
like FFIEC, CIS, and NIST, becoming an extension of your internal team comprehensive remediation plan,
throughout the year. During audit crunches, they provide invaluable including:
support to ensure a smooth, rigorous process. • Detailed project work plan
and timelines
Here's how an MSP can streamline audits while fortifying your security • Allocation of technical
posture: resources and subject matter
Tom Douglas is Chief
Automated Monthly Documentation Aligned with FFIEC Guidelines experts Executive Officer at JMark
When auditors arrive, one of the first requests is evidence that your • Regular progress reporting
bank adheres to FFIEC information security standards. Say goodbye to and auditor communications Business Solutions, an ACB
manually compiling reports like: • Hands-on assistance until all Associate Member. You
• Antivirus health and endpoint protection logs findings are resolved may connect with Tom at
• Software and hardware asset inventory summaries FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tom@JMARK.com
• Patch deployment audit trails Tool Expertise
• Remote access usage logs The FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool provides a repeatable,
• And more metrics-driven process for evaluating your cyber readiness across
domains like risk management, auditing, and incident response. It's a
Your MSP leverages enterprise tools to automatically generate rigorous undertaking requiring cybersecurity professionals well-versed
comprehensive documentation packets each month. Auditors receive a
in frameworks like NIST, CERT-RMM, and CIS Controls.
complete picture of your IT security controls and compliance posture.
Your MSP's Compliance Specialist guides this self-assessment, ensuring
Thorough Quarterly Access Reviews and Vulnerability Assessments
an accurate, honest representation of your security maturity. The
Every quarter, you must demonstrate remediation steps for excessive
resulting data serves as a powerful tool for prioritizing enhancements
user permissions and identified vulnerabilities. The MSP conducts an in
to strengthen your cyber defenses.
-depth assessment, including:
• Active Directory review to identify inactive accounts or unneeded Enterprise Patch Management and Vulnerability Remediation
elevated access Missing patches and unresolved vulnerabilities provide easy entry
• Comprehensive vulnerability scans using leading tools like Nessus points for threat actors. Your MSP's automated patch management
and Qualys processes systematically keep Microsoft, third-party applications, and
• Detailed report with prioritized risks and a clear remediation plan systems up-to-date across:
• Servers and endpoints
based on your bank's policies
• Network infrastructure
Ongoing Firewall and IPS Monitoring • Cloud and on-premises workloads
Firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) serve as critical
frontline defenses against cyber threats. However, they require Leveraging the same enterprise-grade tools, they conduct recurring
continuous tuning far beyond the capabilities of most in-house teams. vulnerability scans. You receive a clear remediation roadmap to
Your MSP performs a weekly firewall and IPS review to: methodically address security gaps based on risk and priority.
• Optimize rulesets based on your dynamic network
• Update signatures for maximum threat prevention By partnering with a professional MSP, you'll rest easy knowing your IT
environment operates securely and compliantly year-round. Audits
• Ensure these core security controls operate effectively transform from frantic fire drills into well-orchestrated processes,
providing your board with assurance that IT risks are properly
Pre-Built, Auditor-Ready Compliance Deliverables
Does it feel like you're reinventing the wheel each audit, scrambling to managed. You're free to focus on strategic priorities, serving
collect the same documentation and reports? A seasoned MSP customers, and enjoying life's passions like golfing, travel, and
develops a standardized pre-audit packet with all supporting evidence spending time with family.

auditors need, tailored for your bank's specific requirements across: Conclusion
• Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) If you’re ready to get time back and reduce your stress around audits
• FFIEC IT Examination Handbooks and exams, visit www.JMARK.com for more information or talk to one
• State regulations and mandates of our team members at 844-44-JMARK. Step into a brighter future
• Remediation Assistance for Audit Findings today.

A RKANSAS | 33 | Spring 2024
COMMUNITY BANKER