Synergent Blog

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a time when we step back and reflect on how to keep our credit unions, members, and communities safe in a world where digital threats are always evolving. This year, there’s a new player in the mix: artificial intelligence (AI).

AI is no longer futuristic—it’s here, powering chatbots, fraud detection, and even the tools cybercriminals use. That means we need to update how we think about security. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to make a difference. Here are practical steps you, your teams, and your members can take.

1. Be Aware of AI-Powered Scams

Cybercriminals are using AI to create emails, texts, and even voice recordings that look and sound real. A scam email may use perfect grammar, reference your credit union by name, or even sound like it came from someone you know.

What you can do:

• Slow down before clicking links or opening attachments.
• Confirm unexpected requests through a known phone number or secure channel.
• Remind members that your credit union will never ask for sensitive information (like online banking passwords) through email, text, or social media.

2. Protect Member Data When Using AI Tools

AI tools are powerful, but they learn from the information we give them. That means pasting sensitive data—like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or private business documents—into AI chat tools can create risk.

What you can do:

• Set clear guidelines for employees on when and how AI tools can be used.
• Never enter member or internal confidential data into public AI platforms.
• Work with your vendors to ensure they follow the same rules.

3. Keep Human Oversight in the Loop

AI can help spot fraud or streamline operations, but it doesn’t replace human judgment. False positives and “hallucinations” (wrong answers that sound right) still happen.

What you can do:

• Treat AI as a helpful assistant, not a decision-maker.
• Require staff review before acting on AI-generated insights.
• Share with members that while AI helps, real people are always available.

4. Strengthen Your Password and Access Practices

AI makes it easier for criminals to guess or crack weak passwords. They can run through millions of combinations in seconds.

What you can do:

• Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
• Encourage members to use longer, unique passphrases (e.g., four random words).
• Remind employees and members not to reuse passwords across accounts.

5. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning

AI—and the risks around it—will keep changing. What feels cutting-edge today may be outdated tomorrow.

What you can do:

• Provide ongoing security awareness training, including new AI-related risks.
• Encourage employees to ask questions when something feels off.
• Communicate regularly with members about emerging scams and safe practices.

Conclusion

Credit unions have always stood for trust, community, and people helping people. By staying informed about AI risks and practicing good digital habits, we can continue to protect that trust—no matter how technology changes.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and code. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and looking out for one another. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s commit to doing just that.

Steve Torino, CISM, is Chief Information Security Officer at Synergent. With over 20 years of experience in information technology and cyber risk management, Torino’s areas of expertise include identifying security threats, leading complex IT projects, developing and implementing robust security policies and procedures, creating comprehensive risk management strategies, and ensuring compliance with industry and government standards.