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As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, the important reminders and resources shared throughout October should remain top of mind all year long. With cyber threats constantly evolving, credit unions and their members cannot afford to become complacent. Staying vigilant and practicing good cybersecurity habits must be an ongoing priority.
We live in an increasingly connected world where more of our sensitive information is stored and shared online than ever before. That information is valuable to cybercriminals, making it essential that we take steps to protect it.
Education remains one of our strongest defenses. Whether educating employees, members, or ourselves, staying aware of emerging threats and reinforcing basic cybersecurity practices can go a long way toward reducing risk.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends several steps organizations can take to strengthen their defenses:
- Teach Employees to Recognize Phishing Scams: Phishing attempts can trick employees into opening malicious attachments, clicking suspicious links, or sharing sensitive information. Regular training helps staff identify and report potential threats.
- Require Strong Passwords: Strong, unique passwords help prevent unauthorized access to accounts and systems. Encourage the use of password managers and establish strong password requirements.
- Require Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA provides an additional layer of protection beyond passwords. Organizations should require MFA and use phishing-resistant methods whenever possible.
- Keep Software Updated: Outdated software can create security vulnerabilities. Promptly installing updates and security patches helps protect systems and sensitive data.
But our responsibility doesn’t stop with protecting our institutions. With People Helping People at the heart of the credit union movement, we also have an important role to play in helping members protect themselves.
That means consistently sharing fraud prevention tips, educating members about emerging scams, and reminding them of simple steps they can take to safeguard their accounts and personal information.
A member’s personal information can be a gateway to their financial accounts, which is why protecting it is so important. We should encourage members to guard their personal information as carefully as they guard their money, because their financial security may depend on it.
As October comes to an end, let’s keep the conversation going. By making cybersecurity education and awareness part of our everyday efforts, we can strengthen our defenses, better protect our members, and help keep their financial information safe.