April 8, 2013

 

General News

 

* ESP Signs 2 New Credit Unions
* IntelliResponse Adds ECCU as Client
* EXTRACTABLE Receives Best CU Website Award
* Kitsap CU Announces Symitar Conversion
 

Enhanced Software Products (ESP), a Spokane, WA-based Data Processing solutions provider with a strong focus on Client Retention, announced that they have signed two new credit union clients: Athens Area Credit Union in Athens, WI and Connection Credit Union in Silverdale, WA. ESP noted that Connection CU has already partnered with them in developing some new solutions in advance of going live on ESP's FORZA3 solution.

IntelliResponse, a leading provider of virtual agent software for the enterprise, announced the addition of its 155th and first credit union customer, Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU). The Brea, CA-based credit union, with over $2.6 billion in assets, serves more than 6,000 personal banking members. ECCU will deploy the IntelliResponse Virtual Agent platform in its call center environment, and plans to bring the IntelliResponse solution to its website and social media channels as well.

EXTRACTABLE, a San Francisco-based data-driven-design agency, announced that it has been awarded "Best Credit Union Website" for its work on the Logix Federal Credit Union website by the Internet Advertising Competition. The IAC, of the renowned Web Marketing Association, honors excellence in online advertising and recognizes organizations via its competitive award organization.

Jack Henry & Associates, a leading provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for credit unions, announced that their Symitar division has sold their Episys system to the $963 million Kitsap Credit Union in Bremerton, WA. The 93,400-member Kitsap CU said more than 50 employees were involved in the decision process.

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Credit Union InfoSecurity Conference Sponsored by imsmartin consulting

The 11th annual CU InfoSecurity Conference will be held June 5 - 7, 2013 at the Platinum Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

This is a one-of-a-kind conference - a security conference dedicated solely to credit unions. Highly experienced, expert speakers discuss the latest security trends as they specifically apply to credit unions. Also included is a tour of InTouch Credit Union’s Lake Mead high tech branch. The CU InfoSecurity Conference is priced so that the majority of credit unions can afford it - just $395 per person and $295 for returning attendees. Topics include:

 

* BYOD
* Beyond SIEM
* Social Media Risks
* Phishing/Vishing Trends
* Cloud Backup Strategies
* Securing Mobile Banking
* Securing the Human Firewall
* Implementing & Securing IPv6
* Secure Document Management
* Information Security Programs
* Advanced Surveillance Security
* Assessments as IT Funding Tools
* Windows 7 & Windows 8 Security

Click Here for information, agenda, reservations & more.

Mention this ad and get a $100 discount!

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Hardware News

Ciphertex has released a 24TB portable, secure NAS server that is meant for backup, disaster recovery and business continuity, file sharing and virtualization. The company claims that their AES 256-bit encryption engine provides a high level of security with no loss of performance. It serves as both IP-SAN (iSCSI) and NAS, offering advanced RAID configurations with hot-swap capability. The CX-6K-AV is VMware certified, Citrix XenServer ready, and Windows Hyper-V compliant.

By some estimates, one third of branch-issued cards are used the same day of issuance. CTS North America is one vendor that offers three instant issuance systems:

 

• CPS120 – a base unit with a single card hopper, capable of issuing flat or embossed cards, full magnetic stripe and EMV encoding (contact or contactless), and tipping, indenting and foil overlays.

• CPS1800 – includes all of the above features, plus an eight-carousel hopper for dispensing multiple card styles, with the option to include a dye sublimation printer.

• CPS2000 – includes all of the CPS120 base features plus a retransfer printer that prints durable, high-resolution flat or embossed cards from blank stock.

Microservers are diminutive inexpensive servers whose parts have been shrunk and scaled back, allowing them to be packed into clusters. When are microservers a better option than traditional servers? We will answer that question in the May issue of Credit Union tech-talk - subscribe now. 

 

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Hardware Section Sponsored by Millennial Vision, Inc. (MVi)

 

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Software Updates

F-Secure says that their free Online Scanner tool has been completely rebuilt to be faster, lighter and more powerful than before, and now even cleans up advanced rootkits. The tool, downsized to a slim 5MB, is easy to use with just a couple of clicks. Plus, it cleans malware without actually installing itself on the PC.

Some Microsoft SharePoint users are finding that the collaboration system can run into performance issues as it grows. Unfortunately, as the data housed in SharePoint expands, the user experience often suffers. We will take a look at some solutions to this problem in the May issue of Credit Union tech-talk - subscribe today.

 

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Software Updates Sponsored by Raddon Financial Group (RFG)

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ATMs/Kiosks

ATMIA and IPayments Forum have launched WikiATM.com to act as a repository of global ATM data. The purpose of WikiATM.com is to create a body of knowledge on all aspects of the ATM and to promote cross-channel integrated payments with the ATM serving as the hub for financial self-service retail delivery. WikiATM.com will act as an industry best practices portal with members only access. Participation is open to all industry professionals but they must be registered as a member.

GRGBanking, a Chinese ATM manufacturer, is rolling out video teller machines. The say that their VTM provides a consistent and member-friendly banking experience 24/7 allowing the member to communicate with a remote member service consultant, and perform virtually any transaction available at the branch.

Last year, Minnesota became the first state in the U.S. to offer lottery ticket sales at the ATM, using Linq3's ticket sales system. The Linq3 system offers lottery ticket purchases at modified ATMs, and their initial estimates were that purchases would average out to about $7 per buyer. However the reality has been that it is closer to $9. Tickets are limited to quick-pick tickets only, in order to prevent lines from backing up at the ATM.

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ATMs/Kiosks Sponsored by Heritage Industries

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CU Success Stories 

 

Here is a chance to learn about real life credit union success stories from various technology vendors through the words of their clients. This week's vendor is:

 

Member Business Solutions

and their client is:

South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Credit Unions - if you have a vendor that you are happy with then please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

Vendors - if you have a credit union that is happy with your solutions then please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will give you a $100 discount on your Case Study!
 

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Wireless World

A new study by market research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey finds that while one-half of smartphone owners are familiar with mobile wallets, many who are familiar have reservations about adopting. Here are some insights from their report:

 

• Mobile wallet providers who guarantee fraud and theft protection are well positioned to drive adoption among mainstream consumers

• Consumers find the benefits of location-based services appealing, but privacy and battery life remain concerns - the key will be to allow users to customize the number and type of offers they receive

• While financial institutions are the clear choice for the security conscious, opportunities exist for other providers — especially Amazon and Google

The Federal Reserve found in a new survey that mobile banking is continuing to gain a foothold in the United States, with 33 percent more mobile phone users saying that had used their devices for banking purposes in 2012 than in 2011. Meanwhile, mobile payments at the point-of-sale increased threefold over the same period, with 6% of smartphone owners having used their phone to make a purchase. The Fed also noted that 49% of the underbanked reported using mobile banking in the past 12 months.

First Tech Federal Credit Union has become the first credit union in the United States to introduce a native Windows Phone mobile banking app. First Tech launched mobile apps for iOS and Android platforms in August 2012, and now the Mountain View, CA-based FCU will launch its new Windows phone app onsite at the main Microsoft campus in Redmond, WA giving employees of Microsoft an in-depth look at the new platform.

 

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Security Section

Password Manager Pro from ManageEngine is a secure vault for storing and managing shared sensitive information such as passwords, documents and digital identities of enterprises. PMP handles privileged passwords with due care by assigning ownership for resources, user accounts and passwords. PMP provides an option for automatically logging in to target systems and applications directly from the PMP web interface eliminating the need for copying and pasting of passwords.

Some security experts contend that many security projects fail to improve the safety of the organizations launching them. In fact, they are convinced that many computer security projects are a waste of time and money. We will take a look their logic and some alternatives that they believe will make your credit union more secure in the May issue of Credit Union tech-talk - subscribe now. 

 

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Security Section Sponsored by THE FINANCIAL & SECURITY PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION (FSPA)

Our members, located in every state, will be more than happy to consult with your credit union regarding: Upgrading branch security equipment, remodeling branches, servicing all types of physical & electronic security equipment (to include keeping older equipment operational), and providing quotes on ATMS, cash-recyclers, safes, vaults, safe-deposit boxes, after-hour-depositories, drive-up banking systems, tellers’ undercounter steel & storage units, insulated products and all types of electronic security & digital video systems. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by telephone or e-mail for an immediate referral to a member-company in your local area.

CREDIT UNIONS:

For more information or for a member referral in your specific geographic area, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a prompt & detailed response. Our members carry a very broad line of products and are able to provide credit unions with many powerful and affordable alternatives for their security equipment & servicing needs.

SECURITY VENDORS:

For more information about joining our organization and all of the accompanying benefits, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a prompt & detailed response.

Call Today: 800.843.6082

Visit Us Online Today: http://www.fspa1.com

 

 

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Leaders Roundtable

Security:

Online, Mobile, Network & Physical – Securing the Spectrum

BrandProtect - http://www.brandprotect.com Read Michael Kiefer's comments: https://www.cunews.com/BrandProtect.pdf

 

CloudAccess - http://www.cloudaccess.com Read Kevin Nikkhoor's comments: https://www.cunews.com/CloudAccess.pdf

Easy Solutions - http://www.easysol.net Read David Sylvester's comments: https://www.cunews.com/EasySolutions.pdf

 

GreyCastle Security - http://www.greycastlesecurity.com Read Reg Harnish's comments: https://www.cunews.com/GreyCastle.pdf

 

Guardian Analytics - http://www.guardiananalytics.com Read Terry Austin's comments: https://www.cunews.com/Guardian.pdf

 

Harland Financial Solutions - http://www.harlandfinancialsolutions.com Read Tom Berdan's comments: https://www.cunews.com/HFS.pdf

Horsetail Technologies - http://www.horsetailtech.com Read Chris Sachse's comments: https://www.cunews.com/Horsetail.pdf

 

Integrated Media Management - http://www.immonline.com   Read Nish Shah's comments:   https://www.cunews.com/IMM.pdf

MokaFive - http://www.mokafive.com Read Purnima Padmanabhan's comments: https://www.cunews.com/MokaFive.pdf

Millennial Vision - http://www.mviusa.com Read Scott Cowan's comments: https://www.cunews.com/MVi.pdf

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

Hyland Software - http://www.onbase.com Read Steve Comer's comments: https://www.cunews.com/Hyland.pdf

Ongoing Operations - http://www.ongoingoperations.com   Read Kirk Drake's comments:   https://www.cunews.com/OGO.pdf

Q2ebanking - http://www.q2ebanking.com Read Jay McLaughlin's comments: https://www.cunews.com/Q2ebanking.pdf

Rallypoint Solutions - http://www.rallypoint.us.com Read Kris Zupan's comments: https://www.cunews.com/Rallypoint.pdf

Security Compliance Associates - http://www.scasecurity.com Read Jim Brahm's comments: https://www.cunews.com/SCA.pdf

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Technology and Marketing

Social media monitoring can be difficult, but there are numerous programs on the market to help keep track of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, etc. One of them is SimplyMeasured which excels in reporting. However, it doesn't go much beyond that in terms of engagement or posting new content. The product has two major sections: reports and data collections, and comes with more than 35 canned reports available from its dashboard. Each report generally takes a minute or so to generate. Pricing begins at $500 per month for unlimited users but the platform has different pricing tiers that are based on the number of social media networks examined, the size of audience and volume of conversations.

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Online Banking/E-Commerce/Website Design

Intuit announced a Mint-branded PFM that credit unions can install within their secure online banking sites. The service will contain similar functionality as Mint currently offers directly, but members will not see third-party offers, unless the credit union chooses to present them. While Mint is certainly a well known name in personal finance with about 12 million users, it is a potentially significant added expense and may cause brand confusion among your online members.

According to a new study from Forrester Research, in 2012 consumers in the U.S. who opened financial products reported that they opened 37% of those products online, 2% by mobile, and 40% in a branch. The research firm found that four of the top banking activities — paying a bill, viewing balances/transactions, viewing a statement, and transferring money — are being conducted 60% of the time or more via the Web. Finally, Forrester notes that 88% of digital bankers use two or more channels to interact with their FI, and 46% use three or more channels in a given year.

Students at the University of North Alabama are being assigned campus ID cards with a “one-card” from Listerhill Credit Union that also can act as a credit union debit/ATM card. The new cards will feature a second magnetic strip, which will allow individuals with accounts at Listerhill the option to use their new “Mane Card” as a debit card.

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Internet Access

Vertical Communications has launched MBX IP 2.0 which follows the roll out of MBX IP version 1.7 launched last year. The new MBX IP 2.0 comes with improved SIP support, enabling users to extend IP services, such as conferencing to desktop phones and other standard SIP telephone endpoints. It also features upgraded contact center functionalities that enable improved voicemail and unified messaging, in addition to delivering better IP security capabilities.

A robust video conferencing system can preclude the need for having loan officers at every branch. Proponents say that video conferencing allows credit unions to efficiently process loans while still maintaining personable relationships with members. They argue that video conferencing offers an excellent ROI because it can save 1.5 employees per branch.

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Internet Access Sponsored by Mkryptor

CREDIT UNIONS IGNORING EMAIL SECURITY RISKS

Simple Solution Ensures Confidential Information Remains Private

The Financial Sector will find it easier to meet increasing demands for secure communications with the launch of a foolproof, simple and cost-effective email encryption solution.

Mkryptor (www.mkryptor.com) is a new, low cost and easy to use email encryption across devices from PCs and Macs to smartphones. Mkryptor requires no special keys at the recipient end and no extra software on either the sender or recipient device.

Email users should always consider encryption of sensitive material, but professional bodies are routinely emailing confidential client information unsecured, which is highly risky.

We used to drive without seatbelts, ride without helmets, smoke indoors in public places. We’ll soon look back and see how crazy it was to send confidential email unencrypted.

Email incidents risk ending careers, a business collapsing under legal costs and reputational damage of confidentiality breach. Next time you send unprotected email, ask yourself what you are going to tell your member if their data turns up on the Internet?

Existing encryption products fail the usability test. Mkryptor delivers peace of mind and ensures that your credit union’s confidential information stays confidential; it not only lowers your risk, provides a clear audit trail and it takes just a few seconds to use.

For more information on how to improve your member service and lower your risk visit www.mkryptor.com for a demonstration or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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Call Centers

Mitel says that their AnyWare Cloud Contact Center solution was built from the ground-up for small and mid-sized contact centers. Agents can work from home, the office, or remotely, and the software integrates with leading CRM applications including Salesforce.com, SugarCRM, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and other TAPI (Telephony Applications Programming Interface) applications.

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Conferences

Catch Tom and Bill Rogers, Associate Editor of Credit Union tech-talk, at these upcoming conferences:

May 30 - June 1, Scottsdale - 40th Annual FSPA Conference

June 5-7, Las Vegas - Credit Union InfoSecurity Conference

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