GCU’ s Dana Gonderzik provides insights on leading a people-first security strategy and staying ahead of AI-driven threats in a rapidly evolving sector
GLOBAL CREDIT UNION
CREDIT: XXX
GCU’ s Dana Gonderzik provides insights on leading a people-first security strategy and staying ahead of AI-driven threats in a rapidly evolving sector
Dana Gonderzik has spent nearly 13 years at Global Credit Union( GCU), watching the financial services sector transform from traditional brick-and-mortar banking to a digitallydriven industry. As Director, Information Security, she has witnessed first-hand how technology has reshaped both the opportunities and threats facing credit unions today. Her journey into cybersecurity was unexpected. Originally training to become a registered nurse, a back injury during her first year of college forced Dana to reconsider her career path. She took a position at a computer company handling phone support and discovered a passion for technology that would go on to define her professional life.
“ I really enjoyed the learning and the growth in the industry and within computers,” she recalls.“ It was the turning point of my career.”
Today, she leads a distributed security team spanning Alaska, Arizona and remote workers across the US. The institution serves nearly 800,000 members worldwide, with locations in five states and three sites in Italy, living up to its global name. Her role encompasses everything from vulnerability management to risk assessment, governance, policy development, threat hunting and security management.
Since Dana joined in 2013, Global Credit Union has continued to grow and evolve. Its Alaskan roots date back to 1948, and its presence has expanded into four other states, with recent entries into Idaho and Italy. During her tenure, both the company and Dana’ s security team have doubled in size.
As a member-owned financial cooperative, GCU provides full-service financial solutions including checking and savings accounts, loans, insurance partnerships and investment services. What sets it apart from its competitors is its 24 / 7 member service centre, one of the largest among credit unions, which ensures that members can always reach a real person when needed.
“ I really like the focus of the credit union being members first, and we’ re here for the people,” Dana explains.“ I still have the desire to give back to people, my role lets me do that by helping ensure our members are financially safe and ready for their next adventure.”
How security architecture is evolving The shift from traditional data centres to cloud-based infrastructure has fundamentally changed how Global Credit Union approaches cybersecurity. Dana describes this transition as moving from perimeter-based security to
fintechmagazine. com
155