Online fraud can happen to anyone. The good news is that anyone can take steps to help prevent fraud and minimize the impact if it does happen!
No time like the present to review and refresh your memory on cybersecurity best practices. Check out these five quick tips to improve your online safety and keep cybercriminals at bay:
#1: Pump Up Your Password Protection
Do you use the same password for multiple logins? While convenient, if you recycle passwords, it only takes one hack to put all your accounts at major risk!
Create unique passwords for each account and update them every few months. A strong password uses a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Try using a passphrase — a longer, sentence-like group of words or a phrase that you can memorize. One tip is to substitute symbols for letters (like “$" for “s") in your passphrase to make it more difficult to crack. You might also consider using a digital password manager to store all your logins in a safe, secure place.
#2: Add a Layer of Security with MFA
In addition to a strong password, enabling MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is a proactive way to protect your online accounts. MFA requires users to provide additional identification to access an account, such as a one-time code sent via text message, email or phone call, or a fingerprint scan or facial recognition.
From financial accounts to email and even social media accounts, almost every online service now offers a second step of authentication. Check your settings and turn MFA on whenever possible!
#3: Update Your Software and Apps
If your phone, computer or tablet prompts you to update the operating system, don't ignore the notification. These regular software updates are a critical way to keep your device secure and your personal data safe.
The same goes for applications, which regularly need updates for bug fixes and security patches. Delete any apps you no longer use and set your device to auto-update apps to save time.
#4: Clean Up Your Emails
Now's a great time to “spring clean" your email inbox and get organized! Do you have old email accounts that you no longer use or need? Deactivate them and make sure your online accounts are linked to your current email address.
Next, sort through your inbox to unsubscribe from any unwanted email lists and report spam emails. As a reminder, Wright-Patt Credit Union will never ask you to provide or “verify" your account information through email (or text or phone call). This is something scammers do!
#5: Keep an Eye on Your Accounts
Be vigilant about checking your online accounts for suspicious activity. This includes email alerts about log-ins from unfamiliar locations or devices. Remember, the sooner you spot fraud, the sooner you can take action to stop it.
When it comes to your financial accounts, log in daily to monitor your account activity and make sure everything's in order. WPCU's Mobile and Online Banking makes it fast and easy to check your accounts anytime, anywhere.
Be Cyber Safe and Fraud Smart
At Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU), our first priority is keeping our members' accounts and information safe and secure. By keeping these cybersecurity reminders in mind, you can be proactive about fraud prevention!
Looking for more helpful fraud tips, tools and resources? Visit our fraud education and awareness page to learn how to protect yourself from the latest frauds and scams.