FedLine
Expertise in Federal Reserve Electronic Access Security
Understanding the FedLine Assurance Program
Established by the Federal Reserve Banks, the FedLine Solutions Security and Resiliency Assurance Program is an annual requirement introduced in 2021 to strengthen cybersecurity across electronic financial services. The program enhances data protection and mitigates cyber risks for organizations utilizing FedLine products.
Key Objectives:
Mitigate risks associated with electronic access to Federal Reserve services.
Ensure compliance with industry best practices and federal standards.
Involve senior management in cybersecurity oversight and review processes.
Protect the integrity of the U.S. electronic payments system.
FedLine Products and Compliance Requirements
The program applies to all FedLine solutions, including:
FedLine Web
FedLine Advantage
FedLine Command
FedLine Direct
FedMail
Each product has unique security requirements, but the assurance process is unified, ensuring organizations can efficiently assess and manage cybersecurity risks across their FedLine solutions.
As a trusted partner in cybersecurity compliance, we provide a full spectrum of services to support financial institutions in proactively adopting the CRI Profile. Our approach focuses on enabling your institution to make a smooth transition while enhancing your overall cybersecurity posture.
We help your team thoroughly understand the FedLine Solutions Security and Resiliency Assurance Program’s documentation, including product-specific controls and assessment guidelines.
This allows us to work closely with your organization’s stakeholders to establish a plan for meeting FedLine compliance by efficiently identifying, review and analyzing controls, organizational documentation, and other types of evidence that may be required.
Our team assists in an internal evaluation of your institution’s security measures related to FedLine requirements, helping you:
Identify and review existing controls such as access controls, encryption and data protection, network security, patch management, business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR), audit logging, third-party risk management (TPRM), incident response, and physical security.
Review current standards, policies, and procedures to ensure they address organizational practices, align with the FedLine requirements and are up to date.
Identify gaps in your cybersecurity posture.
Document findings and improvement areas.
Depending on the scope and specifics of your FedLine products, certain institutions may require an independent review. We help you determine if this applies, based on:
FedLine product types.
Payment volumes and thresholds.
Current threat and risk landscape.
We assist in addressing any identified compliance issues by:
Advising on additional security controls that must be implemented.
Revising policies and procedures as needed to align more closely to FedLine requirements.
Documenting the steps taken to remediation gaps identified during the assessment.
Supporting enhancement in training for staff on FedLine security practices.
We guide you through the attestation submission process to ensure compliance, including:
Preparing the attestation letter for signature by senior management or an executive officer.
Using the appropriate electronic workflow for submission.
Ensuring one attestation submission per ABA number, covering all FedLine products used by your organization.
Special Considerations
Timeline and roadmap
Quarterly Notification
Attestation materials are typically sent to organizations in the first quarter.
December 31 Deadline
Organizations must complete and submit their attestation by year-end.
Our team manages this timeline with you, ensuring timely and organized compliance.
Special Compliance Scenarios
Multiple FedLine Solutions
For organizations using several FedLine solutions, we assist in creating a comprehensive attestation covering all products.
Third-Party Service Providers
Institutions using third-party providers for FedLine connectivity retain responsibility for compliance. We assist in obtaining the necessary attestations and evidence to support your compliance efforts.
Reporting Central Users
For institutions that use Reporting Central exclusively, without additional payment services, we guide the necessary attestation process.
Additional Support You’ll Receive from our Experts
Our dedicated team supports you through each step of FedLine compliance, offering tailored solutions that address your institution’s specific requirements.
Proper Scoping and Asset Identification
We work with your team to define the assessment scope, focusing on systems, assets, and any third-party dependencies tied to FedLine products.
Controls Evaluation and Gap Analysis
Our experts assess your security controls and procedures against FedLine Security Requirements, identifying improvement areas. We provide detailed insights into your security posture with actionable steps to achieve full compliance.
Remediation and Risk Management Support
We help you develop and implement a remediation plan to address identified gaps, strengthening your cybersecurity defenses and managing risks specific to FedLine products.
Documentation Support
Our team ensures your documentation meets Federal Reserve requirements, assisting with the creation and organization of essential documents, including self-assessments, policies, and attestation letters.
Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring
FedLine compliance is an ongoing responsibility. We offer continuous support to help your organization stay compliant, adapting to new threats, regulatory updates, and best practices.
Why Choose Us for FedLine Compliance?
Expertise
Our consultants have in-depth knowledge of FedLine Security Requirements and extensive experience in financial cybersecurity.
Tailored Approach
We customize our services to align with your institution’s unique needs, balancing compliance with effective cybersecurity strategies.
Efficiency
Our structured approach streamlines compliance, reducing time, complexity, and resource demands.
Ongoing Partnership
We provide regular updates and guidance, helping you maintain compliance and adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.
Ensure your institution meets the highest standards in electronic payment security. Partner with us to navigate FedLine compliance and build a stronger, more secure foundation for electronic transactions. Contact us today to begin your journey toward enhanced cybersecurity with FedLine compliance.