REPORT OF THE HEAD OF I.C.T.
In 2025, cybersecurity has become the defining challenge and opportunity for credit unions. The rapid evolution of digital services, the growing sophistication of cyber threats, and intensifying regulatory scrutiny have made robust cybersecurity not just an IT concern, but a board-level and organisational priority. Altura Credit Union’s commitment to safeguarding member data, financial assets, and trust is at the heart of our digital transformation strategy. Cybersecurity Landscape and Key Threats The threat landscape in 2025 is marked by AI-driven attacks, ransomware, phishing, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Attackers are leveraging artificial intelligence for highly targeted phishing and deepfake scams, while ransomware incidents and third-party risks continue to rise. Regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and enhanced Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) oversight require us to demonstrate resilience, rapid incident response, and continuous compliance. Cybersecurity at Altura Credit Union • IT Governance & Risk Management: Achieving and maintaining DORA compliance is a major ongoing project, aligning our controls with NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and CBI requirements. Regular audits are conducted. Remediation of audit findings is continuous, and governance is strengthened through new platforms and regular board engagement. • Business Continuity Management: Our incident response plan is regularly tested and updated. Staff receive ongoing training to recognise and report suspicious activity, with a focus on phishing and social engineering. • Technology and Vendor Management: Vendor risk management is a top priority, with regular due diligence and restricted access for third-party providers. Device management and patching are closely monitored across all endpoints. • Member and Staff Awareness: Cybersecurity awareness is embedded at every level of the organisation. We invest in regular training, simulated phishing exercises, and clear communication to ensure all staff understand their role in protecting member data. Strategic Priorities for 2026 and Beyond • Continuous Improvement: We will continue to invest in advanced security and threat detection. Our focus is on proactive risk management, rapid incident response, and ongoing compliance with evolving regulations. • Resilience and Recovery: Recognising that no defence is infallible, we are strengthening our business continuity and disaster recovery plans, ensuring that Altura Credit Union can recover quickly from any cyber incident. • Collaboration and Community: We actively participate in industry forums, regulatory workshops, and information-sharing initiatives to stay ahead of emerging threats and best practices. Cybersecurity is central to Altura Credit Union’s mission and operations. By embracing a layered, proactive approach, we protect our members, support innovation, and ensure the long-term resilience of our organisation. The journey is ongoing, and we remain committed to continuous improvement and vigilance in the face of an ever-changing threat landscape.
Pat Kavanagh Head of ICT
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