In the process, they are deploying their staff more effectively and saving money. The Customer First Tech Credit Union is a member-owned banking cooperative. The organization is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, and has seven branches located throughout the Pacific Northwest. With so many members used to working in a technology-centric environment, First Tech's online presence is critical to their success and continued growth. In the highly competitive banking industry, the ability to service customers is a key differentiating factor.
Security is also of paramount concern, particularly when it comes to peoples' money.
This was the area in which Clint Kaiser, Director of Information Security for First Tech, was most involved. Each month, Kaiser and his staff made frequent checks for bug patches and other security holes, and assessed which ones applied to their system. Once they were discovered, which was occurring with increased frequency, First Tech had to implement appropriate solutions, reducing their vulnerability to hacker attacks. Their diligence prevented any security breaches, but Kaiser felt there had to be a better way to use his staff's time while maintaining security. He wanted a product with a hardened operating system and updates that were easy to install.