Following several reported cyber attacks against financial institutions, Belgium-based global financial messaging network SWIFT pledged Friday to step up its efforts to help the financial industry combat threats to cybersecurity.
In a notice to the financial firms that participate in its network, Swift says that although there have been breaches in local payment infrastructure, its own network, services and software were not compromised.
“While customers are responsible for the security of their own environment, security is our top priority and as an industry-owned co-operative we are committed to helping our customers fight against cyber-attacks,” SWIFT says in the notice.
SWIFT promises to alert the industry to reports of possible malware, and to share best practices at guarding against cyber attacks. “We are currently working to further reinforce our support to customers in securing their access to the SWIFT network,” the notice adds. “We are receiving feedback from the relevant board committee and overseers in the coming days and will be sharing plans with the wider community.”
SWIFT is also seeking to improve information sharing,noting that enhanced information sharing will improve its ability to help solve any issues that may arise, to identify emerging patterns, and to alert other institutions to threats.
“The security of our global financial community can only be ensured through a collaborative approach among SWIFT, its users, its central bank overseers and third party suppliers,” the SWIFT notice says, and the organization is committed to leading the effort. “To this end, it is essential that you share critical security information related to SWIFT with us,” the notice says.