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Phishing, BEC, and Beyond: Tackling the Top Cyber Threats to UK Banks

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KnowBe4’s new report finds that UK financial institutions face onslaught of cyberattacks at unprecedented rate

LEEDS, England, May 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, today released its report on cyber threats faced by the financial sector in the UK. The report examines the escalating rise of cyberattacks on this sector, the tactics deployed by cybercriminals and what financial institutions should do to safeguard themselves and their employees.

The report shows that, in general, the financial sector in the UK is under constant attack and that it is grappling to keep pace with ever-evolving cyber threats. A clear urgency is emerging for financial institutions to adapt their security strategies for dealing with more sophisticated cyberattacks as banking is shifting towards being fully digital.

Some key findings in the report reveal a startling landscape of cyber threats:

  • The frequency of ransomware attacks on the financial sector in the UK doubled in 2023, showcasing an alarming escalation.
  • Phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) remain the top threats to organisations, which includes financial institutions.
  • AI-driven deepfake audio impersonations are notably on the rise.
  • For the first time, cyberattacks, and their potential to disrupt essential services, were perceived as an acute risk, more so than geopolitical tensions, inflation, or economic recessions.
  • There was a dramatic 81% surge in cyberattacks against UK financial institutions in the year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, outpacing the global increase of 61% during the same timeframe.
  • Multiple UK banks are lacking basic online and app protections, including use of outdated and vulnerable web applications, failure to enforce secure passwords, and the absence of alerts for critical account changes.

The report further delves into the prevailing cyber threats in the sector as well as real-life examples. It also provides some practical advice on how financial institutions can protect themselves against cyber threats and cyberattacks.

Addressing the urgency of the situation, Javvad Malik, lead security advocate at KnowBe4 stated, “These findings underscore a stark reality for the UK’s financial sector – they are being attacked at an unprecedented rate. Cyber defences need to adapt with the same speed and intelligence as the threats themselves. In addition to traditional security strategies, fostering a culture of security awareness to mitigate the inherent human risk of any organisation is no longer optional; it is a cornerstone for survival against cybercrime.”

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To download a copy of KnowBe4’s report on UK financial institutions, click here.

About KnowBe4
KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 65,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. The late Kevin Mitnick, who was an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4’s Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense and trust the KnowBe4 platform to strengthen their security culture and reduce human risk.

Media Contact
Amanda Tarantino
Public Relations Officer
KnowBe4
[email protected]  

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EU Banks and Insurers Lag in Green Compliance, PwC Study Finds

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A recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has revealed that banks and insurers within the European Union (EU) are significantly lagging behind in meeting green compliance standards. This lag poses substantial risks not only to the institutions themselves but also to the broader goals of sustainable finance and climate change mitigation.

The Findings of the PwC Study

PwC’s comprehensive study examined the extent to which EU banks and insurers have integrated green compliance into their operations. The findings highlight a considerable gap between current practices and the regulatory expectations set forth by the EU.

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Key Findings:

  • Slow Integration: Many financial institutions are slow to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into their business models.
  • Lack of Clear Strategies: A significant number of banks and insurers lack clear and actionable strategies for achieving green compliance.
  • Insufficient Data Management: Poor data management practices are hampering the ability to track and report on ESG metrics effectively.
  • Regulatory Challenges: Compliance with the EU’s complex and evolving regulatory framework remains a significant challenge for many institutions.

The Importance of Green Compliance

Green compliance is crucial for the financial sector as it aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability. Financial institutions play a pivotal role in this ecosystem by directing capital flows towards sustainable investments and practices.

Benefits of Green Compliance:

  • Risk Mitigation: By adhering to green compliance standards, financial institutions can mitigate environmental risks and avoid potential regulatory penalties.
  • Reputation Management: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can enhance the reputation and brand value of financial institutions.
  • Market Opportunities: Green compliance opens up new market opportunities, particularly in the growing sector of sustainable finance.

Regulatory Landscape

The EU has been at the forefront of implementing stringent regulations aimed at promoting sustainable finance. Key regulations include the EU Taxonomy, the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Key Regulations:

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  • EU Taxonomy: Provides a classification system for environmentally sustainable economic activities.
  • SFDR: Requires financial market participants to disclose how they integrate ESG factors into their investment decisions.
  • CSRD: Mandates enhanced disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by large companies.

Challenges Faced by Financial Institutions

Despite the regulatory push, financial institutions face several challenges in achieving green compliance.

Major Challenges:

  • Complexity of Regulations: The complexity and scope of green compliance regulations can be overwhelming for institutions.
  • Data Management Issues: Effective green compliance requires robust data management systems to track and report ESG metrics.
  • Resource Constraints: Many institutions lack the necessary resources, both in terms of personnel and technology, to implement comprehensive green compliance strategies.
  • Cultural Resistance: There can be cultural resistance within institutions, particularly from stakeholders who may not fully appreciate the importance of green compliance.

Strategies for Improving Green Compliance

To bridge the gap identified by the PwC study, EU banks and insurers must adopt comprehensive and proactive strategies to enhance their green compliance efforts.

Key Strategies:

  • Develop Clear Strategies: Institutions need to develop clear, actionable strategies for integrating ESG criteria into their operations.
  • Invest in Data Management: Investing in advanced data management systems is crucial for effective tracking and reporting of ESG metrics.
  • Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders to build a culture that values sustainability and green compliance is essential.
  • Leverage Technology: Utilizing technology, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, can streamline compliance processes and improve accuracy.

Conclusion

The PwC study underscores the urgent need for EU banks and insurers to accelerate their green compliance efforts. By adopting clear strategies, investing in data management, and leveraging technology, these institutions can not only meet regulatory expectations but also play a pivotal role in driving sustainable finance and combating climate change.

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Source of the news: Fintech Global

The post EU Banks and Insurers Lag in Green Compliance, PwC Study Finds appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Corlytics Hires New CTO, Chief Data Officer, and Chief Tech Architect

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Corlytics, a leading provider of regulatory risk intelligence solutions, has announced the appointment of three key executives: a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Data Officer (CDO), and Chief Tech Architect. These strategic hires are set to bolster Corlytics’ capabilities and drive its mission to deliver cutting-edge regulatory risk intelligence.

The New Appointments

Corlytics’ latest appointments include highly experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company.

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Key Appointments:

  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO): The new CTO will oversee the company’s technology strategy, ensuring that Corlytics remains at the forefront of innovation in regulatory risk intelligence.
  • Chief Data Officer (CDO): The CDO will be responsible for managing and leveraging data to enhance Corlytics’ solutions, providing clients with deeper insights into regulatory risks.
  • Chief Tech Architect: The Chief Tech Architect will focus on the technical architecture of Corlytics’ platforms, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.

Enhancing Regulatory Risk Intelligence

With these strategic hires, Corlytics aims to enhance its regulatory risk intelligence offerings, providing clients with more comprehensive and actionable insights.

Enhanced Capabilities:

  • Advanced Analytics: Leveraging advanced analytics to provide deeper insights into regulatory risks and trends.
  • Data Integration: Improving data integration capabilities to provide a holistic view of regulatory risks across various jurisdictions and sectors.
  • Scalable Solutions: Developing scalable solutions that can grow with clients’ needs, ensuring they remain compliant in an evolving regulatory landscape.

The Importance of Regulatory Risk Intelligence

In today’s complex regulatory environment, effective regulatory risk intelligence is crucial for financial institutions and other regulated entities.

Key Benefits:

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  • Risk Mitigation: Identifying and mitigating regulatory risks before they materialize can save organizations from significant financial and reputational damage.
  • Compliance Management: Enhancing compliance management processes to ensure adherence to evolving regulations.
  • Strategic Decision-Making: Providing data-driven insights that support strategic decision-making and long-term planning.

Corlytics’ Strategic Vision

The new hires align with Corlytics’ strategic vision of becoming a global leader in regulatory risk intelligence, leveraging technology and data to transform how organizations manage regulatory compliance.

Strategic Goals:

  • Innovation: Continuing to innovate and develop cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of clients.
  • Global Expansion: Expanding Corlytics’ presence in key markets around the world.
  • Client Focus: Maintaining a strong focus on client needs, delivering solutions that provide tangible value and support regulatory compliance efforts.

Future Prospects

With the addition of the new executives, Corlytics is well-positioned to drive future growth and innovation in the regulatory risk intelligence space. The company plans to leverage its enhanced capabilities to expand its market reach and deliver even greater value to clients.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Product Development: Developing new products and features that address emerging regulatory risks and challenges.
  • Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with other technology providers and regulatory bodies to enhance Corlytics’ solutions.
  • Market Penetration: Increasing market penetration by targeting new industries and geographic regions.

Conclusion

The appointment of a new CTO, CDO, and Chief Tech Architect marks a significant milestone for Corlytics. These strategic hires will enhance the company’s capabilities, driving innovation and delivering greater value to clients. As Corlytics continues to expand and innovate, it is well-positioned to lead the regulatory risk intelligence market and support organizations in managing their regulatory compliance challenges.

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Source of the news: Fintech Futures

 

The post Corlytics Hires New CTO, Chief Data Officer, and Chief Tech Architect appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Instant Payments Regulation: Overview for Banks and Corporate Treasurers

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The regulation of instant payments is becoming increasingly important as both banks and corporate treasurers seek to leverage faster, more efficient payment solutions. This article provides an overview of instant payments regulation, highlighting the key considerations and implications for banks and corporate treasurers.

What Are Instant Payments?

Instant payments refer to electronic payments that are processed in real-time or near real-time, enabling the transfer of funds between accounts within seconds. These payments can be initiated and completed at any time, providing convenience and efficiency for both individuals and businesses.

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Key Characteristics:

  • Speed: Funds are transferred almost instantly, reducing the time taken for payment settlement.
  • Availability: Instant payments can be made 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
  • Irrevocability: Once initiated, instant payments cannot be reversed, ensuring finality of the transaction.

Regulatory Landscape

The regulation of instant payments varies across different jurisdictions, with a focus on ensuring security, efficiency, and interoperability of payment systems.

Key Regulations:

  • EU Regulation on Instant Payments: The EU has implemented specific regulations to promote the adoption of instant payments, ensuring that payment service providers offer these services to customers.
  • PSD2: The Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) in the EU includes provisions that support the development and regulation of instant payments.
  • Local Regulations: Various countries have their own regulations and guidelines to govern instant payments, focusing on aspects such as fraud prevention, consumer protection, and technical standards.

Implications for Banks

Banks play a critical role in the provision of instant payments and must navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and provide seamless services to customers.

Key Considerations for Banks:

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  • Compliance: Banks must comply with relevant regulations and guidelines to offer instant payment services. This includes adhering to technical standards and implementing robust security measures.
  • Infrastructure: Investing in the necessary infrastructure to support real-time payment processing and ensure system reliability and availability.
  • Customer Education: Educating customers about the benefits and features of instant payments, as well as any potential risks associated with their use.

Implications for Corporate Treasurers

Corporate treasurers can benefit significantly from the adoption of instant payments, which can enhance cash flow management and improve operational efficiency.

Key Considerations for Corporate Treasurers:

  • Cash Flow Management: Instant payments can improve cash flow management by reducing the time taken for payment settlement and providing real-time visibility into account balances.
  • Operational Efficiency: Faster payment processing can streamline business operations, reducing administrative burdens and improving supplier relationships.
  • Risk Management: Corporate treasurers must be aware of the irrevocability of instant payments and implement appropriate controls to prevent fraudulent transactions.

Benefits of Instant Payments

The adoption of instant payments offers several benefits for both banks and corporate treasurers, driving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.

Key Benefits:

  • Convenience: Instant payments provide a convenient and efficient way to transfer funds, reducing the reliance on traditional payment methods.
  • Cost Savings: Faster payment processing can reduce the costs associated with payment settlement and reconciliation.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Offering instant payment services can enhance the customer experience, providing greater flexibility and speed in financial transactions.

Challenges and Future Trends

While instant payments offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges that banks and corporate treasurers must address to fully leverage these services.

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Key Challenges:

  • Security Risks: Ensuring the security of instant payments is critical, particularly given the speed and irrevocability of transactions.
  • Interoperability: Achieving interoperability between different payment systems and networks is essential for the widespread adoption of instant payments.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations can be challenging.

Future Trends:

  • Increased Adoption: The adoption of instant payments is expected to continue growing, driven by regulatory support and customer demand.
  • Technological Advancements: Advances in technology, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, are likely to further enhance the capabilities and security of instant payments.
  • Global Standardization: Efforts to develop global standards for instant payments will promote interoperability and facilitate cross-border transactions.

Conclusion

The regulation of instant payments is crucial for ensuring the security, efficiency, and interoperability of payment systems. Banks and corporate treasurers must navigate the regulatory landscape and invest in the necessary infrastructure to provide seamless and secure instant payment services. As the adoption of instant payments continues to grow, it offers significant benefits for enhancing cash flow management, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience.

Source of the news: The Paypers

The post Instant Payments Regulation: Overview for Banks and Corporate Treasurers appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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