Cyber Insights: Cyber Security Awareness Month

October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of protecting our personal and financial information in today’s fast-paced digital world. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, individuals and organizations need to stay informed about best practices for safeguarding sensitive data. 

To kick off this important month, we sat down with Darin Winder, Senior IT Manager who has over 30 years of experience “keeping the lights on” behind the scenes at Vision and what it means to keep members safe from cyber threats.

Why is cyber security so important for Vision and its members?

At Vision, keeping members’ personal and financial information safe is a top priority. We understand how important it is to protect sensitive data like SIN numbers and account details from threats like identity theft and fraud. That’s why we’ve put strong cyber security measures in place to safeguard members’ assets and maintain the trust placed in us.

Cyber security also helps keep things running smoothly, so members can count on us for uninterrupted service. Plus, by following strict regulations, we ensure we stay in good standing with industry standards. We’re also here to help members stay safe online by sharing tips and best practices so that together we can create a more secure community.

Keeping our members’ personal and financial information secure is our top priority. We use advanced security measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive data and only authorized personnel have access to this type of information. We regularly assess our systems for vulnerabilities and keep everything up to date with software updates and patches.



Our employees are trained to recognize potential threats and we have an incident response plan ready to quickly address any issues. Plus, we’re here to help members stay informed and they can trust that we’re doing everything possible to keep their data safe.

Members need to be on the lookout for phishing and vishing scams, malware and ransomware attacks and data breaches to name a few.

Phishing and vishing scams are tricky, often coming through as fake emails, messages, or phone calls trying to get folks to reveal personal or account information. Then there’s malware, which is harmful software that can infect personal devices and steal sensitive data, while ransomware takes it a step further by locking someone out of their accounts until a ransom is paid. And of course, data breaches can happen when someone gains unauthorized access to personal or financial details.

Cybercriminals often adapt their tactics based on their targets and rural communities are no exception. Cybercriminals may take advantage of the close-knit nature of rural communities, using social engineering tactics like phishing or impersonation, where trust and familiarity can be exploited to steal sensitive information. Local businesses, especially smaller ones, are also at risk as they may not have strong cybersecurity measures, making them easy targets for ransomware attacks. Additionally, the agricultural sector, a key part of many rural economies, can be a prime target for attacks on supply chains or machinery. 

While rural communities might face different cybersecurity challenges compared to urban areas, awareness and proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk. Individuals and businesses in rural areas need to stay informed about cyber threats and invest in appropriate security measures to protect themselves.

It’s important to always be on the lookout for phishing scams — those emails or messages that ask for personal information. Before clicking on any links or sharing details, make sure to verify the sender is legitimate. It's also important to keep all devices like computers and smartphones updated with the latest software to protect against new threats.

We encourage members to stay informed about cybersecurity and share what they learn with family and friends. By educating themselves and others, members can help protect not only their personal information but also their community.

When it comes to cyber security, there are a few common mistakes that members can make, but being aware of them can help them stay protected. One big one is using weak passwords like "password123" or reusing the same password across different accounts. Make sure to create strong, unique passwords and consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.

Another easy slip-up is ignoring software updates — keeping devices and apps up to date is crucial for staying protected against the latest security threats. It’s important to avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions as those networks can expose personal data. Finally, don’t forget to back up important data regularly and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats. By following these tips, members will be in a much better position to keep their personal and financial information safe.

If folks receive any unsolicited emails, texts or calls asking for sensitive details like their SIN, account numbers or passwords, be cautious — Vision will never request this information out of the blue. Watch out for messages that create a sense of urgency with phrases like “Your account will be closed” or “Immediate action required,” as these are often pressure tactics used by scammers.

To stay safe, always check the sender’s email address or phone number. If it doesn’t look familiar, it’s worth investigating further. Be skeptical of generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of the members’ names — our communications will always address members personally.

If a member is ever in doubt about a communication, it’s best to contact their local branch directly using a known branch number or email us at contactus@visioncu.ca.