Why Security Is Getting Harder For Credit Unions — Even When You’re Doing the Right Things

When MFA Isn’t Enough: A Growing Concern for Credit Unions

If you’ve been in technology long enough, you’ve learned something important: most problems don’t show up waving a red flag. They sneak in quietly. And lately, one of the quietest — and most dangerous — changes is how attackers are getting around security tools we’ve trusted for years.

Multi-factor authentication, or MFA, has been one of the strongest defenses credit unions put in place. It helped close the door on password theft and stopped a lot of basic attacks. But attackers have adjusted. And instead of breaking technology, they’re focusing on something much easier — people.

This shift matters, especially for Ohio credit unions that rely heavily on cloud services, shared logins, and single sign-on systems. Let’s talk about what’s changing, why it matters, and what leaders should do now.

How Attackers Are Getting Past Your Security

Not long ago, most attacks tried to force their way in. They scanned networks, tested passwords, and looked for technical weaknesses. Today, many attackers skip that step entirely.

Instead, they call.

They pretend to be IT support. They sound helpful. Calm. Legitimate. They ask an employee to “verify” a login or “approve” a security update. And in that moment, the employee — trying to do the right thing — gives up login details or an MFA code.

That’s all it takes.

Once attackers have valid credentials, they don’t need to fight security controls. They log in like a real user. In some cases, they even register their own device for MFA, making future access easy and quiet.

Because most credit unions use one identity system to access email, files, cloud platforms, and internal tools, a single successful login can open many doors. The breach doesn’t look dramatic. No alarms. No flashing lights. Just normal activity — until data starts leaving the building.

Why Credit Unions Are a Natural Target

Credit unions are built on trust. Members trust you with their money, their information, and their financial future. When access controls fail, that trust is what’s really at risk.

The challenge is that MFA alone no longer guarantees safety. If MFA is inconsistently applied, poorly monitored, or relies on methods that can be easily tricked, it becomes a false sense of security.

This is especially important for credit unions with:

• Remote or hybrid staff

• Heavy reliance on Microsoft 365, cloud file sharing, and SaaS tools

• Third-party applications tied into single sign-on

• Limited internal security staff

Attackers know this. They aren’t looking for the biggest institutions anymore. They’re looking for the easiest ones.

And the reality is this: if someone can convince an employee to hand over access, the best firewall in the world won’t help.

What Actually Helps (and What Doesn’t)

This isn’t about buying new tools or chasing trends. It’s about tightening the basics and paying attention to how identity is really used inside your organization.

Start with MFA coverage.
Make sure MFA is turned on everywhere it should be — not just for email, but for every system that connects to your identity platform. Gaps are what attackers look for first.

Look at how MFA is enforced.
Some methods are easier to trick than others. Push approvals and text messages work, but they can be abused. Stronger options reduce the chance that stolen codes can be reused.

Train employees for real-world scenarios.
People should know one simple rule: IT will never ask for your password or MFA code. Repetition matters. Real examples matter even more.

Watch identity activity closely.
New device enrollments, logins from unusual locations, or access to unfamiliar applications deserve attention. These are often the first warning signs.

Think beyond devices and networks.
Security today revolves around identity — who is logging in, from where, and to what. Visibility here gives leaders time to respond before damage is done.

Get a Clear View of Your Risk

Technology will keep changing. Attackers will keep adapting. But one thing stays the same — strong security comes from understanding how people, systems, and access really work together.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness and preparation.

If you’d like help reviewing your identity controls, MFA coverage, or employee access risks, Corporate Technologies Group is here to help. We work alongside Ohio credit unions every day, helping leaders make smart, practical decisions without the noise.

📧 info@ctgusa.net
📞 330-655-8144

Sometimes the best way to stay ahead is simply to take a closer look at the doors you thought were already locked.