Cybersecurity Tips to Keep You Safe Online

In today’s digital landscape, so much of our personal and financial life takes place online. From banking and shopping to staying connected with friends and family, our devices hold a treasure trove of information. That’s why cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. A single weak password or a careless click can lead to identity theft or financial loss. 

With Cybersecurity Awareness Month taking place each October, it’s a good reminder to pause and review your online habits. By weaving secure practices into your day-to-day life, you will help protect both your personal details and financial data from becoming exposed to online threats. Maintaining strong cybersecurity protocols is critical year-round and can help keep your information safe every day.  

Password Protection: Your First Line of Defense 

Think of your passwords as the keys to your digital home. If they’re weak, reused, or easy to guess, it’s like leaving the door unlocked. Criminals often purchase stolen login credentials on the dark web and then test them across multiple accounts. Using the same password for banking, email, and social media means one breach could open the door to all of them. 

Stick to these password best practices to boost your security: 

• Use at least 12 characters that include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Avoid using personal details such as birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, or nicknames for yourself, family members, pets, or friends. Hackers are easily able to gather these details from social media. 

• Don’t reuse passwords. One compromised account shouldn’t endanger the rest. Use a unique password for each account.  

• Use a password manager to securely store and generate strong passwords. 

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever it’s available. Receiving a unique code via text message or email makes accounts far more challenging to crack. 

• Choose security questions carefully. If the answers are obvious or easily found online, they won’t protect you. 

Taking time to strengthen your passwords can feel tedious, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to put a strong digital lock on your online life. 

Securing Your Devices 

Your phone, computer, and tablet are gateways to your personal and financial life. These devices are also common targets for criminals. Hackers can hide malware in fake software updates, suspicious downloads, or phishing links, and once installed, it can steal passwords or spy on your activity. 

Keeping your devices secure is a lot like maintaining your home, where small steps go a long way. Follow these tips to safeguard your devices:  

• Require a password, PIN, swipe pattern, or biometric login like a fingerprint or facial scan. 

• Keep systems updated. Software patches often fix security flaws that criminals like to exploit. 

• Use antivirus or anti-malware programs to block harmful software before it causes damage. 

• Leave firewalls turned on to prevent unauthorized access. 

• Protect your Wi-Fi network with a strong, unique password instead of the default one provided by your internet company.  

Criminals sometimes drive through neighborhoods searching for weak Wi-Fi networks to exploit. A strong password makes your connection much less appealing. And once your devices are secured, the next step is staying alert while you’re browsing online. 

Smart Browsing & Online Safety 

Even if your passwords are strong and your devices are secure, online scams can still slip through. Criminals often disguise their schemes as everyday messages, such as an email that looks like it’s from your credit union, a text about a package delivery, or an ad offering an unbelievable deal. 

Keep these practices in mind to avoid falling into scams while surfing online: 

• Only visit websites that start with “https” in the address bar. The “s” in the URL stands for secure. 

• Be cautious with links, attachments, and QR codes. If something feels suspicious or unexpected, don’t click, download, or scan. 

• Double-check email addresses, usernames, and web links for subtle typos. For example, “support@y0urcredituni0n.com” versus “support@yourcreditunion.com”. Swapping the two “o” with a “0” is a slight change that scammers are hoping you won’t notice.  

• Delete and block spam emails, texts, calls, and social media messages. 

• Be wary of ads or offers that promise too much. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is. 

• Treat urgency as a warning sign. Scammers often pressure you to act quickly before you can think things through. 

• Never send money to someone you don’t know. Many payment and cryptocurrency apps don’t allow reversals, so once you’ve sent funds, they’re gone for good.  

Examples of Common Cyber Scams 

While fraudsters are constantly working on the next creative scam, some of the most common examples that are prevalent today include: 

• Fake package delivery texts that ask you to click a link to “reschedule.”  

• Phishing emails from financial institutions, streaming services, utility companies, etc., where you are randomly told to update your login credentials. 

• Fraudulent tech support calls where someone claims to represent a well-known company and asks for remote access to your device to check for malware.  

• Phishing emails that claim to be from PayPal, stating you just made a costly purchase, such as an antivirus software package or a new iPhone. Within the email are instructions telling you to call a specific number or click a link to “cancel” the order.  

In all these cases, pausing and verifying through the channels we’ve already discussed could prevent a costly mistake.  

We’re Here to Help! 

Maintaining strong cybersecurity practices shouldn't stem from fear, but rather from building habits that become second nature. By creating stronger passwords, securing your devices, and being smart while browsing, you will significantly enhance your online security. Just as you instinctively lock the front door to your home, you can develop instincts to help you safeguard your digital life. 

Cybersecurity threats, account safety protocols, and fraud prevention will always remain a top priority at the credit union. If you want to learn more about best security practices to protect your accounts or have questions about how we keep you safe, we’re happy to help. Please visit our Fraud Awareness page to keep up on the latest scams, stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 248-322-9800 extension 5 to speak with a team member today. 

 

 

 

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