FCI and cleverDome Team Up to Thwart Cyber Threats

FCI, Inc. (formerly known as Financial Computer, Inc.), a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that delivers seamless cybersecurity compliance to protect financial advisors, staff and client data, and cleverDome, Inc.TM, a  B-Corporation that provides a community-driven solution to protect confidential consumer information by taking that information “under the Dome”TM (i.e. secure and off the open Internet), are now actively working together with the goal of moving the financial services industry to a higher and more secure level of data security.

Brian Edelman, CEO of FCI, is a nationally recognized cybersecurity expert specialized in the financial services industry. In 2017, FCI joined cleverDome and will now offer to its clients, “the Dome” as part of its comprehensive cybersecurity compliance solution.

“We created the Dome as a community-based platform to protect confidential client information in the cloud,” said Aaron Spradlin, co-founder and CEO of cleverDome. The Dome is a software-defined perimeter that combines end-point protection with a secure network under a common due diligence standard.  Under the Dome, cleverDome members share, send, receive and have access to confidential client information within a secure trust network.”

“cleverDome is leading the financial services industry toward a real cybersecurity solution that is safe, reliable and fast,” Edelman said. “In a traditional network, data jumps between edges and public servers. But under the Dome, data goes through a specially configured cloud, directly to the destination point, using real military grade cyber security. Access to the Dome is controlled through a provisioning process to determine which members can access which services on which servers,” Edelman explained.

“Here’s where my team and I come in: all members must meet minimum cybersecurity standards and complete the due diligence process to come under the Dome. FCI, as a cleverDome member, monitors its clients’ devices to ensure they meet the cleverDome standards, but FCI also notifies the end-user and potentially denies access to the Dome should a deficiency occur. We will also help our clients fix the problem so they can get back under the Dome as quickly as possible.”

“What’s different and important here is that as the cleverDome member, FCI assumes the responsibility to ensure compliance with the cleverDome standards on behalf of all of its clients.  As a MSSP, FCI provides continuous monitoring to ensure its clients comply with the cleverDome standards and also takes responsibility for ensuring that each device is secure before the client enters the Dome.  If a device is not secure, FCI will remediate the problem or deny access to the Dome to stop an incident before it becomes a security breach.”

AVAILABLE AT THE TD NATIONAL LINC CONFERENCE IN ORLANDO

To help financial advisors understand all the nuances and requirements, Edelman and Spradlin have agreed to participate at the National LINC Conference hosted by TD Ameritrade Institutional January 30 – February 2, 2018 in Orlando, Florida.

Here are three ways to continue the conversation while at the National LINC conference:

  • 50-Minute Presentation on Cyber Security – On Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 (11:10 am – 12:00 pm), Bryan Baas, MD Risk Oversight and Control, TD Ameritrade Institutional, and Brian Edelman, CEO, FCI, will tell financial advisors everything they need to know to protect the business they’ve worked so hard to build. Look for the session titled: “Are You Cyber-Savvy?” on the agenda.
  • Business Consulting Lounge – Edelman and a colleague will be stationed within the Business Consulting Lounge during pre-set time blocks. Drop by and get personalized advice.
  • Veo Village Kiosk #6b – Spradlin will be in Veo Village during standard exhibit hall hours. Edelman will come to the cleverDome kiosk when he is not otherwise scheduled to serve in the Business Consulting Lounge. Stop in and learn more about cleverDome and why the new standards and protocols are important for financial advisors and financial services firms.

MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS

“Advisors are faced with cybersecurity risks every day,” said Spradlin, who also serves as CTO for independent broker/dealer United Planners. “Are you making the right decisions? Or are you putting your firm at risk? Learn why it is necessary to use secure devices AND a secure network to conduct business. In the Cyber Savvy session, you will test your knowledge and gain insights into how you, and your office, can become more cyber-safe.“

NEW CYBERSECURITY RULES LOOM

“In light of the new cybersecurity rules that took effect March 1, 2017 for financial services firms doing business in New York, and with the expectation that the new requirements may be showing up around the nation before too long, cyber compliance is more important than ever,” Edelman said. “Selecting technology and the corresponding companies with the right know-how and cybersecurity expertise to support your growing RIA can seem overwhelming — but miss even one critical element in the due diligence process and you could be toast. These matters are urgent and should not be ignored simply because you are busy or unsure what to do.”

ABOUT FCI, INC.

FCI, Inc. (formerly known as Financial Computer, Inc.) has been providing professional IT services and cybersecurity solutions within the highly regulated legal, medical and financial fields for over twenty years. The company offers security tools that are easy to implement. The goal is to keep firms compliant based on stringent regulations and cybersecurity policies. Founder and CEO Brian Edelman started his career in 1986 with a top producing, multi-disciplined financial services sales office. In 1995, he founded Financial Computer, a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), to offer a complete suite of cybersecurity solutions customized for financial services firms with independent sales offices. Over the years, Edelman has developed a unique expertise around regulations, compliance, and cybersecurity. He is a frequent speaker at major conferences in the industry such as T3 (Technology Tools for Today), TD Ameritrade, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Edelman has been a media resource for major outlets such as CNBC, Financial Planning magazine, and InvestmentNews. Learn more at www.FCIcyber.com.

ABOUT CLEVERDOME

cleverDome,Inc. is an Arizona Benefit Corporation (B Corporation) that operates as a Co-Op. Members include managed security service providers, software service vendors, custodians, broker/dealers, registered investment advisers, financial advisors and ultimately their investor clients (read news release from November 2017: cleverDome Launches Secure Financial Services Solution at the 2017 T3 Enterprise Conference). As a B Corporation, its mission is to protect confidential consumer information through safe, reliable and fast Internet connections. cleverDome CEO and co-founder Aaron Spradlin and chief legal counsel and co-founder Bridget Gaughan established cleverDome as a B corporation to create a solid and permanent commitment to delivering a community-based solution to protect confidential client information. cleverDome provides a fundamental model for the future of secure trust networks: the unification of end-point protection with a secure communication layer under a common due diligence standard. This revolutionary model is built on a community-driven platform in collaboration with financial services industry thought-leaders. The Dome is powered by NetFoundry™, a Tata Communications business incubated in Tata Communications’ ‘Shape the Future’ program. Learn more at www.cleverDome.com.

TD Ameritrade is separate from and not affiliated with any third parties mentioned and is not responsible for their policies, opinions and services.

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