If your credit union has been paying attention, then you should already know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Sponsored by the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the annual event is in its 18^th year and continues to help individuals and businesses raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in the present age.

The increased use of digital technology around the globe over the past couple of years has also led to an increase in cyberattacks--particularly phishing. Phishing refers to when a malicious actor sends fraudulent emails or messages with the intent of stealing your personal information and/or money. Since credit unions have access to both the personal information of their members and their money, it makes them ripe targets for phishing and other types of attacks online.

As the world trends towards more and more digital solutions, there is an ever-increasing risk of individuals and businesses being exposed to cyberattacks. A cyberattack refers to the attempt to steal, disable, expose or destroy information illegally through unauthorized access to computer systems, and when cyberattacks succeed, they can be extremely dangerous and costly to whomever suffered the attack. Because of the clear danger of cyberattacks, it’s crucial that individuals and institutions like credit unions that rely heavily on digital infrastructures take the appropriate measures to protect themselves and their members.

There is no doubt that major shifts have taken place in the mortgage market over the past couple of years. An increase in competition and the transformation to digital mortgage lending solutions have had a huge effect on how credit unions and other institutions that depend on mortgage lending do business.

With the lowest mortgage rates in years, it’s no surprise that mortgage originations and refinancings are soaring around the nation. This is good news for credit unions. However, advancement in digital technologies and the rise of fintech companies into the lending space also means that the competition in the mortgage lending market is as tough as ever.

Although credit unions in the U.S. hold a small share of the total mortgage volume, mortgage lending is an important part of doing business for credit unions of all sizes. Since the pandemic and the lowering of interest rates has no doubt put a squeeze on the mortgage lending business and made it more competitive, credit unions that wish to thrive in this environment must leverage their digital technologies, data, and member services to attract new members, generate loans and continue their growth.

With the rise of digital banking, it’s become increasingly important for credit unions to enhance their Digital Member Services (DMS). Moving in the direction of efficient and seamless digital solutions when it comes to member services is crucial for the survival of credit unions in the digital age. But it is also important that CUs do this while still providing the personalized member service experience that members expect.

With mobile banking reaching its saturation point, credit unions now need to focus on product differentiation. It is no longer enough to just offer a mobile solution--it is now time to match mobile offerings with your member base. Remember, product differentiation is key, design excellence matters and your aim should be an incredible member experience.

As mobile banking continues to rise in popularity throughout the United States and the world, credit unions must pay special attention to the types of features they offer in their mobile app or they risk getting left behind. But how exactly do credit unions create a mobile banking app that not only handles the basics, but goes above and beyond setting itself apart from the rest of the competition?

When it comes to mobile banking apps, members want an all-in-one, frictionless and simple experience. The days of members putting up with slow, inefficient apps is a thing of the past. While many credit unions have tried to remain competitive by utilizing multiple third-party vendors to support different app functions, choosing the right core processing solution to partner with so that your mobile app is built from the ground up--and all in one place--is the more suitable option.