Pensions and Retirement Training Course on IT Security for Pension Systems

Module 1: Introduction to IT Security in Pension Systems
Overview of pension system architecture and technology landscape
Importance of IT security in safeguarding member data and assets
Cyber threat trends in financial and pension institutions
Security governance and roles of IT teams, trustees, and regulators
Case study: Data breach incidents in pension funds

Module 2: Cybersecurity Threats and Vulnerabilities in Pension Environments
Common attack types: phishing, ransomware, social engineering, insider threats
Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing basics
Identifying system weaknesses in pension administration software
Mapping potential attack vectors across internal and external systems
Workshop: Conducting a basic threat modeling exercise

Module 3: Security Frameworks and Compliance Standards
Overview of ISO/IEC 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and CIS Controls
Pension data protection obligations under GDPR and local regulations
Aligning security controls with pension governance requirements
Building an organizational security policy framework
Checklist: Pension-specific cybersecurity compliance essentials

Module 4: Network and Infrastructure Security Controls
Securing servers, routers, firewalls, and cloud-based environments
Network segmentation and intrusion prevention techniques
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure remote access
Continuous monitoring and log analysis for threat detection
Practical: Configuring network security parameters in a test system

Module 5: Application and Database Security
Securing pension administration platforms and portals
Database encryption and access control best practices
Preventing SQL injection and application-layer attacks
Secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) in pension IT projects
Exercise: Implementing security patches and database hardening

Module 6: Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Principles of authentication, authorization, and accountability
Multi-factor authentication and password management policies
Role-based access control for pension administrators and users
Privileged user monitoring and segregation of duties
Simulation: Setting up an IAM policy for a pension platform

Module 7: Data Security and Privacy Management
Data classification, encryption, and secure transmission practices
Backup and recovery protocols for pension databases
Ensuring data privacy and minimizing personal data exposure
Managing third-party access and vendor security risks
Workshop: Designing a pension data protection and privacy plan

Module 8: Incident Response and Cyber Resilience Planning
Developing an incident response plan for pension IT systems
Steps in detecting, containing, eradicating, and recovering from cyber attacks
Crisis communication and stakeholder reporting protocols
Building resilience through redundancy and failover mechanisms
Tabletop exercise: Responding to a simulated pension system breach

Module 9: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery for Pension Systems
Developing and testing business continuity plans (BCP)
Disaster recovery site design and backup management
Maintaining operations under cyber or system disruptions
Aligning BCP with pension fund governance and risk management frameworks
Case study: Successful restoration of operations after a ransomware attack

Module 10: Building a Cybersecurity Culture in Pension Institutions
Promoting awareness and training among pension staff
Establishing clear security roles and responsibilities
Integrating cybersecurity into enterprise risk management (ERM)
Continuous improvement through audits and vulnerability assessments
Final project: Designing a cybersecurity roadmap for a pension organization