Traders and brokers connect into banks’ and clients’ networks through secure remote-access tools such as VPN or published desktops, locked down with multi-factor authentication, managed devices and tight access control. Because that connection reaches sensitive external systems, it has to be both reliable and secure at your end as well as theirs.
Connecting into a counterparty’s environment is routine in trading, but it carries real risk if done loosely. Here’s how to do it safely.
1. Secure, reliable access tools
Banks and clients usually require a specific secure access method, such as a VPN client or a published remote desktop. We set these up, keep them working and fix them quickly, so your people can get on with trading rather than fighting the connection.
2. Multi-factor authentication everywhere
Any access into an external network must be protected by MFA. It means a stolen password alone cannot be used to reach a bank’s systems through your firm, which protects both sides.
3. Managed, trusted devices
The machines used to connect should be managed, encrypted, patched and protected with endpoint security and application allowlisting. A clean, trusted device is what makes the connection safe at your end.
4. Tight access control
Only the people who need access should have it, and it should be removed promptly when they no longer do. Controlling and reviewing who can reach external networks keeps the risk down.
A real example: dependable access into a client network
We supported a technology firm serving financial trading firms whose staff needed to connect into client and bank environments through secure remote-access tools. We kept that access working and locked down, so they could reach external systems reliably and safely. As one user said: “The engineer was very helpful and knowledgeable.”
For a software, technology or financial trading firm, this is part of managed IT and security that usually costs about £45 to £100 per user per month, scaling with your headcount, your security needs and how much uptime the business depends on.
Why technology and trading firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including software and technology companies and firms that serve financial markets. We know the systems these teams depend on: secure VPN and remote access, source control and build pipelines, virtual dev and test environments, Microsoft 365 and Teams, and the security that banks and regulators expect, from multi-factor authentication and endpoint protection to application allowlisting and email security. We work with technology and trading firms in London and across Essex and Hertfordshire. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Need dependable, secure access into client networks? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll get it right.