Council Projects

Current Projects | Proposed Initiatives | Previous Initiatives

Current Projects
The Internet Council currently has three active work group initiatives, in addition to a standing subcommittee: ACH Security Project, Mobile Banking Work Group, WEB Project, and the Marketing & Education Subcommittee. Together these four initiatives pursue goals identified by the Work Group Leaders and the Internet Council Steering Committee to support the Strategic Plan for the council. Descriptions for each of these initiatives are outlined in further detail below. To obtain more information about how to get involved with any of these efforts, please contact Liz Millard at lmillard@nacha.org.

ACH Security Project

Project Leaders: Fred Laing, UMACHA

The ACH Security Project developed a business case for new rules recommendations pertaining to data security audits in the ACH Network, which is currently in the NACHA Rules development process. The Work Group also recently completed an ACH Network Data Security Self-Assessment Workbook that is scheduled for release in October 2007. This workbook is designed to provide tools to ACH Network participants on how to achieve practical data security and to implement information management practices. This workbook encourages companies to enact measures that adequately protect sensitive ACH information that is stored, processed, or transmitted electronically. Smarter management of payment-related information will result in reduced organizational risk, maintenance of a positive image, enhanced customer confidence, and an improved bottom line.

The Work Group is currently launching a new project to develop guidelines for the secure transmission, storage and sue of ACH data over unsecured networks (e.g., Internet, wireless).

Conference Call Schedule:

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET

Mobile Banking Work Group

Project Leader: Devon Marsh, Wachovia

Mobile banking includes both payments and online banking activity conducted from mobile devices. Mobile banking and payments has recently gained significant momentum in the marketplace with numerous deployments and represents a new channel in the ACH for the movement of transactions requiring further investigation. Specifically, the financial services industry must address key risk management considerations for this channel such as the identification of discrete aspects of mobile banking, traditional risks, and new risks that might be unique to the mobile environment. This Work Group has been created to evaluate the NACHA Operating Rules to accommodate payments that originate from the mobile channel and to identify any unique risk considerations, including authorization and authentication, to enable efficient and effective adoption in the ACH Network.

Conference Call Schedule:

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET

WEB Project Work Group

Leader: Brad Smith, EastPay

The WEB Project has developed a series of WEB Briefs, or informational flyers to supplement the information on important topics contained within available NACHA resources on issues related to the WEB Rule. To access the WEB Briefs, please go to http://internetcouncil.nacha.org/Members__Site/webbrief.htm.

The Work Group is the final stages of completing an ODFI Implementation Guide to WEB, which is expected to be released by the end of this year.

The Work Group is currently exploring a new project to assess industry practices for demonstrating proof of authorization for WEB transactions.

Conference Call Schedule:

Tuesday, May 13, 2008  2:00-3:00 p.m. ET

Marketing and Education Subcommittee

Leader: Deborah Matthews, Jack Henry & Associates

The Marketing and Education Subcommittee coordinates activities for the Internet Council that enhance its ability to conduct outreach functions and cultivate membership. The Subcommittee develops and distributes communications to promote membership benefits and identifies opportunities for membership growth. The Subcommittee members contribute content for the monthly newsletter, Internet Insights, and frequently conduct surveys to evaluate various benefits offered by the Council as well as evaluate the annual membership survey results to inform the annual strategic planning process conducted by the Steering Committee.

Conference Call Schedule:

May call TBD