How can members sift through the hype and warnings to determine which security threats are real? Here are four things every credit union should do to increase accountholder online security.

Tom DeSot, CIO at San Antonio, Texas-based Digital Defense, Inc., who compiled the list, said "Once completed, they are also items that the credit union should share with their examiners and auditors to illustrate how serious the credit union takes the safety of the membership and their accounts."

1. Online education. Probably the easiest and most cost-effective way credit unions can convey what a member needs to protect themselves online. "There are still members that have never used an online service who are signing up to use home banking and bill pay services for the first time." These members would greatly benefit from guidance on how they can protect themselves. Training topics credit union should consider include: how to construct a strong password, protect yourself from viruses, avoid falling for phishing emails and prevent identity theft. Make the information available in an online format as well as in printed brochures. "Remember, even if a member is using an online service, they may prefer to have hard copy training materials to refer back to over time.