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.

For week two of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) will be focusing their energy on phishing attacks. Themed “Phight the Phish!,” the week aims to spread awareness and reduce the risk of phishing attacks on individuals and businesses across the nation. Because credit unions are responsible for guarding both sensitive information and the money of members, it’s important to prepare for phishing attacks and understand how to prevent them and respond appropriately if one occurs.

"Cash or credit?" Is that statement becoming a phrase of the past? New technology and tools that support cashless payment options such as tapping a smartphone, waving and paying with a card, or sending an online Peer-to-Peer payment have hastened this process along with changing societal norms and consumer preferences. It feels as though we truly are on our way towards a cashless society.

For many years, digital banking platforms and applications have been improving while the use of cash in America and around the world has been declining. Recent advances in technology combined with social distancing measures have changed member wants and needs, and this is having big implications for credit unions and the role digital banking technology will play in their future.

Digital payments and technologies are reshaping how people all over the world spend money--to the point where some economists are debating the future of cash. It’s not just the widespread use of credit and debit cards, but the rise of digital wallets, digital banking apps, direct deposits, instantaneous peer-to-peer payments and digital lending services that are solving people’s banking needs, and as a result, making cash less common.

Over the last couple of years, the rapid changes taking place in digital banking have put pressure on many credit unions to improve their digital platforms. One of the most important elements of creating any successful digital banking platform is making sure you can offer a frictionless Digital Member Service (DMS) experience to your members. Today, when members need help, they expect efficient, fast and user-friendly member services.

One of the big takeaways from 2020 for credit unions was that digital banking services are not only going to be important for the future, but they’re also essential right now. To satisfy members’ expectations and compete with the rise of fintech companies, CUs must choose the best technologies and continue to enhance their digital banking capabilities.One of the most important elements of credit unions’ digital banking future will be offering competitive digital lending services.

The coronavirus pandemic has transformed how we conduct business all over the world and few sectors of the economy have been influenced as much as the financial industry. As people look for ways to avoid having in-person experiences, many are turning to digital wallets and other online banking solutions. Although the pandemic won’t last forever, it’s likely that this trend towards technological solutions in banking will continue. 

Credit card programs can be a smart way to grow your credit union, assuming your membership does one important thing: pay. There are many ways your members can make their credit card payments, some methods are more cumbersome and time-consuming than others. Eliminating hurdles to payment is an easy way to ensure your members don't get turned off by the process and pay on time. Here are some popular payment options offered by credit unions.