With threats coming from a variety of increasingly sophisticated attackers, cybersecurity is — and will remain — a key area of focus for regulators. On September 15, the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) issued new guidance outlining areas of cybersecurity risk to be addressed by registered broker-dealers and investment advisors in their systems and procedures.

The guidance, issued in the form of a “risk alert,” sets forth examination priorities to be used by SEC examiners and the “principles and effective practices” that registered broker-dealers and investment advisors should be looking to as a guide when implementing key controls and procedures.

We will discuss:

• Cybersecurity risk alert — summary of key issues

• Impact on broker-dealers and investment advisors

• How the SEC will examine firms for compliance, and the key controls and procedures the OCIE is looking for

• R.T. Jones Capital Equities Management, Inc. case

• NFA’s new Interpretative Notice Regarding Information Systems Security Program — Cybersecurity, and what it might mean to you

• Steps you can take to safeguard your firm’s data

• Why having an air-tight compliance strategy is crucial

There is no cost to participate in this web conference, but advance registration is required.