5 Tips for Protecting Your Information

Technology is great for keeping in the loop about your finances, news around the world, and reconnecting with friends and family. However, sometimes it can also trick you into revealing sensitive information. Fraudsters hide in plain sight to steal your information including spoofing websites or impersonating a reputable business. Here are ways you can protect yourself online:

Use Strong Passwords: Mix it with characters, numbers, and letters. You can use a phrase. Interchange numbers for words or letters. Avoid reusing passwords across websites and avoid commonly used passwords (Top 200 Most Common Passwords).

Invest in Two-Factor Authentication: Opt-in to get a call, text, or email to confirm your identity. Never share your security codes and never approve login requests you didn’t personally make.

Mindful Media Posts: Think before you post, especially when celebrating anniversaries, your hometown, or events that are important to you. These can be common answers for security questions. Keep private things private!

Watch Out for Insecure Websites: Does it start with “https://”? Do you recognize the website? Is it a well-known brand? Never trust a website to be legitimate just because they appear in an online search or show you an online ad.

Update Computer Software Regularly: Enable auto-updates on your computer or update your phone software regularly. Publishers patch bugs all the time, and using old versions can leave you open to exploits. Make sure to use legitimate sources though and don’t download software just because you were prompted to.

At Evergreen Credit Union, we are always here if you have any questions about your account, or want to verify a transaction. Trusted friends and family are also great sounding boards for a second opinion.

Evergreen Credit Union is a money-smart and earth-kind financial in Neenah and Appleton, Wisconsin. Membership is open to everyone who lives or works in Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, Calumet, or Winnebago counties.