The risk of cyberattacks on credit unions is rising each year, and 2019 promises no abatement in online criminal activity. After all, consumer financial information – including intellectual property and identity – is a valuable currency on the black market, and criminals will target credit unions as quickly as they would a large bank or retailer.

Adding to the pressure, members expect their data and personal information to stay secure within their credit union. If their security is threatened, the institution can risk losing those members and suffering financial and reputational losses.

To counteract this risk, credit unions must implement a comprehensive cybersecurity program that not only incorporates IT system protections, but also addresses the role the credit union's employees and board members play. Only by addressing the following three often overlooked segments of a cybersecurity strategy can credit unions build a defense that lowers their risk of exposure – and satisfies regulators.