Cybersecurity Awareness Month Reminds Consumers, Credit Unions of Potential Threats

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Oct. 14, 2020) – During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the National Credit Union Administration reminds credit union industry stakeholders to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their systems and critical infrastructure.

“In this day and age, cybersecurity is everyone’s business,” NCUA Chairman Rodney E. Hood said. “Even during COVID-19, hackers and thieves do not rest. We expect credit unions to take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their members, and we have information and resources to help them do that. I hope everyone in our industry will continue working to keep our financial system and the millions of Americans who entrust their financial well-being to us safe from cyber threats.”

Cybersecurity remains a supervisory priority for the NCUA, and the agency puts particular emphasis on:

• Advancing consistency, transparency, and accountability within the cybersecurity examination program;
• Encouraging due diligence for supply chain and third-party service provider management at credit unions;
• Assisting institutions with resources to improve operational hygiene and resilience; and
• Ensuring NCUA’s systems and collected controlled unclassified information is secure.

The agency maintains a cybersecurity resources webpage that provides credit unions with important information about protecting themselves and their members from cyber threats.

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the NCUA will share tips on Facebook and Twitter about online security, recognizing and preventing identity theft, and what consumers can do if they fall victim to a cybercrime. The NCUA provides consumers with information on staying safe in the Be Smart Online section of MyCreditUnion.gov.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort by government, non-profit, and industry stakeholders to ensure Americans have the necessary information to help them stay more secure online. The NCUA has joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s efforts with the National Cyber Security Alliance’s Stay Safe Online initiative to raise awareness and encourage vigilance.