Press
San Diego County Credit Union keeps customer security a top priority with ATM enhancements and rebranding
SAN DIEGO, CA (April 9, 2014) — San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, kept customer security a top priority during a recent upgrade and rebranding of their ATMs (automatic teller machines) throughout San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. One of the most important enhancements is that all SDCCU ATMs were upgraded with new software prior to the April 8th Windows XP security deadline.
“SDCCU ATMs operate on our controlled and secured network, upgrading the software at all SDCCU-owned ATMs by this deadline was not a choice but an obligation,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Halleck. “As a financial institution, it is not only our responsibility to provide sound financial services to customers, but it is our duty to ensure that we do everything we can to provide data security and peace of mind. Management knew the sunsetting of this software was coming and started the process to upgrade our machines over a year ago and was compliant before the deadline.”
As of yesterday, April 8, Microsoft has ended support for Windows XP, which poses concern that the lack of security updates could leave many of the country’s ATMs vulnerable to cyberattacks—95 percent of the world’s cash machines are powered by Windows XP and reports state only one-third of them in the U.S. have been upgraded to the new system.
In addition to the security enhancements, the most visible changes made to the ATMs are those related to SDCCU’s rebranding. Over the past two years, several of SDCCU’s ATMs have undergone a complete transformation, which include a glowing teal light surrounding the entire machine, elevating awareness of SDCCU’s presence and enhancing the safety of customers using the ATM.
“As San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, we are known for bringing breakthrough banking products to market faster than some of the big banks and the ATM enhancements reflect SDCCU’s modern brand and continued focus on security,” Halleck said. “Innovation is embedded in our culture at SDCCU, which means our team is constantly searching for new ways to better serve our customers. With the upswing in ATM transactions following the rebranding, it’s evident that customers are responding positively to the changes.”
Rebranded ATMs have seen transaction growth of up to 114 percent compared to the month before rebranding. Many of the ATMs feature no-envelope deposits and withdrawals, balance inquiries and transfers. Initially designed to be able to essentially “cash” a check, SDCCU’s deposit-taking ATMs also uniquely offer $1, $5 and $20 bills.
San Diego County Credit Union is San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution serving San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. SDCCU has assets of $6.4 billion, over 262,000 customers, more than 30 convenient branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU Mobile Deposit, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa® credit cards and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA and an equal housing lender. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.