BNM RMiT Compliance 2025: The Executive's Guide to 24/7 Security Monitoring
For financial institutions in Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) Risk Management in Technology (RMiT) policy framework is a defining regulatory pillar.
For financial institutions in Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) Risk Management in Technology (RMiT) policy framework is a defining regulatory pillar. It sets a high standard for how institutions must govern and manage technology risk to maintain public confidence and the stability of the nation's financial system. Among its most rigorous requirements is the mandate for continuous, proactive monitoring of an institution's entire technology infrastructure.
This shift from a reactive to a proactive security posture is a significant operational challenge. The RMiT policy explicitly requires financial institutions to establish a Security Operations Centre (SOC) with the capability to operate on a 24x7 basis, continuously monitoring for anomalous activities and potential breaches. For many, building and staffing such a facility is a daunting and resource-intensive task.
Faced with this, leaders are seeking effective strategies to meet these stringent requirements. Partnering with a specialized Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) has emerged as a powerful and efficient approach to achieving and maintaining RMiT compliance.
Decoding the RMiT Mandate for Continuous Monitoring
The RMiT framework is clear: financial institutions must move beyond passive defense. The policy document mandates the development of a Cyber Resilience Framework (CRF) that supports the "timely detection of cybersecurity incidents through continuous surveillance and monitoring" across all critical systems.
This mandate is not just about having the right tools; it's about having the right capabilities. Under RMiT, a compliant SOC must be able to perform a range of advanced functions, including:
Real-time log collection and event correlation, often using a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system.
Proactive threat hunting to find hidden adversaries.
Vulnerability management and incident coordination.
Providing situational awareness and intelligence on emerging threats.
Fulfilling these requirements with an in-house team means a massive investment in technology and, more significantly, in scarce, highly-skilled human expertise.
The In-House Challenge: A Drain on Resources and Focus
Attempting to build a 24/7 SOC that meets RMiT's standards from the ground up presents formidable challenges. Leaders must contend with the high recurring costs of enterprise-grade security platforms and the well-documented shortage of cybersecurity talent with experience in the financial sector.
The operational reality is that a true 24/7 operation requires a team of at least 8-12 specialized analysts to cover all shifts. The process of hiring, training, and retaining such a team is a significant financial and managerial burden that can distract an institution from its core business of providing financial services.
The MSSP: A Strategic Partner for RMiT Compliance
A strategic partnership with a qualified MSSP allows a financial institution to meet its RMiT monitoring obligations efficiently and effectively. A modern MSSP delivers the three core components of a compliant security operation: people, process, and technology.
Meeting the 24/7 Operational Requirement:
An MSSP immediately provides a fully staffed, 24/7 SOC, satisfying one of the most resource-intensive RMiT mandates. This ensures that expert eyes are watching over your critical systems around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays.Delivering Advanced Detection Capabilities:
A mature MSSP brings the necessary enterprise-grade technology—the SIEM, EDR, and threat intelligence platforms—required by RMiT. More importantly, they provide the certified analysts who can manage this complex technology to detect anomalies and proactively hunt for threats.Providing Expertise for Governance and Reporting:
RMiT places strong emphasis on board and senior management oversight. A quality MSSP provides the detailed threat assessment reports and performance metrics required by the policy. This gives your leadership and board the clear visibility they need to effectively govern technology risk.
From a Compliance Burden to a Strategic Advantage
Meeting Bank Negara Malaysia's RMiT requirements for continuous monitoring is non-negotiable. While building this capability in-house is a daunting prospect, a strategic partnership can transform this regulatory burden into a security advantage.
AKATI Sekurity’s MSSP services are designed to help Malaysia's financial institutions not only meet but exceed BNM's stringent requirements. We provide the certified technology, expert personnel, and 24/7 vigilance required for RMiT compliance, allowing you to focus on your core business with the confidence that your security posture is robust and continuously monitored.
