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SWIFT Customer Security Programme: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant? - Information Security Consulting Company - VISTA InfoSec
The SWIFT Customer Security Programme (CSP) is a security framework developed by SWIFT to improve the cyber security posture of financial institutions connected to its network. It aims to fight against growing cyber threats by providing a structured set of 32 SWIFT security controls that institutions must implement to safeguard their SWIFT related infrastructure. These controls are grouped under three key objectives: Secure Your Environment, Know and Limit Access, and Detect and Respond. To learn more about the key objectives and principles of the CSP check out this quick guide to SWIFT CSP. In this article, we will explore the key steps to ensure compliance with SWIFT CSP, common compliance challenges and their solutions, and the consequences of SWIFT CSP non-compliance. So, let’s get started! Steps for achieving SWIFT CSP compliance 1.Understand the SWIFT CSP framework Review the SWIFT Customer Security Controls Framework (CSCF) through the SWIFT CSP portal to understand all the security requirements there related to secure communication, operations, and cybersecurity. 2.Conduct a self-assessment Perform gap analysis to assess your current security posture. Complete the SWIFT CSP compliance questionnaire to check the current alignment with the required controls. 3.Implement security controls Deploy required cybersecurity measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA), data encryption, and segregation of duties. Update internal security policies that need to be updated to meet SWIFT CSP standards and set up continuous security monitoring. 4.Engage in SWIFT’s assurance process If needed, hire a third-party auditor for a formal review and assurance report. Alternatively, complete self-certification to declare compliance. 5.Address gaps and remediate Implement corrective actions for any identified non-compliance areas. Test the security controls to ensure they meet SWIFT’s standards. 6.Regular reviews and updates Continuously monitor and update security measures to stay compliant. Conduct annual reviews to ensure all security controls are current with SWIFT’s evolving requirements. 7.Document and report compliance Maintain detailed records of assessments, audits, and actions taken. Submit required reports to SWIFT, ensuring all documentation is accurate and up to date. 8.Training and Awareness Provide ongoing training for employees on SWIFT CSP requirements and security best practices. Develop a culture of security awareness to reduce risks and ensure compliance. Common challenges and solutions to maintain compliance 1. Adapting to Evolving Security Standards The Challenge: SWIFT frequently updates its CSP requirements to keep up with new threats and vulnerabilities in the financial system. For institutions with limited resources or complex IT environments, staying ahead of these changes can feel like an uphill battle. The Solution: Assign a dedicated compliance officer or team to monitor SWIFT updates and ensure they’re reflected in your security controls. You can register yourself with the SWIFT Council, which will give you access to restricted materials by SWIFT and also get immediate updates of any changes or challenges. Make it a routine to review new SWIFT CSP guidelines, adapt your processes, and document every change. Most importantly, communicate these updates across the organization so everyone is on the same page. 2. Resource Constraints The Challenge: Meeting SWIFT CSP’s security requirements is no small feat. For smaller institutions or those with tight budgets, implementing and maintaining these measures can be a significant strain. The Solution: Focus on what matters most, and prioritize critical controls that address the biggest risks. Take advantage of cost-effective solutions like cloud-based security tools or automation to streamline processes. When resources are stretched thin, consider outsourcing non-core compliance tasks to specialized third-party providers. Ensure you are regularly audited (even internally) by a third party to confirm that, with the lean resources, you are still a main team with no gaps. 3. Complexity in Security Infrastructure The Challenge: Financial institutions often manage sprawling IT systems with diverse technologies and platforms. This complexity can make it challenging to apply SWIFT CSP controls consistently across the board. The Solution: Tackle the challenge step by step. Start with a phased approach, prioritizing high-risk areas first. Focus on core security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and access management. Regularly test your infrastructure to catch integration issues early and ensure everything is working together smoothly. Since the penalties are high and the risks are also pretty high, it would be of good use to your organisation to interact with your auditors or consultants to confirm that you are on the right track. 4. Employee Awareness and Training The Challenge: Security isn’t just IT’s job, every employee has a role to play. But getting everyone, from technical staff to end users, to understand their part in SWIFT CSP compliance can be a daunting task, especially in large organizations. The Solution: Invest in tailored, role-based training programs that emphasize SWIFT CSP requirements and security best practices. Reinforce this knowledge with periodic security awareness campaigns, like phishing simulations, to keep employees on their toes. Develop a culture of security where compliance isn’t just a checkbox but a shared organizational value. Ensure that the learnings are fine tuned as per the department and the work expectations from a team instead of a generalised training which covers something as mundane as “What is information security”. 5. Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response The Challenge: Monitoring security controls around the clock and responding swiftly to incidents can be overwhelming without the right tools and processes in place. The Solution: Adopt automated tools for real-time monitoring and incident detection. These systems can flag suspicious activity immediately, allowing your team to act fast. Streamline your response with automated workflows designed to contain threats quickly. Ensure alerts are configured to be sent to relevant personnel to report on critical time sensitive events. Don’t forget to regularly review and update your incident response plans to align with SWIFT’s evolving requirements. 6. Third-Party Risk Management The Challenge: Your security is only as strong as your weakest link, which often includes third-party vendors. Managing the security posture of external partners can be tricky, especially when their standards don’t match yours. The Solution: Set clear expectations for vendors by requiring them to comply with SWIFT CSP controls. Conduct regular audits to ensure they’re meeting these standards
Top 10 Influencers to Follow In Cybersecurity 2025 - Information Security Consulting Company - VISTA InfoSec
If you’re in the cybersecurity world — whether you’re a CISO, ethical hacker, compliance pro, or just love staying ahead of cyber threats — following the right voices can make all the difference. From founders and educators to threat hunters and security journalists, the people on this list are shaping the way we think about risk, privacy, innovation, and what’s coming next. These aren’t just professionals – they’re the ones who set the tone for the global conversation on cybersecurity. Here are 10 cybersecurity influencers worth keeping on your radar in 2025 – each offering a unique lens into the evolving digital threatscape. Robert Herjavec: 🔗 LinkedIn Profile CEO, Herjavec Group | 2,263,115 followers Best known for his Shark Tank fame, Robert Herjavec is also one of cybersecurity’s most recognizable faces in the business world. He leads Herjavec Group, one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity companies globally. Why follow: He blends boardroom strategy with cyber defense — great for execs and security leaders trying to talk risk in plain English. Gary Hayslip: 🔗 LinkedIn Profile CISO at SoftBank Investment Advisers | 197,268 followers Gary’s career spans government, startups, and major enterprises – making him a powerhouse of practical security leadership. He writes regularly on security frameworks, threat intelligence, and board-level communication. Why follow: He’s a go-to source for real-world CISO advice without the jargon — clear, thoughtful, and experience-backed. Matthew Rosenquist 🔗 LinkedIn Profile CISO, Mercury Risk| 195,690 followers Matthew is a cybersecurity leader who simplifies complex threats into clear, actionable strategies. As a trusted advisor and speaker, he helps teams and boards stay ahead without the tech jargon. Why follow: He’s one of the few who make complex cyber trends easy to understand, without watering them down. Brian Krebs 🔗 LinkedIn Profile Independent Cybersecurity Journalist, KrebsOnSecurity.com | 192,630 followers Brian is the name in investigative cybersecurity journalism. Whether it’s a data breach or a dark web marketplace, chances are he covered it first — and better than anyone else. Why follow: If you’re not reading KrebsOnSecurity, you’re probably missing critical breach news before it hits mainstream media. Chuck Brooks 🔗 LinkedIn Profile President of brooksci.com, Adjunct Faculty – Georgetown University | 124,254 followers Chuck is one of the most connected voices in cybersecurity and government tech policy. His updates offer a window into public-private partnerships and innovation at scale. Why follow: He’s everywhere cybersecurity meets business, defense, and government — all in one feed. Naomi Buckwalter 🔗 LinkedIn Profile Executive Director of cybersecuritygatebreakers.org, LinkedIn Learning Instructor |108,143 followers Naomi is known for her candid takes on industry gaps, especially when it comes to hiring, mentorship, and breaking into cybersecurity. Why follow: She’s actively helping diversify and grow the cyber talent pool, and her advice is gold for newcomers and leaders alike. Helen Yu 🔗 LinkedIn Profile CEO, Tigon Advisory Corp, Host of CXO Spice |76,995 followers Helen merges business growth with cybersecurity and digital transformation. She’s a strong advocate for risk-aware leadership and smarter exposure management. Why follow: She’s one of the few who talks cyber in boardroom language — making her a favourite among executives and strategy leads. Christophe Foulon 🔗 LinkedIn Profile Founder, CPF Coaching | 49,173 followers Christophe is a coach, mentor, and career developer in cybersecurity. His content is packed with real-life tips for breaking into the field and leveling up. Why follow: If you’re new to cyber or mentoring others, his posts are like free career coaching on your feed. Troy Hunt 🔗 LinkedIn Profile Founder and CEO of HaveIBeenPwned.com, Microsoft Regional Director & MVP | 47,814 followers Troy created HaveIBeenPwned — a free tool used by millions to check if their credentials have been compromised. His work in data breaches and identity security is unmatched. Why follow: He makes breach data make sense, and teaches how to actually do something with it. Narendra Sahoo 🔗 LinkedIn Profile Founder & Director of VISTA InfoSec | 39,608 followers With over 32 years in cybersecurity and compliance, Narendra is a seasoned expert in frameworks like PCI DSS, SOC, ISO 27001, and SWIFT. As a QSA and CREST-certified professional, he’s helped hundreds of global organizations build secure, audit-ready environments. Why follow: He’s the compliance strategist who transforms complex rules into clear, actionable steps, trusted by Fortune 500 leaders worldwide. That’s a Wrap! Cybersecurity can often feel overwhelming, especially with the ever evolving threat landscape and complex compliance requirements. But by following the top cybersecurity influencers, you can cut through the noise and gain practical insights and real-world tips to help safeguard your business and stay secure online. At VISTA InfoSec, our mission is to help businesses do more than just pass audits. We believe in building security that actually works in the real world, not just on paper. From PCI DSS and SOC 2 to ISO 27001, HIPAA, DORA, and beyond, we simplify the complex and bring clarity to compliance. With deep, hands-on audit experience, we help you align with global standards, earn customer trust, and stay resilient in the face of constantly changing risks. This is because when it comes to cybersecurity and compliance, the right guidance can make all the difference. Narendra SahooNarendra Sahoo (PCI QPA, PCI QSA, PCI SSF ASSESSOR, CISSP, CISA, CRISC, 27001 LA) is the Founder and Director of VISTA InfoSec, a global Information Security Consulting firm, based in the US, Singapore & India. Mr. Sahoo holds more than 25 years of experience in the IT Industry, with expertise in Information Risk Consulting, Assessment, & Compliance services. VISTA InfoSec specializes in Information Security audit, consulting and certification services which include GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, NESA, MAS-TRM, PCI DSS Compliance & Audit, PCI PIN, SOC2 Compliance & Audit, PDPA, PDPB to name a few. The company has for years (since 2004) worked with organizations across the globe to address the Regulatory and Information Security challenges in their industry. VISTA InfoSec has been instrumental in helping top multinational companies achieve compliance and secure their IT infrastructure. vistainfosec.com/
Minimize Cybersecurity Threats by Making Smart Hosting Choices - Information Security Consulting Company - VISTA InfoSec
Hosting is critical in defending websites from modern cyber threats, yet it’s often overlooked in basic security strategies. Different types of hosting offer varying levels of protection, with dedicated and VPS hosting typically offering stronger isolation. Evaluating provider transparency, support quality, and built-in security tools is key to making a smart, long-term hosting decision. Avoid hosts with vague policies, poor support, or unrealistically low prices, as these can signal serious security gaps. When you think about protecting your website from cyber threats, your first thought probably isn’t your hosting provider. The typical go-to solutions are firewalls, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication. But the truth is, your hosting environment is one of the most overlooked yet critical components of a strong cybersecurity strategy. Every website, no matter how small, is a potential target for cybercriminals. The threats are constant and evolving, from malware injections to brute-force login attempts. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be proactive—and that starts with where and how your site is hosted. In this article, we’re unpacking how your hosting choices can expose you to security risks or shield your digital presence from harm. Whether launching your first site or managing a growing online business, understanding the link between hosting and cybersecurity can save you a ton of headaches — and money — down the road. The Overlooked Role of Hosting in Cybersecurity Let’s be honest—hosting rarely gets the attention it deserves in cybersecurity discussions. Most people assume they’re covered if they have antivirus software and SSL encryption, but that’s only part of the picture. Think of your hosting environment as the foundation of a house. No matter how solid your doors and windows are, the whole structure is at risk if the foundation is weak. Similarly, if your hosting service doesn’t offer a secure setup, your site becomes far more vulnerable to attacks, even if your plugins and passwords are top-notch. Take shared hosting, for example. It’s affordable and popular, especially among small websites. However, with multiple sites sharing the same server, if one site gets compromised, the others can be at risk, too. It’s the digital version of living in an apartment building with paper-thin walls — what affects your neighbor could easily affect you. Conversely, VPS (Virtual Private Server) or dedicated hosting offer better isolation and control, dramatically reducing the surface area for potential attacks. Cloud hosting also brings advantages, primarily when managed by a reputable provider that stays current with security patches and updates. Real-world cases have shown that businesses using outdated or misconfigured hosting were far more likely to suffer breaches. It’s not just about having a space on the Internet—it’s about where that space is and how well it’s protected. Why Hosting Providers Matter More Than You Think Not all hosting companies are created equal. Beyond offering disk space and bandwidth, the best providers quietly work behind the scenes to secure their servers, monitor for unusual activity, and deploy patches long before vulnerabilities become public knowledge. This is where price and quality start to show their true colors. Sure, costs for website hosting vary based on provider, and it is tempting to go for the cheapest option. But when it comes to cybersecurity, that bargain can come with hidden costs, like unreliable uptime, slow response during emergencies, or weak defenses against malware. Security-conscious providers invest heavily in infrastructure, such as intrusion detection systems, daily backups, and built-in firewalls. They also typically offer responsive customer support, an underrated but critical feature when dealing with potential breaches or downtime. A good host will be transparent about their security protocols and compliance with standards like ISO/IEC 27001 or SOC 2. If that information isn’t easy to find or their answers seem vague, take it as a warning sign. So, before you settle on a provider, consider how seriously they treat security. Ask questions. Read the fine print. And most importantly, don’t assume that low cost equals high value — especially when your data is on the line. Key Features That Boost Hosting Security When comparing hosting options, it’s easy to focus on flashy promises like unlimited bandwidth or 99.9% uptime. But if you’re serious about protecting your website, your attention should shift to security-first features—the real backbone of reliable hosting. Start with DDoS protection. Distributed denial-of-service attacks are among the most common ways bad actors try to bring down a site. A host that actively monitors traffic and filters out suspicious patterns can stop an attack before it impacts your site. This isn’t just about keeping your site live — it’s about maintaining trust with your visitors. Next, look for malware scanning and removal tools. Some hosts offer automated daily scans, while others expect you to handle it independently. The first option gives you a much better safety net. Automatic backups are another must-have. If your site does get compromised, a solid backup system lets you quickly roll back to a clean version — ideally without jumping through a dozen support tickets. Then there’s server isolation. On shared hosting plans, multiple websites often reside on the same server, which can be a security risk if one gets infected. But some hosts offer account-level isolation even within shared environments, which adds an extra layer of protection. Don’t overlook patch management, either. Operating systems and server software, like your phone or laptop, need regular updates. A reputable host will apply these patches consistently, ensuring your server doesn’t become an easy target because it runs outdated software. At the end of the day, these features aren’t just technical bells and whistles—they’re shields for your data, your users, and your reputation. If your current host doesn’t offer them or charges a premium to add them, it might be time to reassess. Red Flags When Choosing a Host While it’s important to know what to look for in a secure hosting provider, it’s just as crucial to recognize the warning signs that a host might not be in good shape. First off, be wary of vague