Every day, SWIFT-connected systems process billions of dollars in transactions globally, which means any vulnerabilities within these systems can result in significant financial and reputational damage. SWIFT CSCF Control 2.10, known as Application hardening,  plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your financial messaging systems remain secure.

This control goes beyond compliance—it serves as the first line of defense against cyber threats by disabling unnecessary features, securing communication interfaces, and enforcing secure configurations. When done correctly, application hardening ensures that SWIFT systems are safe from malicious exploits. The SWIFT CSCF 2024 version has mandated this control for 3 types of architecture A, which are A1, A2, and A3, so it is an important control you should adhere to for your better SWIFT operations.

The Essentials of Application Hardening

Application hardening involves securing software and systems by removing or disabling unnecessary features and tightening configurations. This process embodies the “least privilege” principle to your SWIFT-related applications, ensuring that only essential services are active, thereby reducing attack vectors. Additionally, default credentials are replaced to prevent unauthorized access.

Key in-scope components that require hardening include Messaging interfaces, Communication interfaces, SWIFTNet Link, Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), and SWIFT connectors. On the other hand, risk factors include an excessive attack surface and the exploitation of insecure application configurations. 

Additionally, Swift offers the Compatible Interface Programme, which ensures that interfaces adhere to modern security standards. This program provides customers with greater assurance, guarantees, and transparency about the capabilities of individual products. Once the Swift Test Authority validates the test results, the interface is added to the Compatible Register. As mentioned in the Swift General Terms and Conditions, customers are required to use Swift-compatible interfaces.

Key Guides to Harden Your SWIFT Systems

To comply with Control 2.10, Several key hardening actions should be considered. However, the implementation guidelines offer a starting point for applying the control but are not an audit checklist. Mitigations and environmental factors must be regarded to assess compliance with the policies or alternatives, if elements need to be included or completed. These guides are:

• All messaging and communication interfaces must be SWIFT-compatible, as listed in the SWIFT Compatible Register on their website. These interfaces must meet the mandatory and advisory security requirements defined in the SWIFT Compatible Interface Programme. Users must upgrade to a compliant interface if any security requirements are unmet, ensuring at least the minimum mandatory security standards. Users should contact their interface provider with questions about security features or configuration.

• All in-scope applications must follow vendor-specific security guidelines, such as Alliance Security Guidance or operational or configuration guidance. Alternatively, they can adhere to a local or regulatory standard for security configuration or a control set with comparable rigor to vendor guidelines.

• At a minimum, the application hardening process should include:

1. Replacing default passwords with secure ones
2. Disabling or removing unused user accounts
3. Deactivating or limiting unnecessary components, adaptors, or connectivity methods
4. Configuring adaptors, connectivity methods, or remote access securely
5. Removing redundant packages
6. Correction of any default configurations that are known to pose security risks

• Any deviations from the chosen hardening configuration must be documented clearly, along with an explanation of the reason.

Optional Enhancement

Any additional applications installed on systems that handle SWIFT-related data should also be hardened per vendor recommendations.

Application hardening is a critical step in ensuring the security and resilience of your SWIFT-connected systems. By reducing the attack surface, disabling unnecessary features, and adhering to SWIFT-compatible standards, financial institutions can effectively protect themselves against cyber threats. It’s essential to understand that application hardening is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing process that should be maintained and updated regularly. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must your defenses.

Prajeeta Parajuli