A little-discussed source of risk for credit unions is cyberattacks that target internet-connected components of physical security systems. Internet of Things devices, like security cameras and access control readers, are often overlooked as a source of vulnerability. It's a common blind spot – and a potentially dangerous one.

Cyber threats are increasing for all businesses right now, but the financial industry is the number one target for cybercriminals. Analysts estimate that these institutions and other financial services providers are as much as 300 times more likely to be attacked than other industries. The consequences of such an attack are steep. A single breach of a database that exposes the data integrity of credit union members could cause irreparable harm.