Credit Union Cybersecurity That Strengthens Member Trust






“TorchLight has been more than a vendor to our multi-branch Credit Union, they are more like our partner. Our relationship with TorchLight dates back to 2007 when we were one of their very first clients who worked with them on a security assessment and gap analysis. TorchLight has worked with us ever since to help us achieve success for its employees and members through technology. They continue to strategically align with us to provide a full suite of services and have continued to deliver for almost 20 years.”

– Annettee Babb, CEO, PrimeSource Credit Union

What is the Zero-Cost IT Model?

A five-stage maturity system. Stage 1 stops operational and financial leakage. Each subsequent stage layers in security, compliance, validation, and executive advisory. As maturity increases, the program generates measurable cost offsets through reduced downtime, reclaimed productivity, eliminated tool duplication, and improved insurance outcomes. At Stage 5, offsets reach up to $1.2M annually. It is IT that is architected to fund itself.

Do you replace our current IT provider, or work alongside internal IT?

Both. We fully manage IT for credit unions that want a single accountable partner. We also co-manage alongside internal teams, handling security operations, compliance evidence, and executive reporting while your team focuses on member support. For credit unions not ready for either, we start with an independent assessment to validate gaps and build a roadmap.

How fast can you be up and running?

Telemetry onboarding begins after kickoff. We align with your change windows to minimize disruption. Most credit unions have baseline monitoring and endpoint protection within 30 days. Full services including SIEM, identity threat detection, and compliance reporting are typically operational within 60 to 90 days.

What support do you provide for NCUA exams?

We produce the evidence your examiner expects before they ask for it. Control mapping aligned to NCUA and GLBA. Continuous logging. Audit-ready reporting artifacts. Remediation guidance for any findings. Our team is led by a former IS&T examiner, so documentation is structured the way examiners review it. 100% exam pass rate at Stage 3+.

How do you help with cyber insurance renewal?

We align your controls to underwriting requirements and produce an evidence package carriers evaluate without follow-up questions. Documented endpoint protection, identity management, incident response procedures, pen test results, and continuous monitoring proof. Average result: 30–35% premium reduction at renewal.

Do you integrate with our core banking system?

Yes. We cover endpoints, identities, cloud, and critical third-party vendors. During discovery we confirm specific integrations with your core processor, digital banking platform, and other member-data systems. We have worked with every major credit union core system over the past 18 years.

What does my team need to do?

We monitor, investigate, and respond around the clock. Your team approves key actions, implements agreed-upon changes, and participates in periodic reviews. Most credit unions tell us the biggest change is how much time their staff gets back once the firefighting stops.

We are a small credit union with limited budget. Is this realistic?

The Zero-Cost IT Model was designed for credit unions of all sizes. Smaller institutions often see the fastest return because they gain the most from consolidating vendors and stopping the operational leakage that drains small teams disproportionately. The assessment is the right starting point. There is no minimum asset size to engage.

What certifications do your team hold?

CISSP, CISA, and CISM. Our practice is led by a former IS&T examiner with direct experience in the NCUA examination process. We have served credit unions continuously since 2007.

How is progress measured and reported to leadership?

Quarterly. Every credit union receives a proof-point report in business-impact terms. Risk posture changes, control maturity mapped to the five-stage model, incident metrics, compliance evidence status, and cost offset tracking. The format is designed to be handed directly to your board or supervisory committee without translation.