When to Order a Code Red on Your Credit Union Technology

Finding a trusted credit union technology partner is crucial to your CU's success. Credit union executives are in the financial industry, not the technology industry, yet so much of your CU's success rides on the implementation of technology and the products and services offered to members. Many blindly follow the orders of their technology partners, trusting that they are the experts. However, sometimes following unfounded orders can steer your credit union in the wrong direction. It's imperative to recognize the red flags of when your technology partner may not be the right fit for your credit union:

You Want the Truth: Whether it's a failed server, laptop, virus or ransomware threat, you need a partner who can identify the issue and explain exactly what is going on in terms you will understand.
The Whole Truth: Let's face it. People make mistakes, and it is not logical to think that your IT company is perfect. They have no doubt made a mistake here and there, but it's their response to the mistake that matters most. Do they own up to the mistake and remedy it, or do they try to cover it up or place blame on others?
You Can't Handle the Truth: Sometimes the mistakes aren't small, and the issues are big. Does your provider take the time to not only correct the issue but detail for you the necessary changes that could have caused or prevented it? While you may not want to spend the money required, and are willing to assume a certain amount of risk due to budget constraints, you will want your partner to guide you and tell you their recommendations and what options are available.
Are We Clear? Crystal: Some IT companies will attempt to confuse you with very detailed technical explanations they know you won't understand in order to have you not question their perceived authority. This is the type of provider that is going to leave you in the dark. A good provider will act as a partner and explain issues and technology in a way that you can comprehend because they know you are stronger as a team.
We live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded with guns: Or in the case of your CU, your network has to be guarded with firewalls with up-to-date software, intrusion prevention, antivirus protection and data backups. Often, the only time you find out that backups aren't being done correctly or consistently, or that software patches aren't installed is when there is a breach and it's too late. If you aren't getting regular, detailed reports, you need to rethink your reliance on your partner.
We use words like "honor", "code", "loyalty": You may have had the same partner for years. You feel dedicated to them because they were there for you early on. However, has your CU since been suffering on the one-way loyalty street? They may not be keeping up with the changing times of compliance or technology. What worked then won't work now and you need a partner that understands that... one that's willing to re-write programs and utilize the newest methods to protect you CU.