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Informational Memorandum
Subject:Technology Alerts
Date of Memorandum:05/21/2001
Expiration Date:
Office:OE
Signed By:Smith, Roland
FCA Contact Person:Glenn, Thomas
Contact Phone:703-883-4412
List of Attachments:
Effective April 10, 2003, the title "Technology Alerts" was changed to "Technology Advisory". With the exception of the title change, the content of the Informational Memorandum shown below remains applicable.


INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM

May 21, 2001

To: The Chief Executive Officer
All Farm Credit System Institutions

From: Roland E. Smith, Director
Office of Examination

Subject: Technology Alerts


Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions are increasingly using the World Wide Web and other internet-based applications to provide their customers and the general public on-line access to information and services, and enhance internal business operations. But the potential improvements in service delivery and productivity come with many security risks. In some instances, the sensitive information and communications that may be involved in these activities will require greater security assurances than can be provided by simple security measures. Just as important though, institutions face the continuous challenge of adjusting their security systems to keep pace with risks such as hacker and virus attacks that are becoming both more sophisticated and damaging. Such adjustments must be made very quickly to prevent or at least control damage.

The Farm Credit Administration (FCA) periodically receives information from government entities and others that can help FCS institutions mitigate risks to their security systems. We will send “Alerts” in order to more quickly inform institutions of situations that could potentially compromise the integrity of their security systems. Each Alert will be forwarded to all FCS institutions by electronic mail (e-mail). Typically, it will consist of information received from reliable sources such as the System Administration Networking and Security Institute, the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council (FFIEC), or individual members of the FFIEC and will not contain FCA staff commentary. To initiate the “Technology Alerts”, however, we need your assistance. Specifically, we are requesting that each institution identify a contact (s) and their e-mail address (es). Preferably this person (s) should be responsible for computer security.

Please send the requested information to Tom Glenn at his e-mail address glennt@fca.gov. In addition, please contact Tom by e-mail or at (703) 883-4412 if you have any questions about this memorandum.