Security Considerations and Mitigation Measures in Banks
Principles & Practices of Banking | Module C · Chapter 48
Covers the full security landscape in computerised banking — risk areas, threat taxonomy, control mechanisms, audit approaches (around/through/with computer), IS audit, IS security (CIA framework), cyber fraud modus operandi (phishing, vishing, BEC, SIM swapping), disaster recovery (RTO/RPO), the IT Act 2000, digital signatures, the G. Gopalakrishna Committee's 9-chapter report, and the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2021.
📌 Why This Chapter Matters in JAIIB
Expect 5–7 questions from this chapter. Key exam focus areas: Risk areas (Data/Software, Infrastructure, Peopleware — three components of a computerised environment); Threat types (Accidental: environmental hazards, human errors, unreliable systems; Malicious: interruption of services, frauds); Control types (Preventive eliminates errors from reoccurring; Detective identifies errors after they occur; Corrective removes effects of errors); Audit approaches (Around the Computer: examines I/O without touching software; Through the Computer: uses computers to test logic; With the Computer: uses CAATT software); IS Audit 4 control types (Deterrent, Preventive, Detective, Corrective); IS Security CIA (Confidentiality, Availability, Integrity); Threats (Phishing, Vishing, Smishing, Ransomware, DDoS/Botnet, Malware, Spear Phishing, Whaling, BEC, SIM Swapping); Disaster Recovery (RPO = point in past to which you recover; RTO = point in future when you are back up — for banks RPO ideally = zero); Gopalakrishna Committee (9 chapters: IT Governance, Information Security, IT Operations, Outsourcing, IS Audit, Cyber Fraud, BCP, Customer Education, Legal Issues); Ombudsman Scheme 2021 (integrates 3 prior schemes; no limit on dispute amount; appeal within 30 days).
Key Facts & References — Chapter 48 at a Glance
Introduction & Risk Concern Areas
FreeIntroduction
Banking operations are prone to various risks and online frauds. The deployment of IT has changed the scale of risks, but not their nature. Securing technology and protecting customer data is one of the highest priorities for any financial institution. The unprecedented growth in digital payments and the push towards a cashless economy has intensified focus on financial cybersecurity.
| Risks in a Computerised Environment Broadly Lead To | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Incorrect decision making → setback to the business |
| 2 | Interruption in activities due to loss of data, hardware, software, peopleware |
| 3 | Violation of privacy |
| 4 | Direct financial loss due to computer frauds |
Risk Concern Areas — 3 Components of a Computerised Environment
A typical computerised environment has three interdependent but separate components: Data, Software, and Hardware. Risks are not specific to banking — they exist in all business activities.
48.2.1 Data & Software
- •Data is critical for continuing operations — incorrect data leads to wrong decisions
- •Lack of control over data enables fraud by unscrupulous elements
- •Confidential data falling into wrong hands damages customer relations and bank reputation
- •Unauthorised changes to application software directly lead to fraud
- •Utility software on operational systems can bypass validation controls
- •Errors due to software modifications are difficult to detect
48.2.2 Infrastructure
- •Hardware: CPUs, controllers, modems, switches/multiplexers, routers
- •Environment: Precision ACs, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors
- •Power supply: UPS, CVT (constant voltage stabilisers), generators
- •Equipment not regularly maintained → malfunctioning → service interruption or asset/data loss
48.2.3 Peopleware
Refers to the role played by persons directly or indirectly involved in managing computerised systems.
- •(a) Stagnation in knowledge and skill levels → affects efficiency of newer systems
- •(b) High turnover due to attrition → difficult to get suitable replacements
- •Impact felt most for technical staff handling highly specialised functions
- •Impact comes from both internal staff and software house personnel
Types of Threats & Control Mechanism
FreeDifferent Types of Threats
48.3.1 Accidental Damages
Environmental Hazards
Fire, floods, unstabilised power supply, natural calamities — systems not properly tested also lead to higher failure rates.
Human Errors and Omissions
Errors occur at time of: (a) systems design/process development, (b) data entry at terminal, (c) programme maintenance and corrections.
Primary cause: Human failure. Secondary cause: Machine failure.
Unreliable Systems
In multi-programming/multi-user environments, systems are prone to errors and intentional frauds. Customisation of standard packages often introduces new errors.
48.3.2 Malicious Damages
Interruption in Services
From disgruntled employees or individuals with mala fide intentions. Branches/delivery channels are networked — any damage can bring system down partially or completely. Banks must build redundancy (24×7 for critical infrastructure).
Frauds — Common Methods
- →Utility programmes used to make unauthorised changes bypassing validation controls
- →Unauthorised amendments to payment instructions before entry into system
- →Unauthorised manipulation of important files bypassing security controls
- →Unauthorised programme changes causing automatic fraudulent transactions
- →In networked systems: intercepting data in transit
Control Mechanism — 4 Types
48.4.1 Physical Controls
- →Control over access to assets — only authorised persons enter computer room
- →Software techniques protect against unlimited access attempts
- →Access log maintained; passwords, PIN, or biometric fingerprint verification
- →Routine checks: smoke detectors, fire extinguishers must be effective and operational
- →Control over outputs: hard copies preserved; access only to authorised persons
- →Source code of running system not available on system to avoid tampering
48.4.2 Logical Controls
- →Operating system controls access at directory and file level
- →Database controls access at record and field level
- →Two types: Authentication (only authorised users access) + Authorisation (just-minimum access to files/directories)
- →System Administration manages both authentication and authorisation in operating systems
- →Provide interface between application controls and general IS controls
48.4.3 Internal Controls
- →Check accuracy and reliability of accounting data, ensure operational efficiency, safeguard assets
- →Two types: Application controls (dual controls, validation checks, numerical sequencing) + Administrative controls (defined responsibilities, formal policies/procedures)
- →For customer accounting: validations on stop payments, post-dated/stale cheques, invalid dates
- →Verification of sensitive parameters: due dates, drawing limits, rates, stop instructions
48.4.4 Operational Controls
- →Embedded in software to ensure data integrity, consistency, and processing
- →Example: verification of checksum and database integrity as part of day-begin functions
- →Audit trail types: Accounting audit trail (data updates) + Operations audit trail (resource consumption)
- →Both successful and unsuccessful transactions logged with terminal no., user-id, transaction details, timestamp
Checksum
Number calculated on key data items of a file to ensure integrity. In branch banking, checksum from closing of previous day is tallied with day-begin of next day. Involves: account number, balances, account holder names.
Data Encryption
Systematically converts data to ciphertext (non-readable form). In EFT systems, MAC (Message Authentication Code) is a secret key applied to selected data items to verify message integrity in transit. MAC is recalculated by receiver — if different, message was altered.
Data Masking
Hides personal data (credit card numbers, SSN, names, addresses, phone numbers) to prevent breaches. Used in test/development environments created from production data. Helps meet PCI DSS and other compliance requirements.
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