Cybersecurity Month

October is Cybersecurity Month: Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats

As we celebrate Cybersecurity Month this October, we must focus on safeguarding our digital lives. Cyber threats constantly evolve, and staying informed is the first step in protecting yourself and your finances. Here are some essential best practices to keep your digital life secure:

Cyber Hygiene Best Practices

1. Strong Passwords: Use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. 
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. 
3. Regular Updates: Keep your software, apps, and operating systems up to date. Updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
4. Secure Wi-Fi: Use strong passwords for your home Wi-Fi network and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. 
5. Backup Data: Regularly back up important data to an external drive or cloud service to prevent data loss from malware or ransomware attacks. 

Avoiding Online Banking Scams

Cybercriminals use various social engineering techniques to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. Here's how to stay vigilant with online banking:

• Phishing Emails: Be cautious of emails that appear to be from your credit union but ask for personal information or direct you to a suspicious website. Always verify the sender's email address and look for signs of phishing, such as poor grammar or urgent language. 
• Fake Websites: Check the URL to ensure you are on the official credit union website. Look for "https://" and a padlock icon in the address bar. 
• Account Takeover: Cybercriminals can take ownership of your online accounts using stolen passwords and usernames to commit fraud. They often gain access through social engineering techniques like phishing, vishing, and smashing. Never share your login information with anyone, and be cautious of unsolicited requests for your credentials. Regularly monitor your accounts for any unauthorized changes and use strong, unique passwords for each account. 

You can protect yourself from online banking scams and account takeovers by staying informed and cautious. 

Protecting Yourself on Payment Apps

Payment apps like Zelle are convenient but can also be targets for scammers. Here's how to protect yourself:

• Impersonation Scams: Scammers may pose as friends or family members requesting money. Always verify the request through a separate communication channel before sending money. 
• Fake Invoices: Be wary of unexpected payment requests or invoices. Confirm with the sender directly before making any payments. 
• "Zelle Yourself" Scam: Be cautious of scammers who trick you into sending money to yourself via Zelle. They may claim it's a way to secure your account or verify your identity. Remember, your credit union will never ask you to send money to yourself. Always verify such requests directly with your credit union. 

Safeguarding Your Credit and Debit Cards

Credit and debit card fraud is a common threat, but several ways exist to stay protected. Here's how you can safeguard your cards and understand the measures we take to protect you:

• Card Fraud: Whether it's card present or card not present fraud, it's essential to stay vigilant. Inspect ATMs and point-of-sale terminals for any unusual attachments that could be skimming devices. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN. Monitor your statements regularly for unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately. Use your credit union's card monitoring app to receive notifications whenever your card is used, helping you quickly detect and respond to unauthorized transactions. 
• Anti-Fraud Methods: Our credit union employs advanced anti-fraud systems like Enfact and Tranblocker to protect your accounts. These systems analyze transaction patterns and flag suspicious activities. Sometimes, a legitimate transaction may be blocked, and a fraud case could be created. In such instances, our staff must verify the transaction with you. While this may be inconvenient, it is for your protection. Our AI system is imperfect but highly effective, preventing thousands of monthly fraudulent transactions. 

Understanding Account Takeover, Social Media, and Other Scams

Account takeovers and various online scams are on the rise. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself:

• Account Takeover: Cybercriminals take ownership of online accounts using stolen passwords and usernames to commit fraud. They purchase Personally Identifiable Information (PII) via the dark web, typically gained from social engineering (e.g., phishing, vishing, smishing attacks) or data breaches. Regularly monitor your accounts for unauthorized changes, use strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication. 
• Social Media and Dating Websites: Scammers often use these platforms to gather personal information and build trust. Be cautious about sharing personal details online and verify the identity of anyone you interact with on these platforms. Be wary of individuals who quickly profess love or ask for money. 
• Cryptocurrency Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities in cryptocurrencies. Scammers may promise high returns with little risk. Always research thoroughly and consult with a financial advisor before making any investments. 
• Fake Job Scams: Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers may pose as legitimate employers to steal your personal information or money. They might send fake checks or deposits using stolen account information and then ask you to withdraw the funds. Once the deposit is reversed, you will be responsible for the lost money. Always verify the legitimacy of the company's information and the job offer through official channels before providing personal information or making any transactions. 

Stay informed and vigilant!