SEC Issues Cybersecurity Alert For Brokers And Financial Advisers

On May 17, 2017, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), through its National Exam Program, issued a "Risk Alert" to broker-dealers, investment advisers and investment firms to advise them about the recent "WannaCry" ransomware attack and to encourage increased cybersecurity preparedness. The purpose of the alert, according to the SEC, was to "highlight for firms the risks and issues that the staff has identified during examinations of broker-dealers, investment advisers, and investment companies regarding cybersecurity preparedness."

Based on a 2015 survey of 75 SEC registered broker-dealers, investment advisers and investment firms, the SEC National Exam Program staff recognized certain firm practices that registrants may find relevant when dealing with threats such as the WannaCry ransomware attack: