Networking Beyond Technology

Mohammad Usman, Manager Of Infrastructure, Connex Credit Union

Banking is a business where information is shared continuously and a delay of a few seconds can elicit significant financial implications. Not only is instant access to data required, but security, privacy, and protection of core banking technology place networking at the heart of its operations and commercial viability. Further, the prevalence of online and mobile banking demands that banking networks remain online with virtually no downtime. Therefore, financial organizations need to adopt a highly virtualized, resilient, and flexible infrastructure to increase network reliability to stay competitive.

Networking Security Concerns

When it comes to networking in the financial industry, the biggest risks we are trying to mitigate are network downtime and network security. The number one priority is protecting customers’ financial and personal information. At Connex Credit Union, we have implemented 4G wireless networking, along with fiber connections to ensure connectivity even at our remote branches. In case of a wired network failure, the 4G network serves as a backup facility to restore connectivity to our main data center.

Web browser based attacks are one of the most common security threats and can be thwarted by encrypting the communication between a user’s browser and internal servers. Routing all transactions through a multiple-systems firewall plays a significant role in preventing any attacks from entering these databases. For example, the email security systems we have in place at Connex detect viruses before the malicious emails even reach our employees’ inbox.

Despite a commitment to the highest level of account and financial security, user error can still incur a security breach. Members or staff may unknowingly download and execute suspicious email attachments. We employ a proactive approach at Connex, continually notifying our staff of new threats and providing updated instructions on how to properly manage suspicious content. Quarterly meetings are held to educate employees about cybersecurity threats and current trends in the industry, and our help desk acts as the main touch point for emergencies. Promoting awareness and diligence among staff helps protect the network from any virus, malware, or malicious code.

Different Approach toward Banking

Networking is not limited to technology. Building trusted relationships with customers boosts future business endeavors and potential prospects. Banks need to help customers reduce their superfluous expenses and save money, and new technological trends offer a unique opportunity to assist them in achieving their financial goals.

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