ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Card Services for Credit Unions and Visa USA have worked together to produce a package of information credit unions hit by card data breaches can use to mitigate their situations.

CSCU, the association of credit unions that processes card transactions with Fidelity National Information Services, said the package gives credit unions and their members the means to take immediate action to mitigate, if not halt, major difficulties as a result of a breach. These electronic "kits" include a brochure on communications best practices if a data security breach should occur, as well as customizable template materials like cardholder letters, statement inserts, a call center Q&A, and media response statement, the association said.

When a data compromise occurs, credit unions may be faced with managing both fraud losses and member service issues, CSCU said. From notifying members to responding to media questions, credit unions are on the front lines in their hometowns answering questions. Effective communication in these challenging situations is critical to maintaining member loyalty and protecting the credit union's good name.