Collection Agency Gets Serious About Data Security

Bensalem, PA ? NCB Management Services, Inc., headquarted in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has recently announced the promotion of Gordon Patterson to Chief Security Officer to head up a newly formed security team. The formation of this team, coupled with high-tech building and information security, ISO 17799 and SAS70 certification, as well as redundant system capabilities demonstrates how NCB is raising the bar on security standards in the collection industry.

The new security team’s primary objective is to ensure that the most up-to-date security measures are being implemented at NCB. This is based largely on the recommendations of their annual ISO17799 audit. This audit is a comprehensive inspection designed to assist companies in bringing their total security package up to it’s highest potential. Although many agencies forego this certification because it is too expensive, NCB believes that this is a necessary cost of doing business for firms serious about protecting their client’s information. “It is crucial that we have a comprehensive set of controls that comprise best practices in information security. Therefore, we are diligent about maintaining our annual ISO17799 certification ? a key standard for information security,” says Patterson.

Patterson points out that existing physical security measures include full video surveillance, security card access based on employee clearance classification, as well as extensive criminal background checks on all employees. IT security measures are enhanced with strong password and access control policies. In addition, another layer of security is applied with “Triple DES” encryption applied to all data transactions. This 168-bit encryption key is just one more tier of protection that adds to NCB’s state-of-the-art security package.

The company has even prepared itself for unexpected catastrophic events by developing a detailed disaster recovery plan. In the event of an unexpected disaster, each building acts as a backup facility for the other with full redundant system capabilities. These buildings are located hundreds of miles apart which creates a buffer to shield the company’s operations and ensure a seamless transition to “business as usual” should the unexpected occur.

NCB’s proactive approach to security acknowledges the growing concern of financial institutions to safeguard their clients’ information and exhibits its commitment to forward-thinking policies. For more information, please contact Susan Richards at susan.richards@ncbi.com or call 1-800-828-1110 extension 1247.