Pub. 14 2019-2020 Issue 6

NEBRASKA BANKERS ASSOCIATION 17 With the rise of online banking, a customer can change ac- counts quickly to nearly any other financial institution across the country, so prioritizing the protection of existing (and new) customer data couldn't be more important. Pick a partner who will ask tough questions. When you look for an IT auditing partner, it may be tempting to settle for the cheapest or most convenient option. However, to ensure that the IT auditing process goes smoothly and suc- cessfully, it's important to find a partner who will take the time to understand your bank and its individual needs. Your IT audit partner should actively be: • Having difficult conversations about what your organi- zation is doing (or not doing) in the best possible way. • Taking the time to explain to the decision-makers at your institution how important cybersecurity is in today's environment. • Being an ongoing resource to provide answers to ques- tions, suggestions for controls, or even additional ser- vices to help improve your security posture over time. Organize accordingly. At the beginning of the IT auditing process, your partner should send you a list of the information they need from your institution regarding your network and systems. It's a good idea to go ahead and compile the materials they will need before the process begins to help the first stagesmove quickly. The elements you will need include: • A list of your IT assets. • Your organized paperwork. • A clear description of your IT main concerns. • If you have adopted new systems, applications, or hardware since your last audit, compile that informa- tion as well. At the end of the day, remember that regular IT audits are a necessary step for running a successful financial institution. Consumers are hyper-aware of data privacy concerns, and they will likely factor security and data protection into their banking decisions. So, prioritizing the protection of customer data could not be more important.  Jon Waldman is a co-founder and Executive Vice President IS Consulting/President SBS Institute, a premier cybersecurity consulting and audit firm dedicated to making a positive impact on the banking and financial services industry. He maintains his CISA and CRISC certifications and received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and his Master of Science in Information Assurance with an emphasis in Banking and Finance Security from Dakota State University. CONTACT OUR LOCATIONS IN HASTINGS AND FREMONT TO SEE HOW THEY CAN PARTNER WITH YOU OR VISIT ARMLEND.COM The operating portion of a farming customer’s portfolio is the most turbulant to handle each year. At Ag Resource Management (ARM) we partner with all levels of capital providers to get farmers the funding they need to keep them moving forward. By combining proprietary technology with a deep understanding of crop agriculture, we’re able to help you manage that risk without interferring with real estate or equipment relationships. FARMING, OPTIMIZED. USDA isanequalopportunityprovider,employer,and lender.Tofilea complaintof discrimination,write:USDA,OOceof theAssistanceSecretary forCivilRight, 1400 Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410or call (866)632-9992 (Toll freeCustomerService), (800)877-8339 (LocalorFederal relay), (866)377-8642 (Relay voiceusers). Bill Burton 1720W 23rd Street | Fremont, NE 68025 (402) 512-5166 | wburton@armlend.com Hannah Rupprecht 2727W 2nd Street, Suite 320, Hastings, NE 68901 (402) 902-4251 | hrupprecht@armlend.com Kevin Cunningham 2727W 2nd Street, Suite 320 | Hastings, NE 68901 (402) 902-4251 | kcunningham@armlend.com