Last week, CUNA launched a new campaign, Stop the Data Breaches, to address the growing problem surrounding data breaches and the costs these security lapses are having on credit unions across the country.

This member activation program will raise awareness about the issue and encourage Congress to subject merchants to the same federal data protection standards as financial institutions like credit unions and banks.  Because some merchants fail to invest in sufficient data security measures, it can be easier for hackers to gain access to a person’s credit card number, debit pin number, or other sensitive data through a merchant. Hackers can then sell this information to bad actors, or use it themselves to fraudulently buy things with the stolen data. Financial institutions not only cover the cost of this fraudulent activity, but also the costs of blocking transactions, reissuing cards, increasing staff at call centers and monitoring consumer accounts.

Enough is enough, and it is time to take action.  This campaign makes it easy.  Through CUNA’s advocacy effort you can:

  • Let Congress know it’s time to take action and hold merchants accountable for data breaches;
  • Tell Congress merchants should be required to reimburse credit unions for the costs they incur as a result of merchant breaches; and
  • Let Congress know that credit unions should be able to tell their members the name of a merchant causing the data breach.

To join the effort to Stop the Data Breaches, visit the website today.  CUNA’s made it easy for you to get engaged and stay updated on this important and timely topic.