Details of thousands of members of credit union accessed in cyber attack

PERSONAL DETAILS of thousands of members of Sheffield Credit Union have been accessed in a cyber attack.

The credit union, which offers savings schemes and loans to residents across the city, has contacted its 15,000 members to inform them of the cyber attack, which happened in February but has only recently come to light.

Members have been informed that their personal data has been accessed.

The information, which is held by the credit union, includes names, telephone numbers, addresses, savings balances, loan agreements, national insurance numbers, bank sort codes and account numbers.

They have been warned that they may now be targeted by fraudsters who may send text messages or call them.

The incident has been reported to South Yorkshire Police and Action Fraud.

A credit union spokesman said: “Sheffield Credit Union was a victim of a cyber crime incident which is believed to have taken place on February 14, 2018, but only recently came to light, which has resulted in member data being accessed from our servers. This incident may expose you to text messaging, cold-calling and attempts to defraud.”

The organisation has, however, stressed that money has not been accessed.

The spokesman added: “We must emphasise that your money in the credit union is safe. Sheffield credit union takes the security of its members’ data very seriously and this matter is being dealt with as our highest priority.”

The organisation also stressed its information technology systems have been reviewed and protection increased. He said: “We would like to reassure you that our IT security has been reviewed and increased to protect against future events of this nature and that the relevant statutory authorities have been contacted in respect of this crime.”