Credit Union tech-talk News

January 28 - February 1, 2008

• General News
• Hardware News
• Software Updates
• ATMs/Kiosks
• Biometric Digest Highlights
• Wireless World
• Security Section
• Leaders Roundtable
• Technology and Marketing
• Online Banking/E-Commerce/
  Website Design
• Internet Access
• Call Centers
• Conferences

* Central Credit Union Partners with MarkMonitor 
* NetSupport Announces NetSupport Notify
* Passageways Experiences Growth in 2007
* First Education FCU Chooses Secure Identity Systems 

MarkMonitor, a leader in enterprise brand protection, announced that U.S. Central Credit Union, the nation's only wholesale corporate credit union, has selected AntiPhishing Solutions from MarkMonitor to thwart increasingly sophisticated attacks by the Rock Phish organization. In less than three months, MarkMonitor has helped U.S. Central and its 26 member corporate credit unions detect, shut down and even prevent Rock Phish attacks.

NetSupport announced the launch of NetSupport Notify, a desktop alert mass notification system. NetSupport Notify is a specially developed solution allowing instant and reliable delivery of notifications and alerts across a LAN or WAN to both Windows and Mac desktops. 

Passageways, a West Lafayette, Ind.-based portal solutions provider for credit unions, announced record revenue growth of 56% in 2007, including the addition of more than 40 new portal customers. The organization also worked with more than 50 existing Passageways customers in 2007 to introduce new modules or complete integration projects. 

Cheyenne, WY-based First Education Federal Credit Union has chosen the Secure Identity Theft Solution to provide its employees with identity theft protection as part of its benefits package. Additionally, Secure Identity Systems will provide free recovery and education services to FEFCU members who hold personal checking accounts, with the option to upgrade to the complete version, subsidized by the credit union.

Hardware News

Hewlett-Packard has introduced two new business desktops that are very compact and power efficient. The first offering, the HP Compaq dc7800, is an ultra-slim desktop system that uses a solid state hard drive (SSD). It sports an 85 percent efficient supply, whereas older technologies on the market offered efficiency of up to around 60 percent. The starting price tag for the dc7800 is $1,258. The HP Compaq dc5800 business desktop (due to ship in February) also comes in a smaller form factor which saves space and power and starts at $579. Both of the systems use the latest Intel Core Due microprocessor technology and will come preloaded with Surveyor, the power management software from Verdiem. 

Most people have heard of thin client desktop PCs that use less power and space, and run their Windows session and applications on a server. But now there are thin client laptops hitting the market. Vendors say that they are "loss proof" - learn more in the February issue of Credit Union tech-talk - subscribe now.

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ATMs/Kiosks

NCR has introduced the NCR SelfServ, a family of innovative ATMs which they say offers a first-of-its-kind, self-healing technology. Offered in both cash-dispensing and full-function lines, NCR SelfServ enables a proactive approach to service and network management. NCR says that the new SelfServ ATMs offer greater availability and enhanced manageability tools.

A British company called ATM Parts is looking to help ATM deployers secure their machines. The solution is called ATMeye with ASD and integrates existing video security with the anti-skimming technology. The ATMeye video security system acts as an ATM video surveillance system, and is designed to solve vandalism problems, conflicts and fraud cases by capturing snapshots and storing video details. Images can be efficiently sorted, searched and selected by the ATM deployer.

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Two technology providers - GoIP Global and Visisys - announced a strategic partnership to market Viso Vue. The Viso Vue software enables "Simone" (an animated, interactive character) to use facial recognition to come to life on a screen and interact with its viewer. Viso Vue uses stored customer or individual profiles to offer Simone realtime information on individuals interacting with her. Planned uses include: Virtual Concierge, Virtual Receptionist, Virtual Security Guard, and other possible extensions to include security systems for e-banking for credit unions. 

Members Gateway and a handful of credit unions, with assistance from IBM, are designing a new payment card they say will be more secure than any card on the market and at the same time will be usable for any card brand. The “Excalibur” card features security via a biometric thumb print, but it can also be used as a magnetic stripe, contactless or contact card.

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Sybase 365 announced its partnership with C-SAM, a provider of secure mobile phone-based transaction technology, to extend its mobile banking platform - Sybase mBanking 365 - to include a downloadable Java and NFC compatible client. Financial institutions using Sybase mBanking 365 can now offer mobile banking services through SMS, WAP (Browser based), and a downloadable Java client. Sybase touts that mBanking 365 is the only solution to support natural language technology via the Answers 365 service.

The mobile banking field has a new entrant: Ireland-based Kinzna Ltd. Kinzna has launched a product that allows users to view statements and account histories, receive alerts on account activities and overdrafts, monitor deposits, access loan statements, transfer funds and pay bills. Other services include a branch and ATM locator, currency rates and mobile-phone top-up. The product, called mobileBank, does not use WAP (wireless application protocol), nor it is restricted to a certain set of consumers who use a specific mobile device or subscribe to a certain mobile operator. Kinzna touts that there is no need for client-software download, and that mobile bankers can use a mobile phone, PDA, XDA, Black Berry or any other device. 

Mitek Systems has announced ImageNet Mobile Deposit, calling it "the first mobile banking software that allows financial institutions to accept paper check deposits and bill payments via camera-equipped mobile phones." According to estimates from industry analysts, more than 100 million camera-equipped mobile phones shipped in the U.S. in 2007. ImageNet Mobile Deposit works with virtually all mobile and smart phones equipped with a two-megapixel camera running on Microsoft Windows Mobile or the Symbian operating system. It supports application platforms based on Microsoft .NET and J2ME. 

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The FBI is warning of a rise in "vishing" attacks which involve fraudsters using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to con consumers into disclosing personal data. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint centre (IC3) says vishing attacks targeting financial institutions are continuing to rise at an "alarming rate". Unlike regular e-mail phishing attacks, vishing uses SMS text messages or phone calls in addition to e-mail to persuade consumers to divulge personal data, often by claiming their account is suspended, deactivated or terminated.

Voltage Security has launched Voltage SecureFile which they say is the first security software that protects information by encrypting any file format, wherever it goes and however it is transported. It protects information for the individual desktop user and via a command line for applications, but can also safeguard documents inside collaborative environments such as Microsoft Office SharePoint Server. Pricing starts at $50 per user for smaller organizations and can be deployed either on premise or as a managed service.

- Detect and prevent internal and external attacks on your network
- Meet compliance standards and guidelines such as FFIEC

Credit Unions are mandated to implement controls for ensuring the integrity of member data and information systems. Log Management solutions that consistently monitor, store and analyze log data are essential components of a defense in depth program for protecting these critical assets.

EventTracker from Prism Microsystems secures IT networks from cyber attacks and insider-threats by automating the real time collection, analysis and storage of event logs from all sources. EventTracker provides a unique capability that integrates real-time log correlation and in-depth analysis capabilities with change management. This comprehensive security management approach allows you to quickly detect vulnerabilities and remediate them before costly data breaches occur. EventTracker comes integrated with over 1000 targeted reports to prove to auditors that internal processes are in tune with policies and appropriate safeguards are in place.

Deployed at dozens of credit unions and over 600 companies worldwide, EventTracker is a powerful, cost-effective solution that is highly scalable yet easy to implement and maintain.

Download a free trial and get further information at www.eventlogmanager.com

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Security:

Perimeter, Host and Endpoint Security – Finding the Right Mix

Arcot - http://www.arcot.com   Read R. 'Doc' Vaidhyanathan's comments: http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Arcot.pdf

Astaro - http://www.astaro.com Read Alex Quinonez's comments: http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Astaro.pdf

Code Green Networks - http://www.codegreennetworks.com   Read Brian Czarny's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/CGN.pdf

Digital Resolve - http://www.digital-resolve.net Read Dennis Maicon's comments: http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/DigitalResolve.pdf

e-DMZ Security - http://www.e-dmzsecurity.com   Read Kris Zupan's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/e-DMZ.pdf

Galaxy - http://www.fiserv-galaxy.com Read Vince Francone's comments:     http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Galaxy.pdf

Harland Financial Solutions - http://www.harlandfinancialsolutions.com   Read Peter McKellar's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/HFS.pdf

HEIT - http://www.goheit.com   Read Dan Holt's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Heit.pdf

Integrated Computer Solutions - http://www.icsinc.com   Read Stephen Goldsby's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/ICS.pdf

MagTek - http://www.magtek.com   Read Kiran Gandhi's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/MagTek.pdf

Netsecuris - http://www.netsecuris.com   Read Leonard Jacobs' comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Netsecuris.pdf

Network Box - http://www.networkboxusa.com   Read Pierluigi Stella's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/NetworkBox.pdf

Perimeter eSecurity - http://www.perimeterusa.com   Read Kevin Prince's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Perimeter.pdf

Proofpoint - http://www.proofpoint.com   Read Sandra Vaughan's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Proofpoint.pdf

Sydel - http://www.sydelcorp.com   Read Antonio Gonzalez's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Sydel.pdf

TraceSecurity - http://www.tracesecurity.com   Read Jim Stickley's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/TraceSecurity.pdf

TriGeo Network Security - http://www.trigeo.com   Read Michelle Dickman's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/TriGeo.pdf

ZixCorp - http://www.zixcorp.com   Read Dena Bauckman's comments:   http://www.cunews.com/roundtable/Zix.pdf

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According to a new report from Packaged Facts, teenagers are highly motivated by money and the myriad products and services for which it can be exchanged, but they can also be naïve about the consequences of profligate spending and slipshod money management. They say that the 24.8 million adolescents age 12-17 are among the least-educated and most underserved in terms of personal finance and money management. The report covers ways not only to expand opportunities for the 16.4 million teens who currently use financial services, but to attract the 5.2 million teens who are thus far underserved (i.e., those who work or receive an allowance or money for chores but do not yet have or use financial products or services). The report presents four focus chapters: 

- Teen Attitudes and Demographics
- Teen Shopping and Spending
- Teens and Payment Cards
- Teen Banking and Financial Services

North Carolina-based Summit Credit Union is turning to Webinars to communicate with their members. The $94 million credit union is using Webex to reach out to their members and deliver financial seminars. The credit union had trouble attracting members for face to face sessions even with a free lunch as an enticement, but has drawn more than dozen with the online approach.

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Credit unions have been leaders in online banking since its inception years ago. Many credit unions have made improvements in areas such as account alerts, authentication, navigation and design, but some observers feel that online brokerage firms and a new breed of financial websites are surging ahead in terms of usability and functionality. We will cover some ways to improve your online banking program in the February issue of Credit Union tech-talk - subscribe today.

Langley Federal Credit Union has partnered with PSCU Financial Services to promote the environmental advantages of the PayLynx online bill payment service. In the first three months with the new free service, online subscribers grew more than 100%, from 2,998 to 6,802 subscribers. Total payments at the end of October were 30,849, or an average of more than 4.54 payments per month per subscriber. In addition the credit union has a high activation rate of 75%. The credit union conducted extensive promotional efforts that highlighted both environmental advantages and outstanding features through: newsletter and web articles, online videos, teller handouts, posters, statement messages and inserts and newspaper advertising.

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Three companies - 3CX, Patton and Deerfield - have partnered to offer smaller organizations an affordable VoIP system. The "SMB Bundle" combines all the features of a traditional PBX with the cost savings and added features of VoIP for small and medium businesses, according to the firms. The SMB uses 3CX’s software-based IP-PBX with Patton's SmartNode VoIP gateways. SmartNode gateways provide all the traditional telephony interfaces (PRI, BRI, FXS, FXO, T1, and E1) that interconnect Windows computers running 3CX PBX software with installed POTS and ISDN phone and fax equipment. 

In a move that could help medium-size organizations save money, telecom carrier XO Communications has rolled out a new pricing model for VoIP services based on the bandwidth a business uses, instead of the number of lines. The pricing model allows business customers to set a price based on an IP port speed ranging from 1.5Mbps to 45Mbps, instead of the number of lines used. Pricing starts at about $400 to $550 a month for 1.5Mbps service, depending on location and based on a three-year contract. A basic long-distance calling plan would cost an additional $60 a month. 

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Headset provider Sennheiser is rolling out new headsets - both wired and wireless. The new single-sided SH 300 headset can be worn over the left or right ear, and the Sennheiser says that it offers exceptional comfort due to its balanced design and precision microphone placement. On the wireless side, the company offers their BW900 series headsets. The BW900’s range spans up to 300 ft, and the unit features a hot-swappable battery system that allows the user to replace an exhausted battery, mid-call, without losing the connection. Sennheiser claims that the BW900 sounds like a wired headset regardless of your location in your office or call center.

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Catch Tom and Bill Rogers, Associate Editor of Credit Union tech-talk at the following conferences in 2007:

February 25-28, Miami - Biometric Summit

June 5-6, Las Vegas - Credit Union InfoSecurity Conference

October 15-18, Las Vegas - Firefighters' National Credit Union Summit

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