Case Study: Community Powered Federal Credit Union

Community Powered Federal Credit Union (CPFCU) serves over 8,000 members in Bear, Delaware. As a tech trailblazer, this $162m asset credit union has expanded its tech stack tremendously since partnering with Pure IT in 2022. Douglas Troskey, CEO at CPFCU, notes, “We didn’t have an on-site IT team or true IT partner. We were really looking for someone who could help elevate our IT infrastructure to more of a cloud-based environment.”

Cloud, Security Maturity, and Mobility

In addition to moving toward the cloud, CPFCU also wanted to enhance its security maturity and mobility. Community Powered partners with Pure IT for:

• Journey to the Cloud: In 2022, CPFCU embarked on a journey to retire its aging on-premises infrastructure with a modern cloud solution. As a result, the CPFCU team has experienced a more efficient workforce, less downtime, and easier management.

  • Microsoft 365: CPFCU implemented this cloud-based modern workspace tool as its technical foundation, with identity management, device management, endpoint security, data storage, email, and various other applications. Additionally, enhanced security measures, such as EDR, vulnerability monitoring, and conditional access, help protect staff and member data from unauthorized access.

  • Passwordless Authentication: CPFCU has moved to a completely passwordless authentication system using YubiKeys. Troskey shares, “We wanted it to be easy for the staff but hard for anybody else trying to get in.” Since implementing the YubiKeys, CPFCU has eliminated the hassle of constant password resets and enjoys enhanced security from the phishing-resistant devices.

• vCISO Advisor: This service provides them with a virtual chief information security officer who advises the organization on security best practices, policies, and compliance.

  • NCU-ISAO: In addition to vCISO advisory services, CPFCU joined the NCU-ISAO, an organization that supports cyber resilience for a community of credit unions. Community Powered receives daily threat alerts, monthly executive reports, and training opportunities from NCU-ISAO. Troskey also shares the NCU-ISAO Monthly Executive Briefing with his Board of Directors to help keep them aware of the current cybersecurity landscape.

• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Implementation and Management: By implementing CATO’s SASE solution, which combines network and security solutions, CPFCU continues to minimize possible threats and help keep member data secure.

Tech Trailblazers

The partnership between CPFCU and Pure IT has propelled the credit union into a new era of technology-driven services and security. From cloud migration to pioneering passwordless authentication with YubiKeys, along with the implementation of Microsoft 365 and CATO’s SASE solution, CPFCU has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to enhancing operational efficiency and safeguarding member data. Troskey’s leadership has been instrumental in this journey, setting a benchmark for credit unions nationwide in achieving remarkable tech-enabled resilience and service excellence.