Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 23, 2024

Title 12 - Banks and Banking last revised: Nov 20, 2024
§ 168.1 - Authority, purpose, and scope.

(a) This part is issued under section 3 of the Bank Protection Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C 1882), sections 501 and 505(b)(1) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6801 and 6805(b)(1)), and sections 621 and 628 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681s and 1681w). This part is applicable to Federal savings associations. It requires each Federal savings association to adopt appropriate security procedures to discourage robberies, burglaries, and larcenies and to assist in the identification and prosecution of persons who commit such acts. Section 168.5 of this part is applicable to Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries (except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers). Section 168.5 of this part requires covered institutions to establish and implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information.

(b) It is the responsibility of a Federal savings association's board of directors to comply with this regulation and ensure that a written security program for the association's main office and branches is developed and implemented.

§ 168.2 - Designation of security officer.

Within 30 days after the effective date of insurance of accounts, the board of directors of each Federal savings association shall designate a security officer who shall have the authority, subject to the approval of the board of directors, to develop, within a reasonable time but no later than 180 days, and to administer a written security program for each of the association's offices.

§ 168.3 - Security program.

(a) Contents of security program. The security program shall:

(1) Establish procedures for opening and closing for business and for the safekeeping of all currency, negotiable securities, and similar valuables at all times;

(2) Establish procedures that will assist in identifying persons committing crimes against the association and that will preserve evidence that may aid in their identification and prosecution. Such procedures may include, but are not limited to:

(i) Maintaining a camera that records activity in the office;

(ii) Using identification devices, such as prerecorded serial-numbered bills, or chemical and electronic devices; and

(iii) Retaining a record of any robbery, burglary, or larceny committed against the association;

(3) Provide for initial and periodic training of officers and employees in their responsibilities under the security program and in proper employee conduct during and after a burglary, robbery, or larceny; and

(4) Provide for selecting, testing, operating and maintaining appropriate security devices, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Security devices. Each savings association shall have, at a minimum, the following security devices:

(1) A means of protecting cash and other liquid assets, such as a vault, safe, or other secure space;

(2) A lighting system for illuminating, during the hours of darkness, the area around the vault, if the vault is visible from outside the office;

(3) Tamper-resistant locks on exterior doors and exterior windows that may be opened;

(4) An alarm system or other appropriate device for promptly notifying the nearest responsible law enforcement officers of an attempted or perpetrated robbery or burglary; and

(5) Such other devices as the security officer determines to be appropriate, taking into consideration:

(i) The incidence of crimes against financial institutions in the area;

(ii) The amount of currency and other valuables exposed to robbery, burglary, or larceny;

(iii) The distance of the office from the nearest responsible law enforcement officers;

(iv) The cost of the security devices;

(v) Other security measures in effect at the office; and

(vi) The physical characteristics of the structure of the office and its surroundings.

§ 168.4 - Report.

The security officer for each Federal savings association shall report at least annually to the association's board of directors on the implementation, administration, and effectiveness of the security program.

§ 168.5 - Protection of customer information.

Federal savings associations and their subsidiaries (except brokers, dealers, persons providing insurance, investment companies, and investment advisers) must comply with the Interagency Guidelines Establishing Information Security Standards set forth in appendix B to part 30 of this chapter. Supplement A to appendix B to part 30 of this chapter provides interpretive guidance.

[76 FR 49129, Aug. 9, 2011, as amended at 79 FR 54549, Sept. 11, 2014]
source: 76 FR 49129, Aug. 9, 2011, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 12 CFR 168.1