The IT challenges credit unions face
A credit union runs on trust. Members expect their savings to be safe, their debit cards to work and the branch to open on time. Behind that are teller workstations, branch networks, a core processor, digital banking and card systems, and every one of them is a target for phishing, account takeover and ransomware. Smaller credit unions often do all of this with an IT staff of one or two people.
Security and compliance
Federally insured credit unions must keep a written information security program under NCUA Part 748, with guidelines for safeguarding member information and a plan for responding to unauthorized access. Examiners look for evidence that the program is real: patching, access reviews, multi-factor authentication, encryption, monitoring, vendor oversight and backups that are tested.
We run those controls every day and keep the records, so your team can answer examiner questions with evidence instead of memory. We do not replace your board-approved program or your own risk assessment. We make the technical side of it dependable and easy to show.
Software we work with
We keep the systems around your core running: teller and member service workstations, receipt printers, check scanners, branch links back to the core, Microsoft 365 and the secure access your staff use from home. Common examples include cores such as Jack Henry Symitar, Corelation KeyStone, Fiserv DNA and CU*BASE, digital banking platforms such as Alkami, Q2 and Banno, and lending tools such as MeridianLink. Each vendor supports its own platform, and we coordinate with them when a problem crosses into their product.
How we help
- MFA and phishing protection for every staff account, including email and remote access.
- Branch networks that keep teller traffic, guest Wi-Fi and building systems apart.
- Patching and monitoring for teller workstations and back-office PCs.
- Call-back rules and email protection for wire and ACH requests.
- Backups that are tested, with copies kept off site.
- Documentation of the controls we manage, ready for examiners and your vendor management file.
If member data is exposed
NCUA rules expect a response program that includes notifying members when their sensitive information has been, or is likely to be, misused. Federally insured credit unions must also report certain cyber incidents to the NCUA within a short deadline, and state breach laws apply on top. Encryption, multi-factor authentication and good logging make an incident less likely and much easier to scope. Our guide to data breach notification laws explains the state deadlines.
Getting a quote
Every quote is written for your environment after a short call about your branches, staff, devices and the systems you rely on. Agreements are longer-term rather than month to month, which gives us time to document your systems and close security gaps properly. Request a quote.