The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and Microsoft Corp. today announced they are teaming up to help community banks manage the security of their technology infrastructures and battle emerging security risks.

Announced at ICBA�fs National Convention and Techworld this week in Las Vegas, the alliance between Microsoft and ICBA will bring informative materials, CEO webcasts and an eight-city educational series on data security to ICBA�fs nearly 5,000 members. In addition, Microsoft will work with ICBA members through regular surveys and meetings to continue to tailor its software solutions with the security needs of community banks in mind.

�gMaintaining an effective data security strategy has become increasingly complex and time-consuming for community bankers,�h said Ken Parsons, chairman of the Payments and Technology Committee for ICBA, and chairman of Venture Bank in Lacey, Wash. �gICBA�fs relationship with Microsoft will greatly help us by providing information we need to enhance the security of our technology infrastructures and provide improved protection for our customers.�h