NEWSLETTER
President's Message
Friend or Foe—Cybersecurity and AI
Mountain America is committed to staying on the cutting edge of technology developments while safeguarding our members. Learn how we are employing artificial intelligence for your financial future.
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Friend or Foe?
Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
Sterling Nielsen,
President/CEO
As we continue to embrace the digital revolution, one of the most transformative developments in recent years has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From improving member service to automating routine tasks, AI offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance our operations at Mountain America. However, these advancements also come with new challenges—particularly in cybersecurity.
The promise of AI
The risks of AI
Advanced tools for enhanced security
Balancing benefits and risks
The promise of AI
The promise of AI
AI has the potential to revolutionize how we manage and secure our systems. By leveraging AI-driven tools, we can identify and respond to cyberthreats more quickly and accurately. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, detect unusual patterns and flag potential security breaches in real time. These capabilities allow us to avoid emerging threats, protecting our members and the credit union from possible harm.Moreover, AI can enhance our fraud detection efforts, reducing false positives and identifying fraudulent activities more precisely. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, our reliance on AI will only grow, enabling us to adapt quickly to an ever-changing threat landscape.
The risks of AI
The risks of AI
While AI offers significant advantages, it also presents new risks, particularly from cybercriminals who may target AI systems. Adversarial attacks, where AI algorithms are manipulated to produce incorrect or biased outcomes, could compromise fraud detection systems and disrupt operations. This is why the quality of data used by AI is crucial. Mountain America is committed to safeguarding the integrity and accuracy of data that powers our AI systems, helping mitigate risks.Advanced tools for enhanced security
Advanced tools for enhanced security
At Mountain America, we are committed to harnessing AI’s power while safeguarding against potential risks. For example, our information security teams have been leveraging AI to detect activities and behaviors that could put systems at risk.One of these tools is a cutting-edge technology that uses behavioral biometrics to detect and prevent real-time fraud. This proactive approach helps us identify fraudulent activities before they can impact our members, adding an essential layer of security to our operations.
Identity verification
Similarly, another tool that plays a critical role in our fight against AI-based fraud is our identity decisioning platform. This tool helps us verify and monitor identities during account openings and loan applications. By combining data from multiple sources, it allows us to make informed decisions quickly, reducing the risk of fraud while ensuring a seamless experience for our members.
Balancing benefits and risks
Balancing benefits and risks
We continuously invest in AI-driven cybersecurity tools to enhance our defenses and implement strict protocols to ensure the security and integrity of our systems. This includes regular audits, rigorous testing and ongoing team member training to ensure we are equipped to manage the complexities of AI in cybersecurity.Looking ahead
As we move forward, it’s clear that AI will play an increasingly important role in our cybersecurity strategy. By staying informed, investing in robust security measures and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we can harness the power of AI to protect our members and ensure the continued success of Mountain America Credit Union.
Sincerely,
Sterling Nielsen
Unlock Substantial Savings with a Balance Transfer
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1 Open a low-rate credit card
2 Check for balance transfer fees
3 Look for bonuses
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4 Consider which balances to transfer
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Take control of your debt and get rewarded with a 3% cash bonus from Mountain America today!²
Open your accountJoin at a branch2. Maximum bonus for the calendar year is 3% of the credit limit on your Mountain America credit card up to $500. Not available on balances transferred from an existing Mountain America loan. Balance transfers will accrue interest from the date the transaction is processed. Cash bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS form 1099-INT. Business accounts not eligible. Limited-time offer. Any offer provided by Mountain America can be withdrawn at any time and is subject to change. Offer ends 2/28/25.
Get your retirement ducks in a row
Whether your retirement dreams are filled with travel, time with grandchildren, volunteering and activism, or resurrecting old hobbies, it is important to take practical steps to ensure you don’t have to swim against the current during your golden years.
Line up your retirement with these tips
1. Estimate your Social Security benefits and learn how to optimize your payout.
Create a Social Security account at ssa.gov to verify your earnings and benefits eligibility. Closely review the qualification requirements and options available based on expected future income.
Get personalized help mapping out these five steps by meeting with one of our experienced wealth advisors. Even if you have an advisor elsewhere, you may benefit from a free consultation with us.
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| Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency | Not Credit Union Guaranteed |
| Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations | May Lose Value |
Board Seeks Volunteers
Mountain America is seeking qualified volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will accept one-page resumes and/or biographical information postmarked no later than Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
Selected candidates will be nominated, subject to membership approval at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Send email submissions to:
boardapplication@macu.com
Or mail information to:
Mountain America Federal Credit Union
Nominating Committee
Attn: Board Application
P.O. Box 2331, Sandy, Utah 84091
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