
Patelco customers have been facing delays and disruptions to their services, leaving many frustrated and uncertain about what's happening.
The issues began in 2022, with reports of outages and technical difficulties affecting members' access to their accounts and services.
Some customers have been experiencing delays in receiving their loan payments, with one customer reporting a wait of over two weeks for their funds to be disbursed.
This is not an isolated incident, with multiple customers reporting similar issues with their loan payments being delayed.
Ransomware Attack Disrupts Customer Access to Funds
Patelco Credit Union was hit with a ransomware attack that left customers unable to access much of their money, including making payments, receiving funds through direct deposit, or transferring money.
The attack forced the credit union to shut down its online banking and mobile app functions, leaving customers frustrated and without access to their accounts.
Patelco customers were unable to use ATMs, even though the credit union suggested they try ATMs in their larger Co-Op network, which has over 30,000 shared branch ATMs across the U.S.
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The credit union's vice president of marketing, Rina Johnson, confirmed that the security breach was a ransomware attack, which required them to shut down some of their day-to-day banking systems.
Customers were able to access cash from ATMs, but there was a reported $500 limit, and they may have had to drive to a location outside their usual area to do so.
Patelco has engaged a leading third-party cybersecurity forensic firm to help them investigate and recover as soon as possible, and they are committed to providing transparent and frequent updates to their customers.
To help customers monitor their accounts, tech expert Ahmed Banafa recommends that they keep an eye on their credit reports for any suspicious activity, such as new credit cards or loans opened in their name.
Here's a list of services that were unavailable due to the ransomware attack:
- Transfers (including Zelle)
- Direct Deposits
- Balance Inquiries
- Payments
Impact and Response
Patelco customers were left unable to access much of their money in their accounts due to the security breach.
The credit union shut down its online banking and mobile app functions, making it difficult for customers to make payments, receive funds through direct deposit, or transfer money.
Customers could still access cash from ATMs, but there was a reported $500 limit on withdrawals, and they may have had to drive to a location outside their usual area.
The credit union's vice president of marketing, Rina Johnson, confirmed that the security breach was a ransomware attack and that a leading third-party cybersecurity forensic firm was helping to investigate and recover the data.
Patelco customers are advised to be alert and monitor their credit, making sure there's no new alert about a new credit card opened in their name, no new loans, or new financial institution opened with an account.
The credit union's branches are still open, but employees can't access customer account information, making it difficult for customers to get assistance with their accounts.
Patelco customers can get cash from branch ATMs, but they may need to drive to a location outside their usual area due to the $500 limit on withdrawals.
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Resolution and Next Steps
The Patelco issues have been resolved, and now it's time to move forward. Patelco credit union has already begun to implement changes to prevent similar problems from happening again.
Patelco has established a new risk management framework, which includes regular audits and monitoring of its IT systems. This framework will help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
To prevent future data breaches, Patelco has also implemented multi-factor authentication for all online transactions. This additional layer of security will make it much harder for hackers to access members' accounts.
Patelco is also working to improve its communication with members, providing regular updates on the status of its systems and any potential issues. This transparency will help build trust with its members and ensure they are informed about any changes or updates.
Patelco has also established a dedicated team to oversee its IT systems and ensure they are running smoothly. This team will be responsible for monitoring the systems, identifying potential issues, and implementing fixes.
By taking these steps, Patelco is demonstrating its commitment to protecting its members' information and providing a secure and reliable banking experience.
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Sources
- https://www.pleasantonweekly.com/business/2024/07/16/patelco-restores-access-to-online-banking/
- https://www.berkeleyside.org/2024/07/02/patelco-credit-union-security-breach-east-bay
- https://dataconomy.com/2024/07/01/patelco-data-breach/
- https://www.ktvu.com/news/dublin-based-patelco-credit-union-hit-ransomware-attack
- https://therecord.media/patelco-credit-union-california-ransomware-attack
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