Skip to main content

CUs Should Be on 'Heightened' Alert for Cybersecurity Attacks, NCUA Warns

In a recent post on its website, the NCUA issued an alert to credit unions concerning a potential or pending Russian state-sponsored cybersecurity threat due recent “malicious cyber incidents” reported in Ukraine.

According to the post, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) initially issued the alert. In its post, the NCUA added an extra warning to credit unions.

“Given current geopolitical events, the NCUA, along with CISA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Security Agency encourage credit unions and their cybersecurity teams nationwide to adopt a heightened state of awareness and to conduct proactive threat hunting. In addition, COVID-related supply chain disruptions may require management to reevaluate previously held assumptions for business continuity and disaster recovery plans,” the statement read.

The NCUA’s statement asked credit union executives to “be aware of critical cyber risks and take urgent steps to reduce the likelihood and impact of a potentially damaging compromise.”

The CISA recently posted two issuances surrounding the possibility of a cybersecurity incident revolving around the growing political and military tensions in Ukraine. According to the CISA’s statement, “Most recently, public and private entities in Ukraine have suffered a series of malicious cyber incidents, including website defacement and private sector reports of potentially destructive malware on their systems that could result in severe harm to critical functions. The identification of destructive malware is particularly alarming given that similar malware has been deployed in the past — e.g., NotPetya and WannaCry ransomware — to cause significant, widespread damage to critical infrastructure.”

The NCUA asked all credit union leaders to review the CISA statements and “act on the applicable recommendations.” The statement from the NCUA concluded, “It is crucial that your organization does its part to improve its resilience, reducing the risk of compromise or severe business degradation.”

Read More: Joint statement from CISA, National Security Agency and the FBI.
Read More: CISA’s issuance, “Implement Cybersecurity Measures Now to Protect Against Potential Critical Threats.”

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Let the Truth be Told - Why a New NCUA Rule Could Jolt Credit Union Innovation

The National Credit Union Administration has finalized a rule to improve board and executive succession planning within the credit union industry. This strategic move aims to curb the trend of mergers driven by technological stagnation and poor succession strategies, ensuring more credit unions maintain their independence and enhance their technological capabilities. By Ken McCarthy, Manager of marketing communications at Tyfone Credit unions are merging out of existence because of an inability to invest in technology, the National Credit Union Administration Board wrote when introducing its now finalized rule on board succession planning. The regulator now requires credit unions to establish succession planning for critical positions in their organizations. But it’s likely to have even wider effects, such as preserving more independent charters and shaking up the perspectives of those on credit union boards. “Voluntary mergers can be used to create economies of scale to offer more or ...

Armand Parvazi MBA CUDE - Last Friday marked his last day with New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union.

It’s been an incredible journey, but it’s bittersweet to announce that Friday marked my last day with New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union. We've accomplished so much together in my six years as Chief Administrative and Development Officer. Some of the highlights: Implemented a data-driven marketing strategy that delivers over 1,800% annual ROI. Developed automated triggers to ensure members receive the right offers at the right time. Grew assets by 61% and increased products per new member from 1.88 to 2.62. Converted online banking to enhance the member experience. Introduced a loan origination system for faster and more efficient loan processing. Transitioned to a mobile-first financial institution to meet members where they are. Pioneered the first Cancer Care loan pause program in the nation (in collaboration with Andy Janning ) Secured nearly $17 million in grants for our impactful work. Expanded our field of membership to 35 parishes and counties and added numerous fi...

Biggest Social Security Changes for 2025

  Chris Gash Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Monthly payments are going up, and drop-in service at SSA offices is largely going away The  cost-of-living adjustment  (COLA) may be the most widely anticipated way Social Security changes from year to year, but it’s far from the only one. Inflation, wage trends and new policies directly affect not just the more than 68 million people receiving Social Security benefits but also the estimated 184 million workers (and future beneficiaries) paying into the system.  Here are seven important ways Social Security will be different in 2025. 1. Cost-of-living adjustment Inflation continued to cool this year , resulting in a  2.5 percent COLA  for 2025 for people receiving Social Security payments, down from  3.2 percent in 2024 . The estimated average retirement benefit will increase by $49 a month, from $1,927 to $1,976, starting in January, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s the lowest COLA i...