LAS VEGAS — March 9, 2006 — The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and Microsoft Corp. today announced they are teaming up to help community banks manage the security of their technology infrastructures and battle emerging security risks.
Announced at ICBA’s National Convention and Techworld this week in Las Vegas, the alliance between Microsoft and ICBA will bring informative materials, CEO webcasts and an eight-city educational series on data security to ICBA’s nearly 5,000 members. In addition, Microsoft will work with ICBA members through regular surveys and meetings to continue to tailor its software solutions with the security needs of community banks in mind.
“Maintaining an effective data security strategy has become increasingly complex and time-consuming for community bankers,” said Ken Parsons, chairman of the Payments and Technology Committee for ICBA, and chairman of Venture Bank in Lacey, Wash. “ICBA’s relationship with Microsoft will greatly help us by providing information we need to enhance the security of our technology infrastructures and provide improved protection for our customers.”
To kick off creation of the alliance, Microsoft’s Vice President of Trustworthy Computing, Advanced Strategies and Policy Division, Scott Charney, will give a keynote presentation at ICBA’s convention. In his talk, “The CEO’s Role in Protecting a Bank’s Reputation and Data,” Charney will discuss Microsoft’s perspective on the current risks to e-commerce, the impact of regulation and compliance, and actions necessary to identify, mitigate and remediate security risks in financial services.
Microsoft and ICBA will start taking their security message nationwide April 4, with an eight-city series of educational seminars across the United States. Topics during the full-day sessions will include data security threats and emerging vulnerabilities, legal and regulatory compliance issues and risk assessments.
“Community banks need access to security resources that are tailored to meet their needs,” said Joel Greenberg, director of the Enterprise Relationship Team at Microsoft. “We are pleased to work with ICBA, the nation’s leading national association for community banks, to provide pertinent and timely information to ICBA-member banks.”
Those wanting more information or to sign up for the seminar series can visit ICBA’s Web site at http://www.icba.org.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America, the nation’s voice for community banks, represents the largest constituency of community banks of all sizes and charter types in the nation, and is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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