Kofi’s Korner September 2025

A Fresh Look for 2025

We’re excited to share that in 2025, DataComm is rolling out a refreshed brand identity. You’ll notice updated logos, colors, and visuals across our emails, website, and other communications

We’re excited to share that DataComm is rolling out a refreshed new logo that you will start seeing on our emails, invoices, ticket updates and website. We’re sharing this to avoid confusion and help protect you from fraud—same company, just a refreshed look.

What’s not changing

• Our team — the same people you know and trust
• Our commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and innovative solutions
• The same products, services, and support you rely on every day

Why the change?

Our updated brand better reflects who we are today and where we’re headed — while continuing to put your needs first. We want to reassure you: if you receive communications from us with this new look, it’s still us. No changes to your account, contracts, or the way we work together are required.

Rest assured, only our logo has changed—our company, services, and commitment to you remain the same.

FFIEC CAT TOOL – POST SUNSET OPTIONS

CAT Tool Sunset – What You Need to Know

Financial institutions have long relied on the FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT) to identify risks, evaluate preparedness, and benchmark cybersecurity maturity. With the CAT having retired on August 31, 2025, banks and credit unions need to plan for alternative approaches to self-assess cybersecurity risk as they approach their anniversary of performing the CAT.

FFIEC Frameworks

FFIEC has encouraged institutions to leverage other frameworks such as:

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0
• CISA Cybersecurity Performance Goals
• CSBS Ransomware Self-Assessment Tool

Replacement Options We Recommend

We’ve identified a couple practical paths forward for our customers:

1. Free Option (Excel-based CRI Profile Tool) – (Available to all existing DataComm customers)
   • Created by our trusted auditor/partner, Kaushal Kothari (former FDIC, based out of Des Moines, IA).
   • Delivered in Excel format using the CRI profile.
   • No software or ongoing costs, just a spreadsheet tool you can use for assessments.
   • A solid option to have in your back pocket if you’re not ready to migrate to a more robust/expensive platform.
   • Recommended for those wanting a no-cost, stopgap solution as they plan their long-term approach.
2. Paid Option (Finosec CAT Replacement Platform) – CIS Controls Based
   • Cloud-based solution built on CIS Controls, designed as a successor to the CAT.
   • Migrates data from your existing CAT tool and offers ongoing updates.
   • Rough cost: ~$2,500 for labor/onboarding, then $3,000–$5,500 annually (or $9K–$15K for a 36-month term).
   • Endorced by the ICBA
   Key Features:
   • Easy to use and maintain
   • Ongoing maintenance and updates
   • Direct import of prior CAT reports with mapped controls – a huge time-saver for bankers.
   • Similar methodology/reporting style to FFIEC CAT 0reducing the learning curve
   • Low entry point (minimal setup & recurring support)
   • Mass imports, deployments, training, and education included
   • Avoids the heavier lift/complexity of NIST or CRI, while still allowing conversion to NIST one year after adoption.

View Finosec CAT Replacement Tool →

How Can DataComm Help?

Our Guidance:

• If you’re looking for short-term continuity and a no-cost solution, the free Excel-based CRI tool is a good option.
• If you want a long-term and supported replacement, we recommend migrating to a solution similar to Finosec’s platform before any 2026 exams, or before your anniversary of performing the CAT comes up.
• If you’d like us to send the free CRI Profile-based Excel tool, let us know.
• If you’d prefer to explore a more robust platform with support, we can help schedule a formal introduction to Finosec.

Premise & Cloud Phone System Solutions (RingCentral Partner Highlight)

Did you know DataComm can help with both premise-based and cloud/UCaaS phone systems? As a RingCentral Partner, we can guide you through modernizing your communications.

Why consider RingCentral UCaaS?

• Lower monthly phone bills by reducing hardware and maintenance costs
• Lower upfront investment/cost
• More robust features like video conferencing, team messaging, screen sharing, mobile/flexible work tools, voicemail transcription, call recording, etc…
• Better mobility—stay connected from desktop, mobile, or tablet
• Scalable and flexible—easily add or change lines/users and integrate with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and more
• Security & reliability – enterprise-grade security, compliance features, and strong SLA performance

How Can DataComm Help?

• We guide you through design, migration, setup, and support.
• We help assess whether premise systems still make sense or a UCaaS deployment gives more value.
• We ensure you get ideal plans/features given your use case so you’re not overpaying.

Want to explore further? We can run a comparison and get you a side-by-side of what you’re spending now vs what a RingCentral setup might cost/month. We are here to help!