Fraud Tip

You Should Never Share Your Passwords with Anyone.

Your password is a secret; it only works if only you know it and protect it. If anyone else knows your password, you may be responsible for their actions.

Use security questions properly.

For accounts that ask you to set up one or more password reset questions, use private information about yourself that only you would know, or better yet, use fake answers that you make up. Answers that can be found on your social media or facts everyone knows about you can make it easier for cyber criminals to guess.

Treat QR Codes like Links in Emails…think twice before you click on it.

Seemingly harmless QR codes are being repurposed to steal your data, or embed malware to gain access to your device to steal money. Always be cautious when entering your data after scanning a QR code and make sure that physical QR codes haven't been covered with malicious ones!

If You Don’t Know Who an Email Is From, Don’t Click on Any Links or Attachment in the Email.

Cyber criminals like to trick you by embedding hyperlinks to malicious websites in phishing emails in an attempt to infect your laptop/computer with malware or ransomware!

The longer the password, the stronger it is.

Make sure your password is unique and 14 or more unrepeated characters. 

When Creating Passwords, don’t use words from the dictionary because cyber criminals use automated programs to run an entire dictionary in multiple languages against your account password in practically seconds in an attempt to gain access to your information. Use numbers or other characters, include upper case and lower case letters, and keep substituting symbols until it no longer can be found in any dictionary.

Beware of Ransomware.

Once it infects your computer, it encrypts all of your files and demands you pay a hefty ransom if you want your files back. Be suspicious of any emails trying to trick you into opening attachments or clicking on malicious links.

Trust no one on social media.

Don’t accept invites from people you do not know. They may be trying to steal your personal information—where you go to school, where you work, when you’re on vacation—all of which, could help them gain access to more of your valuable data.

Free WIFI spots can steal your user ID and password.

Make sure you use always use a VPN to defend against the cyber criminals.

Beware of SMiShing attacks.

Avoid clicking on links in your text messages. The cyber criminals like to use text messages pretending to be from reputable companies to get you to provide your confidential information such as passwords and account numbers! Stay vigilant when receiving random text messages!

Watch out for malicious apps.

Official app stores regularly remove applications containing malware, but sometimes these dangerous apps use evasive measures and can be downloaded by unsuspecting users. Do your research, read reviews and pay attention to the number of downloads it has. Never download applications from sources other than official app stores and remove applications that you do not use on your mobile devices.

Passwords are no longer enough to keep your information safe.

Cyber criminals continue to find ways to hack into accounts protected solely by a password. Create an additional layer of protection by adding an extra step to access your accounts, such as an authentication code. This makes it so cyber criminals also need access to your phone to get access to your account.

Make sure you pull your credit report from annualcreditreport.com once a year and review for accounts you did not open or inquiries you did not make…someone could be using your identity!

Smart home devices and smartphones have an “always listening” setting that allows you to speak to it at any time. Turn off this setting or mute the microphone while working from home or while discussing confidential information. Make sure you have your Privacy/Microphone settings turned off or keep your home device far away from your workspace!

You should never use the same password for multiple accounts.

When a hacker knows your username and password on one website, they will try the same login information on other popular websites. Protect your identity…use unique passwords for every account you have and change them often. Your personal email addresses, personal banking, web services, and mobile devices should all have separate passwords!